WAR CHILD

Now it is time for the second installment of the Jethro Tull remastered back catalog. I really hate waiting for them and I wish they would just issue all of them at once, then again, it is so enjoyable that you relish every minute and look forward to the next round.

Warchild is a significant release for me personally; it is the first JT album I ever bought. At the time, they were playing "Bungle In The Jungle" a lot on the radio so that was a motivating factor for me. This attractive remastered version will satisfy even the most hardcore JT enthusiast and all prog-heads will be basking in the glory of this fantastic music. The liner notes are superb as Ian ANDERSON continues to contribute the history and color of the sessions on this entire series, offering his expert assistance with the entire process. Some great color photos are included as well. Besides brand spanking new sparkling sounds, included are a generous helping of bonus tracks, which are all good. The bonus track "Sealion 2" was very different, it is a much shorter version but interesting nonetheless, then "Rainbow Blues" and "Glory Row" sound as if they could have made it onto any of their albums. Even the songs in the can are great, what more can I say? Every facet of the group bears bountiful on this album; in essence, they put the progressive into rock.

"Bungle In The Jungle" was a commercial success, and if I remember correctly "Skating Away On The Thin Ice Of A New Day" was the flipside of that single, the only reason I remember is because I had it! In addition, what I also recall is how everyone seemed to enjoy that song as much as the A side. Those two songs were the only ones that had a distinctly commercial edge; the rest of the album was vintage prog-rock and JT hitting their stride in a big way. This is a very strong album; actually, it is very difficult to find any weak spots on the entire recording. Now newly remastered it is that much better and even more enjoyable to hear. It is such a thrill to hear all of this music again in an entirely new way, and then to have the ability to recognize things that you never heard before is another added bonus. I have to seek out everything that they ever recorded, I like them that much, and they are one of those groups that take up an entire row on my CD rack.

"Warchild" was one powerful musical statement that stands on solid ground today as one of JETHRO TULL's greatest works. I find it amazing that they were able to regroup and come up with such a consistent album after the phenomenal "Passion Play". Do your self a favor and check out these remasters, they are unbelievable.