Jethro Tull - Living In The Past (REACTION)

[@SoloTravelerOffTheBeatenPath]

Early Jethro Tull is their best era imo. The entire album “Stand Up” which this song is from is absolute fire!

[@strqrt70]

This song wasn’t actually on “Stand Up”. It was released as a single just before that album and later included on the “Living in the Past” album from 1972 which compiled live and unreleased tracks.

[@vicprovost2561]

Awesome album!!! Back to the Family, yeah.

[@vicprovost2561]

Same era for sure.

[@craigplatel813]

​@@strqrt70perhaps he's confused because it was added as a bonus track on the CD reissue of stand up in 2001.

[@coinneachmaclellan3121]

'This Was'...'Stand Up'...'Benefit'..."We Used to Know" featuring Martin Lancelot Barre's fantastic wah-wah solo is one of my all-time favourite songs...

[@Andy-Capp]

Skating away on the thin ice of a new day is another cracking Jethro Tull song.

[@JoeandAngie]

Best Tull song

[@jonathansmith3742]

Meanwhile back in the year 1.

[@markdrechsler5660]

Yes, top tier JT. Make sure to get the full album version, not the single edit.

[@bobcorbin3294]

Ian Anderson said he wrote this song in 5/4 time for people who had two and a half legs to dance to.

[@iluvj50]

Tull makes 5/4 feel so natural.

[@cliffordwaterton3543]

Their song 'Minstrel in the Gallery' is a prime example of both their folk style and heavy Prog Rock style, whilst portraying themselves as medieval travelling minstrels.

[@tomtk7]

Saw them in Denver, Colorado June 1971 Great concert. Favorite album is Benefit, To Cry You a Song, With you There to Help Me, Nothing to Say and more!

[@jjvermeer]

Yes. Benefit is my favorite also. It just rocks more. Most of the others are also great.

[@benjaminbrowardONEOG]

What's ironic about listening to this with you is: I'm 62, and I'm living in the past while I'm listening to this. 😊 😎

[@davidwilkins5932]

67 here, and there’s nobody I’d rather listen with. It’s possible to live too much in the past, but the past can be very instructive.

[@zwieseler]

Underrated band, underrated musicians esp. Martin Barre. How did he not get a spot on Rick Beato’s top 20 guitar riffs, openers, solos…..? Do you know they got the first ever Heavy Metal Grammy?

[@danmayberry1185]

To be a mid-60s British blues player was probably like being an early 1900s painter in France. Surrounded by giants (then in walks Jimi).

[@davidtoledo7828]

Airplay Beats, welcome to my past. Glad you dig it !

[@bluesrock1]

Ian said he first tried to be a lead guitarist in the late 60s, but when he heard Clapton, Hendrix, and Beck, he put the guitar down and went to the flute.

[@michaelsommers5503]

Jethro Tull music of those years was significant in the soundtrack of my 1971-1976 college life spent in southeastern Pennsylvania. Always a smart, thoughtful reaction from you guys, thanks!

[@ok-qt4kr]

Timeless brilliance never gets old... This one Hits , on many layers .

[@johndrx165]

This was a radio staple in the day. Cool song.

[@EclecticInstinct]

I was 15 when this charted in the UK. Brilliant bass and drums and flute to the forefront. And they looked so cool. Very innovative.

[@dannywachowski5880]

Quite simply, it's a timeless piece of music genius

[@richardmartin9565]

Inverted melodies, creative lyrics, and syncopation are Jethro Tull's signature. Tull started as Jazz.

[@dukegrafton643]

In the pubs of Blackpool if I'm not mistaken.

[@JohnGeorgeHill]

One great thing about those years, everybody successful had their own SOUND. Unique. Killer first album.

[@vicprovost2561]

Spot On!

[@cazkain]

Master on the flute and saw there bursting out concert in late 70's what a showman was in the 5th row seats

[@jackreigle1387]

The years accumulate with certain memories, but I'm fairly certain this song was made "on demand" of their label to reach the pop charts and the masses, which it did. Huge Tull fan for 55 years now. Totally unique band and the live performances were unmatched.

[@johnhoerl7326]

Gotta love bands that make songs in odd time signatures that hit the charts

[@RazzleDazz72]

Tull 69-late 70s has a ton of gold. And that’s where it ends.

[@MichaelBrown-x1q]

Guys you will love Crosseyed Mary, Hymn 43, and Teacher from Jethro Tull!!!! I will give you more later? Go with those for now!!!!!!! Please!!!!!!!

[@willowvee5844]

And it was just played on the radio on the radio with everything else😊

[@KennyCamaro2364]

Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath joined Tull for a short stint in 68 I believe. He performs with them on the Stones “Rock and Roll Circus” movie Laa and Chee. Love the track ! On point with the groove and melody! Just right! Smoothie supreme!

[@backtosquaresville]

This young Ian Anderson was HEAVILY inspired by Roland Kirk, and adopted a lot of that amazing artist's flute techniques - such as the vocalizations while playing. While everyone knows Ian for the flute, he really became one of the great unsung popular acoustic guitarists, with incredible phrasing and finger work.

[@masisney6118]

Ian Anderson to me has had such a great life, Rock Star and a Fisherman. The juxtaposition of the two… haha! Absolutely love that guy, a mans man. Seen him live a couple of times, excellent show and good memories.

[@brianmcdonald1776]

According to Ian Anderson, he wrote the tune in one hour in his room at a Holiday Inn 'on the banks of the Charles River,' Boston, Massachusetts, on 12 February 1969. He and his manager, Terry Ellis, were checking in 'a day off here before the show,' ahead of a three-day residency 13 - 15 February 1969 at the Boston Tea Party rock club. When he handed it to Ellis later, he replied, 'Wow! I'll book a studio next week, when we we’re in the New York area. (source...Wiki)

[@RealDiehl99]

This was track one on the first CD I ever bought in 1993. It was a sort of best of CD called "Original Masters". Funny thing is I bought the CD hoping that "Teacher" was on it. I didn't know at the time that the song was called teacher though. I was disappointed it wasn't on the CD but I fell in love with all of their stuff very quickly. "To Cry You A Song" is probably my favorite Jethro Tull song. "Teacher" and "Song For Jeffrey" are also up there.

[@orb62]

ONE OF THE BIGGEST TRAVISITY 'S IN A LONG TIME THAT JETHRO TULL IS NOT IN THE ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME WITH ELP, BAD COMPANY TO NAME A FEW, GREAT MUSICIANSHIP AT A HIGH LEVEL PROGRESSIVE CLASSIC ROCK SOUND, A VERY UNDERATED DRUMMER IN THE 70'S (BARRIMORE) BONZO FROM ZEPPELIN SAID HE'S THE BEST DRUMMER TO COME OUT OF THE UK BACK AT THAT TIME, GUY'S YOU NEED TO DIVE DEEP(CUTS) INTO MORE TULL'S CLASSIC VINYL MASTERPIECE'S , YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED.... 🖕 ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME 🖕!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 🤬🤬

[@benoitdesmarais2948]

They started as a blues band (their first album, "This Was"), kept the blues influence for a while ("Stand Up", "Benefit"). Ian took control and his songwriting diversified, they played with various genres - folk, folk-rock, rock, sometimes heavy rock), but Aqualung was the turning point: the title track, and My God were in prog territory. They went full-prog with Thick as a Brick, probably the first prog #1 Billboard album, one 43 minutes song over two sides. Unthinkable today. Many people feel that their Celtic/folk/prog trilogy from the late 70's features some of their best work, starting with Songs From The Wood (1977).

[@pilesovinyl]

The fact that this group is not in the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame is just a joke. Their innovation, musicality and the fact that they were one of the biggest prog rock pioneers, there was just nobody like them. And he's still going at it in 2024.

[@vicprovost2561]

The Hall of Shame! Tull is the most glaring omission for me but their are dozens of all time great Real Rock Bands not in, it is a travesty! No Scorpions, Blue Oyster Cult, Ten Years After, Mountain, Foghat, Savoy Brown, Robin Trower, UFO, MSG, Queensryche, the list is endless...

[@tedsmith7814]

R &R hof is a joke in itself. Who cares what those self-appointed arbiters of taste endorse?

[@1mkubelka]

I understand the owner of the hall of fame is just not a fan of JT. What an idiot. There are so many so-so in there.

[@willicat44]

@@1mkubelka Jann Wenner, founder of Rolling Stone,..loved "simple shit" like the Stones or Dylan...KC & the Sunshine band....

[@IsaacStarks-z9z]

😂😂😂 i about spit my coffee out when you said Kojak. I just watched a few episodes of that the other night. A lot of great music came out back in those days. Its fun to watch you guys react to the music I grew up listening to. Its also great watching you guys since you know what you're talking about from the different instruments to the production of the songs.

[@mikell5087]

Ian has said they were happily doing their early career and then "accidently" had a hit song with Living In The Past. You could compare it to their later, probably more deliberate, pop music hit song, Bungle In The Jungle. Both are very different from their usual music, and I can't wait until you get to such songs as My God, and find out what Jethro Tull is truly about. I know you will love it!

[@ThistleAndSea]

Love Jethro Tull! Thanks for sharing more of their music!

[@schrader21]

Gaaaawddaaammmnn. A mention of "The White Shadow". I loved that show! Love your reactions fellas. Some of them remind me, like you guys, of the first time I heard these songs and the joy they brought.

[@edf9682]

I saw Tull 2X back in the late 70’s and what an amazing show! Another great reaction to a legendary band guys! 🤘🏼❤️🎸

[@AndyD180]

They started out as a blues band. And I agree with previous comment. "Minstrel" is a great tune to hear their development.

[@nyrocks5580]

The Stand Up album in particular - especially the 2001 CD version with bonus tracks - and the next album Benefit (which was more experimental) were flippin great.

[@bwgaines5375]

Early studio Tull is the best. New Day Yesterday, Bouree, To Cry You a Song, Teacher, Back to the Family, Nothing is Easy... Can't go wrong.

[@nyrocks5580]

Insanely great.

[@JJReagan]

Jethro Tull was more a Prog rock band but they won the inaugural Grammy for Heavy Metal album! Dive into their rabbit hole guys!

[@norrisford1828]

I'm early Tull This was. Stand up, Benifit. Blues based perfection

[@GrimrDirge]

For me, Thick as a Brick and Aqualung are the top Tull albums. EDIT: you gotta check out Bouree, it's bluesy as hell.

[@TeresaMount-t9o]

I remember this song, it’s been awhile great to hear it again. Thanks guys

[@chazblitz]

My friends band plays this song in their sets every night. It stops the dance floor dead with the 5/4 time, lol. Makes the chicks sit down and drink, lol.

[@suesebree8670]

Also the Christmas song from this album. LOVE YOU GUYS!!!

[@warrenfoil6851]

Hey man I hear you on the 70's TV! Every Detective drove a Ford LTD. Book 'em Dano.

[@nehemb]

As others have said - please try the whole of 'Stand Up', a fantastic album blending blues, folk, rock, jazz and all sorts. It's before they went full prog,(with great success) ,so if you like this track I'm sure you'll love it!

[@jollyman4874]

You guys and trash talkers are the only reaction crew I listen any longer cause songs like these. Stand up (69) and Benefit are 70’s Monster vibes.

[@davethewave62]

According to Ian Anderson it was inspired by the theme to Mission Impossible mainly for its rhythm.

[@willicat44]

Did not know that,...I always thought he was inspired by 'Take Five"

[@hklinker]

This was a big song at the time. Lots of AM radio play where I was on the West Coast. It hit #11 on the Billboard Hot 100 in autumn 1972.

[@mikestockwell9803]

Hell yeah boys!!! Oh man, Tull are so underrated. One of the best, Ian Anderson is the minstrel from heaven. Keep the journey coming! This is coming from someone whose favorite bands are Led Zeppelin and Lynyrd Skynyrd 1-2 respectively, so you can trust my judgement!

[@mrnobody9104]

Theirs is a discography worth diving into. Ian is one of the greatest frontman to ever do it! Nice pick fellas. White Shadow lmao haven't heard that since the 70's...

[@davidmckenzie420]

I love early Tull. Glad I got to see them perform!

[@kevinweakley2852]

Nothing but great music guys, thanks. Subscribed

[@edtekk]

I suggest Thick as a Brick. You guys will like it.

[@jdub9279]

Haven’t heard this for 50 years!! Still sounds great!! Many nights smoking’ a tubby in my friends attic music room😎

[@pegasus5287]

Amazed me how quickly the lyrics came back after not hearing this for so long.

[@rakeshadhin]

This has always struck me as the prog version of "Take Five".

[@EricAnderson888]

Jethro Tull were definitely innovative, one of the first prog rock bands.

[@dianel222]

I found my lips mouthing the words with the correct cadence to this song. Mouth muscle memory? 💜💜💜

[@tjmasson1013]

Damn I forgot about this song. Brings back memories

[@rpmfla]

One of my favorite Tull songs on my favorite Tull album. Please check out the live side of this album!

[@airandmist]

Love this song. Thank you!

[@geoffsimpkins7650]

This and Bungle in the Jungle are the two Tull songs I remember before I got the Aqualung album. My high school friends loved Tull. Saw them at the LA Coliseum Summer ‘77. Ian was a great showman.

[@Mickraut-xe5im]

I never get tired of this song.

[@roblogan6703]

Oh man! Love me some JT! "Velvet Green", "Heavy Horses", "Thick As A Brick"!!

[@Lexwell_Lavers]

Great era for Tull.

[@cherylw1958]

One of my first records takes me back wow thanks guys.

[@HXERkYJclMcKLAWwQW]

I believe the bass player was Glenn Cornick incredible, Martin Barr guitar , Ian Anderson .

[@flowersnyams]

The album This Was recorded in 1968 and with the wonderful Mick Abrahams on guitar remains in my opinion their finest work

[@Suldog29]

If you want to hear some of the best flute (and positively the best bass playing on any Tull piece) try "Bouree", an instrumental track. The bass will blow your mind.

[@cazkain]

one of mt favs is bungle in the jungle!!!

[@storknewsofnashville]

Wish you guys would review the whole Stand Up record. Bluesy. Funky. Jazzy. Rock.

[@nyrocks5580]

My favorite, especially the 2001 bonus tracks CD version. Perfection.

[@bobdelp2023]

THEY STARTED BACK IN ( 67 ) LAH & CHE SO, DOESN'T GET MUCH BETTER FOR SURE!👍😊DEFINITELY THEATRICAL STUFF, LOVE IT!

[@guitar_player_bernie]

Locomotive Breath is probably one of Jethro Tull's more famous songs. It's a rocker!

[@williamweiss6128]

Tull, so good, man. Seen them only twice. Great as usual. Pretty good for a guy that doesn't have to play music. He has another business. He does it because he loves it, we do too.

[@lynnieiapichino1121]

☮️💙💙💙🔥🔥😍😎fan since 1969!!Ian is genius!

[@chrisbanks5925]

Beautiful song.

[@membysteph64]

Hey gentlemen can’t go wrong with Ian and his boys. Great reaction as always keep up the great work Happy Holidays.

[@AirplayBeats]

Happy Holidays my friend!!

[@FeralPatrick]

If you like early Tull, you definitely need to listen to their album Stand Up. It's probably my favorite Tull album. Maybe definitely. lol

[@vicprovost2561]

Awesome album, I had it and Benefit as flip sides of a 90 minute audio tape back in the day, it lived in my car and we wore it out!

[@JimmyRJump]

What strikes me is that often, Americans want to incorporate foreign music into their own culture in order to give it a place and to be able to make sense of it. You both I forgive, because I've seen enough of your videos to know that you've been marinated in all kinds of musical styles enough to be able to see outside the mold. As such, you sometimes don't quite understand (because of cultural background differences) but still have that grasp that causes you to get the gist of what's going on, musically. That's why I appreciate your thoughts and views, because you guys are at home in every genre or style. You both have the music in you. Appreciative greetings from Belgium.

[@klasseact6663]

Wait till you guys check out the song Hymm 43 as well as My Sunday feeling from them❗️❗️

[@spursgog835]

One of my favourite songs from the 60s 🤘🇬🇧

[@stillstanding8286]

You guys got this song in 1969, it wasn’t released in the U.S. until 1972.

[@sammcbride2149]

The White Shadow was one of my favorite shows back then.

[@paulprendergast3184]

Great band, great catalog!

[@bobdelp2023]

HEYYYYY, GET SOME TULL GOING GUYS!!! 💯😊

[@dbradx]

Dude, I can't believe you referenced The White Shadow, that's awesome - I used to watch it with my Dad, but no-one I mention it to ever remembers it. Another great review as always, glad you guys found your way to this track and album, another great one in the Tull discography. Peace and love from Canada ☮

[@fractalmusicj]

That track simply shuffles along. :)

[@KennyCamaro2364]

Locomotive Breath Laa and Chee, check it out!! Tull is popping!

[@suesebree8670]

Studio version this time, please!

[@78zappaf]

I wonder if you will react to their performance at the “Rock n Roll Circus” in 1968 - The song they performed is called called “Song For Jeffrey”.

[@BH-h6l]

Jethro Tull has always been a very eclectic band. Mixing blues, rock, jazz, baroque a little classical here and there. On this same album there are some hard jams too. It's hard to find a single song that really represents the bands style. Someone said this song is from the album "Stand Up" but I think it's actually the title song from the album Living In The Past. Check out the song "Songs From The Wood". That was a great period for them and it was on the radio for a bit. Oh and perhaps Minstrel In The Gallery is a great example of their hard prog period.

[@jamessweet5341]

Went thru two copies of this album. Great stuff!

[@bhart62]

The White Shadow, OMG I loved that show!

[@TheUnkus]

Love that you guys get to it. Keep it up, and sub'd because of it

[@ML-un1oi]

Just my opinion! Tulls best album!! Excellent reaction, fellas!!

[@SteveSmith-uo5ug]

What a masterpiece!

[@alanthomson1227]

Stand Up their second is amazing .

[@vicprovost2561]

Agree with others, early Tull is their best, from 1969 through the 70s, they just produced some of the best, most unique and progressive stew of Rock Music, with many genres of music fused into, but unmistakably Jethro Tull, as soon as you hear it. From the same era, do Nothing is Easy, it is a studio classic that can also be seen live, a raging rocker and real banger, you should do both, it is that good a song and a hilite of their shows early on. Enjoy, more please! 🔥🎵🎸🎤🎻🎹🎷🎶🔥

[@Sammylu-greenbeatsred]

This song was recorded in 1969 but I don't think we got it in the US until late 1972. So by then we already heard the first two albums Benefit which I really like and one of their best albums of all time Aqualung.

[@willicat44]

LITP was a collection of unpublished & singles that were not known to the new fans that were hip on Stand Up, Benefit & the mega-hit "Aqualung". It filled the gap while Ian set about creating Thick as a Brick..

[@marianoreal3510]

Very good choice !

[@Walter-xx6yp]

Reminds me of the mission impossible song because mission impossible is also a 5, or based on 5.