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Jethro Tull: Aqualung

Jethro Tull: Aqualung

Analogue Productions  CAPP 146 SA

Stereo Hybrid

Pop/Rock


Jethro Tull


Jethro Tull's multi-platinum-selling smash on Hybrid Stereo SACD!

Remastered by Chris Bellman from the original master tapes

Analogue Productions presents another classic title on Hybrid Stereo SACD — Jethro Tull's multi-platinum-selling smash Aqualung. Originally released in March 1971, the album has sold in excess of 7 million copies worldwide, achieving Top Ten chart status in both the U.K. and U.S.. Aqualung's success signaled a turning point in the band's career, making Jethro Tull a major radio and touring act.

Recorded at Island Records' studio in London, it was their first album with John Evan as a full-time member, their first with new bassist Jeffrey Hammond, and last album featuring Clive Bunker on drums. Aqualung is regarded, despite the band's disagreement, as a concept album featuring a central theme of "the distinction between religion and God." Something of a departure from the band's previous work, the album features more acoustic material than previous releases; and-inspired by photographs of homeless people on the Thames Embankment taken by singer Ian Anderson's wife Jennie-contains a number of recurring themes, addressing religion along with Anderson's own personal experiences.

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Comment by Downunderman - April 27, 2023 (1 of 1)

Not at all like the Stand-Up master tape - This one is really rather good.

The master tape used (IA's 'shed' master?) here is in very good shape. There are no obvious signs of wear or deterioration, and it was engineered/produced in the first place to a high standard which also helps immensely.


I bought Aqualung on vinyl when it first came out back in 1971 and this SACD transfer has the same sound.......only better. It still sounds a bit on the flat side and remains quite dense in places, but there is more detail apparent now in those musically dense passages. The various production details low in the mix now also clearly taking their place as part of the overall presentation.

It's a pretty flat transfer and needs to be turned up to give it's best - I was unable to test the upper limits as 11 o'clock was where I stopped, but at that point it sounded like it could reward the listener at a still higher volume.

One curious thing is the original phonographic copyright year is given as "1972" - On the disc label, tray insert and booklet. Just a mistake or does it signify something?

I remain though a fan of the 2011 Steve Wilson remix which was such a breath of fresh air and such a great sonic improvement on the mass market CD releases that preceded it.

I like them both and think they are both worth having.