October 25, 1968 - Jethro Tull and This Was

A mere 9 days since my last album, October 25, 1968 brings the debut release of British band Jethro Tull titled "This Was". But who is this odd sounding band, Jethro Tull? They're originally from Blackpool, England and they begin their career as a four-piece blues/folk rock band with drummer Clive Bunker, bassist Glenn Cornick, guitarist Mick Abrahams and lead singer/flutist Ian Anderson. The songs on "This Was" are split between written by Anderson and Abrahams, although Abrahams left the band shortly after it's release due to the other bandmates wanting to go in a different direction than his preferred blues and jazz. In the liner notes for the record, we see the reason for the album's title, as it reads "This was how we were playing then – but things change – don't they?"

Side 1 kicks off with "My Sunday Feeling", a blues-rock song that's about waking up on Sunday and not knowing where you are after a rough Saturday night. It has some cool flute from Anderson and a decent guitar solo from Abrahams. The next track is straight up blues with "Some Day The Sun Won't Shine For You". It has some cool.guitar and features Anderson on mouth organ, which sounds like a harmonica. Track 3 is "Beggar's Farm", a slow blues-y tune with some cool bass from Cornick. It also has a nice guitar solo and an even better flute solo. It's about not being taken for a fool and ending up on Beggar's Farm. The next track is the only song with Abraham's on lead vocals, "Move On Alone", which he also wrote. His singing is ok but not great, the horns are the best part I think. Side 1 ends with the 6 minute instrumental "Serenade To A Cuckoo", which is a Roland Kirk cover. It was the first song Anderson learned to play on flute, and it has some pretty impressive parts. It also has a lengthy guitar part with the flutes in the background that I especially like. 

Side 2 starts with another instrumental, "Dharma For One". It starts with some cool flute and guitar, before Clive Bunker takes over for a phenomenal drum solo. Like it's really really good. My favourite song off the album I think. Anderson is singing, and playing the mouth organ once again on "It's Breaking Me Up". There's even a solo for the harmonica-like instrument! It's a slow blues tune with a cool guitar solo about a girl who's breaking him down. Abrahams arranged a rendition of a traditional folk song for the next track, the instrumental "Cat's Squirrel". It has great contributions from everyone, especially some great guitar throughout from Mick. They make it a real rockin' song. Track 9 is called "A Song For Jeffrey", written for a friend of Anderson's. It's a folk-y song with more mouth organ, as well as some cool bass and flute. Anderson's vocals distorted and very quiet. The album finishes with a quick 1 minute song titled "Round". It starts with Anderson on piano, before moving on to flute. An odd way to end what was otherwise a great album.

That wraps up "This Was" and as the title suggests, Jethro Tull would sound a little different going forward. Although I am excited to see where they go next, I quite enjoyed this album. It's a solid debut and should not be overlooked. "Next month" we'll meet up with some of our oldest friends.....see ya then!