Classical Composer Reacts to Thick As A Brick - Part 1 (Jethro Tull) | The Daily Doug (Episode 181)

[@TheMUSICHEART]

I saw them perform this in 1972. Because of the hysterically entertaining stage show, Thick As A Brick, had to be 2 hours or more. There was 15 minute standing ovation and when we quieted down, Ian approached the microphone and said, "For our second song...." Another standing ovation.

[@LarryWilcox-zj4qq]

I also saw them in 70 when they took the stage and said. We're gonna do a new thing for you Hope you like it. And it was the entire concert, but They did do 4 songs from aqualung for ancore.

[@winter383]

Saw the same show...Philly on Friday, Hershey on Saturday. 💥❤️‍🔥💥

[@thomasdean6726]

Me too

[@Kuchenwurst]

It is such a pity that there seem to be no recordings of those concerts in existence - neither in audio nor video form. I would have loved to experience one of those concerts. Sadly, I wasn't even remotely born back then. And then I missed the TAAB2 tour. Screw me 😢

[@GiovanniDiGregorio]

No jokes: Thick As A Brick is one of the masterpieces of XXth century and of the history of music.

[@Dioclau7843]

Yes, it IS a MASTERPIECE indeed! Absolutely AWESOME!

[@brianalpert2383]

My dad was a music teacher who grew up in the big band era. I had the hardest time getting him to appreciate anything from my era - which was the 1970s. He even wrote off Close to the Edge, saying that "they're all good pros", but he wasn't impressed musically. That changed when he heard Thick as a Brick. He was blown away by Jethro Tull's use of Renaissance musical styles, and from that point on, Jethro Tull could do no wrong. You brought back a lot of memories for me. Love your channel.

[@richardtodd6843]

That's almost the same reaction my father had. He was a scientist who was big on classical music. He preferred Tull to Yes, describing it as being less repetitive, but it also had a more classical sound.

[@seanbeadles7421]

What about gentle giant? They were amazingly medieval

[@NuntiusLegis]

Your dad was spot on.

[@freak49]

My dad also played in the big band era. He didn't care much for genres as much as "Are they accomplished musicians?" That was the only thing that mattered.

[@weewilly49]

Your story put tears in my eyes. To have someone so accomplished as your Dad, understand, as I have, the incredible musical genius that is Ian Anderson, is truly heart warming!

[@KCFlyer2]

Almost 50 years later - I can still sing along to this song. The words just come to me. One of the best songs ever.

[@dawnpericles1136]

Me too…I was just thinking that. I’m sure I haven’t heard it in 50 years but the words are still in me.

[@michaelamor3164]

@@dawnpericles1136 Same to both of you. How on earth do we keep the words like that? I wonder if my wife would divorce me if I said I wanted the entire album played at my funeral 😲

[@timmahoney2541]

@@michaelamor3164 I can still remember my mother's drivers license number, just from hearing her say it out loud for the cashier to write on her check at the grocery store, and that was almost 60 years ago. yet I keep forgetting my neighbors name and he has told it to me at least a half a dozen times over the last few years. The # is B1260803, by the way. The human mind is an odd an amazing thing.

[@timmahoney2541]

@@michaelamor3164 I'd be more concerned she might hasten your demise just to hear it again. :)

[@zerep11]

Same here 👍

[@pseudomass]

I saw Tull on this tour. they played the entire TAAB. 45 minutes later, Ian said, "and for our next number..." I was 15 and in awe.

[@raycummings8754]

I saw that tour as well. Ian used the same line and it got a big laugh. I have told that story many times over the years. What a show! I think he was on one foot for half those 45 minutes!

[@jimcorless6194]

I was i Phoenix saw the Frogman

[@TiltCntrlz]

Yeah I saw TAAB 1 & 2 live. To be fair, they also played Locomotive Breath as the encore. Almost 2 hours of pure goodness. And 3 whole songs, basically?

[@CharlieVanDiver]

The next number was Aqualung. I saw them in St Petersburg. One of the best shows I ever saw.

[@t.stephengardner8151]

I saw this tour shortly after it's release. This was my first concert as a teen. Of course I was blown away! Golden Earring opened the show and Jethro Tull went to after 1am. HOOKED!!

[@cjshardcorepunkmusicvault8474]

The world over Martin Barre has never got the recognition to the awesomeness of his guitar virtuoso. Severely underrated.

[@makelikeatree1696]

100%. His solos are blistering.

[@RayCase]

Definitely in my top 5 and often at #1!!

[@Bobbyrockbrazil]

Agreed!

[@brianalpert2383]

Very true!

[@AeoLynx_]

Completely agree! I got to see Martin and his band on tour a few years ago, and they tore the house down. They seemed surprised to see me there when I went to the merch table afterwards though; I was the only young person there. Wish it wasn't such a surprise to see young people at such good shows.

[@saboabbas123]

this is a masterpeice. Ian Anderson is a musical genius.

[@markdess4813]

Absolutely … couldn’t say it better!!

[@bigtwit799]

so was Jethro Tull though.

[@bigtwit799]

he went on to form Anderson Lake and Palmer of course.

[@williamsporing1500]

There wasn’t a slouch in that band….

[@Ozarkprepper643]

Yes he was. And with all the greats that were in like say Tommy's rock opera. That whole LP could not hold a candle to this one song. Knew nearly 50 years ago this music would stand the test of time.

[@AlbrechtHMaas]

The most astonishing thing is, that Jethro Tull was able to play this "suite" live on stage. I've seen them, it was so emotional, brought me to tears!

[@suzannebenton8329]

Ditto!

[@chriswalker5979]

@The Paradox Destroyer -- At the Melbourne, Australia concert, that phone rang just as they hit the 5/4 riff after the opening acoustic section. After his phone conversation, Ian Anderson walked back to the mic and said "There is an urgent telephone message for a Mr. Mike Nelson*, if he is in the audience. Apparently, there is a fish on the line." And one beat after he said the word "line," the band launched straight into the 5/4 riff again at full volume. Then, during that instrumental part, someone in a full wetsuit, flippers, mask and scuba tanks walked right across the stage and took the phone call. Later, during the break between the halves of the piece (where you'd turn the record over), the band took a break during which Ian Anderson, dressed in a 2½m tall rabbit suit, became Dr. Farley Ruskin, and presented the news and weather, before resuming the piece. Incredible staging of the song. *Mike Nelson was the name of the character played by Lloyd Bridges in the TV series Sea Hunt back in the day.

[@dpcannon]

I met the band on radio contest. I scored best on their Tull test (administered by the band) and won. Traded my free seats for front row seats and dinner with the band. Ian's band are the nicest guys you ever met. Martin is a sweetheart. Ian wouldn't give me more time than a sign Album. Concert: Stormwatch

[@bradalker5332]

You were lucky Albrecht. My favorite Tull album. I could kick my self for not seeing them back in the late 70s. It's an astonishing LP. I love Anderson's lyrics and playing. Martin Barre is phenomenal.

[@domsisti]

Amazing performers. Life highlight: I saw them at the Tower Theater in Upper Darby, PA had a beer with Dave Pegg at the bar next door after the show. I was too star struck to say much.

[@averyhappycamper4533]

In the spring of 1972 I was doing advanced training in San Diego and one weekend I discovered this album in the rack in the Navy Exchange. I knew Tull but hadn’t heard that a new release was out. I bought it, of course. Over the next three years this recording was played hundreds of times in Nam and later aboard ships off the coast. It was one of the few pieces that could adsorb my attention, relax me, and let me feel human again. Dirty, scratched, worn, warped: this masterpiece earned my respect and awe, one of the few scared veterans that I maintained contact with after returning to the world. Somewhere along the path of life I later lost that beat up recording. I haven’t heard it even mentioned in decades. Listening to it just now was like meeting up with a long lost friend. Needless to say I’ve been weeping and very emotional this last hour. It’s been therapeutic. I find I’m still as intrigued by the instruments, the arrangements, and the musicianship as I once was. I’m going to play it again right now, and anticipate eagerly part two! I’ve just subbed to your channel. Thank you for covering the first half un-interrupted.

[@dennisgschmidt6167]

Grand Funk, I'm getting closer to my home, played on the ships " radio ". Down in the engine room for me. Ain't nothin like the 4 to 8 watch for a month at a time. Later transfered to POL division, what a relief.

[@gregorywilliams5105]

Thank you for your service. I am fascinated by the complexity of this masterpiece.

[@mwales2112]

As a teen in the 70's and growing up with the greatest music ever recorded this is still as amazing as it was back then. Ian and Tull are so great....

[@markdrechsler5660]

Ian Anderson got sick of the press calling “Aqualung” (their fourth studio album) a concept album. So for their fifth, he wrote an actual concept album. Others have mentioned the original, fold-out newspaper record sleeve. The headline story is that an eight year old boy, nicknamed “little Milton,” had just won a prestigious prize for his epic poem, “Thick as a Brick.” The lyrics are presented as the actual text of the poem, which so inspired Jethro Tull that they wrote music to accompany the poem. There’s even a review of the album published in the paper. You noted the cleverness and humor of the lyrics, and the newspaper is full of that too.

[@Feathermason]

..then theres the chick,on the LP cover slightly lifting her skirt..hehe..naughty Tull lads...

[@leonardmoorey1146]

The St Cleve Chronicle story was about Little Milton Bostok who wrote poetry with his friend, Julia (the girl giving the up the dress shot in the photo) having their winning the poetry contest for their epic poem being revoked. Because it was determined that the epic poem was just a lot of shorter poems strung together. Many program's rockers of the day said that you can join any two or more pieces of music together no matter how disparate they were. So Ian Anderson did just that. Just like Little Milton, to spoof the whole program rock genre. The irony is that in doing that, he created one of the finest programs rock albums ever made.

[@leonardmoorey1146]

My stupid phone changed all the "prog rocks" to "program rocks".

[@markdrechsler5660]

@@leonardmoorey1146 thanks for the refresher. It’s been about 15 years since my vinyl copy got stolen. I forgot that the prize had been revoked.

[@leonardmoorey1146]

I lost mine in the late '70's or early '80's.

[@Farkurnell]

I’m almost 60. I’ve listened to this album from the time it was released. There are passages throughout the album that can bring me to tears. It evokes so much emotion. I’m almost drained by the time side 2 is finished. It’s a good feeling though and I’ll love this album until the day I’m 6 foot under. Matter of fact I may take it with me.

[@capcompass9298]

Waste of a good album, but excellent sentiment.

[@mikeroa2142]

I’ll meet you with my Tull favs. We’ll be in heaven!

[@GTLyons]

same here...

[@ThePrion23]

the 'Do you believe in the Day...' just wrecks me... born in '62 here bro!

[@capcompass9298]

@@ThePrion23 Me too.

[@raffinicoghosian8699]

I have listened to this hundreds of times, and every time I am astonished at its brilliance. Anderson is really on a different level.

[@randallparker8477]

Ian Anderson is a "classically" influenced, multi instrument virtuoso, that has a big vaudvillian style showmanship. A poet, a troubadour, a bard.

[@george474747]

...and the biological father of Guthrie Govan, surely!

[@MarkoMakela-kk7qf]

And you forgot:A ladies man too...

[@muzikdude1188]

One of the few extended play tracks from that time period that I can listen to end to end and not get bored. Every interlude leaves you eagerly waiting for what's next. A true masterpiece.

[@rocix.1647]

I'd like to thank Little Milton for this august piece.

[@u.v.s.5583]

I always read only the sports section.

[@arbonne1805]

The default viewer for KZbin has Doug's pic right next to the 'Little Milton in schoolgirl pregnancy row' story. Just sayin...

[@duncanparsons]

what's happening with the We At Her today?

[@SirJoszef]

@Terry Murray. It's a girl with lingerie! 😄😄

[@capcompass9298]

He was one hell of a goer.

[@davidbarker77]

This is one of those albums that will be relevant 50 years from now as it was almost 50 years ago. Brilliant musicianship. Once again appreciate your insights into the artistry. Thanks, Doug.

[@standbyukrain]

Every thing flows so naturally and organically in this masterpiece!

[@cheezypoofkc673]

I've had pretty much every note of this song memorized since the mid 70's but I can't remember what I had for lunch yesterday.

[@bigtwit799]

you're past it

[@mbh2743]

Tull, Moody Blues, The Who, Floyd etc all made their albums to be listened to from start to finish. The best way to experience them. One of my Fav for Tull is a little know piece ....Jethro Tull's christmas song......amazing story

[@gregorywilliams5105]

A Christmas Song - great lyrics! I also love the musical intro. It makes me feel like a dark winter night.

[@Bogie3855]

I would have to agree, completely off the farm from everything he has done. Sweet tune.

[@thelonesomefisherman7425]

The first few lines and melody bars are from a traditional Christmas Carol. "Once in royal David's city. Stood a lowly cattle shed. Where a mother held her baby." After that, Ian writes his own lyrics.

[@davidgale7384]

What a year for incredible music. Close To The Edge(Yes), Trilogy(Emerson Lake and Palmer), First Base (Babe Ruth), Octopus (Gentle Giant).... We were blessed.

[@Qwalnuts]

Foxtrot (Genesis) as well

[@paulnichols1718]

Trilogy was a masterpiece. The best of ELP.

[@chriscrawford1958]

Yes we were!!!! They really should bring back Ludes. They made the music even better!

[@morrisshaw]

i remember babe ruth playing our local hall in a remote west coast of scotland small seaside town, near the place mccartney wrote about the mist rolling in from the sea, like the afternoon in the 1990's when it was so dense the chinook helicopter flying from ireland went head first into the hill above the lighthouse. was really thick at sea that day. my older brother had gone to see babe ruth and we had the big tour poster for first base on the bedroom wall, three or four years later we'd be playing to over 600 regularly in the same hall and to this day i've still never heard any of their stuff, they were obviously not very successful if they were playing our town, next outside band to play locally were a band called joe lethal, a three piece from irvine and then the brilliant runrig who were doing their very first scottish tour. a long way from the 60's when big bands of the day regularly played, not the beatles or stones but mannfred man played the town the same night the charts announced that they were number one with doo wha diddy, these days they have two music festivals with the one in august featuring bands like deacon blue and thte stranglers, not forgetting the visits from old steak and kidney himself, sydney devne who we lost not long ago, mr entertainment himself

[@fathervideo454]

If you look at what came out in 71, 72, 73, we grew up in an amazing era of music. 71 is Aqualung, Fragile, Led Zep IV, unreal…

[@roseypeach8363]

Ian Anderson has an awesome voice for rock. So did Greg Lake from Emerson, Lake and Palmer.

[@yummybeers]

I keep being surprised to not see Greg Lake rated as one of rock’s greatest singers. Excellent bass player too.

[@AnthonyStJames]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/i2eQgXSBhNlqqa8

[@ajerarajones2670]

Greg Lake is a god

[@raytrevor1]

Doug mentions the dynamic contrast. That was something I really noticed in their live performances. Much more than on recordings. They were wonderful live - I was lucky enough to see them half a dozen times. From incredibly loud rock to acoustic and back again in a few notes. The band was very tight and changes were instantaneous. I remember the band jumping in the air, as if surprised, when their loud notes interupted an acoustic section. They did have a sense of humour as well as brilliant music.

[@OutnBacker]

I saw Jethro Tull three times back in the day. Long before any digital mixing was done for live shows, these guys sounded absolutely perfect. Very tight and crisp. Total pros.

[@lynnasche5147]

I’m a flute player enamored with Tull,…..have learned some of the flute parts and can say they’re not that easy. I have the utmost respect for Ian Anderson and the band’s superb musicianship !!!

[@millsrickman7703]

I was shocked to hear when they did isle of wight in 1970, he'd only been playing 2-3 years!

[@bp8339]

"Nothings Easy"

[@timothypachonka8642]

His right pinkie finger is also non usable. He learned to play like that with a 3 finger hand, self taught.

[@fw1421]

Ian is a self taught flutist.

[@reinaldofavoreto7160]

The most complex Jethro Tull album I believe is "Ministrel in the Gallery" - that also my favorite. "Passion Play" is my second favorite

[@perrypitre8720]

Side 2 of Minstrel is a work of art. Genius.

[@timwalsh2652]

I can’t get out!

[@StevenSFermat]

Minstrel is one of my favorites too.

[@jawoody9745]

I find "A Passion Play" to be just as rich as "a Brick." The same type of musical genius on display.

[@coachhannah2403]

I think PP was the time I stopped following them. Too pretentious. I prefer their old blues material best. JMNSHO

[@ArielRodriguezVannini]

Now we go for A Passion Play, Doug, you are da man!!!!!!!!

[@stpnwlf9]

As amazing as the recording is, watching them do this live or even the abbreviated performances, is amazing! Ian Anderson is more than a musician. He is a master performer.

[@mcwulf25]

Yes they usually just meld together about 10 minutes of the album when they play it live. But I saw them play the full album on the 50th anniversary tour with TAAB2 after the interval. Ian shared vocal duties with a young singer.

[@tacoscamp]

It's always fun to watch subject matter experts at work. People like Doug are a breath of fresh air. We need more like him!

[@McZorr0101]

I was just 12 when I went along with my, slightly older, friends to see Jethro Tull on their Thick as a Brick tour. To reflect the spoof local newspaper album sleeve, they had a set of elaborate stage routines with band members and roadies in costumes. This, apparently, varied every night of the tour. It was a phenomenal concert experience. The next time I had enough money to buy an album I bought Thick as a Brick and played it endlessly and, therefore, became very familiar with it. Apart from anything else, it was interesting to watch someone being surprised by some of the changes in musical flow at the piece progressed. Later in life, when I met the girl who was to become my wife, one of the points of connection was that she had also been to the Thick as. a Brick tour, but in another city. This connection is particularly poignant for me just now as my wife died earlier this year. I have no doubt that I will have a mixture of tears and joy when I put on my 5.1 surround mix of Thick as a Brick this evening. My neighbours are very understanding about loud music and this will need to be played quite loud today! Do find the time to react to react to Part 2 soon

[@pasttenseSara]

The first time I heard this .. I about cried! The seventy-billionth time I've listen to this masterpiece, I am still amazed at how fresh I find this piece! Thanks to Paige for introducing me to Ian and the boys. I am forever in your debt!!!!

[@davidgranger6617]

This lasted 60 minutes live in 1972 with the addition of an organ solo and a recitation of the news in the middle. Then Ian would humorously say, " And now for our second number...."

[@TiltCntrlz]

I saw Ian Anderson perform Thick as a Brick in its entirety, and also Thick as a Brick 2. And then they did an encore. Locomotive Breath. 1 live show... 2 hours... 3 songs!

[@ptrlxc]

Lol

[@535mash]

Saw them in 72 and remember him saying that! It did seem like an hour.

[@TiltCntrlz]

@the zixl Did The Eagles play "We Used To Know"?

[@TiltCntrlz]

@the zixl I know. That was my joke.

[@tonyspro]

Martin Barre is up there with Gary Green and Alex Lifeson as the most criminally under rated guitarists, prog or not

[@rickpinkston9404]

Barre is the very best in his vein.

[@freespeech4all757]

Brilliant on "To Cry You a Song"

[@christopherbako]

The entire album was an absolute masterpiece.

[@sadi0807]

was? it IS

[@tomscott4438]

Saw this live in concert and then Passion Play. They played it from start to finish. Amazing. We honestly thought this was how music should be. Had no idea how special it was until much later. They way they seamlessly flowed from rock to jazz to classical and back was just what we thought music was. I still have an 8-track of this.

[@MrArpSolina]

Who wants Mike Oldfield - Tubular Bells to be reviewed?

[@garyvanremortel5218]

Wind Chimes.

[@aindriubradleymarshall6226]

MOs first four albums would be great.

[@amarok9097]

I'm waiting for someone to have a go at the eclectic genius of Amarok

[@garyvanremortel5218]

@@amarok9097 You know, I really think I could dance...

[@stevebinning977]

I like "Tubular Bells", a truly groundbreaking album, however my favourite Mike Oldfield album is "Incantations".

[@tessjuel]

14:35 "I often tell this to my composition students when they're orchestrating: Not very often does the orchestra all play at once" That's very well said and this is a very common problem when composers write orchestral arrangements for pop and rock songs. The orchestration here is by Dee Palmer (or rather David Palmer since it was before her SRS), one of the very, very few who has mastered the art of orchestration for a band. She hadn't formally joined the band yet (she did four years later as a second keyboardist) but I think she and John Evan (the amazing keyboard player who is also classically trained) had a huge influence on how the band thought about instrumentation.

[@Juergen1ist]

You mentioned "british humor", I suggest taking a bit of time reading the whole "St Cleve Chronicle" (the cover). Example: there's a death announcement of someone and an ad somewhere else for selling a used suit - both with the same address

[@tacituskilgore3314]

That's all well and good, but who's Fluffy the Duck talking to? 😉

[@edwardthorne9875]

There was also the dog who soiled the actor's shoe, and if I am not misaken, the Do Not See Me rabbit.

[@SirJoszef]

Not to mention the silly puzzle (or cross words) that never gets anywhere.

[@bustedfender]

Lost: large emperor penguin, answers to the name of Gerald.

[@cpdaddy7]

Will St Cleve Fennel again?!

[@cyberacha5931]

This amazing Album is 70s British Rock perfection. Been enjoying this album for almost 50 years, I still get goosebumps whenever I hear it. All the Players play their parts to perfection, truly an eternal masterpiece

[@raybin6873]

My gawd....to hear this album again! Brings back sweet memories! The world was a better place back then. I still have this album. 😁👍

[@NelsonMontana1234]

Now keep in mind how long ago this was. Tull started as a respectable jazzy blues rock band and morphed into a unique ensemble with overtones 18th century European folk music. And then, a couple of years later ...this. A prog masterpiece. And every bit of it written by Ian Anderson. He is quite the talent.

[@donrobbie1461]

When I saw the band live on the Thick as a brick tour at Birmingham Town Hall all the sound and stage crew wore brown full length coats. When the band came on unannounced they also wore the same coats and calmly walked on stage hung up coats on a coat stand and only then we realised they had arrived! Brilliant

[@osoabd]

Another masterpiece of the 70´s era. Again, a band definitively delivering music in their unique own style. As almost all thebands in that period, nobody wants to sound like anybody else. And Ian Anderson and his partners in crime just did it! Amazing stuff. Greetings from Bariloche, Patagonia, Argentina, in our Independence Day! Alejandro Bianco Dubini saying goodnight!

[@gsam_dad5540]

Back in the 70s there was still a spirit of progression & innovation in music, the variety available was mind-boggling & bands developed over years of touring & maturing. Jethro Tull were unique in sound & performance & I miss that in modern music. I hope you had a great independence day listening to classic tunes & of course maybe even a little tipple :)

[@nbt3663]

This is not for the faint of heart. Amazing Ian Anderson. Simply Amazing.

[@joparker8325]

I completely stumbled upon this clip (complete Till fan here) it was amazing watching your reactions and responses as you listened to the album, and the best bit for me was watching you get it! Thick as a brick is a total masterpiece.

[@timrinn3916]

First time I saw them was during the Bursting Out Tour. To this day I maintain that Barriemore Barlow was one of the best drummers I ever saw and is so very much underappreciated. The guy was a monster on the kit. Was also so well miked you could hear everything he was doing. Still one of the best shows I was fortunate to see. And that was a time when we got to experience the likes of Yes, Genesis, ELP, Sabbath, Purple, Zappa, etc etc. What a time to be a music fan eh? Jean Luc Ponty was one that I never forgot as well.

[@Buskieboy]

I've always thought that Mr. Anderson sings like a minstrel and would be quite comfortable singing to Kings and Queens in their various courts back years ago.

[@gardenannex]

You must get the vinyl cover, so funny for Brits, parody of a small town newspaper where the main story was about rabbits...note the family names. Ian Anderson was and still is brilliant

[@cheezencrackers]

I was lucky enough to see them perform this piece at the Chicago Stadium in 1972.

[@johnf7683]

Would love to see a review of Jethro Tull's "Skating Away on the thin ice of a New Day". It's an incredible piece, with layered music with multiple different instruments!

[@gsam_dad5540]

That song is one their true greats, love the lyrics & the way the sound builds up verse by verse...plus of course the very British opening bit with the tea lady & office worker :)

[@colleenmcdonald2844]

That song doesn't get enough love. Gorgeous in every sense.

[@sadsack1956]

Second that nomination!! Great music and words!

[@REDJR22]

Thank you so much for this reaction!! In my youth few agreed with my feeling that this was a real gem. Fortunately my parents indulged my need to hear this and allowed countless hours of my listening and singing. Hearing it today has been a pleasure and I realize that I now have an even greater appreciation for its makeup and musicianship. I look forward to part two. Now a subscriber, thanks!

[@wolfertrose8981]

you've missed the other best part about jethro tull it's the live performance , ian anderson is undoubtedly one of the best music performers i've seen in my lifetime

[@anjizetland-von-kiesel3346]

Couldn't agree more. I have seen them so many times and they never disappoint. Ian has the "gift of the gab" for sure. Great entertainers and awesome music.

[@nikelodeon6852]

This is the studio version...

[@anjizetland-von-kiesel3346]

@@nikelodeon6852 I know. I was just pointing out how good they are live and to see them doing this song in particular because of the length of it you wonder where Ian gets his energy from. Amazing.

[@teggie6853]

As a person who loves melody variations in music, even with absolutely no understanding of theory, I appreciate your way of breaking down a song.

[@ozuidema]

A fifty year old epic and still as powerful and meaningful as ever. Thanks again, Doug, for your wonderful insights!

[@alanp.1402]

Oooooh boy, was waiting for this! Thanks Doug!

[@Ferretbomber]

Thank you so much for doing this, been waiting a long time. I really hope you enjoy Jethro Tull, to me they are the best band ever, and this is one of the greatest album ever made.

[@Bucketbothead007]

Pure genius, just brilliant songwriting here & top-notch performances by all involved. Jeffrey's basslines are awesome! Some later cd editions of this album have a 16+ min. interview with Ian, Martin & Jeffrey. It's on YT.

[@garyweinstein7387]

Anderson’s explosive genius; a hundred musical ideas in an unending slipstream. Unparalleled. Unequaled. Got to see them perform this in 1972.

[@BostonWhistler1]

The depth in the music of this album never ceases to amaze me. This is music that can easily be listened to again and again, even for weeks on end. Every member of the band puts in an amazing performance - and the amazing thing is that they didn't lose any of that depth, precision or expressiveness when they did this live!

[@meowzebub9667]

That last section was a clever way to maintain continuity between the two sides of the record, fading out like that into the silence of the time it takes you to flip the record over then fading back in at the beginning of side 2. It helps make it feel more like one long song.

[@arcticflying]

I am so glad to see some people discovering this kind of gems nowadays. They played it live as well and precisely as the recording, perfect in every respect. I am fortunate to have grown up when this was taking place. This was the beauty of the 70's. Cheers.

[@5050spec]

"Thick As A Brick (Part 1)" Really don't mind if you sit this one out My words but a whisper, your deafness a shout I may make you feel, but I can't make you think Your sperm's in the gutter, your love's in the sink So you ride yourselves over the fields And you make all your animal deals And your wise men don't know how it feels To be thick as a brick And the sand-castle virtues are all swept away In the tidal destruction the moral melee The elastic retreat rings the close of play As the last wave uncovers the new-fangled way But your new shoes are worn at the heels And your suntan does rapidly peel And your wise men don't know how it feels To be thick as a brick And the love that I feel is so far away: I'm a bad dream that I just had today And you shake your head and said, "It's a shame." Spin me back down the years and the days of my youth Draw the lace and black curtains and shut out the whole truth Spin me down the long ages: let them sing the song See there! A son is born And we pronounce him fit to fight There are black-heads on his shoulders And he pees himself in the night We'll make a man of him Put him to a trade Teach him to play Monopoly Not to sing in the rain The Poet and the Painter casting shadows on the water As the sun plays on the infantry returning from the sea The doer and the thinker. No allowance for the other As the failing light illuminates the mercenary's creed The home fire burning, the kettle almost boiling But the master of the house is far away The horses stamping, their warm breath clouding In the sharp and frosty morning of the day And the poet lifts his pen While the soldier sheaths his sword And the youngest of the family Is moving with authority Building castles by the sea He dares the tardy tide To wash them all aside The cattle quietly grazing at the grass down by the river Where the swelling mountain water moves onward to the sea The builder of the castles renews the age-old purpose And contemplates the milking girl whose offer is his need The young men of the household have all gone into service And are not to be expected for a year The innocent young master, thoughts moving ever faster Has formed the plan to change the man he seems And the poet sheaths his pen While the soldier lifts his sword And the oldest of the family Is moving with authority Coming from across the sea He challenges the son Who puts him to the run What do you do when the old man's gone? Do you want to be him? And your real self sings the song Do you want to free him? No one to help you get up steam And the whirlpool turns you way off-beam I've come down from the upper class to mend your rotten ways My father was a man of power whom everyone obeyed So, come on, all you criminals! I've got to put you straight Just like I did with my old man twenty years too late Your bread and water's going cold Your hair is short and neat I'll judge you all and make damn sure That no-one judges me You curl your toes in fun As you smile at everyone You meet the stares You're unaware that your doings aren't done And you laugh most ruthlessly As you tell us what not to be But how are we supposed to see Where we should run? I see you shuffle in the courtroom With your rings upon your fingers And your downy little sidies And your silver-buckle shoes Playing at the hard case You follow the example Of the comic-paper idol Who lets you bend the rules So, come on, ye childhood heroes! Won't you rise up from the pages of your comic-books Your super crooks And show us all the way Well, make your will and testament Won't you join your local government We'll have Superman for president Let Robin save the day You put your bet on number one And it comes up every time The other kids have all backed down And they put you first in line And so you finally ask yourself just how big you are And you take your place in a wiser world of bigger motor cars Now you wonder who to call on So, where the hell was Biggles when you needed him last Saturday? And where were all the sportsmen who always pulled you through? They're all resting down in Cornwall Writing up their memoirs For a paper-back edition Of the Boy Scout Manual

[@manlioyllades]

I used to know the lyrics by heart, lol

[@jeannemacaluso162]

Thanks!

[@5050spec]

@@jeannemacaluso162 You're welcome.

[@calummcgregor3662]

Really helped to have lyrics on tap as the song progressed ... thank you ... first time I have actually listened properly to the lyrics ... after 40 plus years of listening....!!

[@5050spec]

@@calummcgregor3662 You're welcome.

[@nickrice7535]

A great album and a different path taken from such a diverse group of musicians. Jethro Tull rocked in so many different ways.

[@grahammcarthur1794]

I saw them live in 1972, 1974 and 1975. It was always mind blowing. Fantastic band.

[@robertochiang8057]

Thanks, once more, Doug for "enhance" my experience of listening one of my all time favorite songs. I still got the L.P. (the one in the 12x16, inch, 16 pages cover, bought on 1972) and also the CD (maybe I should go for the Steve Wilson edition). I once had the opportunity to ask Ian Anderson about "Gerald Bostock" (the 8 year old supposed author of the lyrics) and he replied laughing: "He is like I was as a kid, a pain in the ass".

[@belin-teamdjokovic1628]

1967-1973 (with some afterglow in 1974) was the golden age of rock.

[@musiclover9519]

I bought this album 49 years ago, played it once through and never got into it at all. I now realise it's one of JT's best and thank Doug for bringing this realisation to me.

[@professionnel111]

It is definitely my favourite Doug's reaction! Love it.

[@victoriagrove5344]

This is brilliant. My background was classical violin. I think that is why Jethro Tull music appeals to me so much. The music is more complex and balanced than most rock music. I am a fan of all JT albums, including “Benefit” The other element of this group is their stage performances. Ian Anderson is a master on the stage.

[@kathleenyohn6237]

Thank you for bringing this incredible album back in to the public limelight. It was brilliant and so relevant then, and still is today.

[@arpeggioblues5924]

Check out early Emerson, Lake and Palmer; "Three Fates", "Trilogy" , "Endless Enigma" "Pictures at an Exhibition (Mussorgsky)"

[@garyvanremortel5218]

In the burning, all our yearning, for life to be...

[@osoabd]

EL&P is a must! And the next one MUST be TRILOGY...and then the other tunes as well

[@MrMolkmolk]

@@reliantncc1864 Pirates has to be their most overlooked song, the orchestra + rock band arrangement is absolutely stunning.

[@standbyukrain]

NO WAY...!!!! You´re doing Jethro Tull...??? Amazing..!!

[@stucclikechucc]

my first concert at 12 years old was jethro tull one of the greatest experiences of my life and i will never forget it, at 13 my dad took me to see motley crue not 10 minutes inside i heard him say i shouldnt of brought you here. lolol i was like im glad you did dad hahahaha

[@fionawatson7691]

Ian Anderson's ability to conjure a perfect picture from the absolute minimum of lyrics is very underrated. "Up the pool" is a genius example too.

[@GOSH1406]

one of the greatest bands of all time! really enjoyed every second watching this!

[@Brian-tb1zs]

I have Tull albums Songs from the Wood, Aqualung, and Heavy Horses. You would enjoy those. I learned something today, I didn’t know the song Thick as a Brick was so long ! So many great and different riffs , just pick one to run through your mind throughout any wonderful day. Thanks Doug !

[@TiltCntrlz]

A Passion Play, released a year later, is just as long. Same thing, 1 song, 1 album. But it's probably a lot more complex.

[@Magnum_Opus_1124]

@@TiltCntrlz Which is one reason why I like it more than Thick as a Brick.

[@Magnum_Opus_1124]

@Bookhouse Boy A Passion Play is my number one JT album as well. I got into it right away, unlike Thick as a Brick. It took me a few times to like TAAB. I still like it, but not as much as APP.

[@onusgumboot5565]

@Bookhouse Boy I liked a passion play, but they could have left out that whole "The hare who lost his spectacles" section. It's the reason I didn't listen to that side so much. Too much trouble trying to skip past it. I was in danger of damaging the record, the needle, or both.

[@martybartfast]

I watched this concert live in 1972 in Brisbane, Australia... Ian Anderson was wearing a belt with a long chain (I think) hanging in front of him which he thrust forward a couple of times and said: "This is rather a lengthy piece..." and hammered into the entire record - both sides. Imagine that two-beat perc part thumping from a stack on one side of the stage to a stack on the other. I saw them three other times subsequently and was NEVER disappointed. I will _NEVER_ forget that concert. 😎😎

[@user-uw4wb7qo3i]

Love Martin Barre guitarist for Tull. He said once that if the guitar solo didn't come along quick enough, it became a flute solo.

[@anatoliyzhalnin8393]

How I love Jethro Tull, that took its' name after an agronomist, who revolutionized agriculture.

[@Eleventhearlofmars]

Seed drill inventor.

[@martinmay8919]

@@Eleventhearlofmars They never got invited back after a gig, so would change their name to get another gig. As Jethro Tull they actually were asked back, so the name stuck!

[@jointstrike2]

this album pure genius..."he dares the tardy tide to wash them all aside." NO ONE writes music like this anymore.

[@GreggOliverBass]

This was a real touchstone for me when it first came out. I used to play it through and doing so taught me a lot

[@josephlicano8701]

Thank you so much for doing this one! One of my favorite songs of all time. So progressive, heavy, and beautiful.

[@Merkava56]

I love this channel, to relive my glory days with an experts commentary is fascinating, plus I'm a huge Tull fan.

[@keithhart3689]

Saw them do it live on second date of north American tour at WVU in 1972 they did this album as 1 song took a brake and came back and played all their greats for the 1 2/2 hours total show about 3 -4 hours well worth the $4 tickets!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@nyrocks5580]

The best reaction I've seen of one of the greatest albums in rock history. Bravo.

[@joethomas1146]

nearly 50 years and I never get tired of Thick as a Brick. Loving this commentary

[@dpmarc131061]

Please react to The Snow Goose by Camel another epic rock symphony of the '70s

[@87mini]

I had every Camel Album. There was a small group of us who were devotees - all musicians.

[@dpmarc131061]

@@87mini I'm not a musician but I love Camel , I'm 60 year old and I have the Snow Goose vinyl album that I bought when I was still high school in yhe 70's . Pure poetry.

[@gsam_dad5540]

Great call, I have the vinyl & .flac versions of this masterpiece & listen when I need to close my mind to the minutiae of modern living & transport myself back to the days when I had hair & thought the world was my proverbial oyster :)

[@CynicalTesuji]

One of my earliest introductions to Jethro Tull was finding the lyrics of "Slipstream" in one of my father's college poetry books- not handwritten in, but printed as part of the introduction. Later I found the Thick As a Brick vinyl in my uncle's collection, and I've been hooked ever since.

[@krouac]

My introduction to Thick as a Brick changed my life in a huge way. I spent decades following Tull live and have seen their amazing performances in everything from stadiums to the Boston Music Hall and they are without question the most amazing live band I have ever heard. While I understand my age plays a part here, Ian Anderson and Jethro Tull were the cream of the progressive rock crop and the best live performance I ever saw. All from the moment that I heard "really don't mind if you sit this one out"

[@petesmith6213]

Many don't know the origins of the name Jethro Tull. He was the fellow who invented the seed drill circa 1700. The band got the name when their early manager picked it at random. While almost all bands would create and record songs that were 3-4 minutes long in order to get radio play, Ian Anderson did everything different. A single song 42 minutes long was unheard of. This one evokes fond memories of ingesting a little mind bending chemistry, attaching a premium pair of headphones to the ears, and laying on a sofa spending the most relaxing times of my life. At 74, I'm ready to do it again.

[@zaobixurenfieldgaming4790]

The Musical Box by Genesis is a great song -lyrically one of the darkest songs of their entire career and musically fantastic as always

[@fraters3025]

I implore you to hear the opener/title track of Jethro Tull's "Songs From the Wood". You will not be disappointed.

[@drewk1955]

Jethro Tull is the only music when I was in high school tt my mom would sit down and listen too.. She hated everything else. lol

[@dharmadove]

Saw Tull five times, this release, live. One of their best....

[@chuntophilus]

Incredible album. It’s complex and layered and just about accessible enough for common folk like me to get into listening to the whole album uninterrupted in one sitting.

[@shawnnorton2674]

Excellent as always, brings back fond memories. Jethro Tull was the first band I saw live. Amusing aside the first copy of his record I bought had two side ones, of course I returned it but the value it would have today is unknown. Thanks Doug.

[@mikeroa2142]

Tull was my first live show. A very high mark to meet since.

[@Thadmotor1044]

AWESOME !. Once again groundbreaking from Jethro Tull ! 5 great groundbreaking LP s in a row . 5 great tours . I saw everyone and it was blow mind .

[@zerep11]

"Really don't mind, if you sit this one out..." AWESOME!

[@tixximmi]

The organ is a Melitron. Unique sound with spinning speakers. (or whatever you call them - the speed could be regulated)

[@hurdygurdyguy1]

I don't think so... John Evan was playing a Hammond organ that had the revolving speakers... no mention anywhere that a Melatron was used

[@richardtodd6843]

A couple things to point out about TAAB: 1] The great drumming. 2] The rhythm guitar chords often low in the mix. 3] Ian Anderson playing violin against flute in the "Come down from the upper class" section, and playing trumpets against flute in the "Boy Scout Manual" section. Those, along with the opening section that simultaneously has singing, flute and acoustic guitar would have been awfully hard to duplicate live. 4] The voice mixing which alternates from having Anderson's voice down the center and having it doubled and showing up separately on left and right.

[@sammarsh3679]

Martin plays flute on the beginning part, both on record and live, so they could do that bit just fine. not so the trumpets and violin.

[@allangmiller]

Some great bass work on it too. JHH a touch underrated IMO.

[@davidseres3030]

As a drummer, I will say that the drumming is quite creative and tight...many years later, Barriemore Barlow mentioned that he ~regretted (what he felt to be) his over-the-top drumming in his JT days...on this song I love it...