Record Reviews

JETHRO TULL ~ A PASSION PLAY (AN EXTENDED PERFORMANCE) CHRYSALIS 825646305674 (Barcode: 825646305674) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1972 Released: 2014 This is a reissue of the sixth album by the British Prog Masters Jethro TullFind albums by this artist and another chapter in the series of reissues of their seminal albums which are being remixed to new stereo and 5.1 surround sound versions by Steven WilsonFind albums by this artist, who is doing similar projects with classic Rock / Prog albums by other artists as well. It follows a similar treatment that Wilson applied to the reissues of all Jethro Tull albums starting with their third album "BenefitFind albums with this title". The reissue consists of two CDs and two DVDs. The first CD contains the new stereo mix of the original album. The second CD contains a new stereo mix of the abandoned / "lost" Chateau d´Herouville sessions, recorded shortly before the group recorded the "A Passion PlayFind albums with this title" album, which have been partly reissued over the years on different albums, but appear here in their entirety for the first time. The first DVD contains some video material and the high definition transfers and new mixes of the original album. The second DVD contains the high definition transfers and new mixes of the Chateau d´Herouville sessions. The entire set is lavishly packaged in a digibook format, with great photos of the band, background material, the song lyrics and other goodies, which are all beyond reproach. "A Passion Play" has been the most controversial Jethro Tull album in the band´s history, recorded by a great lineup, which in addition to the leader / flautist / vocalist Ian AndersonFind albums by this artist includes also guitarist Martin BarreFind albums by this artist, keyboardist John EvanFind albums by this artist, bassist Jeffrey Hammond-HammondFind albums by this artist and drummer Barriemore BarlowFind albums by this artist. Slammed by the critics at the time of its release for being boring, over complex and self indulgent, it still sold well and the hordes of the band´s fans supported it without reservations. It aged well and is to this very day a minor masterpiece as are all early albums by the group. Of course we´re unable to hear this music without making allowances for the historic background, the nostalgia and the personal sympathies surrounding the band and its music. The Chateau d´Herouville sessions turn out to be quite excellent, in spite of the initial judgment made at the time they actually happened. They are as good as the album itself and we should be thankful for bringing them back to life. Side Note As for the Steven WilsonFind albums by this artist contributions, I´m perplexed time after time why anybody being of sound mind would allow him to butcher the original material and then hype the results as spectacular. These original mixes are untouchable and anybody trying to change them is more or less re-painting Van Gogh, re-sculpturing Michelangelo or re-writing the Bible, all truly barbaric acts of disrespect. Additionally I find his stereo mixes to be dry, artificial and deviant, badly damaging the original ambience of the recordings. Perhaps for people who are not familiar with the original sound this sounds fine, but for me it´s unbearable and sacrilegious. In addition I find the surround sound completely redundant, hoping for years that it will go away as did quad and other industry inventions meant to earn some more money from the suckers following the trends. The whole high resolution hype is so ridiculous; in reality most people are deaf anyway and can´t tell one note from another even if it bites them in the ass and use ridiculously lo-fi equipment. In short Emperor´s new clothes, as usual, and no shame whatsoever.

Updated: 25/05/2018Posted:

2CD+2DVD 4 Digibook Box Set Oversampling DVD-A Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

JETHRO TULL ~ A PASSION PLAY (EXPANDED EDITION) CHRYSALIS 581569 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1973 6th album by Jethro TullFind albums by this artist. Although not received as well as the previous one ("Thick As A BrickFind albums with this title"), this is a great concept album based on a A. A. Milne-like story and some modern poetry. Obviously the album was missunderstood at the time, as in retrospect it is a superb piece of music. The bonus video material includes the film presenting the story, which was screened during the group`s performances of this album.

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend