LIVE - BURSTING OUT

Jethro Tull´s classic line up and at their absolute peak! I was surprised of how long it took for JT to release a a live double album since their stage performances were their forte since the very beginning. However, it was all worthwhile the wait. it came out in a very bad time for a prog band (in 1978), but it stands out among one of that decade´s great live albums of all time. if you´re into JT, this is definitly THE live album to own!

Everything works here: the tracklist is fantastic (but be sure to get the new remastered double CD version. For years I had the single CD edition which had dropped Sweet Dream, Conundrum and Quatrain from the original vinyl), the sound is simply perfect, with all the instruments and vocals very well balanced, the usual witty Ian Anderson interventions and the powerful delivery of a very tight band. It is also one of the few recordings of the band as a sextet (arranger and long time friend David Palmer joining in as the second keyboards player). I should point out the great perfomances by Martin Barre (terrific guitar!) and John Glascock. Most songs are equal or superior to their studio counterparts.

Bursting Out is a classic live album in a decade full of classic live albums. A real masterpiece of prog music. I could rave about this CD for hours, but you better just listen to it and find out why this band is one of the greatest shows on earth. I don´t usually rate that much a live record, but this one deserves it. 5 stars.