Classical Composer Reacts to Thick As A Brick - Part 2 (Jethro Tull) | The Daily Doug (Episode 182)

#JethroTull #JethroTullReaction #ThickAsABrick #ThickAsABrickReaction
In this episode of #TheDailyDoug, I'm reacting to part 2 of Thick As A Brick by Jethro Tull. This, like my previous video, is the 1997 remixed version of the original studio recording. Welcome aboard all Jethro Tull fans! You can add my among your ranks.
Reference Video: • Thick as a Brick (Pt. ...

[@P.Galore]

I consider TAAB Ian Anderson's greatest work. To have been his and Tull's publicist from 1975 through1980 was a tremendous honor. Thank you for exposing Tull to new audiences.

[@TXranger55]

Ian showed people what a REAL concept album was.😅

[@norcoauctions]

see my comment above. No music in notation so local orchestras could play this TAAB

[@eugeniomarins2936]

Fifty years after the first time i still get goosebumps. One of the best bloody LPs ever. Period. Cheers from Brazil!

[@bdcosmo]

This is how a "prog masterpiece parody" becomes a prog masterpiece.

[@t00by00zer]

Time to do A Passion Play. Highly underrated and amazing composition.

[@beeramebroham9210]

It's always time for A Passion Play ✌

[@tommyf6576]

Interested to get his take on “The hare who lost his spectacles” in Part II 😂😂

[@fredkrissman6527]

Hear, hear! I saw the Passion Play concert tour, wherein Tull also performed the entirety of Thick as a Brick... Unbelievable how well they could perform these complex (anti-)concept albums.

[@thescarymoosh]

Yeah but you can't split APP in twain because the Hare happens slap bang in the middle and is a crucial part of the experience as exactly the middle part.

[@tommyf6576]

@@thescarymoosh maybe Doug will do it as a single episode due to being radio silent for a while because he’s moving!! 🤞

[@windyhead7960]

A Passion Play by Jethro Tull is a MUST now.

[@beeramebroham9210]

who lost his O¿O¬ ?

[@DungeonBossTipsundTricks]

Thick as a Brick is better and so is Focus Moving Waves

[@DungeonBossTipsundTricks]

@SyphroJ :(

[@roddyferguson8765]

Doug iam a massive Tull fan. Something struck me when you spoke about the instrumentation of thick as a brick. Less is more basically and there's more colour in single instruments... That's what the albums about.... Individuality v the gang. Cheers for highlighting that

[@dr.zarkhov9753]

Doug, the rabbit hole is deep. 😉

[@barryweinrich7289]

Doug . the look on your face when the strings chimed in was priceless. Been listening to this beauty since '72... It never gets old

[@markgillett1472]

Same here Sir, one of, if not the number one piece of modern music I have ever heard, never grows old. Ian Anderson wrote the whole 'song' ? Since when has a a single song lasted two sides of an LP, ha ha? If it were in the classical genre, it might be called a 'Concerto'? Correct me if I'm wrong :)

[@ПётрГлазков-р3т]

@@markgillett1472 I guess, the closest classical genre is the opera.

[@readdeeply9278]

Samesies! lol

[@patrickashwin2116]

@@readdeeply9278 I was a teenager. My friend played the flute. Why do I love this so much?

[@readdeeply9278]

@@patrickashwin2116 Because the love was already built in!

[@AndrewMiesem]

There's a shorter piece that has always taken me to so many heights called Baker Street Muse. It's the final track from the album Minstrel in the Gallery, and it's brilliant.

[@mike888_ca2]

You must be my musical soul mate! ;-)

[@michaelmclaughlin6376]

Absolutely the gem on Minstrel.

[@ІванМамонтов]

+++☝️👍

[@ballistyxwot4577]

I'm no musician, but you mention the frequent key changes, and I notice all the different time signatures, and somehow it works. Nothing is too jarring, and the underlying themes and recurring riffs seem to tie it all together. It's definitely something that can't just be "heard" but must be listened to, and I love the way it forces me to think at every stage.

[@richardgibson5232]

Ian Anderson......a complete genius

[@keithmiguel8846]

Without question...his brilliance cannot be overstated

[@vistarecords4930]

Well, there's a hot take. And in other news the sun is hot! 🤣 (I'm just messing with you - Ian is brilliant! An amazing talent!

[@melissakhalar1842]

Absolutely

[@martinhayward4466]

+ Barre, Evan, Hammond & Barlow. Ian was a great lyricist, and ideas man. Barre & Evan were great musicians ( joined by Palmer more after 1976) and arrangers, making sure Ian's ideas realised their best outcomes.

[@mimmoreda7706]

6:54-13:36 I am in tears at hearing this section again after decades.

[@benitoherrero3895]

Thick as a brick is a masterpiece of XX century, a lot of wonderful melodies in a row, changing the rythm and the key

[@juniorjohnson9509]

Tull was most definitely a unique sound, and one that really opened up peoples eyes as to what "rock" could sound like.

[@garymcgregor5951]

Was?

[@NuntiusLegis]

And they delivered more and completely different uniqueness on albums like Songs From The Wood, A, Under Wraps, Crest Of A Knave, and yet it is all unmistakably Tull.

[@bradstensland506]

@@NuntiusLegis unmistakably Anderson/Barre..the only constants until recently. But always Andersonian in composition(aside from the David/Dee Palmer contributions

[@NuntiusLegis]

Barre was great, but the Tull magic works without him, so I think it is really Anderson. The two latest albums, Thick As A Brick 2 and Homo Erraticus, sound 100 % Tull to me.

[@chuckkostelc4636]

The intricate nature of JT is truly amazing. The notation, the vocal registers, layering and deep echo effects of large halls were not studio effects, the walking half step progressions set the mood for his character walking through the challenges of life, in youth and into adult years. The wailing nasal vocals really put the listener into the mood of despair, of course, the lyrics contains so much local topic making non-Brits full understanding difficult at best not growing up in the era or conditions. This 45 min rock opera tasks the listeners through twisted tales. JT has done such an excellent job in such an extended piece, with all the orchestral and rock elements woven into this album. Thanks for the review and comments from your perspective.

[@roxammon5858]

It sends shivers up my spine listening to this again after all these years. What fantastic musicians they were.

[@jaydenn1680]

Still are...

[@TonyLudlow]

Love, love, love Jethro Tull ... since 1971! Thanks, Doug!

[@jeffmartin1026]

I am also musically uneducated, I can't tell an A from a G but it's nice to learn more about this favorite piece of music of mine. Long story: At 15:49 (in your video) and again at 18:11 (fainter) there is a single ringing of a telephone buried in the mix. My first TaaB concert was a few days before the LP was to be released. The band came out and played a few songs and then Ian announced they would be playing their new song, asked us to sit and listen and that they would get back to older songs after this song. He did not mention the length of the song but everyone was captivated throughout the whole song . At the point of the phone ringing the band stopped cold, a single overhead spotlight illuminated a stool with a white telephone one it at the side of the stage. Ian looks at the crowd with a quizzical look on his face, wonders over and picks up the phone and chats. He then turns to the crowd and asks if there is a Mike Nelson in the audience, that the phone call is for him. The back doors open and a man in full scuba diving outfit comes in, works his way thru the crowd (festival seating, no chairs/rows) and up onto the stage. He takes the phone from Ian, who then turns and the band starts right in again where they had left off. Mike Nelson (for those of you who don't know) was the lead character on an early 1960's TV show called Sea Hunt. Of course it was also a nod to Aqualung. Good luck with your move! Carry On!!

[@davidchesworth9110]

@Jeff Martin - Thank you for relating that story. I vividly remember the phone ringing incident during the Tull concert I attended in March '72 at the Victoria Hall in Stoke on Trent. Completely unexpected, and a lovely piece of theatre in the middle of a magical performance. I am lucky enough to have secured tickets to return to that same theatre this September to see Tull on their Covid potponed prog rock tour. As we say in Stoke, "Conna wait."

[@FlyingAce1016]

Awesome story!

[@marcblachman2322]

Thanks Doug! Yes, do A Passion Play as next Tull journey. You will find an ocean of interesting compositional twists and turns. In my opinion, Tull's greatest...and a top-5 classic of prog rock

[@kevindayton9757]

I thought it was just me ...

[@michellowe8627]

Marc: 10-4 good buddy!

[@arklat]

I bought "Passion Play" when it came out. It had terrible reviews. I loved it! And still do!

[@TheFlutecart]

@@arklat - yup. Terrible reviews. But it's quite the favorite anyway. Couple records like that, Rush Caress Of Steel comes to mind. Awesome but lacking commercial radio qualities. Often my favorite stuff.

[@waynekasmar4401]

@@arklat Ian Anderson in a KZbin interview I've seen reacted surprised when he was told some well respected person liked Passion Play greatly. He said something like 'to each their own'. Until then I thought he may have secretly liked it greatly - he never publicly nominated his favourite album in those days and I thought much maligned Passion Play may have been it.

[@jameshitt3263]

The drum solo--- 100% top notch prog-satire right there. It took me years to catch the humor in that incredible, outrageous drum solo.

[@artemesaulkov2010]

Could you explain the joke to me?

[@sandenson]

​@@artemesaulkov2010 The entire album was made as a parody of prog music of the time.

[@josepalacid]

I've seen Jethro in concert three times in Barcelona: first in their Broadsword Tour (80's), then a decade later and the last time, I can't remember the year but it was 92-95. The las time we went to see Ian with one companion on a "Tullians" meeting where two cover bands were playing Jethro songs as an opening. This last time was soooo incredible! Ian did something that still today I can't believe. While the tribute bands were playing he took his flute and humbly and quietly entered the stage from the back, remaining there silent. When the solo started, he softly started playing the flute while the musicians on stage were unaware of his presence. When they started noticing, Ian told them to not stop and advanced to the center of stage, playing side to side with the band that was astonishingly surprised, amazed, shaking,... and we, the audience were full of awe of such a gift. I was able to capture some footage with my then "smartphone" that I keep as a treasure. I was fan of Jethro, but after this, I became an unconditional supporter.

[@martyngittins1274]

Lovely prog Doug. There was incredible musical Talent around in the 60’s & until late 70’s some so wonderful it could take you to heaven[ by the Grace of GOD]Can’t help thinking He had his own (approving!) input thereto…. So if you delight in Tull so you will in the Moody Blues, Traffic, Edgar Broughton, Vangelis, Pink Floyd, Bob Marley, Paul Brooks , Capt. Beefheart,,Hendrix( natch).. many others too associated with Folk Rock( Gerry Rafferty springs to mind!) The Moody Blues 7 LP suite alone is stupendous Have fun- & go up there for perspective.Of course you need an Invitation but that should not be a problem!….xxx

[@editvarga1650]

I saw them in Budapest in 90's each piece of notes was there as it was on the studio album and on the top of it they got involved the audience creating an incredible atmosphere. There is a spirit in their work.

[@mikegraves9682]

I bought this album while on a forestry class fieldtrip to a pulp mill in Lewiston Idaho when I was in Highschool in Joseph, Oregon (pop. 870) in 1974 or 1975 I played it in art class to mixed reviews but my teacher, Miss Adams liked it and I liked her

[@agirotto1]

I love Ian's voice. He's such a unique guy. I love his compositions and guitar playing, and of course, the flute lines. That ending, when he goes back to the main chorus, it always gives me the bumps.

[@blackmoon1603]

YOU have to hear Passion Play, it's everywhere!

[@denisnagot6982]

Hello from France. Always been a huge fan of JT. I deeply appreciate this rare analysis of their powerful music. Please carry on with more of their work.

[@timpafundi6321]

I have many memories of hearing this being played at 6:30 am by my older brother who was getting ready for high school. I’ve seen Jethro Tull live at least 6 times in different venues and they have never ever disappointed! Best of luck with your move!

[@jaybrown3953]

Thanks Doug, your great. I hope young people listen and watch you. This is what I grew up on and still listen to. Your insight is brilliant.

[@brentheflinmchenry3457]

A Passion Play is a must also... brilliant and epic in all the same ways as Thick!

[@1ouncebird]

And A Passion Play is even more unique sounding because of Ian's use of the soprano sax or whatever that instrument was - meaning less flute. I love both albums but there is something about A Passion Play that is just timeless - for me. My favorite Tull album.

[@bethany_dawn5222]

Doug, now you need to react to Jethro Tull’s A Passion Play.

[@Nikioko]

Minstrel in the Gallery

[@EiriUesugiKun]

Oh that's another great 'Tull album.

[@jeanseguin7836]

hope, another masterpiece

[@JohnLRice]

Definitely!

[@JohnLRice]

@@Nikioko Minstrel is also a favorite of mine!

[@gregmcnamara9606]

In my opinion this is the greatest album to come out of the 70s

[@dizzypilots2639]

Hard to argue

[@toiletjoseph4167]

King Crimson's 'Red' takes the edge for me

[@swatprof]

Ian is also a terrific - and underrated - acoustic guitarist. His embellishments on simple chords are wonderful. For those who you have an interest in diving into his playing, check out the YT channel of snoozedoctor.

[@nikelodeon6852]

Also a great sax player

[@michaellaporte4951]

He was strongly inspired by Bert Jansch, who is one of the finest acoustic guitar players of the Isles.

[@veblenrules]

Thanks for that recommendation. Its a rabbit hole of tricky acoustic pick playing genius. Awesome stuff.

[@pacificcj]

I would like to see the new and old greatest "rockstar" guitarists playing Salamander

[@simonmorley919]

His guitar playing on Baker St Muse is just wonderful

[@Tazfiend]

Early Tull just grabs my heartstrings every time. Benefit, Passion Play, Minstrel In The Gallery, Songs From The Wood and Broadsword and the Beast, all right up there with my favourite albums of all time. (This Was, Stand Up, Aqualung, A, Heavy Horses and Storm Watch nipping close on the heels).

[@hilocus]

That's great Doug. You'll have a ball with A Passion Play. They take the musicianship, lyrics and composition to whole other level.

[@giancarlomarra9067]

As a young teenager, I started my adventure in listening MY generation's music by buying 4 LPs : Thick as a brick (with its original newspaper shaped packaging) and Tarkus among them.... Realizing how much they are still appreciated nowadays makes me so happy of having lived that musical era in real time.

[@sandyaw3057]

Yes! My thoughts exactly…I’m not too happy about how old I am but this takes me back to my best of times.

[@kevindunleavy854]

The best prog rock album of 1972,and a master piece of prog rock .. PERIOD !!

[@stealth253]

Saw Ian Anderson do this live in 2013 for the first time in decades. Also introduced his follow up TAAB2. Wonderful concert!

[@erikvolger5631]

[20:00] Biggles (James Bigglesworth) is an heroic and fearless but fictitious pilot featured in about 98 British children's books written by W.E. Johns from 1928-1968

[@adaddinsane]

You saved me the trouble.

[@pthaynes]

And was also featured in a Monty Python sketch or two.

[@MrAlphapug]

@@pthaynes “Biggles combs his hair.”

[@Brandanus]

I think there's a lot of English post-WWII reminiscence here

[@charleshill9546]

Didn't Jon Anderson do the music for the movie?

[@FirstGaCav]

What GREAT MAGICAL piece of music!!!

[@Siggy152]

When he does Passion Play i actually can't wait for the reaction to "The Hare who lost his spectacles". That is some weird and brilliant shit in the middle of that amazing piece of music

[@JohnBrooking4]

I'll be interested in Doug's take on that. While I find it humorous and entertaining, I still don't have a clue why it's there and what it has to do with anything. Maybe they just meant it as a humorous "intermission" from all the seriousness? My wife and I sometimes quote this. When we can't find something, especially our "spectacles", the other will suggest "Maybe you ATE them, thinking there were a CAR-R-R-R-ROT!" (Rolling the R is very important!)

[@dwightballard3868]

Well, apparently back in the middle ages they would have a humorous interlude between the main acts. I must admit, I have come to find it a bit annoying and have blocked it from my streamer. I love the music before and after the Hare- Forrest Dance- it is just magical. Have to be in the right mood for The Hare...

[@jimwilson5148]

After all, hare did have a spare pair

[@mojavemike6522]

@@JohnBrooking4 In concert there was a mini movie that told the story of the Hare Who Lost His Spectacles. And yes the devil was in the movie. It was an intermission, kind of.

[@davidroberts2058]

You must have great eyesight, insight, and foresight.

[@davidsteer8142]

“This is so spastic!” Sure is. This album IMO, despite being one song goes on so many musical tangents that it is still like a collection of totally different songs morphed into one. Genius. Pure genius. Got into Tull in 1988 and have never looked back.

[@murdockreviews]

Man, what a treat! Still enjoy this album to bits. The unexpected string section towards the end has always been a highlight for me. Happy moving, Doug!

[@michelelucco5118]

The string section was composed by arranger David Palmer (uncredited), later to join the band on keyboards. He will become the second writing force of the band.

[@2fs]

Just to note, if you didn't know: Palmer is now Dee Palmer (female)--probably better to recognize that she was, essentially, always that. Please do not make arguments here--I'm only providing info (along with a little info). Thanks!

[@edwardleslie3423]

@@2fs And I saw him/her touring with martin Barre these past few years along with Clive bunker, tull drummer and occassional other past tull members. A can't miss show, in my opinion. I've already got my tix for the next show.

[@richard_wenner]

Do please cover Jethro Tull's 'Song from the Wood' I think it will delight you.

[@mikebecker12]

I've known Tull for years. I'm 70 now and I never get tired of hearing anything Tull. Watched both videos and thank you. 😊 Most intelligent synopsis. Take care

[@uselessaccount9929]

If you're gonna check out more Jethro Tull, you'll need to see them play live. Ian Anderson is quite a showman!

[@69Tiburoncito]

Indeed. Have seen him live at 2 concerts (at one concert he also got an female Korean violin player playing with the band). Bursting Out is the best Live Album ever made And got an remaster in recent years.

[@2fs]

@@69Tiburoncito Less persuaded by the recording of 'Bursting Out'--but for sure live Tull at their peak was something worth experiencing! I was lucky enough to see them on the 'WarChild' tour...

[@benfury22]

I KNEW you'd love Thick As A Brick, Doug. Thanks to everyone else that chimed in for Jethro Tull. Ian Anderson is a one-off musical genius. He taught himself to learn flute. NO training whatsoever. Astonishing. I second watching some of their live performances. This one's a time capsule of the Tull shows I saw back in the 70s. Jethro Tull Live In London 1977 16:9 HD (Full DVD) 1:03:00 kzbin.info/www/bejne/mpqXqa2qrMh-rLc Fantastic energy and stage antics. The classic Tull lineup. FEROCIOUS playing from Anderson, Barre, Barlow, and Evans. Music starts at 2:26 Songs: 1. Intro 2. Skating Away 3. Jack In The Green 4. Thick As A Brick 5. Songs From The Wood 6. Velvet Green 7. Hunting Girl 8. Aqualung 9. Wind Up 10. Locomotive Breath 11. End If that's too long, definitely do A Passion Play. AmaZING album!!!

[@micaelmelomachado]

So glad you did the second part! The whole "do you believe in the day" section almost bring me to tears everitime I hear it, I don't know exactly why, but it is how it affects me! Thanks for that! Question: the whole "A Passion Play" next, please?

[@showmoke]

I’m the same. Love prog rock music that has strong melodies and this album has it in spades. Just because an album is highly technical in its nature doesn’t mean that it has to lack melody. The musicality of this album is absolutely astonishing which is why this has stood the test of time!. Pink Floyd’s music also springs to mind regarding this. ‘Dark Side of the Moon’ was released in 1974 I think it was and listening to it is just as fresh today as it was when first released!

[@wardka]

I had the honor of seeing TAAB and Ian Anderson's sequel TAAB II back to back at a concert in Nashville a few years back. Yes, Ian's voice isn't what it used to be, but still that "The legends worded in ancient tribal hymn" and "Do you believe" parts brought tears to my eyes. It sounded perfect. It's probably the last time he'll ever do the entire thing again. So glad I saw it.

[@heimie1616]

I listened to "Thick as a Brick" and "Aqualung" back in 72 and 73 when I was overseas in the service. We didn't have TV, so we listened to a lot of music for our entertainment. I really enjoyed your comments throughout. I played in bands for many years, but I couldn't pass an audition to play in this band. I have these albums on vinyl as well as CD and still listen to them on occasion. I enjoy the 1,4,5 patterns of most rock music, but the artistry of Tull is unmatched.

[@HeindelDavid]

I was lucky enough to see him perform this live at the Municipal Auditorium in New Orleans, May 1, 1972. What an amazing experience to have witnessed this classic. Still one of my favorite albums. Thanks for the review.

[@brotherbob3569]

I was at the same show, and at The Warehouse July 4th 1971 with Yes opening.

[@ChrisCanine-n6t]

Saw them in concert in Oakland in 1972. Presented with great and hilarious drama, and Ian was a great performer, Saw them 4 other times starting in 68, But this concert was one of the best I ever saw by anyone. They came on stage, pretending to be roadies and turned around and gave us a never heard before Thick As A Brick. After the performance in audience was in silent shock from what they just saw, and were silent, only saw that one other time.

[@vk2uvp]

Bravo JT, Thanks DH for taking us through this great "modern" composition. Been fifty years since I listed to it closely previously. Cheers

[@williamscoggin1509]

I remember seeing this live in the first part of 1976 in Oakland California. WOW!!!! 😎

[@rockyvannucci2964]

I was there

[@guidosarducci209]

I, too, feel the mysterious compulsion to admonish Biggles every time I listen to Thick as a Brick.

[@capcompass9298]

I salute Capt. W.E. Johns.

[@bradstensland506]

Where the HELL WAS he last Saturday???

[@davidchesworth9110]

@@bradstensland506 - I believe that Biggles was spotted resting down in Cornwall writing up his memoirs, if the rumours are to be believed. Apparently, he was there with there with a number of sportsmen.

[@bradstensland506]

@@davidchesworth9110 I'm going to give him a good talking to!

[@marcoscamargo7763]

Jethro Tull has always been composed of brilliant musicians, far above average. The best in their instruments. A hug from a Brazilian fan. 🇧🇷

[@ErikErosa]

Man, I just love how you can tell from your face that you are trying to figure out what is happening, trying to predict what comes next and then it changes and its not what you expected and it sort of confuses you for a second, but you are enjoying every second of it. Great reaction, great comments, and great insights.

[@charlesberton2581]

Thanks, Doug! And don't forget Ian's wonderful and idiosyncratic acoustic guitar playing.

[@kevindayton9757]

The whole album with no love for Jeffrey Hammond & Barriemore Barlow (rhythm section)? The "unsung heroes" of this album imo ...

[@TheSkydogsguitar]

I've always loved Jeffrey's bass playing on this album. Not too complicated (Painting was his first love after all) but very catchy all the same.

[@billhawkins1236]

Not to mention Jeffery does the voice for the cat's are on the upgrade, upgrade?

[@leslielembcke8073]

John Evan on keyboards used, beautifully, the Hammond Organ in this piece.

[@kevindayton9757]

@@leslielembcke8073 Definitely ... I'm always hearing new phrases with every listen ;-)

[@davin6175]

@@billhawkins1236 God is an overwhelming responsibility...

[@R._Thornhill]

I’ve loved this song for 50 years and I really enjoyed your reaction and insight to this.

[@Bryman1970]

I'm jealous that you've just started listening to this stuff. It's been almost 35 years for me. I remember first hearing beyond the radio edit and being completely floored. Always love your videos and commentary.

[@mrandsp]

Ian Anderson was/is one of the greatest contemporary wordsmiths - period. His insightful lyrics are always right on the money. Thanks for reviewing both sides of this 70’s masterpiece Doug.

[@Brian-tb1zs]

Doug, your observation “His E vowel is like another instrument available to them, very unique” Agreed ! ! Great analysis as usual ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Thank you !

[@chuckb25]

Thanks for this reaction, Doug. One of my all time favorite albums....(we all loved the album/newspaper too.....hilarious. Yes..... When you listened to this, you have to commit to the entire album, which made it kind of an event every time we listened to it. It WAS an indictment of war.....(you can probably thank the Viet Nam conflict for this).....But, that's another rant, for another time.) Really enjoyed your take on it!

[@starwarsunfiltered7848]

And here I was just randomly listening to Thick As A Brick for the first time in forever, this morning. Perfect!

[@margarettallett762]

Happy moving! THANKS for posting Jethro Tull. One of my top 5 favorite bands!!!! His (Ian Anderson) voice is an interesting instrument in and of itself!! Some of his stuff reminds me a bit of throat singing, mixed with the breathy sounds of his flute... masterful.

[@russelljackman1413]

Magnificent! Thick As A Brick is one of my favorite albums. Also, as others have expressed, "A Passion Play" and "Songs From The Wood" are both wonderful! I'm glad that you appreciated and enjoyed this piece. All the best with your move and new life!

[@ICountFrom0]

Picture getting him to do solstice drums on the solstice.

[@rushchairmanhhi]

Brings tears to my eyes. Saw this in concert in 73 at the Nassau County Coliseum

[@kloot72]

Thank you Doug for this video. Jethro Tull reached very high peaks on creativity and musicianship over those years. Listening to these records one can't avoid to think what exactly went wrong in pop rock music after that golden Era. 😂😂

[@lvericvon]

Thank you Doug. I consider this a masterpiece. I’m grateful for you to critique and review it. All my respect and admiration always.

[@ArielRodriguezVannini]

Like a lot of others folks write here already, now it is time for Doug to do a reaction video of A Passion Play.....

[@tamlynburleigh9267]

I heard this when I was a young teenager. I was amazed at how the musicians could remember so many intricate chord and note changes. At that time I thought music was about to explode with brand new wonderful music. Moody blues, Beatles etc.

[@masonevans4297]

Ik you’re overwhelmed with suggestions but consider adding Camel to your list… they are one of the great prog bands you haven’t done… maybe that’s because they don’t do much super long form stuff but I recommend their 9 minute “The White Rider” I wish I could have commented yesterday but “The White Rider” is just such a good song I wanted you to at least read this

[@AnOldGreyDog]

Oh, no. He's got to do The Snow Goose.

[@masonevans4297]

Great point lol… this guys is way too busy… he needs to hear these though

[@efemertkaragozlu4010]

Totally agreed. Lady Fantasy is also an option. The time for a Camel reaction has come.

[@phred23]

Camel is wonderful -- i'd nominate Snow Goose or Moonmadness

[@Woolean]

Lady Fantasy it's probably one of the best songs ever

[@kevinmcgrath7183]

I just saw Jethro Tull last night in Los Angeles! Some friends told me that listening to your 2 part analysis inspired them to get tickets. This album didn't get any play at the concert, but the band's legacy of interesting music and thoughtful lyrics carries on to this day. Thanks, Doug!

[@murphygraham4724]

I first heard this as a boy and it spoke to me. Thank you for reintroducing it and I appreciated your perspective as a classical composer. As a guitar player, I am most impressed with Anderson’s clean acoustic guitar. I had fun!

[@Linflas]

One of my favorite bands since I first played This Was when I was 13 years old. Watching your video as you experienced this album I love for the first time was a true joy.

[@bluescanfly1981]

Unbelievable how they've composed, wrote lyrics, arranged, rehearsed and recorded this album in 3 weeks. So fertile.

[@martinhayward4466]

Martin Barre & John Evan are superb on this, whether in prominent solos or gorgeous subtle melodies.

[@8ackbiter434]

@@martinhayward4466 As is Barriemore Barlow.

[@joethomas1146]

love this album, and love this commentary. thanks!

[@shaunkelly9860]

I was going to go to bed, but stumbled on your analysis of TAAB part 1, now it's 2am! Great to hear an expert confirm my opinion of this album. A work or genius

[@stevehall7008]

Always watched and loved your musical appreciation and explanation of how tracks were laid out and their chord structure in real time etc. This time, you captured the lyrics and their meaning in real time. Thanks Doug. Nice.

[@johnw706]

An excellent overview of part 2 . I really enjoy your interpretation of the lyrics . Looking forward to more Tull . Thanks ! Good luck with the move !

[@williamburke1882]

A dear friend of mine introduced me to Jethro Tull many many moons ago. You kind of remind me of him and it was fun watching you introduce yourself to the album. Godbless.

[@Laurasiana]

Ian Anderson (who writes virtually all of Tull’s music) likes to put his equivalent of an overture at the end. Instead of briefly introducing many of the musical themes at the beginning of a big piece, he crashes them all together at the end. They combine, and recombine, and comment on each other in fascinating ways. It makes the musical climax extra-exciting!

[@michelelucco5118]

The section you're referring was not written by Anderson, but by the whole group with David Palmer, later to join Tull on keys and to become the second (even if uncredited) composer of the band. Actually one third of the album was written by John Evan...

[@matthewannable3074]

@@michelelucco5118 David (now Dee) Palmer was and still is a talented classical musician and played a big part in the orchestration of Tull’s music. He studied classical composition under Richard Rodney Bennett, taught clarinet (to up and coming professionals) at the Royal Academy of Music and is now a Fellow of that institution. After their Tull days he and John Evan formed Tallis in an attempt to bring the music of Thomas Tallis to a contemporary audience. So while Ian Anderson was self-taught and never had a formal musical education himself, he had people around him in the band with a very deep understanding of the theory of music and composition.

[@chicklets4ever51]

@@michelelucco5118 Very interesting to note. Hearing said that Anderson tore right through the writing and Tull with the recording, it occurred to me that clearly a lot of it was worked out right there in the studio, the way the greatest ensemble playing of the '65-75 so often was. Your information would confirm this. (One hears improvised passages as well, inside the tight, complex weave.)

[@martinhayward4466]

Barre, Palmer and Evan wrote heaps of the music, Hammond the humour and the whole band contributed to arrangements. Funny how lots of people think Anderson was virtually did it all.

[@davin6175]

Ian Anderson wrote virtually all of Tull's LYRICS. Many artists in the music industry as a whole, Ian included, assume way too much credit for simply sketching out the initial ideas of a tune. Of course, Ian often did more than that, but of his own admission, these most Proggy albums of Tull's like Thick as a Brick and A Passion Play were some of the music that the rest of the band had the most influence on. Just because one guy started the ball rolling does not mean that he wrote it all. Or that the drummer, or the bass player's contributions were not equally as important. It's a band, a collective (usually). Credit should go to them all. It is funny, the story Ian tells of the writing process though. Since he was the lyricist, every morning he would get up before the others, quickly sketch out a melody and some chords or a riff that would work with the next bit of lyrics, and then he would stroll in front of the band and confidently say, "Right, so the next bit goes like this!" And they had no idea he had just finished writing it that morning! You can hear it over and over in Tull's music. Songs that start with a short acoustic piece, maybe 1 to 3 minutes long, and then the acoustic disappears as the whole band goes off on another adventure. He provides a basic starting point for them to go nuts with! He is f**king brilliant though...

[@patrickdonovan-x8w]

jethro tull... energy, talent, LSD and loving showmanship. good job, Doug.

[@estefaniasucre6966]

I feel so happy that you have done it sooo fast!!! Thanks for riding with us through this Masterpiece!!!

[@altayles5468]

I've listened to Thick as a Bick and A Passion Play many times as I grew up on this stuff. The 1973 "Passion Play" tour was unbelievable. After playing the entire album "A Passion Play" (all one song by the way), and following the standing ovation, Ian said "for our second number", then following another standing o, Ian started into Thick as a Brick. It was really something special... Several hours later ending with Locomotive Breath and Wind up. Thanks for doing this Doug. Good luck with the move.

[@Antman-cy8ch]

John Evans totally shreds on the Hammond B3 this whole album!

[@derekkelley6215]

Love how you explore the lyrics. Learning more about something I already had an appreciation of

[@AnOldGreyDog]

Gotta do something off of Songs from the Wood, now. Personally, I'd like Pibroch but any song on that album is more than good.

[@rael7894]

Seconded! The medieval harmonies and orchestration on that album are very well researched and executed. Definitely would be interesting for someone with a composer's background

[@NotThatOneThisOne]

Has to be Velvet Green

[@broadsword6650]

Pibroch is a much under-rated song. Utterly heartbreaking, utterly k beautiful, and very powerful.

[@chunkmanmuscle7555]

My personal "Favorite Album of all Time" since its release, and while my tendencies tends to be toward minor key songs, this only has one (Pibroch), with an incredible uplifting feel of the entire album...amazing instrumentation, layering, melodies, imagery. Best ever. Agree 'Velvet Green' would be my preferred choice of song from this album.

[@allisonrich5061]

You cannot separate the songs on Songs from the Wood.

[@jrgunn5]

I owned this album back in the day. I hadn’t heard the whole thing in at least forty years. I found myself reacting to your reactions with a “You got it, well done!” when you would react to the unexpected key change, surprisingly subtle solo, or magical poetry. Glad to have you on board, and many thanks for reminder that there was a time when I was young, irresponsible, and filled with poetry, music, and weed.

[@mellotronin54]

Thanks Doug . Love your reactions . Especially to the music I have listened to for decades. Gives me a new perspective.

[@mikemcmanaman7634]

Just want to say, I appreciate how you really digest new music you have never been exposed too. Never negative, I really appreciate that. Your recent Gentle Giant reviews truly showed your openness and wide scope of taste! Hats off sir!

[@mikemcmanaman7634]

Wouldn't Tull and Gentle Giant be a great concert tour duo

[@finngaarskjr3305]

I first heard this piece at a live concert in Copenhagen in january 1972 - two months before the release of the album. It was a mind-blowing experience to listen to this complex piece of music without being prepared.

[@yurolson]

Hey Finn - if you saw this in Copenhagen in Jam 1972 - there is a strong likely hood that the band had just played or was going to play in Hamburg next. I was 11 living in Hamburg and a big fan of this Album but of course I was too young to go to concerts yet. The older kids in my school - the international school of Hamburg - went to see the show at the Musikhalle. They did report that the concert was great and that they played the whole tune. However if one has a chance to hear the bootlegs of the tours with Thick as a Brick played in its entirety they played the song very different than the Lp as time went on. On a personal note - did you see Genesis up there in Copenhagen at all. Maybe at the Tivoli park for the Lamb tour? For all the rest of the audience - the lyric line 'where the hell was Biggles ' is a football reference …'last Saturday' is the give away as that was the day when football(soccer for us Americans) was played across Europe. Biggles most likely was the goal scorer for the club but was unable to net for the home town club. The song has to be interpreted with a strong influence of Monty Python (please see how the song was played live - guys dressed in rabbit suits, interruptions in the tune when the phone rings etc etc.) and English culture - changing culture at that. Very wonderful music though. Written for a time when people sat and listened to radio shows for 45 mins without taking breaks. Or read the news paper!! pray tell by holding up paper! Imagine that? Just like the Lp cover in fact - a news paper for a local town. Get the Lp and read the paper - its great. The band is all over it in very Monthy Pythonesque situations. Please Lord help us gain our patience and creativity in the midst of all the distractions and information of the modern age. Learning about this music - playing it - or learning how to play it would help the human race. Thanks Finn - and Thanks Doug

[@finngaarskjr3305]

@@yurolson Sadly I never saw Genesis. I am a great fan if their first seven albums. I have however seen Steve Hackett perform Genesis-material several times over the last five years. It was almost-experiences and worth going for.

[@yurolson]

@@finngaarskjr3305 great Finn! Same here - loved Genesis, yes, Tull, elp...even focus! Remember Focus!? Copenhagen was beautiful.... visited their in summer of 73....

[@finngaarskjr3305]

@@yurolson I was part of an audience at the recording of a TV-performance in Copenhagen by Focus. They were amazing. Both wild as in Hocus Pocus and complex and highly skilled as in Hamburger Concerto.

[@christophertupper8811]

@@yurolson Biggles, a footballer? Where did you get that from ? Nej. He wasn't ever a footballer. He was but a fictional character in a series of books written by Captain WE Johns. A hero, a pilot flying in World War 1. Any child of the 50s/60s will have memories of reading the adventure stories of Biggles. Ian Anderson read them for sure. Biggles was very cartoonish, to an extent that Monty Python parodied Biggles in one their books (yes, Monty P wrote books) They mischieviously titled a book "Biggles Flies Undone" (think about that as a double entendre)

[@margarettallett762]

It's a piece of musical genius!! Music always helps stress!!!

[@benallen7403]

Love the bone spur shade. Great reaction video, Doug! Keep it up. I'll keep my fingers crossed for Spock's Beard and Transatlantic.

[@hurdygurdyguy1]

1:35... "I don't know how they get such distance.." That's where an excellent sound engineer comes in! The last half of side two is nothing short of genius!!!

[@sduke39]

That was fantastic! Thank you for sharing "Thick as a Brick" and your musical knowledge with us!

[@ninomanci3742]

Love the Daily Doug! I bought this album when it first came out. I worked at a petrol station and took the album to work to show a colleague. I went to fetch it from the staff room and it had disappeared. I later found it in the trash can! Another dim colleague had thought it was an old newspaper and binned it! It was covered in engine oil but otherwise undamaged! Thanks……

[@aliengrey6052]

I was at a thick as a brick concert and was gobsmacked at how good this was. I was shocked. Ian Anderson is a genius.

[@tonybenci2796]

Hi Doug... We boomers have a gift of "hearing it first". Every Thursday at Brash Suttons music store going through the new releases... seeing them emerge and hearing it all "for the first time". Living in a world when on a Wednesday there was no "Thick as a Brick" and on the Thursday evening having "Thick as a Brick" and it becoming inexorably a part of your psyche; forever imprinted into your DNA, NEVER TO BE UNHEARD or UNEXPERIENCED; is something that can't be explained. The thing is there were many such experiences... and all of them as deep reaching and inspiring. As a 67 year old guitarist playing in bands since the age of 14 I can't explain to people who weren't there what is was like to lower the arm onto the first track of "Are You Experienced" and hearing the first chord of Foxy Lady... and taking two hours to realize he'd capo'd to F#min with that pinky 11th added. I can't thank you enough for bringing your touch to such a wonderful Album and what resonates with me is how your reactions are what we did back in the day. We'd sit together (the band I mean) and listen to it the first time with guitars in our laps and try to work it out. BTW we gave up in this one :)... but played Foxy Lady at a gig the Saturday night after the album was released. This album touched my in a way very few others did. I was a Tull fan prior and Thick As A Brick has been a constant companion through my musical journey. Hearing your thoughts and your passion for this wonderful piece delights me as I hope it delights others and then I listened to your Inca Roads episode and you've won me... :)...

[@glendoki]

You're very sensitive to harmonic interest and chord progressions, but I'm surprised how little you had to say about rhythmic variations. That first movement of the second side ("a man is born") is a reprise of the second movement of the first side, except this time in 6/4 instead of 5/4. And in the second movement ("believe in the day") I was surprised you didn't take interest in the jarring back and forth between straight sixteenth notes and eighth triplets. But overall it is really interesting to see how you react to this music that has been important to me for so many years.

[@gphill3954]

Remember friend it was a first listen!

[@papalaz4444244]

I am pretty sure Doug never mentioned most of the incredible drumming and time sig changes (except for a bit of air drumming lol) but he didn't mention Carl Palmer in the ELP Tarkus vid either :)

[@glendoki]

@@papalaz4444244 Clearly, the problem was he didn't have a vodka lemonade in his hand when he made the sequel to part 1. ;-)

[@papalaz4444244]

@@glendoki aahhhhh and no herbal enhancements. That could be it :)

[@nikelodeon6852]

I wonder what he'd think hearing Meshuggah or any djent band for that matter considering their compositions are primarily rhythmic based.

[@deanhall662]

One of my all-time favorites. Thank you, I enjoyed every second.

[@brianalpert2383]

The beginning of side 2 is such an amazing segue to the rest of the song. I love the random voices, which make me think of the found music of John Cage, is combined with the Renaissance and Medieval styles. And just great musicality and witty lyrics to top it off. I haven't heard this in years and sounds so good. Thank you so much.

[@chrismoran7794]

One of my all time favorite albums! Tull as a band was on fire here. 🔥🎸👏