Categories : Music Reviews, Rock + Pop.
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Rating: 3/5 Released: April 25, 2006 Reviewer: Trent Depue |
It was with hesitation that Jethro Tull front man Ian Anderson accepted XM Radio’s invitation to perform the 1971 classic, Aqualung, for their “Then Again Live†series. Arguably one of the greatest rock albums of all time, there were obvious risks in re-recording the album 35 years later, but the band comes through strong as the performance opens with Anderson’s promise that “all the wrong notes that we played in the first place will be faithfully recreated tonight.â€
Originally recorded in London’s Basing Street Studios, which somewhat ironically was recently refurbished as a Church, the frequently cynical album would go on to raise unbridled controversy over its subject matter, most prevalently its religious connotations. Despite the criticism however, from the homeless pedophile Aqualung and the prostitute Cross Eyed Mary, to the strongly critical look at organized religion in ‘My God,’ Ian Anderson’s brilliance, both lyrically and musically, is undeniable.
This live recording lacks the vocal punch of the original studio recording, but is however, as good as ever musically. Ian Anderson and Martin Barre, who were the only two members present who played on the original, are brilliant with their flute/acoustic and electric work respectively.
Following the album is a brief collection of patter, banter and bunkum (read: insight) by Anderson and Barre into the recordings of both the original recording and this one which Anderson, following the performance, whimsically describes as “Quite lamentable, indeed atrocious.†Well, it wasn’t that bad. For the avid Tull fan it will make an excellent addition to the collection, and worthwhile on account of all royalties being donated to homeless charities, but for those looking to enjoy Aqualung for the first time…stick too the original.
