standup_favorite

Remember - Jethro Tull has spanned over 30 years and the music has changed. It will be very apparent what period of Tull music I favor.

I have read and heard reviews by critics, Tull fans, and non-Tull fans. My opinions may not be the same as yours, but as long as we can appreciate Tull, that is what matters. So, here goes.

1. A New Day Yesterday (Stand Up - 1969)
On the slow side with a pounding guitar riffs by Martin Barre. It's difficult for me to single out just one Tull tune but I'm making this one my top pick.
"It was a new day yesterday, but it's an old day now."

2. A Song For Jeffrey (This Was - 1968)
The first Tull song I ever heard. I guess first impressions are the best. Ian sounds like he's singing from inside a well. The flute is classic. I doubt that many will agree with me on this choice.
"Don't see see see where I'm going to, I don't want to."

3. Aqualung (Aqualung - 1971)
No surprises here. This is a popular song even for people who don't know much about Tull. No other song that I know of starts out with such a bang and mellows out like this one. It's another Tull innovation that goes against the norm. This one has parts with the "Jeffrey" vocal sound also. The song about a poor wretch has withstood the test of time and is popular on classic radio stations.
"Aqualung my friend, don't start away uneasy. You poor old sod, you see, it's only me."

4. With You There to Help Me (Benefit - 1970)
A haunting melody that stays in my head. The flute sound like a ghostly laugh.
"Just one week for the feeling to go, and with you there to help me then it probabably will."

5. For Michael Collins, Jeffrey, and Me (Benefit - 1970)
A song about the astronaut who did not walk on the moon - and other forgotten people.
"I'm with you LEM, though it's a shame that it had to be you."