THICK AS A BRICK

After the commercial success of Aqualung, Ian Anderson found himself dogged by the belief that the record was a concept album, as side two dealt with the difference between God and religion. Anderson decided he would write the mother of all concept pieces to shut the press (and the fans) up. The result was Thick as a Brick, and album consisting of one song broken up over the two sides of the LP. The album concentrates on an epic poem written by a young English boy named Gerald Bostock who receives the nickname "Little Milton." The poem deals with adolescence and growing up, and it becomes a main part of the lyrics. Then, the album tells how the critical praise he has received is stripped away when literary judges discover that the prepubescent boy has an adult lover.

The album mocks the pretentiousness of the concept albums prevalent in prog, but it in turn became one of the greatest concept albums of all time. Anderson and co. add a distinct symphonic influence to their folk sound, but Anderson still dominates with his flute. Flautists must own this record as well as most of the Tull catalogue, but anyone who can control their ADD long enough for a 43 minute song will be rewarded with one of the wittiest and subtlest albums you'll ever hear.