Jethro Tull's second album which reached the top of the UK charts in 1969 is a work of art.
The double gatefold features a woodcut illustration of the band by artist James Grashow. The cover originally opened up like a pop-up book reflecting the title of the album. Musically STAND UP is an eclectic feast of musical styles as Ian Anderson steers the group away from its original blues format. Recorded in London, the album features an array of instruments and styles, featuring elements from rock, jazz folk, and classical music. Experimental recording technics added elements of surprise and richness to the sound.
The album commences with "A new day yesterday" which reminds me of the early Black Sabbath sound. Funilly enough Toni Iommi had left his band Earth to join Jethro Tull in 1968. Toni's tenure in Jethro Tull was short lived and he returned his previous band in 1969 (now named Black Sabbath). The following songs soon discover the Jethro Tull sound, exploring all aspects of folk-rock, psychedelic sounds, a jazz reworking of a Bach piece, hippy grooves and of course Ian Anderson's trademark flute playing.
Two years later the band honed their skills for the AQUALUNG album, followed by my favorite THICK AS A BRICK in 1972.
PERSONAL NOTES:
My sister has always been a Jethro Tull fan. I remember being fascinated by the images of the band on the BURSTING OUT live album; the bunch of crazy-eyed musicians who literally put everything into their performance.
The show goes on!
SONGS YOU SHOULD KNOW:
- "A New Day Yesterday"
- "Look Into The Sun"
- "We Used to Know"