Jethro Tull-"Stand Up"
Commentary and listening
WARNINGS
In the following lines I propose a minimal comment, with listening attached, of a historic album by Jethro Tull.
The intent is to remain on the
surface in favor of curious newbies, and therefore more than a review it is a
presentation, not very useful for experts in the genre.
Title: Stand Up
Artista: Jethr Tool
Published: August 1, 1969
Duration: 41:36
Tracks: 10
Genre: Progressive Rock-Folk Rock
Etichetta: Chrysalis-Island Records (UK)-Reprise Records (USA)
Produttore: Ian Anderson, Terry Ellis
Recording: April 1969, Morgan Studios, London, England
Notes: Reissued in 2001 with 4 bonus tracks
Stand Up is the second studio album by Jethro Tull, released on August 1, 1969. It is an album that marked a significant turning point in the band's sound, introducing elements of folk rock and progressive that would become characteristic of their style.
The album, unlike the previous This Was, is characterized by a move away from blues sounds in favor of a sound closer to rock; this is probably due to the departure of guitarist Mick Abrahams - due to contrasts with Ian Anderson - who will thus become the leader of the group. The new guitarist Martin Barre will eventually be the longest-serving member, 42 years at the court of King Ian.
In Stand Up, instruments unusual for rock music at the time
are used, such as the balalaika, the mandolin and the ubiquitous flute. The
album cover depicts Jethro Tull (Ian Anderson, Martin Barre, Clive Bunker and
Glenn Cornick), and inside is a pop-up of the band members.
The album can be considered as the "crossroads" in which the various styles and genres that Jethro Tull will face in the following decades take shape. In fact, it contains the first sketches of medieval music (Jeffrey Goes to Leicester Square), rock and progressive rock (Nothing Is Easy or We Used to Know), oriental music (Fat Man) and acoustic folk (Look Into the Sun, Reasons for Waiting).
The album opens with the famous track A New Day Yesterday, characterized by an energetic guitar riff and a very powerful overall sound, a song that demonstrates from the beginning the great ability of the band's leader, Ian Anderson, both as a singer and as a flutist.
We then move from rock songs such as Nothing Is Easy to more experimental pieces such as Bourèe, the band's historic hit, a modern remake of the Bourrée inserted in the fifth movement of the suite in E minor for lute by Johann Sebastian Bach. The piece is instrumental and enhances the virtuosity of Ian Anderson on flute and Glenn Cornick on bass (video example below).
But all the songs on Stand Up are full of complex arrangements and, as already pointed out, unusual instruments. In addition, the presence of poetic and profound lyrics gives an extra touch to the songs.
To sum up, before listening to follow: Stand Up is a must, which helped to consolidate the unique sound of Jethro Tull. The combination of rock, folk and progressive elements, along with the exceptional musical skills of the band members, made this album a benchmark in their career.
A must for rock lovers!
TRACKLIST (click on the title to listen)
All songs written by Ian Anderson, except where noted:
A New Day Yesterday - 4:10
Jeffrey Goes to Leicester Square - 2:12
Bourée
- Johann Sebastian Bach, Ian Anderson - 3:46
Back to the Family - 3:48
Look Into the Sun - 4:20
Nothing Is Easy - 4:25
Fat Man - 2:52
We Used to Know - 3:59
Reasons for Waiting - 4:05
For a Thousand Mothers - 4:13
Bonus tracks featured in the 2001 version:
Living in the Past - 3:20
Driving Song - 2:39
Sweet Dream - 4:02
17 - 3:07
Line up
Ian Anderson - vocals, folk guitar, flute, piano, Hammond organ, mandolin, balalaika
Martin Barre - electric guitar, flute
Glenn Cornick - bass, vocals
Clive Bunker - drums, percussion
