May 18, 2020

1971 - March: Jethro Tull “Aqualung”

34 minutes

There are debates galore about who is the best singer, guitarist, drummer, etc., in the Rock genre, but perhaps we can all agree that the greatest Rock flautist would be Ian Anderson. The trio of Anderson (vocals, guitar, flute), Jeffrey Hammond (bass) and John Evan (keyboards, initially drums) began playing together in the 60's, and while only Anderson would be present from that original trio when the band Jethro Tull was formed in 1967, all three would be back together along with Martin Barre (guitar) and Clive Bunker (percussion) for their fourth studio album, Aqualung.

The band took the name Jethro Tull by default. They performed under a number of names, but were going by “Jethro Tull,” the name of an 18th century agriculturist, when a club manager decided he liked the group enough to invite them for a return engagement.

Aqualung would be the breakout album for the band and would become one of the top albums in Rock history. They maintain their folk and blues roots, but would take a turn towards a more progressive direction here. The album paints pictures of different people, culture, hypocrisy, and the disconnect between organized religion and true spirituality. It is pro-God, and anti-religion.

We hope you enjoy this breakout prog-rock masterpiece.

Locomotive Breath

This song starts in a classic mode, but moves into a driving rock rhythm reminiscent of a train and with Anderson's distinctive flute. It is one of the early back-to-nature songs, describing technology and markets as a runaway train destroying everything in its path

Hymn 43

Ian Anderson is the face, songwriter and creator of Jethro Tull. This deeper cut reflects Anderson's spirituality. The song is about people who use Jesus as a means to accomplish their goals. "If Jesus saves, he'd better save himself."

Cross Eyed Mary

This is a better known song which starts with an introductory flute and moves into a stronger rock bent afterwards. This track is a portrait of a schoolgirl prostitute who prefers older men to her classmates.

Aqualung

The best known epic from the album describes the life and death of a homeless man. There is a connection between this song and Cross Eyed Mary, as the line “eyeing little girls with bad intent” references Mary. “Salvation a la mode, and a cup of tea.” Aqualung refers to the way the homeless man breathes with a rattling breath as he dies.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Theme from the television series “The Beverly Hillbillies”

by Lester Flatts & Earl Scruggs

After a 9-year run, this series that would become a feature of weekday afternoon reruns completed its time on the prime time networks during this month.

STAFF PICKS:

I Feel The Earth Move by Carole King

Bruce brings us the lead single from King's masterpiece “Tapestry,” which was released in February of 1971. Singer-songwriter Carole King would win 4 Grammy's for Tapestry in 1972, including Album of the Year, and would eventually sell over 25 million copies worldwide.

Free by Chicago

Rob brings us this funky, horn-led song from Chicago III, released in this month. This was a double album, as were their first and second albums.

Amos Moses by Jerry Reed

Brian's staff pick takes us down to the swamps of Louisiana courtesy of musical storyteller Jerry Reed. Amos Moses was a one armed Cajun alligator poacher. This ditty made it to number 8 on the charts.

Give It To Me by The Mob

Wayne takes us to the original Chicago horn section. While more of a local group to Chicago and Las Vegas, The Mob inspired a number of horn-driven bands including Chicago. They wrote a number of songs for other singers and groups.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

Cool Aid by Paul Humphrey & His Cool Aid Chemists

This piece by jazz drummer Paul Humphrey made it to #29 on the hit list.

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By Rob Marbury, Wayne Rowan, Bruce Fricks, John Lynch

4.9

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