JETHRO TULL | Ranking the Albums + The Story of Jethro Tull 1968-80

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[@bumsharvest5493]

One thing I would like to point out among the newbies to Jethro Tull is these albums are not quickly understood and often require several listenings to 'get' them...once you do get them, warning, you're hooked!

[@philipmccann2358]

Songs from the wood is the album that got me addicted to TULL .! I was into wild camping and living in the woods and forests and I love the old pagan traditions.. Songs From The Wood, just became the soundtrack of my life ! I want Songs From The Wood played at my funeral

[@benavich8]

Andy, so glad you put Passion Play so high. My very first concert as a 16 yo punk kid, was Tull, Sept. 1973, Cobo Arena, Detroit, MI....Passion Play tour. My God, what a first concert! Stunning musicianship, and yes, I do well remember Nr. Barlows drumming....hard to believe it's coming up on 51 years. Oh, and $5.50 a ticket.

[@robertduda6336]

Excellent synopsis. Heartwarming to see a fellow musician recognize the brilliance that is Jethro Tull. The virtuosity and lyrics have always kept me enthralled and their live performances were unmatched.

[@thomasbeck2934]

“Woods”, “Horses”, and “Storm Watch” are brilliant albums! One of the strongest trilogies of of contemporary music ever recorded.

[@rightchordleadership]

Agreed

[@TheHumbuckerboy]

My favourite span of their albums goes from 'Songs From the Wood' through to and including 'The Broadsword and the Beast' ; all 5 albums are great IMO

[@DexterDexter123]

Broadsword came along just at the right time for me. its hypnotic enveloping effect stole my thoughts away around the time my family split up. i listened to it every night and it was hugely comforting to me. that and the ‘greatest hits’ plus a couple off Crest of a knave are all i need.

[@TheHumbuckerboy]

Broadsword is one of my favourite ever albums ; it hasn't received the accolades that it so richly deserves IMO

[@tomfashing208]

Fantastic review! You nailed it but with one HUGE omission. The ALBUM “Living in the Past” is not a compilation album in that it contains some of Ian’s finest, if not his very best. Acoustic songs. The album has a couple of songs from other albums but has well over a full album of unreleased gems on the very top shelf of their work. Living in the Past. Life’s a Long Song, Up the Pool, Witches Promise, Dr. Bogenbroom, Wondering Again, Nursie, Sweet Dream, Christmas Song etc. It’s essential.

[@shipsahoy1793]

@@tomfashing208 it's a compilation in the sense that it covers the time span from the beginning of the band through the first four studio albums and heading towards the fifth that's why it's considered a compilation. Studio albums were usually all done within a six or 12 month period of sessions.

[@onsenkuma1979]

I was lucky enough to see the band in '73 on the Passion Play tour, so I've always had a soft spot for that album. 'Benefit' was the first Jethro Tull album I owned, and so I rate it highly. While compilation albums are often lazy, 'Living in The Past' was pretty extraordinary. Anyway, great video Andy...

[@tomhenninger4153]

I had a huge Jethro Tull Belt buckle in Hugh School! Looked great with bell bottoms! And a Martin Barre poster! : -)

[@loucontino4804]

Was it the one from Pacifica. I remember that buckle.

[@tomhenninger4153]

Don’t know. Metal and background blue

[@Jath2112]

This is one hell of a video. It felt like 15 minutes or something... just whizzed by. You are one of the best "Guys who talks about stuff" out there. I really appreciate the stuff you put out. Excellent Jethro rambling here.

[@johnwolcot]

The thumbnail pic made me laugh out loud for about a minute. Thank you so much for brightening my day with such a funny sight!

[@sergioponti22]

Wonderful episode!

[@DarrenMcGill442]

Finally, Tull is getting some attention from Andy! I've been waiting for him to do something eventually. This is going to be a nice treat on a long holiday weekend!

[@bumsharvest5493]

It's really quite amazing how very little attention Jethro Tull gets out there in the world. I mean, talk about a band that has done it all, and then some, yet nobody has done a deep dive into the group...until today. Nice Job, Andy.

[@boudiccamarchestorome9475]

Yes! Long past due but sweet when it arrived.

[@Oenloveslife]

Andy, your wholistic analyses of these albums is so much more fun and more satisfying than what any of the other guys (I've watched three other JT ranking videos, saving yours for now) are doing/have done. You are #1 in my world ❤️

[@bodhisattva3774]

Tull is in my top 3 bands of all time.

[@johncrocker-nh7ey]

Unfortunately I agree with you as being one of my favorite bands the problem I have when I say my top three I can multiply that by 100 times depending on who I am listening to at the moment and my mood I own every single note Ian Anderson has played who is Jethro Tull from this was all the way to catfish Rising I am disappointed that five albums will left out of this ranking which include A, Under Wraps, crest of a knave, Rock Island, and catfish Rising.

[@MikeStaggs-o8n]

Andy, the photo shown for your premier ranking is actually of Bloodwyn Pig, Mick Abraham’s band after leaving Tull … loving your dissection and ever fascinating comments on music/musicians. You are like a musical surgeon. Keep the good work up 👏

[@tonyhonour665]

Thank you.

[@WilliamSmethurst-d9z]

So enjoyed this video Andy. Great to see A Passion Play up there. Makes you want to dive in and get the records out, which I will be doing. Bravo you.

[@mattwysock1020]

No need to apologize for being long winded. I have enjoyed your thoughtful analysis. Your ranked lists have had an impact on my listening habits. Thanks to your videos I have discovered a new found joy in listening to Keith Jarrett and Pat Metheny. I have long been a fan of Jethro Tull, but I realized I have not given some of these albums a proper listen. I look forward to doing so.

[@inlikeflynt56]

My first concert was Jethro Tull. They were promoting Aqualung. What a show! Martin Barre is one of my favorite guitarists. Ian Anderson in leggings and a ragged bathrobe was amazing. Barriemore Barlow reigned supreme. Pretty amazing concert for a 15 yo lad.

[@theshrubberer]

mine too. Hartford Civic Center 1977 or 78 .. can't recall. They opened with Skating Away and me and my stoned friends said "look at that, the opening act is playing Skating Away!" 😂

[@toddoliver168]

Thanks Andy! War Child is a freaking great record. Skating Away is one of my favorite Tull songs "Meanwhile back in the year, one..." so good :)

[@goatuscrow4135]

Tull were always in my ear growing up. Benefit and Stand Up are my favorite records.

[@MidnightCarp]

Thanks Andy - as a long term Tull fan, a joy listening to someone just talk about albums I have almost warn out.

[@paulcoleman3081]

What I love about Tull's legacy is that it covers so many aspects of prog without any dip in quality. I have a predilection for English folk rock (I know... I'm seeking treatment) so the trilogy of albums Andy mentions - Songs from the Wood, Heavy Horses and Stormwatch - are the ones that speak to me the most. Heavy Horses in particular gets me where I live and is perhaps my favourite Tull album. The fact that they took on the folk rock genre and produced two of its best albums is testament to Anderson's vision I think.

[@theshrubberer]

5 minutes in and I know I am going to love this. Tull was the first rock concert I ever went to in 1978. English aesthetic for sure ... Skating Away, lyrical greatness , my all time favorite

[@patriceleformal3047]

Don't ask me why but every year in july i receive a nice invitation : Dave Pegg (Fairport Convention and Jethro Tull from 1980 to 1995) and his wife , who live in Brittany (West of France), organise a sort of evening garden party followed by a concert with him on bass and mandolin and a bunch of friends. So three years ago during the party, i met an old man wearing a strange T-shirt : "John Bonham 's cancer trust"....like a real french guy giving a lesson i told him that Bonham died from alcohol and not from cancer. This old man told me that Boham died because he could'nt play like him; i didn't know i was having a conversation with Clive Bunker ! And when i asked him why he left Jethro Tull just after the success of Aqualung he answered me he told Ian Anderson that if he could find real love he would leave the band...and he did ! My favourite Jethro Tull 's album is "Live Bursting out" , a fantastic double album never mentionned on the ideal live list : great songs magnified in public (sweet dream !) and played by the ideal line up.

[@drumvc8060]

Great story

[@av193]

Andy, I prefer your thoughtful talks about the bands and albums to Pete's any day of the week.

[@davidstair9657]

Btw, Thick as Brick CD was given to me by my Grandmom in 1990. She at the same time also gave me “the Archie’s” and “Johnny “Guitar” Watson”. I am forever grateful for the one album of the 3. She had asked the clerk at the record store what to give a 14 year old. I think the clerk was havin’ ‘er on! Cheeky devil, but it introduced me to a life long love of these fellows!

[@briandillon8041]

Got thick as a brick as a youngster maybe age 13 . Played it the whole summer and read the silly newspaper. Even growing up in Texas. I always watch Monty python Saturday nights with my dad. So I guess I got the humor. Started playing drums and guitar soon after. I think, listening to this kind of music with headphones, really sharpened my ear.

[@paulkerr9128]

You should give IA a call and see if he'll do an interview. I think he'd enjoy discussing (debating) with you your views on the band, particularly the intellectual focus and analysis you bring to the subject. Barry of Classic Album Reviews has interviewed him.

[@גדעוןליפשיץ]

The B side of Stand Up is to me the greatest album B side of all times. Simply electrifying.

[@slobodanudarac5]

Super interesting video, Andy! The way you described their genius is just amazing. Excellent job! ❤❤❤

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

The best run of consistently great albums in rock. Hey there’s a topic for you.

[@DabsDad]

The Moody Blues: Days of Future Past - Seventh Sojourn

[@apollomemories7399]

You just watched it.

[@kingkahluma4921]

Gentle Giant. Gentle Giant (1970) - Interview (1976)

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

@@kingkahluma4921 yeah that’s another one.

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

@@DabsDad yes a great run

[@daicullinane7746]

Today my top 7 are A, Stormwatch, A Passion Play, Thick as a Brick, Heavy Horses, Songs from the Wood and Minstrel in the Gallery.

[@FormulaProg]

Posting this while watching the premiere! 1. Thick as a brick 2. Minstrel in the gallery 3. Aqualung 4. A passion play (best when stoned) 5. Heavy horses 6. Songs from the wood 7. Stand up 8. Stormwatch 9. War child 10. Benefit 11. Rock and roll 12. This was The last four could be in any order really.

[@mfischer387]

I agree with your assessment of A Passion Play. 😂

[@FormulaProg]

@@mfischer387 😂😉

[@Hennessee-Jed]

John Evan is a very under-rated keyboardist.

[@albarton7189]

Excellent analysis. Thank you. I really enjoyed this.

[@kevinmyles6369]

Outstanding video, Andy! Big fan and soft spot for Tull. My first ever big, real concert as a human being was Jethro Tull in 1992 on their Catfish Rising tour. Me dad couldn't go to the gig and gave me his ticket and I went with my older brother cuz I was too young to go on my own.. Ramifications of that gig still with me to this day! (No, not tinnitus!)

[@donnybrookdetritus]

This was a great video! Thank you for the level of detail you put into these

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@absolutelypositively]

Well done Andy, and I believe you nailed it. Especially that top 5. Tull weren’t the kind of band you could immediately enjoy when playing a new album. But 3-4 listens later they consistently showed just how great they were. Every album in the 70s had its own feel. Yet it was still JT. They were my first love after the Beatles. And eventually passed the fab 4. They also put out some interesting albums in the 80s and 90s. Happy you covered Tull, really happy. No they did not fold! Ian just threw it back in their faces. JT were a class of their own. Two of the tours I saw, Gentle Giant and UK opened for them. Edit: yes, they were the greatest prog band. Funny, every girl I took on a date to a Tull concert fell in love with Ian. The gentleman who it wouldn’t matter to my dates if he washed his hands or not!

[@axelborner3460]

Don't forget the great songs on Living in the past, "Life is a long Song " "The Witchs Promise", "Living in the Past"(what a great bass from Glenn Cornick)

[@Carlo8836]

IMO Benefit is a masterpiece from start to finish. But I respect your opinion

[@spiritof6663]

Same here. "Stand Up" and "Benefit" are my favorites. They're not fully prog yet but they're just absolutely brilliant start-to-finish anyway, with the best lyrics of any Tull albums by far. "Thick As A Brick" would be at #3, but "A Passion Play" would be way down at the bottom. I far prefer the "Chateau D'Isaster" tapes to that one.

[@tomhenninger4153]

PART 1 - Well, I agree except Aqualung seems more like #2 to me. AND... as much as I think Thick is #1, if I was only allowed to keep one, I would pick Aqualung. The mix of great acoustic, mixed with amazing muxcianship and the LYRiCS! My God what have they done? Locked you in a golden cage! Those lyrics effected me my whole life. Thx! 🙂

[@richard127gm]

That thumbnail... Classic!

[@jurgenkoslowski2097]

It's just fascinating that you allow us to accompany you on your path to enlightenment ;-) My first memory of Jethro Tull is "Witch's Promise", which, as you pointed out, sadly was missing from the original Benefit album, but a great video is available on youtube. Then our art teacher in school allowed us to listen to albums during art class, and someone brought along "Thick As A Brick", unforgettable ;-)) To me, this brilliant band almost defies categorization, or one has to create a special category just for them.

[@DoubleD990]

I miss album covers and I am glad you touch on this topic. I cannot tell you how much time I spent reading the Thick as a Brick "newspaper". I find if I see a dumb cover, I have a reluctance to listen to the album.

[@jazzpunk]

...didya connect the dots for Fluffy The Duck?

[@ggrape0]

Great dissertation Andy! The greatest band of all time is an ambiguous issue because greatest will vary according to how you measure according to your personal emotions and impact on the environment. Greatest when, where, how? You will always find different answers. Best

[@Bosko57]

It makes me happy to see "A Passion Play" so highly ranked. I bought it when it came out and never understood why it "disappeared." I actually bought the CD for a dollar a few years ago. tragic

[@eximusic]

You are absolutely right, although I've never thought about it much, but Jethro Tull has the strongest discography out of all the 70s prog rock bands.

[@jonhowe2960]

the heavy groove hitting in the "Minstrel" track is one of the great passages in the history of rock 😯🥰

[@russellhammond4373]

Andy, as a rusted on Jethro Tull fan, this is one of the few 'lists' I have watched / listened to that I totally agree with. Keep up the great work.

[@richard127gm]

Warchild is my favourite Tull Album, along with Benefit, I would have to toss a coin to decide. and I personally think the Warchild cover is iconic. Great ranking video though Andy. Thanks.

[@johnelwen4435]

Same here. You are not alone.

[@pauldenby878]

I love Warchild as well.. especially when you hear the out-takes - Why Sealion 2 was left off is a true scandal :).

[@johnelwen4435]

@@pauldenby878 Sealion 2 is less weird than "The Hare Who Lost his Spectacles"

[@davestephens6421]

Love the thumbnail 😂😂

[@loucontino4804]

Next Up The Rankings of Renaissance!

[@craigryan3069]

Renaissance - a great idea for a superb band.

[@YtuserSumone-rl6sw]

That would be very nice

[@iangelling]

Although not a proper album as such, the double compilation Living In The Past that Andy mentions is very strong for me and has those singles from the Benefit time as well as outtake stuff. As a kid it really showed me how the band were developing. It had a very robust gatefold and lots of content for a young lad to get nerdy about😂

[@PhilBaird1]

The songwriting was so strong in the early days. It was captured beautifully on the Living in the Past compilation. They became a different band not long after, and Ian changed that marvellous rhythm section. Halcyon days while it lasted though.

[@mfischer387]

I’m one of those pretentious Tull fans who chooses “A Passion Play” as their favorite album from the band. I don’t care what anyone says about it…the heart wants what the heart wants!

[@Skycladatdusk78]

I like it except for that Hare Who Lost His Spectacles bit.

[@gregarruda112]

Passion Play was my first Tull LP. It has a special place in my heart.

[@shipsahoy1793]

A Passion Play is another JT album from the 70's that was great. In fact, every album up through 1980 is a masterpiece.

[@batterytestchannel-v4v]

Not pretentious - there are strong arguments for favouring it. I bought it when it was first released, having been an ardent Tull fan since Stand Up. I didn't really understand it - but knew it was something special.

[@Chiller11]

@@mfischer387 I like someone who acknowledges their own pretentiousness; like maybe too strong; maybe tolerate.🥴

[@YtuserSumone-rl6sw]

What a fine episode! Great work mr. Edwards! 👏 I wholeheartedly agree that the band was another 'Beastie' after Barriemore left and also think it's wise to talk of post-Barrie Tull separately. I believe it is impossible to very objectively rank a lot of their albums. It will come down to what elements one prefers, such as technique and types of arrangements, changes, modal movements, synchopations, great lyrics or strong melody. For my own criterias I put Heavy Horses - of which all the songs are SO strong and the lyricism too without it lacking in other departments either - above A Passion Play, but I think I cannot dispute Andy's list either and my opinions can change.

[@sjbang5764]

I had a friend, who was a great jazz drummer, this was in the early 1970's, '71 - '72 and he called Jethro Tull Jethro Dull, and at the time it really upset me, because I actually liked them having seen them in 1969 where they were on a bill with Joe Cocker and the real Fleetwood Mac. As far as ranking their albums, I don't know much about their albums after Thick as a Brick, but what I have heard I've always enjoyed.

[@Chiller11]

Yes I was in a jazz coma for several years when no other musical genre was sufficiently literate to matter. Perhaps your friend was similarly afflicted at the time? It is a treatable condition.

[@coltonbeatty6117]

​@@Chiller11 What's the antidote?

[@mathtrixmusiclix4248]

There is a remarkable live video on KZbin and the performance of Songs From the Wood is shockingly great.

[@simonhodgetts6530]

Tull! My best friend (sadly no longer with us) was a massive fan, (as is my mum!) - and over the years tried to get me into more and more later Tull albums - but I must admit, the only ones that I ever really enjoyed were ‘This Was’, ‘Stand Up’ and ‘Songs From The Wood’. When my friend passed, I offered to clear his CD collection, and I now own ‘Thick As A Brick’ - but I can’t bring myself to listen to it just yet.

[@justaguy2365]

Yes!!! My favorite band of all time!

[@paulcowham2095]

Another great video Andy thanks! I love Bert Jansch too, although I think that saying that this is part of the English aesthetic maybe misses the point that he was Scottish. Perhaps the English aesthetic is broader and includes elements of Scottishness and Welshness?

[@markbertenshaw3977]

Ian Anderson was born in Scotland, but his family moved to Blackpool in his teens. As a result he is able to switch his accent between albums.

[@benjamingoldstein6298]

Jethro Tull’s legendary run of albums from 69-79 is topped by no one.

[@oliviermuller8214]

Thank you very much for your ranking, toughts and insights, which I enjoyed very much. I was about 7 years old when I first listened to Jethro Tull, it was the single A Christmas Song belonging to my mom, who went mad as I vould play it again and again and again. I didn't speak english at the time, and coudn't understand a word, but I totally got the emotion. Later, as a teen, I rediscovered Tull with The Broadsword abum and remained quite busy, even after the bitter desappointment of Under Wraps, exploring all the ancient catalogue. You're so right about the greatness not only of Ian Anderson's musical inventiveness, poetry & irony, but of the band as a whole - I love all the line-ups of the 70's, but there's a special place in my heart for the Barrie erea, especially Songs from the Wood and Heavy Horses. And btw thank you for introducing me to Bert Jansch, he's amazing!

[@davestephens6421]

Thanks once again Andy!! I didn't think it was possible to top the utterly brilliant Gerald Bostock masterpiece. So just used to dip in and out after, without buying anything. Going to delve deeper now!!! I always loved the way Anderson used to mix acoustic and electric instruments. Cheers

[@danielrobinson5035]

Benifit is close to the top for me. Thanks for the video !

[@WalterSobchak1000]

Brilliant Thumbnail Andy 😂

[@dkoukol]

Jethro Tull have been my favorite group for over 40 years. I love their 1970s output, naturally, but also have to cite 1995's "Roots To Branches" as one of my personal favorite Tull albums. And that’s not to be contrary; I listen to it often!

[@TimothyJBerry]

Thank you Andy - Tull is the all time greatest band. Every permutation of the band, even up to today, are incredible. I’m waiting for my giclee print of the Heavy Horses cover signed by Ian to arrive.

[@callmejeffbob]

Thanks Andy. I was fortunate enough to see Jethro Tull on their first US tour in 1969 at a rock festival in Laurel, Maryland and again one or two years later in Arizona. Both were incredible performances. As a result, I've always been a fan of early Jethro Tull, but have heard very little of their later stuff. In fact the only two records of theirs I own are "This Was" and "Stand Up" on both LP and later on CD as well. I still love both of those records. I've always meant to get a copy of "Benefit" and "Aqualung", but never did. I've never heard most of the other albums you discussed but , based on what you said, I'm intrigued with "Song of the Wood" and I think I may track down a copy. Thanks again'... very informative.

[@TheHumbuckerboy]

Their span of albums from 'Songs from the Wood' then 'Heavy Horses' then 'Stormwatch' to 'A' and finally to 'The Broadsword and the Beast' are my personal favourites' Each album is like a whole world of it's own with each possessing it's own particular individual identity and atmosphere . The only songs that I really rate on Aqualung' are the title track and 'Locomotive Breath' and possibly 'Cross-eyed Mary' ; the rest of the album does nothing for me.

[@stuartmenziesfarrant]

Tull do not have enough hits alongside their album work. to be the greatest band ever.

[@benavich8]

@@stuartmenziesfarrant That's very subjective, of course...but very, and I say very few bands have sounded as unique and complex as Tull. It was an acquired taste for many, but man, they had some chops.

[@mccallosone4903]

Jethro Tull had 10 top 75 hits in the UK. Led Zeppelin, which many consider to be the best band of all time, had 2. Oasis had 28, and they are a mediocre bamd at best. my point? McDonalds sells more burgers than anyone, buy i sure wouldnt rate them as the greatest restaurant, and hits are bullshit

[@mccallosone4903]

yeah yeah band* but* im not retyping that stuff

[@paulcollins5586]

Great bands dont need hits.

[@TheHumbuckerboy]

My first exposure to Jethro Tull was 'The Broadsword and the Beast' which is my joint favourite along with 'Songs From The Wood' . My other favourites are 'Storm Watch' and 'A' .

[@mfischer387]

@@TheHumbuckerboy, Songs From The Wood is also one of my favorites from JT (especially the title track). I also enjoy the other albums you listed.

[@TheHumbuckerboy]

@@mfischer387 My favourite song on the album would be 'Velvet Green' .

[@adolforodolfo6929]

Jethro Tull have always been "my band" and I have everything they have recorded, the albums you have ranked and the ones that came after. I think you are right to focus on the "classic" period since, arguably, everything after Stormwatch would be ranked lower. I wasn't sure what to expect, but was really happy to hear you say so much that was so positive. As for the ranking, no quibbles; my own might be different from one day to the next, depending on what I've played recently and my mood, although the two albums I play most often are Songs from the Wood and Thick as a Brick, so they would probably be my top two more often than not. And, yep, that Warchild cover... when I bought it (as soon as it was released), my first reaction was "Is that it?" Anyway, thanks so much for the video, really enjoyed it, as usual.

[@axelborner3460]

I always love Tull, in my top 5 Bands ever

[@lupcokotevski2907]

Great discussion Andy. Tull are a contender for sure given their musicianship, complexity, consistent quality and long term creativity. I have a Mick Abraham's solo album, and many of Bert's, mostly first English presses. I think Pentangle deserves your scrutiny. One of my top 10 favorites.

[@johnnyeveritt5695]

Thanx Andy for taking justified TIME on this much appreciated; detailed JT presentation. STAND UP was my intro to JT in High School; remaining as my favourite Group through the several member line-ups until around the Mid- / Late-80's. Didja know that the first 45-Single the Band was named as Jethro Toe on the label by the record company ? As my intro; SU is one of my top-5 albums of all time .... On the back of that unique woodcut cover; the significance of Ian's outstretched left hand is revealed on the front ... Count the number of fingers ! In having stood in the queue for over 6 hours to make sure of a front-row placing; I still have the drumsticks as handed down at the end of a GREAT set by Doane Perry to my ( then ); young son Travis .... This during JT's worldwide 25 Th Anniversary Tour ( Durban : Village Green / South Africa ) ... 🤙🇿🇦

[@robertbegley2995]

Great analysis @Andy Edwards. I first saw them in 1976 in NYC (Too Old to Rock and Roll) with Rory Gallager and Robin Trower opening. Then at least 10 other times, most recently again in NYC about 5 years ago. Sadly Ian Anderson's voice is shot and he can't move as much. But it is theater as much as a rock concert. Why are they NOT the best band ever? Two reasons: Led Zeppelin and Rush. That said, I don't like comparing, as different bands fit different moods. As an aside, I'm with an Aristotle study group and we just finished his work on the arts: Poetics. In the final chapter, he mentions actors who overact and flute players who twist around as if throwing a discus. This led me into a flight of Tull album enjoyment over a 14 day period. Thank you again.

[@mikecomerford4353]

A great video. My personal favourites are - Benefit, Stand Up, and Roots to Branches .

[@ulfskjol]

I actually have Minstrel as my favourite, and Benefit scores high because it was the first album I bought with my own money. And Andy: stop saying you’re sorry for the long form videos!! It is so rare now that anyone takes the time to properly delve into stuff and discuss it in depth, especially in any form of presentation. If some people can’t concentrate and comprehend that is their problem!!

[@srimaddukuri]

True, I appreciate the enthusiasm.

[@petersparrow1884]

Thank you Andy for the inspiration! Grew up on all things Sabbath, Maiden, Saxon and the like but loved the Bursting Out live album and Broadsword thanks to a friend at school, but never ventured beyond that. Have now just sat and listened to a stack of the early albums and wished I had done so long before now. Some amazing productions with great sound separation of the instruments used.

[@davidschecter5247]

Good ranking! I am partial to STAND UP because it was my first Tull, purchased when it was released. But I know THICK AS A BRICK is not only Tull's greatest, but it's one of the best pop-rock albums of all time.

[@shipsahoy1793]

Great job on the ranking Andy!👏 it is very difficult to do because they are all good albums as you pointed out .

[@richardhewitt4252]

Fabulous video: Tull sit on my 2nd shelf along with Floyd, a slip of paper below The Beatles. FWIW, my top 3: Minstrel Stand Up Benefit.

[@mnpv7812]

You put in the work and it shows- best Tull overview ever. Episode idea: Drummers of the 70's: US vs GB

[@larrysmith5249]

Excellent video. Worth watching a second time. Been a Tull fan since Aqualung was released in ‘71. I agree with Thick as a Brick and A Passion Play as 1 and 2. I also considered them 1 and 2 of my favorite albums of all time. I don’t listen to a lot of Tull these days. I guess because I listened to them constantly for decades. However, they’re still probably my favorite band still.

[@aminahmed2220]

Absolutely fantastic have a wonderful weekend Andy also happy last day of August ❤😊

[@DonGregory-pe8lf]

Really enjoy ranking the album shows especially one of the greatest JT. Actually enjoy all your shows love your since of humor. Keep up the good work.🔥🔥🔥😎

[@merelychris6354]

Great video. Thanks!

[@pattardn]

No matter what one calls or classifies them, they'll forever be my favourite band in the whole universe (along with other decidedly ethnically British artists Kate Bush and Mike Oldfield). If they're not the greatest band ever, it is because media doesn't play them enough (maybe because of their sometimes prickly quirkiness), and because music education is not as widespread as it should be. Great tribute show Sir, keep 'em coming!

[@shanebullock5005]

Jethro Tull stand up for England and are most definitely Minstrels in the gallery and no band can boast so many top albums from 68 to 80. The other great bands seemed to die after 1974 but Tull stayed true . Ranking their albums is very difficult for me: I must love them as a lot of their tracks still give me tears of joy and make me proud to be English. I feel This is your best video and it was thoroughly enjoyable. 1. Minstrel In The Gallery doesn't have a bad note. 2. Heavy Horses 3. Thick as A Brick 4. Aqualung 5. Stormwatch 7. A Passion Play 8. Warchild 9.Too Old To Rock N Roll 10. Benefit

[@TazW73]

Can’t wait for this vid from you .. and so many others you have upcoming .. your output is helping balance amongst what’s going on out there.. needed brightness - music is everything for humanity .. listening to it, discussing it, CREATING it !! Got back into making little bits now - just for personal expression - but hey it’s something - anyway Cheers ! Long may you run!

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

That is very kind

[@MikeU128]

Bursting Out is definitely in the running for best live album of the '70s, by any band. And I share your pain about random computer beeps with no indication of why. When your computer beeped (but before you commented on it), I thought it was MY computer that was beeping, and was trying to figure it out! 😆

[@petersparrow1884]

Totally agree. I was full on NWOBHM but loved that album as much as any of the great heavier rock live albums, a sort of guilty pleasure 😂

[@manikmoon]

Brilliant summation, makes me want to lock meself in and play each album in turn - I will, when I get a chance, Stormwatch is the only one of this period I don't have. I absolutely love Passion Play, but then, I've always been a contrary person to what critics say, or what is "popular" - hence, it's only recently that I've gotten Thick As a Brick and really listened to it. Songs From The Wood and Heavy Horse have always been close to my heart and yes, they emphasise the English aesthetic that , as you quite rightly point out, distinguishes Jethro Tull as a whole - and, quite frankly, Yes and especially Genesis, as well. Thanks, a truly riveting episode.

[@boudiccamarchestorome9475]

Hi Andy, as one of your occasional anti-Americana critics, I now think I love you for giving this superb band a thoughtful review. Having had Tull be one of the favorite bands of my youth, I loved that you mentioned both my favorite singles: Skating Away...Teacher...(whoops forgot the 3rd won but was nodding along with your assessment.)Also, my fav album Thick as a Brick >>>poetry, comedy, aggressive rock, flute accents) I have to admit to have missed "Songs from the Wood" but will now give it a listen.

[@philipmccann2358]

The first time I heard heavy horses and read the lyrics at the same time ..I must admit …I had tears in my eyes !

[@batterytestchannel-v4v]

You touched on an interesting idea that hadn't struck me before - namely that Tull were deeply conservative (in the technical sense of the word). Their vision was primarily anchored in the past. You could add Tolkien and Thomas Hardy to your list of literary touchstones. Both reveling in the countryside and unhappy with the encroachment of modernity. When the present does intrude it is generally not in a good way.

[@scottmcrae3355]

Great video on one of my favourite bands. Very close to my ranking as well. Brick, Minstrel, Passion, Wood, Aqualung, Horses, Stand Up, Benefit, Stormwatch,,Warchild,R’N’R, Debut

[@richienaso6265]

Jethro Tull, the man that invented the seed drill, also started the industrial revolution with his invention. I never considered the significance of that before hearing Andy speak about the perspective of Ian Anderson's world view.

[@WelshVegan]

Brilliant video Andy! What a band they were in the 70's!!! The first LP I got by Tull was Heavy Horses right after it came out. The playing and arrangements on that album are astonishing. It's so very English and folky, like Fairport Convention played by the best prog players on earth. Possibly my fave Tull LP. Minstrel and Songs From also. How did Ian write all those LP's by himself? Also, he's an incredible acoustic guitarist. IMO an underrated band in the prog world.

[@georgivaramezov9939]

Great! Definitely one of the greatest bands! And I think A Passion play is the real beginning of progressive metal.Thanks!

[@georgivaramezov9939]

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