THICK AS A BRICK

I remember clearly that releases from our esteemed bands were shown ostensively in the shops, radios played their most catchy (sometimes cheesy) songs and talkings about prog were a high school and college daily matter. There was also "The Grand Parade of Covers", a kind of fad, here in Terra Brasilis, with young males and young ladies walking up and down, bearing album covers like saying which were their preferences. The most popular tribes were those sporting Floyd's 'cow cover' or Tull's 'soup of letters cover' (I had either but managed to keep them always safe at home) and I think this contest was virtually tied, a proof of the great popularity JT enjoyed here.

In fact, Jethro Tull are still very popular and dear and new fans are always being added; and the band have partially (or majorly) to be thankful to "Thick As A Brick", an amazing work, a real challenge, with its 43' plus total time; a length more common to be seen for old-time classical pieces. But we all benefited, since to be exposed to such a lengthy work was a learning experience for all hearers (specially the youngest) and a fine preparation for similar releases (from several bands) to be unveiled in years to come.

The saddest part of the history is that "Thick As A Brick" first releases had no lyrics attached and like no internet search gear existed then, the majority of non-English listeners had to appreciate exclusively the music; although many swore that the lyrics were plotted in the newspaper-like cover. Even today that I'm aware of the lyrics "Thick As A Brick" is, for me, much more an instrumental piece (however, "A Passion Play" was released since the beginning with full lyrics, a matter that we enjoyed immensely 1/3 of a century ago).

Even making me go back to the past, I wouldn't say that "Thick As A Brick" is dated or aged badly. But my feelings changed a bit, now instead of considering it a thunderous opus, I slowed the tone and for my recent hearings I observed some incontestable dull moments, and these moments are not particularly located - they appear in many parts of the song. Fortunately there are great and memorable moments, specially the flute solos and intermezzos. Ian Anderson, founder, leader, singer, flutist, ghost and elf of Jethro Tull never more achieved such an interaction between singing and playing as he did in this album. Other members worked greatly: it's nice and pleasant to hear Jeffrey H-H's bass lines, Barre's guitar riffs and Evans's keyboard handling - this line-up was probably Tull's best.

Well, after all histories, tales, feats and deeds, it's time to rate for not becoming "the bad dream I had today". An excellent addition to any prog music collection. Total: 4.

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