AQUALUNG LIVE

I know it wasn't really necessary, but it's kind of nice to hear what Jethro Tull could do with one of their most popular albums thirty four years after it was first released. Okay, I admit it, it's not really the same band, as only Ian Anderson and Martin Barre are still in the group after all this time. But three and a half decades later, and that much older, Tull is a more relaxed group, and at times it makes the album a treat.

The drawback primarily is Anderson's famous diminished voice. While he does a fair job of masking his lack of range, on such well known classics like the title piece, it's too obvious that he just can't hit the notes anymore.

The best parts are where the band stretches out. My God is nice, with an extended flute solo, that doesn't turn into God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, as JT has been playing it on recent tours. And Hymn 43 played as an Irish jig is exquisite. It didn't really need to be played again it it's more familiar form.

It's a nice album, but in no way essential.