In a bold move that reverberates through the annals of rock history, Jethro Tull's first five studio albums are being resurrected in a stunning boxed set titled Jethro Tull 1968-1972, released by Rhino High Fidelity. This isn't just a nostalgia trip; it's a sonic exploration of a band that shattered the confines of genre, fusing blues, folk, classical, and hard rock into a progressive tapestry that defined a generation. The set lands today, accompanied by a reel-to-reel edition of their iconic album, Aqualung.
The Jethro Tull 1968-1972 boxed set features a meticulous collection of This Was, Stand Up, Benefit, Aqualung, and Thick as a Brick. Each record is a testament to the band's evolution, cut AAA from the U.K. analog master tapes by the renowned Kevin Gray and pressed on luscious 180-gram vinyl at Optimal in Germany. Housed in an elegant leatherette slipcase, each album boasts a glossy gatefold jacket, complete with new liner notes from the inimitable Ian Anderson himself. Limited to just 3,000 individually numbered copies, this set is a collector's dream, available only at Rhino.com and select Warner Music Group outlets around the globe.
But that's not all. The Aqualung reel-to-reel edition, a masterclass in audiophile craft, was painstakingly duplicated in real time from a 1:1 copy of the original U.K. analog master tape. This premium half-track tape, produced to the IEC equalization standard, is designed for the discerning listener, captured on high-grade RTM LPR90 stock and elegantly wound on a 10.5” metal reel. With only 350 copies available worldwide, this release is destined to be a coveted artifact.
In just five transformative years, Jethro Tull morphed from a gritty British blues ensemble into a colossal international force, each album marking a radical shift in their artistic identity. Under the visionary guidance of Ian Anderson, the band's journey commenced with the jazz-infused blues of This Was. The arrival of guitarist Martin Barre in 1969 heralded a new era, as the band ventured into intricate folk melodies and classical compositions, propelling Stand Up to the top of the U.K. charts.
By the time Aqualung was unleashed upon the world in March 1971, Jethro Tull had secured their place in rock history, delivering a multi-platinum triumph that showcased the duality of blistering hard rock and introspective acoustic beauty. The album's relentless energy, exemplified by tracks like “Locomotive Breath” and the haunting title piece, solidified Jethro Tull as titans of the stage. Their subsequent release, Thick as a Brick, further defied convention, with its sprawling 43-minute narrative that combined symphonic ambition with sharp satire, earning them their first #1 album in the U.S. and marking the zenith of a remarkable five-year odyssey.