337 - Jethro Tull - Aqualung

[csberry]

Although I've heard a couple of their songs on classic rock stations in the past (the "classic rock" stations that rock and not "oldies minus the ballads"-type of "classic rock"), really the only thing I could tell you about Jethro Tull a week ago is that they stole a Grammy from Metallica a couple of decades ago. I was not looking forward to listening to Aqualung. I have to say, though, that I was pleasantly surprised. I wouldn't say that the album won me over, but it was better than what I was expecting.

I'm not about to start advocating that other hard rock or metal bands add flutes or woodwinds to their lineup. There's no chance of me getting any warmer feelings about the Celtic/folk sound in heavy metal. But I have to say that the sound of this album works for me. Maybe it was reading the fact that while Jethro Tull was in one studio recording this, Led Zeppelin was down the hall recording IV/"Runes"/Zoso. Although Ian has repeatedly said Aqualung isn't a concept album, it certainly has a cohesiveness in sound and theme that let the eccentricities of the band's sound gel in a way that...shoot...I kinda liked 80% of the time.

I would be lying if I said I didn't have flashes to Spinal Tap's "Stonehenge" or Ron Burgundy breaking out into some jazz flute on some tracks. But I certainly see how the fantasy/folk aspect of Aqualung influenced so many bands over the next 10-15 years. And the lyrics! I know I only scratched the surface of the lyrics and what all Ian was singing to me on these tracks (especially the second half's focus on religion vs. church), but I can see how a fan could repeatedly listen to the album and get something out of it.

Songs I knew I liked: None

Songs I didn't know but now like: I hesitate on how much I like some of these songs. I can state that I consider "Cross-Eyed Mary," "Mother Goose," and "Wind-Up" to be highlights on my repeated listenings.

Songs I can go the rest of my life without hearing again: I wouldn't rule out listening to this album again in the future. But I can't easily see myself craving to hear any of the tracks either.