On the album cover a homeless man with shaggy hair in a beggar's coat. Aqualung" got its title from his rattling breathing sounds, which sounded like a diver's lung. With its musical class, which combined hard rock, fine folk, romantic classical motifs and jazzy improvisation, the work was well received worldwide and is considered a milestone in Jethro Tull's band history as well as in rock and prog history in general. We roll up the history and meaning of "Aqualung" with mastermind Ian Anderson and guitarist Martin Barre.
Although the official chapter ended in 2011, Ian Anderson, 71, has kept the band alive both live and with new releases as Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson. With the three-CD box "50 For 50" he and the Warner label celebrate half a century of band history. Let's not kid ourselves: Nobody knows whether Tull music will still be played by one of the leading group members - above all Anderson - in ten years' time. This year's celebrations are therefore the ideal occasion to talk to the man who stands for Jethro Tull like no other about his life's work.
eclipsed: Jethro Tull celebrates his fiftieth birthday. How did you choose the tracks for the anniversary box "50 For 50"?
The enrichment of the Prog with folk elements was especially popular in the 70s. Important features were the use of folkloristic instruments and alternative guitar tunings as well as texts related to nature or the history of the homeland. Nevertheless, the term "Folkprog" is spongy. In fact, only a few groups can be clearly located in this genre, and not necessarily over a longer period of time. In addition, the boundaries between (progressive) folk and psychedelic folk are fluid.
The 60s: Folk revival and (progressive) folk as pioneers of Folkprog
SUPERTRAMP - 40 years "Crime Of The Century"
Actually they were already dead. Even dead as a doornail. After two albums that sold as well as soap-flavoured chocolate and, according to guitarist/singer Roger Hodgson, didn't sound much better, the chapter Supertramp seemed to be over in 1971 - because everything really went wrong. The band, which at that time consisted of Kevin Currie, Frank Farrell, Dave Winthrop, Rick Davies and Hodgson, fell apart after a disastrous Scandinavian tour.
AC/DC - Temporary power outage
For Ian Anderson, "Warchild" is an important album despite all the prophecies of doom. As with its predecessors, Steven Wilson carried out the sound restoration work here. The recently hyperactive Tull leader is once again enthusiastic about his abilities as a studio tinkerer, but expects to soon have to look for a new remastering partner, as he reveals in a good mood.
eclipsed: Also "Warchild" now appears remixed and with numerous bonus tracks. An album, which, with all due respect, compared to "Thick As A Brick" or "A Passion Play", is clearly of a lower quality.
Ian Anderson: I don't see it that way. "Warchild" is a very good album with fantastic songs, and I stress the word songs. Unlike our predecessors, we had again recorded a record in which we lined up individual pieces that did not have a special concept. The conditions of creation may make the album appear as a by-product, but that's by no means what it is.
For the third and definitely last time after the two "Thick As A Brick" albums Ian Anderson lets his alter ego Gerald Bostock have his say with "Homo Erraticus" (Review in eclipsed 4/2014). The latter again takes a stand on current political and social issues. In the eclipsed interview, the Jethro Tull boss explains why he is currently particularly concerned about migration and immigration.
eclipsed: Is "Homo Erraticus" your most political album yet?
DEEP PURPLE
Swiss time was running out
When they recorded "Machine Head" forty years ago, it was an extraordinary feat of strength for the British hard rockers. Her management rushed her around the globe in the early seventies, from tour to tour. Also, internal trench warfare was a major problem for the band. In addition, there was an unprecedented chaos at the recording location in Montreux, Switzerland. But at the end it stood, the legendary sixth record of Deep Purple.
JETHRO TULL Highly
Creative Decay Process of a Band
KATE BUSH
Welcome Overproduction
Twelve years - six years - six months: Who would have thought that the pauses between the musical signs of life of Kate Bush would be shorter instead of longer? The fact is that Kate Bush is finally independent and can work as she pleases. "Fish People", her own label, makes possible what seemed impossible so far - two outstanding albums of the wondrous sound artist in one year.
JETHRO TULL
40 Years "Aqualung"
THE ROLLING STONES
AT THE MOVIES
From the beginning the greatest rock'n'roll band in the world was famous for its unique charisma. No wonder that the long career of the Rolling Stones is the best documented in rock history. The Stones at the movies - a retrospective of sometimes even great cinema...
eclipsed
shopping list THE ROLLING STONES
Over 20 studio albums, at least as many heat compilations, nine official live productions - if you put together a Rolling Stones shopping list, you can easily stumble..
PORTISHEAD
The English Patient
JETHRO TULL
Shuffling madness
Four decades as a long runner in the limelight, so many concerts on the hump as hardly any other band, in addition a loyal following in the back: Jethro Tull have seen many musical fashions come and go, have made a number of artistic turns themselves and now, on 30 May, start their "40 Years Anniversary Live Tour" in Berlin. A tribute to the indestructible rock band and its headstrong boss.
MOTORPSYCHO
Glacier melt of consciousness
