THE BEST OF JETHRO TULL: THE ANNIVERSARY COLLECTION

Normally when I see a compilation I think it twice before getting it, but if the text "The Best Of" is attached to a band's name, I simply run the other way, mainly because I hardly agree with the labels about which tracks are the best of a determined band, being that my interest is in the best music and their's exclusively in which songs sold more copies and had more radio coverage, two perceptions that in 99% of the cases are mutually contradictory.

So when I saw this "Best of Jethro Tull", simply passed to see the next item without even caring, but the store owner told me it was an Anniversary Edition and was pretty good. More as a sign of respect for the guy's knowledge (he's really informed about Prog) than for real conviction, took the album and read the song list.

Besides the usual suspects like a short version of "Thick as a Brick", "Living in the Past" and the well known masterpieces that you can find anywhere, this complete compilation has lesser known tracks from earlier albums like "This Was" which normally only older fans own or later own and also from "Crest of the Knave" or "Catfish Rising", albums that were released when many of us had already lost faith in the band, but still worth to listen once in a while.

But most important, "The Best of Jethro Tull Anniversary Collection", has a couple of "B" sides that won't be found in regular studio albums like "Christmas Song" and "Sweet Dream", all properly remastered with a very good sound.

So, unless you're one of those JETHRO TULL nuts who has each and every song the band released, this album is an excellent addition to your collection, much more if you're a casual Tull fan who will be pleased with 36 tracks of excellent musical quality.

I believe such a long collection of classics can't deserve less than 4 solid stars, even for fans like me who have most of the band's releases, but enjoy playing good music while having long distance car trips with the confidence that whatever comes from speakers will make me drive with pleasure.