Jethro Tull: Aqualung - LP

The album Aqualung was released during a time when a pop interpretation of Christianity and its symbols, such as in the musical Jesus Christ Superstar, was hugely popular.
However, Jethro Tull took a completely opposite stance to this religious trend. They portrayed the issue of faith in God not as a spectacular show, but from the perspective of an ordinary person plagued by doubt.

This allowed them to appeal primarily to a younger generation of listeners who, in 'that strange time' between the hippies and punk, were asking similar questions to those the band posed on this record.

In particular, the title track, whose name refers to a charitable organisation where Anderson's wife worked, became one of the most successful hits of the 1970s. The hard-rock style also contributed to the positive reception of the songs, further emphasising the urgency of their message. It was in terms of content that the band, or more precisely Anderson, made a great leap forward compared to their previous records.

The album was one of the first to be recorded at the newly opened Island Records studio on Basing Street in London. At the same time, Led Zeppelin were there mixing their untitled fourth album. In an interview for the 25th anniversary of the album's release, Anderson said that the recording was very difficult. There were two recording studios, and Led Zeppelin were working in the smaller one, while Tull got the larger one.

Contents: LP A1. Aqualung A2. Cross-Eyed Mary A3. Cheap Day Return A4. Mother Goose A5. Wond'ring Aloud A6. Up To Me B3. Slipstream B4. Locomotive Breath B5. Wind-Up