AQUALUNG

This album starts out with one of the most recognisable tracks in rock - the brilliant "Aqualung" - ode to a "soul of the road", a hobo. This track is one of the all time greats as far as I'm concerned and with it Jethro Tull finally established themselves as an act with great importance to the music world. "Cross eyed Mary" carries the album forward - an ode to a prostitute with reference as well to the previous track's Aqualung character. A very good Tull rocker. The short "Cheap Day Return" follows and is an enjoyable short acoustic track. "Mother Goose" is a good folksy acoustic track. "Wond'ring Aloud" - another short folksy interlude. "Up to Me" is a pleasant folk rocker. "My God" - an attack on organised religion is one of the stand out tracks on the album with it's strong flute work blending into a contrast of music moods with a sarcastic, angry tone to the entire track. "Hymn 43" is again an attack on religion, or rather those who use religion for personal gain. "Slipstream" is a short emotive acoustic track that I really like. "Locomotive Breath" - what could I possibly say about this one? An all time rock anthem that is instantly recognisable. Essentially it is about a life spiralling downward - alcoholism? "Wind Up" - an attack on those who bend and shape religion and life to suit their own needs. This is a very good, important album that speaks with a social concience. This album, for me, is what made me a Tull fan in no uncertain terms and it is a must have album to all who enjoy rock music. Way better, to my ears, than the previous "Benefit" album which I have never been able to get a handle on. A solid five stars from me for what it is and what it represents although it is not the pinnacle of Tull's work in my opinion.