Jethro Tull- My God (First Listen)

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Song Link: • My God

[@JustJP]

I'll make you a deal: if we get to 8K Subscribers by the end of July, I'll do Thick as A Brick😉🤝

[@ComeOnIsSuchAJoy]

All 45 minutes in one sitting?

[@JustJP]

Split: Pt. 1 and 2 🙃

[@paulhart3812]

I'll get the word out. I see some people wanting you to do the whole Thick As A Brick album in one sitting. That wouldn't do the album justice because the various segments are SO DIFFERENT from each other. Some sections are haunting, acoustic folk pieces and some are very hard rock and some are trippy progressive pieces. Review it in sections... and then do a separate video critiquing the entire Lp (as you did with Genesis's Nursery Cryme). Just a suggestion.

[@mikeloomis687]

Are you kidding! That's great! One of a kind band. LOVE them, especially Ian. My favorite front man of all time. SO talented.

[@ComeOnIsSuchAJoy]

@@paulhart3812 I didn't actually think he would; just verifying it.

[@PaulHilburger]

This whole record is fire. Not one bad track

[@rogerscollier7424]

Aqualung is what I call a 5 star LP. Not a bad cut anywhere . In other words the band was hitting on all cylinders .

[@elgonwilliams7624]

Some historical and cultural basis for Ian's feelings about organized religion: Until the 20th Century, in many towns and villages throughout England as well as neighborhoods within major cities The Church of England "requested" your attendance of all church services. If you were not present, you received a visit from the Church and had to explain your absence. If your excuse was deemed inadequate, you were socially ostracized, which meant no one talked to you and shunned you whenever they saw you. It was an oppressive situation in stark contrast to the inclusive message and teaching of Christ. Yes, this happened in some places in America as well, but the excesses of the Cof E in demanding that everyone belong to the State recognized Church lead to conflicts with other religions and many people escaping England to come to America where they could make other choices. The irony for me is that Henry VIII created the C of E because the Catholic Church would not grant him a divorce from his first wife, so the Church was far from stainless in its origins.

[@JustJP]

Appreciate the history! Ty

[@bjwnashe5589]

Elgon Williams Great comment.

[@craigfazekas3923]

Oh, man- you got into a subject that pains me to think about. And that is what Henry VIII did to Catharine of Aragon, his 1st wife (and until she died, loudly proclaimed herself, his ONLY wife....) Absolutely shameless, that guy. So much so, when I think about her, my heart aches for her centuries later....AND I'M A YANK !! I can only imagine if I were English, or a Spaniard like she was. And she actually directed victorious wars for him while he was away. Henry VIII was an ingrate & a scumbag for her treatment alone. God had his way with him in the end, though. He suffered mightily with pain in his legs & back has he aged. And his misery probably never came near hers- the mental anguish she endured from him. BTW, I probably would have never delved into the subject matter if it wasn't for Rick Wakeman. His musical depiction (no lyrics whatsoever)of each of Henry's wives, their personalities, joys & strife) spawned much reading on behalf of someone who cares not a lick about the rest of the whole of English Royalty, before or after. Like all people, Henry had good & bad about him. But his treatment of her for not producing a son ? Yes, he alone created The Church of England for not being granted a divorce by The Holy Catholic Church. It was called "The King's Great Matter" at the time. Catharine was indeed a fine, strong woman- but he crushed her. The thing that makes it so bad ? (yes, she was given a place to live her life, along with servants & so on. He had to, for appearance sake.... She did nothing wrong.) She loved & cared for him deeply. Her sole desire was to please the king. Only to be steadfastly rejected. He acted as though he was the only one affected by potential male heirs being stillborn, repeatedly. She was absolutely a wreck knowing that the king would not be pleased as well as having lost her own babies. She existed only to please him. And in that vein, only spoke positively of him, until her final statement. And even then, not outright slamming him, spoken in true measure about the man she dearly loved, despite how he treated her. Like trash you throw away to the curb, after nearly 25 years of marriage. Hearing this today, one would assume her to be a weak woman. Nothing could be further from the truth. She stood up to him, but only in private. He confided these things to his advisers when she was absent. And he'd claim some of his best mandates came from her, but only to trusted counsel. You wanna get depressed sometime ? Read what Catherine of Aragon endured from her husband. Wanna be intrigued and surprised ? Listen to The Six Wives of Henry the Eighth, by Rick Wakeman. And this album also features Chris Squire, Bill Bruford, Alan White & Steve Howe. The only vocals are of choir, no lyrics, so no Jon Anderson appearance..... A great, great album.

[@alphacrusis2632]

Henry VIII may not be everyone's cup of tea but he was right to sever ties with Rome.

[@kentclark6420]

So the C of E was just as hypocritical as the Catholic Church as a whole. And oppressors who dictated their own version of Christianity.

[@Ferretbomber]

You can hear in this song why Ian was a big influence on Geddy Lee, Bruce Dickinson, etc. as a front-man. Incredible energy, charisma, humor with introspective depth. Definitely an artist on his own path. I think the simplistic label 'prog rock' does many bands a disservice, particularly Jethro Tull. They were hungry, curious, adventurous, astute, snarky, playful ... even at times randy and provocative. It was the natural thing to do, to grow, express and explore. Not a category to simply slot your band into and foist your albums on music nerds. As much as I love ELP, Yes, Genesis, etc. ... Tull is by far my favorite of that cadre, to me they were more flexible and multi-faceted. And you just absolutely have to get to Thick as a Brick somehow, despite it being a 44-ish minute song. The humor, commentary, introspection, etc. is really amazing. And the original cover and insert as a satirical regional newsletter is just brilliant. For me Ian is up there with the likes of Roger Waters in the depth and significance of his lyrics. But not quite as dour. If you can't tell, Tull is my favorite band, along with Rush, Pink Floyd, Iron Maiden, Zappa, Queen and many others. It pains me there are largely dismissed as a curiosity or relic. They deserve better.

[@kayleenilsson3825]

Well spoken, sir 🍻

[@jimdandrea9307]

Minstrel in the gallery is another great album. Baker street muse

[@richard-yz6cz]

My God, Live At The Isle Of Wight is insane

[@SteveHutton]

Yes definitely worth a listen or watch the video.

[@alantattersall3190]

I agree, amazing performance.

[@bigjapi1]

Yes! epic concert oh... "My God" kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4i2pp-bo7SImJI

[@bjwnashe5589]

richard Indeed it is.

[@rk41gator]

His live performances were crazy good....CRAZY.

[@amon6538]

There is no way around Thick as A Brick by them, that‘s their masterpiece in my opinion

[@steveobrien9937]

I stated the same thing...its essential!

[@michaelbochnia5686]

If he will review the whole album, yes. I would suggest he tries Benefit or Stand up now. Try the full on Bluesy feel that those two provide then move on to the prog. world in all its glory.

[@joelliebler5690]

Amon Starrick One of several masterpieces!

[@Neo-Midgar]

Their best album, & one of the best of all time in my opinion. Definitely the best Prog Rock single-track suite imo.

[@ComeOnIsSuchAJoy]

@@michaelbochnia5686 _WarChild_ or _Songs from the Wood_ would be other good ones to try.

[@justaguy2365]

Ian was totally against organized religion. You'll hear more of that in Hymn 43 and Wind up both also on aqualung. Check out some of the live versions when you get a chance. They slay it live... and Ian always did an extended flute solo... but Thick as a Brick is some of his best flute work

[@steveobrien9937]

Agreed!

[@justaguy2365]

@@BringingPsycheBacktoPsychiatry Yep. And that riff is awesome

[@MilosDaddy]

I think you would like their song, "Skating Away on the Thin Ice of a New Day".

[@DPBracken]

As a long time Jethro Tull fan, Since 1970. And ironically the first concert I ever went to was Jethro Tull, it does my heart good to read the comments from so many people about Jethro Tull, and of course Ian Anderson, The genius behind Jethro Tull. I will have to say that the first song I heard by them was Bouree, And that song changed my life. There’s so many songs I could mention, as you all have mentioned most of them already, but also take a listen to “skating away on the thin ice of a new day”. Another one of my favorite Jethro Tull songs. There is so many I can’t even count! Thank you Tull fans, Young and old. Hopefully you will get a chance to see them live while they still are touring after this virus is handled.

[@RGRG3232]

There are so many great songs...way too many to mention but if I could recommend one it would be "One White Duck" from 1975's Minstrel in the Gallery.

[@bobholtzmann]

"With You There To Help Me" is another Tull track that has a similar menacing brooding feel, lots of flute and Martin's dramatic guitar. It starts out the Benefit album.

[@michaelbochnia5686]

I agree sort of . To Cry You a Song is my favorite cut on Benefit but the WHOLE album for me is my favorite. Jethro Tull was all heavy blues on their first, This Was, and Stand Up and aBenefit for me are his pinnacle when you look at the blues but his prog. future begin to wake as well.

[@williamosborne6866]

One of my favorites as well....seriously undervalued.

[@brumleyhall]

"Bouree" from "Stand Up" is a flute-centered instrumental.

[@michaelbochnia5686]

@Stream On OBX Stand Up and Benefit is really where the next songs should come from. Bluesy and with a Ian hint of things to come. Cheers! "To Cry You a Song" for me, the best of Jethro Tull's early song.

[@samuelecallegari6117]

@Stream On OBX On Stand Up there's already Martin Barre. Mick is only on This Was

[@joelliebler5690]

Nathaniel Clapton One of my favorites

[@ellavader4411]

This was my "leaving the altar" song at my wedding and Wondrin' Aloud was my first dance with my new husband. Reasons For Waiting was another song played ... (Maybe a theme there) My favorite group of all time ... (up there with Steely Dan and Bob Seger)

[@paulhart3812]

Ian's voice is unmatched. His octave range isn't great. He's no Robert Plant or Jon Anderson. But its tone and character is beyond anything the other singers of that era offered. It can be angry and gravelly (filled with contempt) as on MY GOD. Or it can be soft and smooth as silk as on Wondring Aloud.

[@jonanderson559]

Thick As A Brick is a real immersive experience and not to be missed. But actually one of my favourite albums is Minstrel In The Gallery. It's an underrated gem.

[@sidecardog5244]

Great song. Acoustic start, hard rock, then a marvelous flute performance, monks chanting....what’s not to like. Ps, my vote for next Tull album is Thick as a Brick...and not the awful chopped up version popular on American radio in the Seventies...”Really don’t mind if you sit this one out...”. Best open to a song ever!

[@joelliebler5690]

SIDECAR DOG & woody A great album though my favorite one is Songs From TheWood.

[@tonyetchells6051]

"Life Is A Long Song" is my all-time fave.

[@felipegalindo1313]

Aqualung was considered a conceptual album by the critics, which Ian denied, but added, “I’ll give you conceptual” and that he did...my favorite album came out after this one “Thick as A Brick”

[@andrewcaelliott]

For me this is the best song on the album. Aqualung and Locomotive Breath are standalone bangers and work anywhere. But My God is integral to the album. It's the tent pole that holds everything up, and around which everything else moves. It makes the album. (Oh, and Wind-up is the perfect closer - you'll like that too, I think). But this is the one. As ever, thanks for doing this. I really appreciate the way you do this.

[@JustJP]

Thank you Andrew, I'm glad you've been enjoying them here :)

[@genestippell1833]

When you listen to a studio Tull album from that era you're only getting half the experience, Anderson was something special performing these songs... Ian Anderson was the best frontman of that era bar none when considering everything he contributed... He wrote all the songs, created a unique out-front rock flute style, a wonderful acoustic guitar player and was incredibly theatrical on stage. Thick as a Brick, which followed Aqualung, was intended to be a parody of concept albums... In the process, with TAAB Anderson created one of the best concept albums of all time as most people didn't get the Monty Python type spoof. Being 45 minutes long you'll need to put aside a good amount of time to listen to it in its entirety. I suggest you view the abbreviated version of TAAB live in 1978 at Madison Square Garden to fully appreciate Anderson's genius and how good the other members of the band were. If you are curious about how good Tull was at their peak then the 12-15 minutes from MSG in 78 is the perfect showcase.

[@jermaschinot]

Chills when the band comes back in after the flute solo. Welcome back to my favorite band of 50 years!. he's still learning flute in 71

[@gregjones861]

So far, this may be my favorite reaction of yours. The look on your face when the whole band kicked in, as well as the times you were enjoying each part so much that you laughed, made it so much fun to watch. Now I hope you'll forgive me for my admonition to "quit stalling and get to My God already". I just had a feeling you would love it. Thanks for sharing the proceedings.

[@JustJP]

Haha ty Greg!

[@michaelbochnia5686]

Might be mine as well. He flat out loved the track.... what is there not to love.

[@jeffmartin1026]

Imagine seeing Jethro TUll in a collage gymnasium, 15' from the stage, on the "warm up" leg of the tour for this LP a couple of days before the LP was released. We were all excited to see JT for the earlier, mostly softer music. Then they started dropping in new songs from Aqualung - HOLY SH*T!!! I ended up seeing JT 20+ times over the years and the stage shows, not just Ian, were as impressive as the music. The opening band that night was Curved Air. The violin feedback solo was not the most plesent experience of the evening. There is another reviewer/reacter who is a professional musician and plays/teaches the flute. She has fallen in love with Ian Anderson.

[@ronjm945]

My God is a great song by Jethro Tull, on the phenomenal album Aqualung. There was nothing that sounded like this when this album was crafted. So very unique..

[@BrianR.]

A very influential band for me personally, bought my first Tull album in 1974. This one has lots of atmosphere in it...

[@paulhart3812]

I love your facial expressions while listening to this song. I can see you really appreciate the creative mind of Ian Anderson, and his sense of the dramatic. There was no one else quite like him back in the 70's. I would suggest reviewing the BENEFIT album next because that Lp was the lead up to Aqualung. You can hear elements of Aqualung on it. Tackle the really complex stuff like Thick As A Brick and A Passion Play after that.

[@-davidolivares]

I can see why I was not “into” this music at 14. It’s challenging and quirky and mature. If I can’t understand it now I don’t know when I will. Martin was excellent, Ian was really good. The monastery monks were a haunting seasoning to an already powerful song. Speaking out against religious ceremony and ideals is interesting subject for a “rock” song. Very interesting choice today. Sorry I didn’t get it back then Kevin. Take care everyone, pls stay safe mask up and live a long life, Peace and challenging Music

[@JustJP]

Ty David for at least giving it a shot😄

[@michaelbochnia5686]

I was exactly 14 when my Mom got me War Child for Christmas and got addicted to Bungle in the Jungle. To say the least, my taste in Tull grew out of that phase. But you are not the first to say they got into Tull later on. The intricacy in track and subject are not really a young teens bread and butter.

[@joelliebler5690]

David Olivares I loved this as a 14 year old though I am sure it was because I used to listen and learn from my older brother’s albums and his teaching me about the music!

[@andyparnham7542]

My God is my favourite Tull song, you should watch the live version on KZbin with a really lengthy flute solo in the middle. As for future albums, ‘Thick as a Brick’ is amazing but it’s just 2 tracks (1 LP side each), I also love ‘Songs from the Wood’ and ‘Stormwatch’, though most Tull albums are great (except for Under Wraps and the later albums). Thanks for the video Justin - Andy.

[@wolfhart1444]

Lol, Under Wraps is a bit of a "Huh?"

[@bjwnashe5589]

Saw them live on the Stormwatch tour. Amazing show. Ian never phoned it in. Always performed with 100% intensity.

[@joelliebler5690]

Andy Parnham Fantastic Song among forty more great ones!

[@cynthianavarro4316]

Finally, a reaction to My God. And by someone who will really get it! That unholy uncomfortable sound coming out of the chorus is called dissonance. When, even one note (or more) that is not supposed to be in an open chord rubs against the other harmonious notes and clashes. It denotes that something is pending, or amiss. Please react to some early Tull: The Driving Song and Singing All Day. No one's done these!

[@seworley1]

It's RAALLY hard to make a decision like this, but I think my fav is Passion Play .. the whole album is one song

[@j.c.a2872]

hey man, I gotta tell you, you've got one of the best reaction and review channels out there; you know just how to do it, first the reaction, THEN the review; a lot of these channels pause continuously during the song to comment without actually having anything useful to say. Your facial expressions during the song usually says it all; and your reviews afterwards are always informative and spot-on. Thanks for the great reactions man, always look forward to the next one....CHEERS !!!!!

[@JustJP]

That means a lot JC, thank you so much.

[@j.c.a2872]

@@JustJP welcome....Peace !!!!

[@johncagnettajr344]

The next album should be an earlier one. This album was a mainstream breakthrough. The first two albums Stand Up and Benefit are excellent.

[@gablen23]

The first album was "This Was"

[@olabergvall3154]

@@gablen23 True. Aqualung was No. 4

[@RedPillMode]

Yes there is This was, but it is not very interesting. Stand up and Benefit are both great.

[@samuelecallegari6117]

@@RedPillMode It's a really good album instead. Just much different to what they have done after that. But still a great British blues album.

[@giamo645]

7 or 8 albums are better than Benefit imo. TAAB, APP, Aqualung, Minstrel, Songs from the woods, Heavy Horses, Broadsword and even Too Old...not counting Stand up of course.

[@Yosef1952]

You might enjoy "Black Satin Dancer" from The Minstrel in the Gallery album. The whole album is excellent, imo.

[@CalebRichardsChannel]

Baker St Muse is my favorite non-album-length Tull song

[@AndrewGruffudd]

And also one white duck/ nothing at all, from the same album.

[@TA-zk7lr]

You are right, he will enjoy it, I also told him this few weeks ago. I hope he will react to it some day.

[@jamessweet5341]

Title cut is probably my favorite Tull.

[@cobrasys]

YES! I've been saying this for a while. Black Satin Dancer is another flutegasm!

[@Divedown_25]

I saw another reaction of Jethro Tull by a trained concert flutist. She was a bit impressed by Ian’s flute technique I’ll remember. Edited. Needed to check up that reaction. She has 18K subscribers and between 3K-30K views on her reactions or herself playing... but lo and behold...she has after two months a whooping 1.2M views on that video and 7K comments. Talk about hitting a rift :-). She did 3 additional Jethro Tull with big score views. Hope all Jethro Tull fans hit your channel now JP

[@patricknicolucci5073]

Great Tull Song Love this entire record ! next Tales of Topographic Oceans Yes The Revealing Science of God, to start

[@ZalMoxis]

He might not be ready for that...

[@bobholtzmann]

There's still some of the Yes Album left.

[@Rowenband]

Personaly, although I'm not a believer in any god, I like the Revealing Science of God a lot. It's a superb piece. Justin, if you want to make us all happy, you should do 3 videos each day, haha. Don't forget Magma (and Redbone).

[@JustJP]

If I could quit my job and such, i would lol

[@michaelkolb5900]

Justin My Man!! My God!! Wow!! Your so SPOT ON AGAIN!! This is a Great song!! Gabriel wishes he could play like Ian!! Lol!! He does have great character!! Have you watched him.live?? Wow!! One of my few concert going regrets was never seeing this great band live!! So I must confess: when I saw this up on your reaction I wasn't that wowed!! I don't even own this album!! Wierd isn't it?!! What's so AMAZING about Tull is there was NOBODY like them before and NOBODY like them since!!! I love the uniqueness of music in general but kinda got into this album with everyone else but nothing really after aqualung!! Don't really know why but just listened to other prog bands!! They were so unique that I wouldn't really consider them prog! This album definitely was SO HUGE when it came out!! Kinda like FRAMPTON COMES ALIVE almost!! I so loved your reaction when the guitar riff came in and you laughed and said: you weren't expecting that!! PRICELESS!! I was yelling at the t.v. saying: YES I KNOW!! LOL!! It is a perfect song!! No too long- not too short! Just right!! Yeah that flute playing is just AWESOME!! Thx for making my night!! Haven't heard that song in years!!! Okay: NOW YOU CAN PLAY: GRACE DARLING!! And then maybe: SUZANNE VEGA: LAST YEARS TROUBLES!! TRUST ME THATS NOT A BORING SONG!!! Have a great day my man and keep up your awesome reactions!! Your on a roll!! That was almost like: ASHES ARE BURNING!! Lol!! Don't forget MIDAS MAN TOO!!! Thank you so much for replying to my comments!! That makes my day!!! Your #1Az fan always!! Michael 😊😊😊😊

[@lorenzotrunzo1352]

Ian might play the flute better than Peter but no one could write songs like Peter

[@stevenaustin8274]

The best flute solo for Tull imo is in thick as a brick

[@olabergvall3154]

Is there just one?

[@michaelbochnia5686]

There is GREAT flute work thru all the years of Tull.

[@stevenaustin8274]

Michael Bochnia indeed there is ! but if pushed to pick one solo as mentioned in the video it would be thick as brick and as most people know which particular section of it is played as part of the abridged live version

[@kayleenilsson3825]

@@stevenaustin8274 MAN that's a hard pick.... But I think I'm gonna have to agree with you, it's honestly hard to deny it first place, so damn powerful! I don't know if you could technically call it a "solo" since it's kinda combined with the guitar but for me a close second would be that epic outro of *Weathercock* ...I'm always left kinda bummed out that it's so short... Then there're COUNTLESS of catchy flute sections on *Stand Up* which I just LOVE to death as well... Aaaand a whole bunch of stuff of the rest of the 70's albums as well haha 😅😅😅 I could go on and I'm sure everyone else could too 😂

[@stevenaustin8274]

Kaylee Nilsson I think it still counts as a solo regardless of other instruments playing ! but I agree it’s extremely difficult to select one so much to enjoy

[@mrwomby5007]

Everything you need from Jethro Tull in one handy song!

[@1nelsondj]

I have the 25th anniversary edition of this album which has bonus tracks and a 14 minute interview with Ian Anderson. He talks about the problems recording the album at the then new Island recording studio that wasn't the best sounding. Led Zeppelin was working in the downstairs smaller studio, Tull was in the larger one upstairs. Ian says of "Aqualung" that in many places it isn't the favorite of fans which would be Stand Up, Thick As a Brick, Living in the Past or The Broadsword and the Beast. He seems to see the album as a stepping stone rather than a landmark classic, he became a more sophisticated player/songwriter as he grew.

[@chewbaccabooberry]

Greatly enjoying watching your journey into Tull. Can't wait until you reach the inevitable collision course with Thick as a Brick. My favorite rock album/song.

[@massivereader]

The chorale backing vocals aren't gospel, though. Sounds like it was influenced by Gregorian chant or some specific Church of England devotional music.

[@olabergvall3154]

Yes, I think of a liturgy

[@darraghtalorgan1905]

If you want to read a little too far into it; it could be a call back to the fact that all music used to exist within the church and was to only be performed there. Specifically limiting the scales to what we know now as the pentatonic. Making sure not to use imperfect or evil cadences, like the devils trinote (augmented fourth or diminished fifth depending on your outlook on life) because of the impact it had on people. It was the churches way to control music and also take it further away from pagans while associating them with the devil. combining that with the first verse: "people, what have you done? locked him in his golden cage, his golden cage. Made him bend to your religion Him ressurected from the grave, from the grave" Could be seen as the story of how music was used in a push-pull tactic until finally it was ressurected and now used freely. Again, though, I'm reading too much into it.

[@massivereader]

@@darraghtalorgan1905 Great insight. Didn't know that.

[@MrCrazyc52]

Blah Blah Blah is the chant..another one of Ian's strikes at organized Religion

[@michaelbochnia5686]

Yes! On my top 3 songs EVER! Ian Anderson is playing the acoustic here, flute, sings, writes... now you have to see him LIVE on stage. Try and do a live recording with video. My abslute favorite performer I ever watched live. I have been to 13 Tulll shows and all were amazing, even when his vocal range had gone south with age. Saw him in the 70's, 80's, and 90's! All great. His earliest band had the best musicians. Now you really should go to Benefit or Stand Up. Early albums, best line up and my favorite two. Back to My God, great lyrics, better play. Ian is amazing here, but the rise and fall of energy and emotion makes this one of his epic songs. You did a great job Brother, nice review and listen now to " To Cry You a Song" off Benefit and take your Tull journey to a higher level.

[@glenndespres5317]

My God! 😆I had forgotten how freakin’ great this song is! Lyrics...A+.... all the rest... off the charts!

[@patrickkaltner8554]

Finally, someone who will react to the Tull that never made the radio. The good stuff

[@JustJP]

Did this album and currently going through Stand Up!😄

[@ronaldbarnes6188]

I’ll be 70 years old in a few weeks. I saw Jethro Tull in concert I believe it was in 1973. They opened with A Passion Play. I don’t remember if they played My God but the concert was awesome.

[@Kotro]

This is Ian's flute at its most flamboyant, maybe, but it does get much better in the following albums.

[@giamo645]

When I first heard this song in the late seventies I thought 'wow, there were groups doing things like this and reaching first place in the charts' Glad to see that can be appreciated 40 years later.

[@markspooner1224]

Love it! You can never have too much Jethro Tull. Great reaction.

[@wardii301]

When this song was released, it was extremely controversial. People used to buy the record just to burn it in southern parts of the US.

[@mrwomby5007]

The irony being that the song is complaining about how organised religion was corrupting the teachings of Christ, not a criticism of Christianity per se.

[@stephaniethurmer5370]

@@mrwomby5007 along with the words on the back of the album. "For Christ's sake we better start looking"

[@johncase2408]

It's no wonder the radio stations in Mississippi sucked. Austin, tx was great and played everything.

[@lewismaddox4132]

He wasn't criticizing any protestant religions. He was pointing to the corruption of the Church of England and by extension the Catholic religion. The Church of England only varied from Catholicism in that it allowed Henry VIII to get a divorce. That was the reason for its creation.

[@joelliebler5690]

Wardii Well the ignorant south was and still is that way today!

[@mirosuni]

I am now 63 -- saw Tull at 13. Hooked ever since -- brilliance!! :)

[@JustJP]

Thats awesome! I'm sure you were blown away!

[@lisastygall9062]

The deeper you get into this album the better it gets. Once you've worked through it you have to listen to it again as a whole.

[@JustJP]

Very true Lisa

[@jimhardiman3836]

Awesome JP! I had a feeling you'd have a pretty profound reaction to this song. You're right Ian's personality comes through in all the instruments he plays including the acoustic guitar. This song has all the great Tull trademarks. The acoustic instruments mixed with the electric. The subtle dynamics juxtaposed with the heavy riffs. The wild flute. The pointed witticism in the lyrics. You should hear the flute improv from Bursting Out to see where he takes these ideas.

[@thejoker-ie1mm]

After 50 years it still excites me like the first time. Sublime!

[@TmRnBn]

"and the graven image you-know-who, and his plastic crucifix" Live, he would tell you who-you-know and it even rhymed with Crucifix....(it was Catholics.) That was the nature of media at the time. So many instances of The Label superseding the artist. By the by...this was not a hit on religion, it was a hit on The Church--and religiosity.

[@Jim_in_TN]

I agree. In fact I read something some time ago where Anderson talked about the song and he pretty much said that. If I recall correctly he was trying to make the point that most of the major denominations, particularly the Church of England, try to put God in general and Jesus in particular into a box of their own making.

[@5M_Musique]

Great review JP: I think you are now ready for Thick as a Brick!

[@Cescus82]

This is also my favorite song from Jethro Tull. I've had a Tull tribute band for 15 years, and still is my favorite to listen and to play

[@Paddyjack]

Well this was my first listen too.... and absolutely..... ENJOYED IT!!

[@JustJP]

Nice! Glad you liked it Eric

[@edwardthorne9875]

I heard this song when it first came out, and I have never thought of Ian leading the chanters, who have been forced to follow. Very insightful of you to catch that aspect.

[@JustJP]

Ty Edward!

[@bobcarn]

The look on your face when the song hardens is pretty spot-on for anyone listening to this album. Tull tends to be musically surprising. When you think you got a handle on the song, it switches things up or kicks into overdrive or does something unexpected. Man, I really love that band.

[@calamitydave5000]

Hello David, first timer here Let me fill you in. Seen live in 1972 and by fate, picked up by the band as I hitch hikes home. I was 15. This album was recorded in an unconsecrated church in. England . It consisted of 2 studios. Jethro Tull had the larger of the 2 studio to record in. They would have preferred the smaller one, however, Led Zeppelin was recording their first album in the smaller of the 2. The "religious singing, to which you alluded to, is called 'Gregorian Chants' These were some of the earliest music scribed in history. Sund in rooms or caverns that give it the large hall reverb that makes it a bit echoey. All chants were done one track at a time by non-other than the glorious Ian Anderson. starting in a minor key and slyly slipped for a moment into the major key and resolving back to the minor key. Truly one of my favorite songs to play solo, simply because I. I'm such a rebellious S.. O. B. and I find Ian's voice one of the only voices worthy of stating exactly how I feel about the content. Hope everyone picked a sliver of trivia that makes this piece of story telling a rarity in Rock circles. The remastered version seems to have accomplished what it set out to do. Peace. ✌️

[@mikey7777]

Next Tull album should be Songs From the Wood

[@ZalMoxis]

or something from Heavy Horses

[@chewbaccabooberry]

Maybe with a quick stop off at Thick as a Brick first

[@sidecardog5244]

Hunting Girl!

[@garyweiler8674]

One more from Aqualung "Hymn 43"!!!!!

[@BlueYiperoo]

Everything Ian Anderson has done on flute is excellent. I'm a flutist and Anderson is one of only two of my flute heroes. Ian Anderson isn't afraid to show what the flute can really do, even to the point of torturing his flute.

[@doomhunter697]

Other Tull songs in the same 'theme'- Hymn 43, Wind Up and A Christmas Song.

[@roddmcleodable]

Weighty is the right word. Great insight. The band overall plays into this light-hearted, theatrical, flautist playing with one leg in the air, being goofy... but the music on this song is a dark arrow to the heart. The main electric guitar riff feels like Black Sabbath, and the lyric here is serious as a heart attack.

[@JeromeDukes]

Totally enjoyed this track. Agree, that flute was just killer. Loved the heaviness, instruments and vocals. Great track to add to my playlist.

[@michaelkolb5900]

I wish i could talk to you on the phone after your reaction to GATES!! This is why Yes is my favorite band!! They play with they're soul like you said!! When you here Genesis talk about their music they all sound arrogant and unfriendly!! That's why they're #2 on my list!! Know what I mean?!! This song is ORIGINAL!! Totally!! Now get into TALES WILL YOU?!! Sorry I just love music!! It's my passion!! Can't you tell?? Steve and Chris are the BEST!!!!😊😊😊

[@crazyyyyhorse]

The best Jethro Tull song. Period.

[@johnpbh]

Martin Barre's guitar playing often gets overlooked in amongst Ian's pyrotechnics on the flute. JT would be less of a great sound if he wasn't there. OK - some future albums for you to listen to.... either "Heavy Horses" or "Minstrel in the Gallery". Keep on rocking.

[@johncase2408]

The flute solo really is something else. My god is a top three tull song.

[@philt4346]

So it's no surprise Ian comes across so real and centred, when he's worked out his issues this thoroughly.

[@visualanimal5634]

Lovely acoustic guitar, amazing flute solo, crazy male choir background vocals and Martin Barre stinger riffs. Yum.

[@brumleyhall]

"Thick as a Brick" will blow your mind. It originally came in 2 parts and that's how you should approach it. Also a big fan of "Stand Up".

[@MissAstorDancer]

"Stand Up" is my favorite Tull album!! It gets overlooked because people lean more towards "Aqualung" and Thick as a Brick" (which are both epic albums). I love all Tull, almost without exception, but my favorites are "Stand Up", "Thick as a Brick" and "A Passion Play", in that order. "Stand Up" had a beauty and an innocence about it that is really loveable, while still having some "edge" and some "grit", but not going as dark as "Benefit" or "Aqualung".

[@alexandrutiu6958]

Definitely a great song. Very "heavy" and strong in his tone and message, impressive, very articulate, very original and having some magic musical moments. The flute parts are one of the best of Jan (some of them, and especially the builds-ups and the finals of the parts, when the flute plays alone, are really haunting - you'll realize this if you will listen the song a few times; some live versions are great too). Fortunately, Jethro Tull has a lot of others magical moments in their songs. Their music was called in the 70s "a music for the XXI-st century" because of its very high originality, innovation and value.

[@budmaynard5952]

Thanks for doing more Tull! Love this song too. When you were talking about the vocals behind the flute, they sound a lot like the Gregorian Chants performed by monks and choirs in Roman Catholic services and developed over a thousand years ago. The Gregorian Chant underwent a bit of a popular resurgence in the late 80's - early 90's. At some point, you should listen to this album start to finish offline to enjoy it properly. Would love to hear you take on "Heavy Horses" or "Songs from the Wood" as your next Jethro Tull albums. They still rock, but expand on some of the folk elements heard on "Aqualung". Be well, stay safe. Peace from SF

[@lbd-po7cl]

I think this is my favourite song off this album - pure perfection! And your analysis in on point! As for the next Jethro Tull album, I'd recommend either Minstrel in the Gallery or Songs from the Wood. Both have something of a folk ethic tinged with a hard rock edge, as well as some amazing lyrics.

[@joannpares7864]

Aqualung came out when I was 13. Bought the album and turned on all my friends. Every some is a gem. I never read anything into the songs except cross eyed mary. This album is ageless.

[@neilhinks5734]

What a riff .. From acoustic to electric guitar.. Superb. Always loved this song. Dark.. Mischievous brilliance From Ian, s vocals and flute. My God, I love this track Justin. Genius imho. ❤️ ❤️ Great review Justin, I'm so glad you like this opus Ftom Tull . Awesome stuff... Aqualung as got it all in my book 🤘🤘

[@rspirate4931]

Loved your review, I am 70 years old and saw Tull 6 times, new sub.

[@1983mrsqueak]

Try listening to 'To Cry You A Song" off the Benefit album. Me thinks you will like.

[@mikeloomis687]

One of my faves...that album I listen to at least 2x a year.

[@themikentimcomedyshow3343]

Ian is a master of dynamics! and the timing - tight !

[@MissAstorDancer]

Beautiful and enthusiastic reaction and analysis, Justin!!! LOVE how much you loved it!!!! I hope you will consider reacting to the "Stand Up" album!!!! Based on your reaction to this song, I feel certain you will fall in love with every song on "Stand Up". It truly features every quality that came to be the Tull we all became familiar with later. It is a masterpiece! Please consider reacting to it!!! ;)

[@MissAstorDancer]

P.S. Ian Anderson said that "Stand Up" would be his choice for his favorite album, if someone were to twist his arm and demand that he choose!!!!!

[@frandanco6289]

Ian Anderson is playing that beautiful acoustical guitar in the beginning of this off the charts song from the 70's...

[@paulhart3812]

Side Two of Aqualung had a definite theme concerning organized religion. MY GOD is the perfect Tull song because it has all the bands best elements. Acoustic parts, heavy rock parts, flute section, Ian's esoteric lyrics, etc. A great song.

[@audiotomb]

Interesting fact Tull was recording Aqualung in the adjacent studio to Led Zeppelin IV.

[@michaelkolb5900]

Hey JP! I forgot to tell you: i was watching SYMPHONIC YES LIVE LAST NIGHT!! OMG!! ITS SO COOL WHEN ALL THE PLAYERS IN THE SYMPHONY COME OUT FRONT AND DANCE WITH YES WHILE THEYRE PLAYING: ROUNDABOUT!!! PRICELESS!!!!😊😊😊😊

[@progperljungman8218]

Yeah! (But no need for permanent SHOUTING!... 😉)

[@climber1954]

This is in my top 5 all time of Tull songs. You were very close on your interpretation of the lyrics (which is why I enjoy your videos so much). It is basically Ian's feelings about how organized religion as bastardized the actual teachings and meaning of the original teachings of Christianity. Face it, the Church of England was formed so Henry the VIII could get a divorce that was forbidden by the Catholic Church. Great reaction as always, and as always, looking forward to more.

[@JustJP]

Ty Climber!

[@jermaschinot]

In 71 and 72 the flute solo in My God is where Ian would take off on flute for 10 minutes with a lot of humor.

[@JianLakerson]

One of my favorite Tull tracks.

[@Wilss]

Thick as a Brick is a good shout.

[@DrakusRecords]

This was Jethro Tull's first prog rock epic. A mini-epic to be sure but it was the band taking it's first forays into the world of prog rock. Their next album would be the deep dive. This is probably my favorite song on the album, and one of their best songs. It also, arguably, has Ian's best flute solo. But there are other close contenders. Just wait till you hear Thick as a Brick, there's some monster flute solos in that.

[@squidly12009]

One of my early albums and played it to death, front to back! Takes me right back there.

[@Ferretbomber]

An interesting aside, Ian contacted Sir George Martin about producing Aqualung. They met and Sir Martin allegedly said 'you seem to be doing a pretty good job, why don't you keep at it?' When George Martin suggests you're doing a good job, you just might be kicking ass. Ian Anderson and the guys in Tull kicked a huge amount of ass. They were one of the biggest, most successful, dominant touring bands of the 70s ... and IMO they are slept on compared to their contemporaries. Like Rush, they made amazing studio albums but were as good or better live. Geddy Lee in particular has been vocal about Thick as a Brick being one of his favorite albums, and one of the best tours he ever saw as a young musician. I would really love to hear you react to more of their really unique music. And, Ian really revered Frank Zappa as one of the only artists at the time he paid attention to. That in and of itself is a pretty high bar to aim for. Frank might as well be a demigod.

[@silvertube52]

I think the background vocals are meant to imitate Gregorian chants, not gospel. Now that you've listened to My God, you can see why critics connected the dots between this, Aqualung, Locomotive Breath, Hymm 43, and Wind Up to argue that the album was a concept album critical of organized religion. Of course that wasn't Ian's intent and it angered him so much that he made Thick as a Brick. When Thick as a Brick was released, it didn't occur to me that the title is is an expression for "stupid," but then the Britts call a truck a lorry.

[@j.r.p.5850]

This is the best song of the Album, to me!

[@davidvaness5081]

I remember as a child learning about god and Jesus and it was beautiful then came dont listen to the message of rock and roll im thinkin about jesus is just alright and spirit in the sky

[@michaelkeefe8494]

Glad you liked this; You have a good read on it - how religion gets between you and your God. Now to Wind Up and a brief take on public education... You earned a new sub off this one.

[@mikell5087]

H;e is going through Aqualung track by track so next up actually is Hymn 43. Can't wait! Great reaction!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@JustJP]

Ty Michael!

[@raymondfarrell6497]

The lyrics resonate truth as loud or louder than when this came out.

[@climber1954]

When you finish this album, it is almost required that you look at some live Tull. One of the tightest live bands that you will ever hear.

[@TrevRockOne]

I hope you take a look at Tull's Minstrel in the Gallery. It's very much a stylistic evolution of Aqualung and a much better album in my book.

[@JoelJMusic]

I second this.

[@justineapril7922]

Right before this album was released Tull played the massive Isle of Wight Festival, 1970, which is available on video. The performance of this song is outstanding!! Ian Anderson had only been playing flute about 2 years or so. You need to see him live!! He is the quintessential showman!! And I think Martin Barre IS the most underrated rock guitarist!