Jethro Tull: A Ranking | Deluxe Edition Box Sets

[@Patrick-sh9tt]

My first deluxe edition (SFTW) arrived today and I am still struggling to find words to describe it’s utter exquisiteness. Things will never be the same again.

[@sciwiz57]

Great job as usual. Songs From the Wood, Heavy Horses, and Stormwatch -best lineup, pinnacle of Tull - in my humble opinion

[@morrisanderson3180]

we think alike.

[@TZ1000-zu7ki]

I love these Tull box sets. I have them all and play them frequently. I did not initially buy the Thick as a Brick set since it didn't add anything in terms of music to the earlier digipak edition. But as the series of sets proceeded, it's absence stuck out like a missing incisor in a beautiful smile. By the time I acknowledged this fact, the set was way too expensive on the resale market. So you can imagine my joy when it was rereleased. The Broadsword and the Beast box set was indeed sublime and I suspect it may rank high on your list. And Anderson just announced that the next set will be Bursting Out! Anderson has been extremely generous with JT fans. These box sets and Dylan's Bootleg Series are the best of the various archive sets being released by classic rock bands. Tremendous value for money. And I greatly appreciate that the Tull sets are of a uniform size and format. They do look sharp on the shelf.

[@lifeinsurround]

A shout out on a favorite channel. Humbling, but always an honor. Love that you've covered these deluxe sets. They're among the greatest reissue values ever.

[@classicalbum]

My pleasure!

[@kayleenilsson3825]

As a fan who relatively recently discovered these must-have editions - _AND has made it a bold but dear life goal to get them all_ 😅 - I can't express enough how much I appreciate this video, thank you so much for sharing! IMO you can't possibly talk about and praise Tull enough so please do continue to tackle as many points/angles around this band/Ian as you like ✊😤✊

[@andrewhaddon7689]

It's a pity,a real pity they don't do a deluxe version of the Living In The Past compilation with the faux leather hardback sleeves and that can contain the Carnegie Hall concert.Anyway,I'm glad I got these when they first come out because they fetch eyewatering prices now.

[@rushbravado1972]

I hope they keep going and put out Broadsword, Under Wraps and Crest Of A Knave. They are well done sets and the extra material make them worth having

[@stephenfranklin8258]

Broadsword will certainly follow - I.A is already talking about the volume of material (a lot,) for next year.

[@hepstick]

I get the impression that Broadsword will be the last of them, but who knows? Would love to hear Under Wraps redone with acoustic drums, but what a massive project that would be!

[@tinostabile3256]

Hi Barry, I love them all. Missing a couple.... but I cannot make a list. Although Minstrel,. Songs, Heavy Horses, Stormwatch and Warchild are way up there. However, these are ahead of the game in terms of value and perfect book edition configurations. The way the LENNON reissues are perfect in sound.... these are just perfect in format. Although the LENNON catalog are being curated to perfection. Yep, I am already setting up my Go Fund Me page for the Broadsword glory to hit us soon. Keep them coming, Mr. Wilson, Mr. Anderson and Parlophone (Chrysalis). Thank you for this lovely exercise. God bless and keep well, Tino

[@aqualung4359]

Excellent reviews, and Broadsword has arrived!!!!!!! I have watched your review on it, Keep up the good work

[@LeeLucas]

These box sets simply cannot be beaten and like yourself, I have them all. Regarding Bursting Out most of it is already included in these box sets and I am pretty sure most of the live material that made up that double live album was from the Madison Square Garden gig which is either on Songs From The Wood or Heavy Horses. Oh, by the way, like I mentioned the album A was not my cuppa tea but I have to say the box set of it is superb and I love the 5.1 mixes done by Wilson of the album, Slipstream and the live LA Concert. You certainly get your monies worth I will give it that. Another super review here Barry...

[@melissakhalar1842]

Gosh you do a wonderful analysis of anything Jethro Tull, Thanks for doing the work for us it's greatly appreciated. I wish I'd been born rich instead of so good looking I then could afford everyone of their box sets. Lol. I must say that Songs From The Woods is probably my favorite most of the time as well.

[@classicalbum]

Thanks.

[@peggygallagher5802]

Loved that he dressed as a pauper. The dirty disturbing man he sang about. His character actually shared with us who he was. Just a poets perspective.

[@ejc636]

Hi Baz. Brilliant stuff as usual. Ian Anderson was on another steam and said Steve Wilson is going to remix BATB. He also said he has about 42 tracks in his personal collection that have not seen the light of day. YET. THANKS FOR THE CONTENT.

[@nolongerthere]

Thanks again, Barry! Excellent ranking video and it brings the music back, to my continual pleasure. Given the costs of these book sets, viewing this video is akin to dreaming along to travel and food documentaries, or architectural marvels. And that's a good thing!

[@classicalbum]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@independenceltd.]

I was actually listening to "Stormwatch" today ( the last several days, really). I also just got my copy of "A" so I feel I am adequately prepared for this excercise. Let me make a cheat sheet and I shall return.

[@frattonlad]

Broadly agree with this. These box sets turned me from a casual Tull listener to a fan. Bought Passion Play on a whim having only really got into TAAB and Aqualung beforehand and began to wonder why I'd overlooked this wonderful band! Bought the rest as they came out (glad about that now!) so I am only missing TAAB and Benefit. Favourite album and set is Songs From The Wood although A is a whole lot better than I was expecting after so many people over the years have told me to avoid it!

[@johnnyscarecrow71]

Very well done. Thanks for the rundown. I attempted this exercise myself about a week ago but gave up after realizing it was an impossible exercis. I do agree that TAAB likely suffers due to being among the first released of the sets. With TAAB, they were practically creating the template for what would come later with subsequent sets. I'll forgive them the shortcomings. Also, I can't rank "Benefit" because it hasn't received the proper book treatment just yet. Hopefully it will get the booklet treatment with, as you suggested, the complete Carnegie Hall show. Would be great as well if the Isle of Wight video could be included, assuming rights can be secured. Of course, Broadsword is shaping up to be an extra special release with and additional 15-20 more associated tracks. Do love everything about the booklet format except the rather brittle CD center tabs. When I ordered my Minstrel set, some of the tabs were broken during shipping. Minor complaint to be sure.

[@unchattytwit]

Ranking Deluxe edition box sets - great idea. Benefit's coming in the Autumn apparently. Broadsword next year. I'd also like to see 'Living in the Past' issued in Deluxe form.

[@CaptCutshaw]

I love how the lowest rankings aren't "These are the worst sets" but instead are "These are the least fabulously wonderful sets but still better than the majority of SDEs out there" which just goes to prove the absolute quality of these releases. My favorites out of all of my SDEs and Box Set collections.

[@buntie]

Another "sublime" review. And, you look like you could be Ian's brother. Cheers.

[@classicalbum]

I wish!

[@mikesclassicrock9745]

Like always great video, love deluxe edition unfortunately have only 3 ( Heavy Horses, Stormwatch, A), buying missed edition very expensive now!

[@classicalbum]

Sorry to hear that

[@adurockt6391]

Dont forget the Jethro Tull Tribute CD/LP from Mr. Fluteloop Called Remember the old days of Jethro Tull!! Avilaible in Nov.21 12 Jethro Tull Songs performed by Mr Fluteloop and Guestmusicians! Stay tuned! Cheers adrian

[@alanthorne3921]

These box sets are magnificent in every way and I love the format.I have eight of them lined up on my bookcase.A friend who was unaware of these box sets said ‘gee you gotta a lot of JT books’so I pulled out Broadsword and he was stunned.I hope the ones I missed out (the ones that cost a fortune )on get rereleased particularly Heavy Horses and Stand Up.I am surprised Benefit was at the bottom but really it would have been a hard job compiling this.The lack of extras on Brick is that I believe there is nothing left in the can left from these sessions and there is no decent recordings from the tour (something to do with management I believe)apart from audience bootleg recordings which substandard soundwise.

[@Baz63]

I agree re Benefit which is my favourite Tull album. Looking forward to their new album 'The Zealot Gene'. A most enjoyable video as always Barry

[@davidcooper8621]

Enjoyable review of very impressively packaged box sets. Your enthusiasm for Tull led me to check out some of the CD's on youtube, but his appeal still remains a mystery to me. The sight of 'Thick as a Brick ' took me back to my first flat share where one of the guys owned a copy along with Barclay James Harvest and several Moody Blues albums . Obviously haven't got over progressive overload. That said I am listening to the modern progressive that is Earthside 'A dream of Static' and very impressive it is too.

[@jennymckinnon9528]

weeping over missing out on the Songs From The Wood set

[@brucegrossman3531]

Its still out there. I got one for about 40 dollars. Now Heavy Horses I'm kicking myself finding these now. But then went years with no CD player.

[@stuartwaby3081]

I didn't manage to get Songs From The Wood in England so resorted to finding a download torrent site (naughty but either that or miss out) anyway low and behold there it is and promptly downloaded in Flac to my hardrive, most of the Tull set's are there but i have the boxes, the only one not there is TAAB, which seems the hardest to locate and Tulls finest IMO.

[@samuelcohen2215]

Another excellent program! Your love of Jethro Tull's music manifests itself every time you post about anything Tull. I'm not as big a fan, but you motivated me to rack up A Passion Play and take it out for an overdue spin. A fun ride. Thanks for the motivation.

[@classicalbum]

I'm a bit fanatical about Tull

[@nicholaspyn]

Hi Baz. I really enjoyed this video. Sadly I only own This Was and A but it was a handy guide to what was on offer if indeed there will be fiftieth anniversary revisitations. I was watching in company so not sure if you said you marked down A Passion Play for being minus a few tracks. I must say my Jethro Tull knowledge was greatly improved by reading The Pocketbook Guide. Essential reading. Cheers Nicholas

[@johnw706]

They are all wonderful . The biggest surprise for me is the alternate version of Dark Ages . I think that it is superior to the album version . And , of course , the Chateau D’Isaster material is also great .We do need to see Benefit and Bursting Out . I can’t wait for Broadsword & The Beast . Cheers !

[@alexotaola]

The alternate version of “Orion” has some MINDBLOWING drumming from BB!

[@SuperGrumpyDaddy]

Great video. I am missing a few of these, but cherish those I have. Really hoping for a Benefit set, great album that seems to get overlooked.

[@davidbailey6563]

Great video. I got Stand Up for Christmas 1969 when I was 15. As I got older my opinion on which was the best album changed but I'll stick with Songs from The Wood, Warchild and Roots to Branches. I wish the Zappa Family Trust had put out FZ's back catalogue in this manner instead of ripping us off piece by piece.

[@ricardo-fotografia]

Those book-like editions are beautiful and a dream to me to have them all. One of the two of mine, "A passion Play" a remix by Steven Wilson got the sax parts erased, order of Mr. A, so after decades of enjoying it as is, sounds strange now, so you also have to keep the current CD / Vinyl aswell.

[@thomaswery3087]

I have all of them so far and like you just can't wait for the next one to be released.The booklets alone are worth the price

[@iansmithpersonal]

Great video. I feel blessed for having started collecting these from the beginning so don't have to pay obscene money for the missing ones. Thought I'd missed "Benefit" but that came out a couple of weeks ago so now my set is complete. I absolutely LOVE the Steve Wilson 5.1 mixes which are the main reason I started collecting this series. Feeling like one is sat in the middle of the recording studio for "Minstrel in the Gallery" or "Thick as A Brick" is beyond sublime. These editions are INCREDIBLE value for money. Cannot wait for Broadsword - another favourite album of mine. It's funny I loathe prog rock (endless self-indulgent keyboard noodling and solos - ugh!) and it's the reason I got into punk but I don't regard Tull as prog. They're so much more than that with intelligent lyrics and dazzling musical arrangements. Thanks for the video - nicely summarises the different sets.

[@MrMojoRisin]

Deluxe editions done right. I like Tull a lot so I’ll try to pick up one. Great video, Barry. Very enjoyable.👍

[@independenceltd.]

Honestly, I'd go with "Stormwatch". It's only the cheaper end and it's loaded: 4CDs/2DVDs.

[@MrMojoRisin]

@@independenceltd. Sounds awesome. Thanks buddy.

[@independenceltd.]

@@MrMojoRisin you bet

[@simonossitt2541]

As usual, a very interesting video, I'm just about to listen to the plight of the hair and his spectacles. I do wish however that you included vinyl releases in your reviews. Aside from that small issue I have to say I do enjoy your videos.

[@jacekm22]

All these albums sound great in Hi-res Audio 24 bit - DVD audio or Blu Ray Audio.

[@eirikrdberg1161]

Just bought A the cd boxset. Amazing sounding. Cool live stuff. Horrible yet fun sleeve and A uniforms on all band members. Better than a lot of Tull stuff.

[@bddrex]

Thanks for the video. I also enjoy them and please keep them coming.

[@user-rp6tm6wq4m]

Fantastic box sets which show even more the value of JT music. I' ve got five of them ( Aqualung,Too old to rock n roll..,Stormwatch, Thick as a brick,Heavy Horses (Unfortunately i' ve missed my favourite JT album, Songs from the wood). Anyway, great video!

[@davidsimon2096]

You are right about these boxsets -you have to get in virtually the day they are released or basically forget it!Talk about limited releases. Better hurry up and order "A" if it's not too late!

[@johnhenfrey5936]

Just finished playing the A box set, which I love. Missing a lot of these box sets, so hoping for a rerelease, but somehow I doubt they will be.

[@baronnorbert6474]

How great is the live album from A? Absolute killer. Tull was the first rockband I loved and had I discovered A a few years earlier I might still would play violin. And I agree: Such a shame that Thick and Passion don't have live versions.

[@FormulaProg]

That's the best sounding live gig from any of the sets I have from Tull, black Sunday and hunting girl in particular are unreal performances.

[@rightchordleadership]

Nice review. I appreciate your knowledge and love for Tull! Tull’s ‘70s output is pretty much unmatched.

[@classicalbum]

Totally agree!

[@mr.bloodvessel260]

Can you imagine if every band you like put out these deluxe editions?

[@classicalbum]

Yes and Genesis.

[@lichteffektmagazin2811]

@@classicalbum Pink Floyd had Immersion Box sets, quite like this. And Mike Oldfield released Deluxe Editions with live material and the album :) - I would buy a deluxe Edition of Genesis' "Selling England by the Pound" which is my favorite Album :)

[@frattonlad]

Marillion have done similar sets although the booklets contains far less info despite being the same thickness. The beauty with their sets though is the 5.1 is on a blu-ray and there is a 90-minute interview with the band for each album. The Clutching at Straws one is very revealing!

[@rushbravado1972]

I love the deluxe versions Rush has had

[@reidwhitton6248]

And charged only 35 bucks. Bravo Ian Anderson!

[@micktownsend2155]

Another top posting so many thanks - I'm a big fan of the Jethro Tull so of course you are preaching to the converted with me but again these box/book sets are/have been so worth getting hold of - i would suggest with all the reissuing going on over the years they are just so much better than many others in regards to their production and content. With you in regards to Songs from the Wood but for me Minstrel would have been higher up as its a favourite of mine - but hey this is what its all about so always really good to hear different views. Interesting to hear from you as what potentially coming round the corner with them as well. All the best...

[@classicalbum]

Thanks for your comments. Do check out my other Tull videos

[@micktownsend2155]

@@classicalbum Hi - yes seen a few of them and like much of what you do its top - i like all the references to literature and the arts in general you make as well of course music - cheers

[@javierllerena5756]

Very good , I have seen all your Jethro Tull videos , the way you talk about Tull I guess this is your favorite band ?, like me . I appreciated a lot your recognition of the quality of the best progressive rock band ever existed .

[@stuartraybould6433]

Aqualung is actually a redesign of the original box set with vinyl, additional cd's and dvd with 5.1 in replica of original cover. It included a 12" hardback book which is what this version is a cut down to size copy. Benefit definitely needs doing in this style. I've got them all up to Stormwatch, including the original box set of Aqualung with the sleeve and full size book. Not bothered about anymore, as I don't think any of the later albums are that good. Odd tracks here and there yes but as complete albums, nah.

[@roberthead375]

I enjoyed this overview. I currently only have the Heavy Horses version. As you stated, the earlier editions are very expensive. I’m hope to pick up Stormwatch and A soon. You mention how good some of these sound. Have you done a video on your listening setup? I’m always find in interesting to see how people listen to the music they love

[@liammccaul6587]

Wonderful stuff! I have them all too, and they make the majority of other box sets seem ill-conceived and unwieldy in comparison. God bless the CD and all those who sail on her!!

[@candelise]

Am I misunderstanding but there is a live concert DVD on the A album, isn't there?

[@petejp1]

Great job breaking down the box sets. Of course your number 1 is the only one I don't have. I would have to sell my car to get it. I really hope benefit is the next release. It's one of my favorite tull albums.

[@63mckenzie]

I remember a live show being broadcast on the BBC around the time of Live Bursting Out (they may even have used the same concert on the album). Anybody know if that BBC broadcast was ever made available?

[@55victorf]

One of my favourite bands , grettings from Lisbon

[@jamiecottle5850]

Really great ranking. Thanks for this.

[@classicalbum]

My pleasure!

[@davidgray1165]

The 70’s were the height of Prague Pink Floyd , Genesis with Gabriel

[@Patrick-sh9tt]

Anyone notice the similarities between Steven Wilson and the Stormwatch cover character?

[@peteallen935]

Are you sure Ian Anderson is not your long lost twin brother?....striking resemblance

[@classicalbum]

I should tap him up for a few quid

[@Travel_n_TourFan]

Thoroughly enjoyable survey. I recall you having mentioned that you were a journalist major at University, and of course a citizen of Great Britain. Perhaps you could shed some light for us as to the meaning of “thick as a brick”, which is not a familiar expression for those of us across the pond. Do I gather this expression is something of a British colloquialism, and intended as a vague insult when spoken?

[@classicalbum]

I was a literature major at university. 'Thick as Brick' just means not very clever.

[@independenceltd.]

These are based on the box sets themselves, and not the albums per se. 13. Thick as a Brick 12. Benefit 11. Minstrel in the Gallery 10. Too Old to Rock 'n' Roll: Too Young to Die! 9. A 8. This Was 7. Stand Up 6. War Child 5. A Passion Play 4. Heavy Horses 3. Stormwatch 2. Aqualung 1. Songs from the Wood

[@ledzep9501]

On a recent Ian Anderson interview, he said that Broadsword will be of course also on deluxe edition and there are about 40+ associated/outtakes from the vault, and they want to have them all in. 40, can you imagine that? And Benefit is for release this year as well...

[@classicalbum]

I saw that interview. Looking forward to that one coming out

[@stevebuckley5004]

Good and interesting reviews of the box sets. I started buying 2 at a time per release only recently, sure wish I had from the start. I am releasing a (not for profit) Tull movie in the fall of 2021. Would like to send you a link when the time comes. Where would I direct that? SB

[@classicalbum]

Message me on my Facebook page

[@dumcasta9327]

Thanks as always for your insights. How do you feel about Roy Harper? After listening to Stormcock I had to wonder a bit about whether Anderson may have been 'drinking from the well'...

[@classicalbum]

Anderson says Roy Harper was an influence

[@dumcasta9327]

@@classicalbum yeah, I grew up with IA and didn't discover Roy Harper till later - kinda took the shine off the former for me (my Dad drove me for hours to get to my first ever concert in Brisbane, Australia Glasscock had just joined - I loved John Evan in his Les Patterson suit as he tickled the ivories with a glazed , psychotic look in his eyes)..

[@rushbravado1972]

My favorite is the Songs From The Wood box set

[@WheelsWithinCosmicWheels]

Watching this video is cause for weeping, I've looked up the prices for some of these and it absolutely breaks my heart. The only good thing I can say is that for now, Benefit, A and This Was are cheap, so I can at least put hands on those 3 and BATB when it comes out, I may have to abscond a kidney for the ones featured in this video, however...

[@classicalbum]

You have to get these as they come out

[@WheelsWithinCosmicWheels]

@@classicalbum A lesson learned for the future, no doubt. I will try to lay hands on what I can, though.

[@CasperLCat]

Is the beard your look-alike tribute to the mature Ian Anderson, or just a coincidence ?

[@richardb8503]

I’ve managed accidentally to buy a spare copy if anyone would like to buy from me! (With apols to Barry!)(if anyone’s interested I’ll buy Barry a virtual coffee!)

[@nosrednaonairam]

Hi! Do you know if they are thinking of release again these digibooks boxsets that are already out of stock?

[@kayleenilsson3825]

Actually, I was watching some of Darren Lock's reviews of these editions the other day and he doesn't seem to even like most of the JT albums, but he feels like these're worth having just for the sheer information that's included 🤯😅

[@classicalbum]

He's right. They are so good.

[@adamsmashups4839]

Earlier today,I looked to see what an unopen Songs From The Wood anniversary edition,would cost me;Including shipping from UK,a little under $500. Looks like I wont be owning that one.

[@niklaseriksson7569]

Interesting ranking! I have them all, and have finally just received the deluxe book edition of Benefit. Where in the list does it end up for you?

[@classicalbum]

I've not ordered it. I'm on an economy drive.

[@niklaseriksson7569]

Ok, hope it turns out well! I think the new release is a major step up from the ”Collector’s edition” released in 2013. The book is great and what to expect from a Tull deluxe book with a lot of information an pictures. And the addition of the two live sets is great. Take care!

[@GeoffCB]

I'd personally rank Aqualung higher in the list, due to the complete transformation of the sound - but the LP sized box set is the best version, with its Blu Ray Audio. The vinyl releases of all these sets also sound great; perhaps TAAB not sounding as good. In fact, I think TAAB is sonically not as good as the others, lacking low bass and a few quirky noises left out by Steven Wilson. Plus the DVD had to be replaced due to incorrect mastering (which I suspect is what's wrong with the LP).

[@Palosrob]

Great video. I'm so sorry I missed out on the earlier releases like aqualung, this was. But I do have everything from Minstrel in the gallery on. On a whim I went to eBay and looked up the 40th anniversary of Minstrel in the gallery and it's currently at about 550 us dollars! Just unbelievable.

[@jean-lucpernel2202]

on aimerait VOIR nous n'avons pas la chance de voir l'interieur des boitiers par vos yeux cher monsieur ! dommage ...........

[@shanewright2772]

Oh this is good - half critical appraisal, half consumer guide.

[@jupitermadcat]

I definitely would disagree with benefit that’s my favoriteTull album. therefore it obviously would be higher up.

[@grantross2609]

I think the guy is pointing out the shortage of good extra material as opposed to the quality of the original album.... too many teachers & witch's promises here !

[@bweeks8869]

Do u like Broadsword box set even better Sir?

[@dominiclarosa6731]

Yes Benefit could do with the same treatment as the others . . Thick as a Brick has no additional material added unlike the others . . I was impress with the "A" quality sound . . I could actually like it now . . The live concert is excellent . . why would you make a dumb remark by saying there is not much added on it

[@grantross2609]

there are some glorious VERY ltd ed tull mini LP's ( actually CDs ) out there of hard to find concerts/bootlegs..... Ime box sets DO NOT cover this area very well at all ! notable exception were the amazing king crimson sets that came out a few years ago tho

[@mikevieira8583]

Gah, missed Stand Up, at the time. Gonna have to bite the bullet and find it. You skipped This Was?

[@classicalbum]

No, it is in there.

[@mikevieira8583]

@@classicalbum phewww!!! How'd I miss that?!

[@qdaveq6597]

Holy shit! You need to keep this collection in a safe, embedded in concrete, under your floor and increase your home insurance. Some of these sets are worth a billion pounds!

[@classicalbum]

They're worth a few bob now

[@sunsin1592]

AKA ranking the late career cash grabs. I only own a couple of these because of the bonus tracks. Don't really find anything special about the remixes at all. The booklets are nice, though.

[@classicalbum]

Fair enough!

[@dominiclarosa6731]

No thanks no audio recordings . . they sound terrible

[@peterlaffey6328]

Too many adverts , they spoil the viewing .