NOTHING IS EASY: LIVE AT THE ISLE OF WIGHT 1970

Jethro Tull

Prog Folk

4.23 | 181 ratings

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micky
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator

oh what a gem coming out of someone's vault this was... along with the companion DVD.

Great live set from, obviously, the Isle of Wright Festival 1970. This live album is a must have for fans of their early albums, of which I am one. Benefit being my favorite Jethro Tull album hands down. A nice selection from each of their previous three studio albums, plus the real gem for me.. an intense performance of My God which was to come on the forthcoming Aqualung album. On display is why I am such a big fan of early Tull, bassist Glen Cornick. Listening to this live performance vs. the studio version on Aqualung sort of leaves the studio version lacking. Why... listen to that overdriven Thunderbird bass when it enters in the second verse. Man.. as a bassist myself... it just makes a great song that much better.

The rest of the songs are excellent as well... Dharma for One is as good as a drum solo can be without actually seeing it (see future review on the DVD..wow!). I didn't care for the bass solo on Bouree, where the heavily distorted bass works well in spots... a feature bass solo.. it sounded like hell hahahha. A shame because his solo is a masterpiece of a bass solo. My Sunday Feeling kicked off the disk, and this was a really fun one to hear live from the debut album. The song selection of the album is great, and the performances are inspired and highly energetic. An energy you can see as well on the DVD.

Rating this however. Ian Anderson said it best in the liner notes... no prog rock on this album. That was soon to come with the unfortunate firing of Glen Cornick following the American tour that followed this show and the next album Aqualung. So while this album is first class and a GREAT listen. I'm giving it 3 stars. If looking for live Tull.. prog-wise.. go with Bursting Out.

Three stars.. GREAT but not essential but once again.. not reflective of the quality just not a classic live prog album.

Michael (aka micky)

micky | 3/5 | 2006-6-29

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