Jethro Tull - Too Old Too Rock and Roll; Too Young To Die (TV Special 2015 Reissue)
Although this is not new material from the iconic band Jethro Tull, this new re-issue includes previously unreleased material, so it can best be described as “Kinda New”.
This concept album was initially intended to be produced for a British television special in 1976, and then a musical. Unfortunately the musical never materialized, but the result was another Tull classic. So all in all not a bad consolation prize.
Jethro Tull, as a band, had the rare skill of brilliantly infusing rock, classical and folk music into a cohesive sound. The result is the distinctive din that is easily recognizable as Jethro Tull.
Jethro Tull has had many incarnations in personnel over the past 40 plus years, but for two main members that were there from the beginning.
Ian Anderson, whose familiar flute playing and singing style like no other, is also the leader of the band for sure. He is also the main lyricist and is in fine form here. Penning some of the most clever and cerebral tunes of his repertoire.
Martin Barre provides the virtuoso guitar playing and has influenced Tull’s sound over the years. Providing the ever-recognizable driving riffs over the years, Barre has definitely become a guitar player’s guitar player.
Barre is in top form on this album. On “Quiz Kid”, his guitar riff in concert with Anderson’s flute playing is the epitome of the Jethro Tull brand.
Tull seamlessly travels from hard rock to folk throughout and I really appreciate the quieter moments on the disc. “Salamander” with its acoustic nature satisfies this 1970’s hippy wannabe’s hunger.
The bonus material included on this special edition is a real hoot. Too many to mention in this review but trust me, there is a lot of cool content to discover. So dust off your musical sextant and navigate through the Tull universe.
There are many interesting versions of the classic tunes on the original disc. One of the best is the demo offering of the commercially successful title track. You know it, I know you sing along to the chorus when on your radio, don’t lie.
This album is the latest re-issue of the many Tull albums that have been rebooted over the past few years. I also highly recommend you checking out the recent 40th anniversary editions of “Thick As A Brick” and “Agualung”. The remixes of these two masterpieces should not be missed.
So, if you are, were, or never have been a fan of Jethro Tull. I recommend that you buy “Too Old To Rock And Roll”, or any of the latest re-issues. Jethro Tull may be considered an acquired taste, but like a good scotch, they get better with age.
