Jethro Tull- For a Thousand Mothers (First Listen)

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Song Link: • For a Thousand Mothers

[@ithaliem]

There were only 3 years between this and Thick as a Brick. Think about that! How fast music was developing in those days.

[@JustJP]

Extremely creative period!

[@nathanweiss5174]

Having that one person who dislikes all your videos is a sign you've made it on YT.

[@JustJP]

Very very true😅

[@xcforce9067]

This is my favorite Stand Up number. Those flute breaks are a killer. Glad you finally got around to it.

[@mikell5087]

One of my favorite Tull tracks. And one I would play for anyone who said Tull was not a hard rock band. It's not all screaming guitars here, but no one plays harder than Tull does on this track.

[@redx1708]

On their next album "Benefit" the flute is toned down a bit, with more emphasis on vocals and guitar. This is kind of an underrated album as it's squeezed in between "Stand up" and "Aqualung", but it's become the album I find myself picking up most often when I get an urge for Tull :)

[@davidthomas9276]

Thank you for mentioning Benefit. It is a rocking album, and although many Jethro Tull songs are in my all-time favorite list, Benefit has 2 of my favorite songs ever, and I would be hard-pressed to choose one over the other: "To Cry You a Song" and Sossity You're a Woman."

[@redx1708]

@@davidthomas9276 I totally agree. Awesome songs both 🙂

[@donaldanderson6604]

You can never get too much Martin Barre. If there was any justice in the world, he'd be one of the most famous guitarists on the planet. Totally agree about the way they create space for the music to breathe. Very rare in contemporary music. Probably due to playing live a a lot and learning how to create dramatic effect.

[@paulinwoburn9680]

I agree with you. He was great with Tull.. Check out his solo albums. You won't be sorry.

[@bobmessier5215]

Who doesn't like Jethro Tull? Oh yeah, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. What a pity!

[@cazgerald9471]

The only time I ever think about the RRHOF is when someone mentions them in a YT comment.

[@bobholtzmann]

It's not like JT never got any awards, either. I recall they were the first group to win a Grammy in the Heavy Metal category.

[@Bikonito]

The HoF hates prog in general.

[@schuylersouthwell2554]

@@bobholtzmann Ha! I remember the controversy. Sheesh.

[@jonathansmith3742]

JT is not in RRHOF because of the anti-god stuff in Aqualung. That is the only reason.

[@WillowWytch69]

Would Love to see you react to some of their late seventies material. They start to lean into their folk influences a lot more giving them a kind of Celtic folk/hard rock sound. Songs From the Wood, Heavy Horses, and Stormwatch are all fantastic albums. Though I would say Songs From the Wood is probably the best starting point. But all around, definitely my favourite era of their music.

[@Charlton222]

This bass line is so good! I've never heard this song before and I'm kicking myself over it. If I had heard this as a teen I would have learned the bass part immediately and been a Tull fan, no questions asked. I'm hearing Steve Harris all over it - he must have been influenced by this bass player (Glenn Cornick?). So relentless and heavy. Wouldn't have heard it without you, JP - thanks!

[@JustJP]

Ty Rich! That bass is awesome

[@kahuna2588]

This is the first Jethro Tull song i had listened and it was love on first sight!

[@brianrothsteinart]

This song and the whole Stand Up album was a major part of the soundtrack to my summer as a17 year old. At first listen, the music seemed so rich and dense and full of energy I had never experienced before, I was mesmerized. From there, at each subsequent listening, I fell into whole new worlds of sounds, textures, energies that kept developing, morphing, changing. Been a fan ever since. One of the all-time best rock albums imho.

[@BigC.]

Drums were incredible. Pretty cool track that I had not heard previously.

[@disston1]

If you want to hear Martin Barre front and center, try To Cry You a Song from Benefit. A real highlight.

[@allotrope2978]

Wow I'd never heard this one before. That bassline is stuck in my head now lol.

[@obscurantist]

For Martin Barre fans, he is still recording and touring USA and Europe with his own band - pandemic permitting - and can be found at martinbarre.com . Interesting mix of Tull material and Martin's own writing, plus his take on a few other things. Great player, always a bit surprising.

[@terrysavoy6290]

This album should have been made a national treasure.

[@royleggitt3307]

The flute at the very end always makes me think of a mother bird chirping at her baby nestlings.

[@fagingreen8002]

Cold Wind to Valhalla-Da-rummms!! Great show.

[@mikeloomis687]

Justin, I understand the "flute fatigue". You'll get over it listening to the Benefit album. FYI, if I ever click a thumbs down is because of the artist and not because of you. Yes, there are Rock artists I cannot stand to listen to. Two of them.....Kiss and Bon Jovi.

[@plantfeeder6677]

Only two. You're doing good.

[@TrevRockOne]

Listen to Minstrel in the Gallery. There's a phenomenal section where Barre really dazzles on the guitar.

[@schuylersouthwell2554]

I love "Minstrel . . ". Same song, twice, acoustic and electric and it is great in both incarnations. When Martin rips in the electric portion your ears do a double take.

[@robertlear2735]

I saw Jethro Tull in concert in 1969, just about the time this album came out. I am pretty sure they would have done this song. Mind blowing concert for sure.

[@paulinwoburn9680]

I saw them for the first time in early 1970 and a lot after that. Great band in that Era. I wasn't crazy about their music after Thick as a Brick. I must have listened to Stand Up a 1000 times because my roommate in college played it during all his waking hours. I love this album.

[@GeoffCB]

"Baby" is the parents' name for IA, as he was the youngest. That verse is from the parents's perspective.

[@kayleenilsson3825]

I don't blame you for digging the bass, man, it's one of my favorites as well 😎✊ I think the flute is something you come to appreciate the more you listen to Tull, I remember I had a similar feeling about it in my introduction to Tull, but now I basically can't get enough of it, especially this album has so many great flute parts and I love 'em all 😤 But yeah I really do agree with you about wanting more of Barre, sadly it's kind of a thing that keeps going through their whole catalogue. When he goes off he REALLY does, but we're not exactly spoiled with those moments, his part in THIS song in particular, just as you say, is such a ridiculous tease, but yeah since I'm a total sucker for that flute it never really bothered me. But now when you think about it it's a damn shame there's so few Barre moments.

[@JustJP]

Ty Kaylee! Exactly, I love Ian and the flute, but I want more Barre😄

[@HeavyMetalTones]

how could you not like you mate you are so positive and enthusiastic

[@marysweeney7370]

I saw a live version of this song on YT, and it struck me that it was very modern in a way. Not sure how I would categorize it. I did like the raw flute. Ian now plays a lot less raw, and maybe it has to do with the fact that the flute at that time was likely on the less expensive side. The uptempo and drums seems innovative for the time. Maybe timing and speed derived from jazz, i am not sure.

[@jfergs.3302]

interesting lyrics, basically an 'up yours' to his doubters and detractors. tune-wise, very Tull but not a favourite of mine. no one hits the bullseye every time. re you JustJP, i'm new to channel but enjoying it a lot. interesting choice of some old, and obscure material you don't often see reviewed/reacted to. also, maybe the first reviewer/reactor i've seen who gives an actual, proper, and in depth critique of the music/songs. very refreshing.

[@JustJP]

Ty so much Jfergs!

[@thomasmcintosh390]

"Mask of the Great Deceiver" Drums - Barriemore Barlow Bass - Paul Goddard vocals - Ronnie James Dio Guitars, synthesizers - Kerry Livgren Seeds of Change Track 2 Barriemore Barlow is Tull's drummer/ Just a reminder. I think you'll enjoy

[@markspooner1224]

I like this track, there could be more guitar but it's pretty good on the whole. On my LP it says 'Clive Bunker played drums and all manner of percussion' which is slightly amusing. 10.3k subs means that we quite like you Justin but don't get cocky when you reach 20k 😊

[@JustJP]

Haha ty Mark😄

[@plantfeeder6677]

Subbed cause your the first dude to do any early Jethro Tull and you did the whole album! Thank you. I think it's time you visited Benefit now.

[@JustJP]

Ty Steven :)

[@robertjewell9727]

At this time in Tull's catalog they were on the cusp of their musical personality and still a vibrant, but also in a sense embryonic group in what was to come. For A Thousand Mothers seems to be about this very theme, doesn't it? So I think it is a well-placed ironic foreshadowing of the horizon's possibilities with Ian's sly social outlook. In regards the flute overload, in this song it is a fierce banshee-like flute and I'm wondering if it had been a pretty lyrical flute would its presence have been more appreciated? In this case, at the time it was a very new sound, a flute the way Jimi Hendrix plays guitar, rather than a wistful melodic one,, a rock instrument rather than birdsong; I like Ian's confidence in it and it promises to become even more nuanced as time rolls on and the compositions get more complex. And by the way, I've never not liked any of your listens, so carry on my wayward first listen son of a gun.

[@patrickkaltner8554]

Those song at the Isle of Wight festival was awesome.

[@snowdog87]

whats not to like Would like more modern prog though But you're terrific Channel is the best More great Tull again today Alot of this stuff haven't listened to in forever So i am affirmed that i need to revisit it more often Marillion...Ocean Cloud , please

[@sammarsh3679]

I have never hit the dislike button. There have been some I didn't watch, or skipped the song. It's 100% about the music. You can hear some of the roots of Thick as a Brick in here, I think. I play the flute myself, and back off of it a lot in my own songs to prevent fatigue, but I never get tired of it.

[@JustJP]

Nice! As someone who plays flute, what do you think of Ian's playing?

[@sammarsh3679]

@@JustJP I've always loved it. He and peter Gabriel are a big influence, along with Steve Hackett's brother John, Andy Latimer, and Didier Malherbe of Gong. I play very aggressively a lot of the time, and he wrote the book on that.

[@dionisioiacobelli6689]

This album is one of their best. Ian was only 21 or 22 when he made this album.

[@benmckay4004]

This song took a while for me to get used to. He overblows his flute through this whole song which gives it that grating sound. I kinda felt the same flute fatigue when I first heard it as well

[@marysweeney7370]

That's funny! I always wish Ian had more solos in the piece!

[@davidkeller6156]

My first wife was a flutists taught by the first chair flutist of the NY Philharmonic. She liked the band but didn’t think Ian was all that good on the first two albums. She thought he had terrible tone on those albums. Later she saw his improvement and enjoyed the music much more.

[@marysweeney7370]

@@davidkeller6156 Have you seen yt channel of a classical flutist who recently started examining Ian's flute playing over time? one of the videos looking at his skill in 1969 for ex - kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXy2o6SVps91lbs

[@lucianocatarin9176]

Hey man ,the entire album "stand up" Is Simply faaaaaaantastic,from Treviso Italy

[@Johnalucard-jo3yi]

Great points.great album.great channel.!!!!!!! New to you sir.great stuff.

[@JustJP]

Thanks John!

[@benoitdesmarais2948]

When it comes to solos: leave 'em wanting more! As for flute fatigue: well, you may want to rest from Tull for a while. It's like if you were saying: i just finished Are you experienced? and i have a little guitar fatigue ;o) (On mid-seventies albums like Passion Play and Warchild, he replaced a lot of flute parts with sax and clarinet.) As for Barre, he gets a lot more space on Minstrel in the Gallery or Songs from the Wood (Hunting Girl, Pibroch...) and a great solo on Warchild's Back-Door Angels.

[@JustJP]

True true, ty Benoit!

[@johmmysaputo3558]

@@JustJP Please forget Warchild

[@stevejacobson2906]

A new album every year from 1969-1980! Come on. What other group did or does that?Great to be a Tull fan then. You knew every year was a new album and a new tour. Can't wait till you get to Passion Play and the other albums of the '70s. Great, unique stuff.

[@murdockreviews]

Fine (and angry) closing track to what is most likely Tull's most instantly accessible album.

[@BillsBills-kt6ys]

Hey JP. With Christmas coming, you may want to check out a few songs from The Jethro Tull Christmas Album. Some really great non-denominational songs like Jack Frost and the Hooded Crow, Last Man at the Party, religious

[@JustJP]

Ty Bills!

[@williamfarmer8571]

This is flute-heavy, even for Tull. I like it.

[@craigfazekas3923]

Their best album is Living In the Past, IMO. And yes, I know it's a compilation....best one ever, too. No one seems to be suggesting that one, maybe because it's a compilation ? But many of those tracks cannot be found on other releases, though. Or hard to find B-sides and so on. Great, great collection. Witches Promise ? Dr. Bogenbroom ? C'mon now....😎🇺🇸

[@greendragonreprised6885]

The early Jethro Tull songs, that is pre-Aqualung, sound very much like they were arranged to be played live. If I'm right in that, then Martin is playing rhythm guitar a lot of the time and Ian is playing, on the flute, the sort of quick fills and phrases that other bands would use a guitar for. Where the vocals pause, Ian plays flute. The thing I find surprising is the development in Ian's vocals. Here they quite back in the mix but when you listen to Thick As A Brick, as I know you did recently, they are bang up front. Growing confidence perhaps? Who knows.

[@JustJP]

You may be right! Confidence and feeling comfortable

[@jimhardiman3836]

If you're feeling flute fatigue after listening to a few Tull albums, you may want to take a break from them and space out listening to their albums as Ian incorporates the flute more and more throughout their discography. Don't want spoil your enjoyment of their excellent material.

[@JustJP]

True true

[@benoitdesmarais2948]

I would just add that further along, the material feels more "compositional" - the flute is less riffy, the songs are more "written", more complex, and so the flute playing feels more like a part of the orchestration. Especially on the Celtic trilogy, Songs from the Wood/Heavy Horses/Stormwatch.

[@123agidee_2]

Song recommendation Traffic - John Barleycorn

[@mcee8634]

Good review, Justin. As you have stated already, these 3 behind Ian are so good, talent off the charts. And I agree with you, be nice if the flute backed off some. But, I think you know why it's there so much: Anderson. I saw Tull 3 times. Ian was as much the showman, or more, than Gabriel was with Genesis. Ian, quite the giant performer, and ego too, I think. But again, this album for me, their best.

[@alexhamilton4084]

I’m convinced that there are people that trawl through KZbin videos just to “dislike” them. Maybe it’s because they just can’t stand any video to have zero dislikes. Professional dislikers as it were or just Trolls. Who knows? 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@JustJP]

Haha could be!

[@chewbaccabooberry]

Might be a big jump forward but please do a Heavy Horses album listen thru next.... nobody ever does a reaction to the title track and it's a shame

[@JustJP]

I've had my eye on that one, we'll see🙃

[@dunringill1747]

Maybe I'm just too used to it, but I'm not sure this song would make the same statement with less or toned down flute. So I'll disagree with you on that portion, but you still get a like. As for Martin Barre's guitar work - yeah, I'm always wanting more of that.

[@JustJP]

Ty Dun!

[@redlioness6627]

A superb album, it also contains Jethro Tull's song "We Used to Know" which is often cited as a song that The Eagles ripped off for their Hotel California, and whatever the truth or anyone elses opinion, Hotel California really does sound so much like it, but Ian Anderson is totally cool about it, he has said that they all rip each other off and folk need to just get over it, it's great music whatever the truth.

[@MissAstorDancer]

Justin, I totally agree with you about wishing there had been more of Martin's fantastic guitar! What we do get in this song is really excellent, but I, too, would have liked more. And I actually DO get what you mean about "flute fatigue"!!! Thanks for doing this album, Justin!!!!!

[@JustJP]

Ty, im glad you enjoyed the journey with me!

[@mickcapewell6369]

Don’t suppose you’re ready for Colosseum’s Valentyne Suite yet? 🤔😁

[@kozlorf]

Their next album, Benefit, pretty much follows the sound of this song.

[@shackinternationalRT]

The only time I have put thumbs down was because of band. you do a great job and enjoy your channel...

[@wiz601]

I'm a Takayasu fan, big time, but Terunofuji was awesome! :)

[@JustJP]

Yes! I love Takayasu as well, but im happy for Terunofuji! He's a beast!

[@davidbarker77]

New one for me. Actually enjoyed it very much. Break in the middle was strange.

[@bengazeley9730]

JP there's an album I think you'll appreciate - Afreaka by Demon Fuzz

[@maruad7577]

Folks are probably giving negatives because you aren't covering enough obscure Canadian acts ;) j/k I haven't given you a negative yet. The worst you can likely expect from me is a review that I don't click like but generally even if I don't like a song/band, I am happy to have had a chance to hear it and the review.

[@linusfotograf]

I always thought it was bots who dislike every video on youtube

[@JustJP]

🤖

[@davidvaness5081]

Benefit has more Martin and still a bunch of glorious flute

[@Wyhylili]

Marillion - Cinderella search

[@billhawkins1236]

Glen Cornick was awesome on bass. In my humble opinion, stand up and the next offering, " Benefit" was JT at their peak. By the way, Benefit has much less flute, so apparently they heard you.🤣🤣

[@JustJP]

😅

[@davidvaness5081]

Benifit

[@1nelsondj]

I don't think I've ever given you a down vote, if I don't like a song or group I just won't listen to it. I didn't even down vote when you dismissed 'Sweet Jane' by the Velvet Underground. >:-( If a reactor pisses me off then I take the time to down vote everything they've ever posted sure, just out of spite. But you're great, most in-depth reactor because you really listen.

[@RedPillMode]

I think we need more flute. Dislikes in this context make no sense. Why not just move on, if its not to ones liking.

[@stephendennis5911]

I'm mainly here to listen to a Jethro tull song I'd never had time to listen to and I like your constructive criticism about the featured song, I'm not likely to rush out and buy the album or cd

[@Claytone-Records]

Stephen Dennis, Some of us already have it.

[@lemming9984]

@@Claytone-Records many of us! My favourite Tull.

[@MissAstorDancer]

@@lemming9984 Mine, as well, since it first came out!

[@stephendennis5911]

@@Claytone-Records after listening to thick as a brick after many years have passed since I first heard it back in 77, I will probably buy the cd

[@Claytone-Records]

Stephen Dennis, Another good choice.

[@seangearhart2494]

No "Reasons for Waiting"?

[@JustJP]

I did it already 😃

[@seangearhart2494]

@@JustJP oh snap, 10 months ago 😂

[@keithbk]

I didn't downvote, but if you don't do "Life Auction" by the Strawbs SOON, I may go CRAZY!!!!!!

[@keithbk]

"Aaaaagggggghhhhh! Bleep-boop, flibbity boo." Too late. LOL

[@-davidolivares]

A dislike... I might have done it half asleep with one eye half open... jk. Hopefully not. I was expecting Elected by Alice Cooper or something like that, which is fine. I asked for drums, didn’t get them, got a coronet instead, which is fine but, trying to play made me sneeze. Later on, Dad brought home a 70s Gibson SG in cherry red, wouldn’t let me touch it which is fine too. Grrr. Moving on. Nice groovy song, completely agree with your more Martin comment and flute fatigue, which is fine. Hold on, time for knee drum practice and a quick morning guitar solo... thousand mothers/fathers. Better now, everything is fine. Take care everyone, last time, go vote, mask up for your loved ones, Peace, drum, guitar and election Music (everything is fine)

[@MissAstorDancer]

Love you to bits, David! Praying for a New Day!!!

[@-davidolivares]

@@MissAstorDancer Love you too Maddy. Hope whatever happens we can handle it. Take care.

[@MissAstorDancer]

@@-davidolivares Me too, David! I have to admit, I'm VERY anxious.

[@BrixtonTone]

Hmmm JP nerding out on Jethro Tull ? . Stand Up, a great album but wouldn't have chosen this tune to highlight it. Stacked up against other tunes on the album I wouldn't give it a place on the podium. IMO, Nothing is Easy, A New Day Yesterday and Living in the Past are the stand out tracks. Looking forward to JP Nerding out on Tulls next Album "Benefit"

[@RGRG3232]

He's done the whole album already track by track. This was the last one. You can check them all out if you search.

[@BrixtonTone]

@@RGRG3232 Thanx for the heads up Rob, I guess I somehow missed it . The search begins !

[@rb6x7]

The Benefit UK track list without Teacher sounds and flows better. Benefit is a Masterpiece!

[@gianfrancoludovisi9539]

you don't accept my suggestion... :(

[@Lightmane]

Just a suggestion. Just once, try doing your intro and outro different from your script. Just do it off the cuff, completely spontaneous with no script. See how it goes. Just a suggestion : )

[@lemming9984]

...cough....

[@Lightmane]

@@lemming9984 you prefer a script?

[@johncagnettajr344]

Fat Man is the best track on Stand Up

[@paulhart3812]

Next up... BENEFIT please.

[@patrickdoake6022]

Nothing wrong with your video as for music we all have differing views like dislike generation separation? Not always, anyhow sing brother sing, song remains, tunes change!

[@olabergvall3154]

I can't remember downvoting anything ever on YT. Does that make me weird?

[@JustJP]

Not at all😀

[@richardhines8622]

I know time is hard to come by, but do try and listen to original releases. There all superior with nary a exception. There were reasons why things ended up on the cutting floor.

[@delllittle5692]

I press like when I really like the song and agree with your assessment. I've "liked" many. I've disliked a couple of your videos when truly dislike the song and disagree with your favoring the song. If this is not what the thumbs or for I'm sorry. Still I'm here.

[@johnpbh]

I think this is Ian Anderson flexing his compositional muscles. Although they started off more blues/rock, Ian is obviously influenced by classical music. Completely agree with you about Martin Barre, I love his work and he really is a great guitar player. It's just unfortunate that you have the creative force that is Ian A up front and composing and arranging and, let's be honest, completely in charge so, the way I read it, you either play along with Ian or you are out. Just count the number of ex-members of the band there are. Only Ian has stayed as a constant.

[@jamespaivapaiva4460]

gotta give you a thumbs down,Just-in case you get too full of yourself! No really I dont but that is one explanation.Peace and parts.

[@JustJP]

Haha ty James😆