THIS WAS

Jethro Tull is a versatile band that went through many incarnations and style changes. Next to their big progressive albums TaaB and Passion Play, I mainly enjoy their initial bluesy side. It made this debut very enjoyable and it really flourished on the outstanding Stand Up and, to a lesser degree, it persisted through Benefit.

When it comes to proggyness, this album scores low of course, but the song quality is strong throughout and Ian Anderson still has real passion in his voice. Besides, the band regularly adds some folk and slight jazz influences into their sound and of course it introduces the flute into rock music.

This is a unique venture in the Jethro Tull catalog and simply a very strong blues rock album in its own right. 3.5 stars