THICK AS A BRICK

Two of the main characteristics of Progressive Rock are the ability of making conceptual albums and recording epics (songs that last much more than the average and narrate a story), Thick as a Brick contains both, the plot is about a fictional kid (Gerald "Little Milton" Bostock) who writes a complex poem for a contest, but who is disqualified because the judges used a s an excuse a four letters word (never mentioned clearly), but are really worried about the whole poem and the moral, sexual and father son relation problems, so they give the price to a 12 years girl who wrote a simple essay about Christian Ethics called "He Died to Save the Little Children".

Seems to be a simple and maybe funny story, but it's really a hard satire about hypocrisy in British society, which sometimes hides behind false morality to avoid talking about controversial issues which they know are true but want to keep in the dark. Others believe it's some kind of description of Ian Anderson who behaves as a kid even though is concerned about more important things. We'll never know the truth (unless Ian tells it some day).

The original presentation of the album is impeccable, a 12 pages cover simulating the St. Cleve Chronicle (a small town newspaper), that include the lyrics, the whole story, credits and even a rape accusation against Little Milton by an older girl, one of the best covers in history.

The music is simply amazing, goes from incredibly beautiful acoustic sections to medieval keyboard parts with some, hard rock and folksy influences, but I won't talk about it because can't be described in words, you have to listen it to believe. Ian with his flute, acoustic guitar and vocals is simply perfect, but probably John Evans is the big surprise, keyboards are complete and carries the weight of the whole album, not a redundant note or unnecessary sound, everything is right in it's place.

Martin Barre is crucial, especially in the hard parts when his guitar adds personality and strength to the music. Barriemore Barlow is always accurate even though he doesn't shine, does what is necessary to keep the rhythm section with Jeffrey Hammond- Hammond who does excellent support.

Again I refuse to make a long description of the music because it would be unfair to talk about movements, influences, high points, etc. because "Thick as a Brick" is THE ALBUM, Jethro Tull were at their peak and nobody can fairly describe 43 minutes of wonderful music in a way that would make real justice.

The lyrics are in fact the text of Little Milton's poem (who is credited as co-author, another Ian's joke) and deserve to be listened with special attention because are very complex and touch issues very controversial.

There's not much more to say, simply because Thick as a Brick is almost perfect, if you haven't heard it yet, you're loosing one of the key albums of ´prog' history and a true masterpiece that must be owned by everybody.

5 stars are not enough but is the maximum rating.