THIS WAS

So my goal is to write a review of each of the 18 JT LP's I now own. It is only fitting that this first album of theirs is the last I purchased. And after a couple of complete listens , I find it so much more enjoyable than I thought I would. Yes, most of it is pretty straight forward 60s/70s psychedelic blues. But Ian Andersons distinct voice and style of flute playing magic are apparent from the first notes of the opener, My Sunday Feeling. Beggar's Farm is a favorite, ending with a very intimate flute solo. Move on Alone written by guitarist Mick Abrahams is very unique and alot of fun, just too short. Serenade to a Cuckoo is a standard jazz tune and the first instrumental and is a showcase for Ian's flute mastery and Abraham's classic bluesy licks but goes on a little long and is a little too soft and easy in light of the rest of the LP. Side two starts with instrumemtal Dharma for One co-written by Ian and drummer Clive Bunker. Like most of this album it sounds like it was recorded live in one take, has some great drumming by Bunker, and was a staple in their early live shows. Its breaking me up is more straight up blues and is the weakest and most unoriginal tune on the album. The unsung hero of This Was is definitely the hard rocking Cat's Squirrel. I dont think I ever heard this one til I bought this album. Sounds alot like Cream. Great rhythm section work on this one and again sounds live. A song for Jeffrey sounds the most like the folkier side of Tull to come. It ends with the short and sweet Round. I can see why it has as low a rating on here as it does. But I think its a little stronger and mature than that. A pretty solid first effort. Three and a half stars actually.