Record Reviews

JETHRO TULL ~ HEAVY HORSES CHRYSALIS 583516 (Barcode: 724358351620) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1978 11th album by Jethro TullFind albums by this artist and another solid addition to the group`s remarkable output. Very similar in style to its predecessor, the songs circle around a central theme this time (the changes in the social structure as evident from the disappearence of the heavy working horses). Ian AndersonFind albums by this artist`s songs are becomming more and more personal and philosophical, but the music is still immensly beautiful.

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JETHRO TULL ~ HEAVY HORSES (NEW SHOES EDITION) CHRYSALIS 190295757915 (Barcode: 190295757915) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1977 - 1978 Released: 2018 This is a 40th Anniversary Edition reissue of the eleventh album by the British Prog Masters Jethro TullFind albums by this artist and another chapter in the series of reissues of their seminal albums which are being remixed to new stereo and 5.1 surround sound versions by Steven WilsonFind albums by this artist, who is doing similar projects with classic Rock / Prog albums by other artists as well. It follows a similar treatment that Wilson applied to the reissues of all (except the debut as of now) early Jethro Tull releases. The reissue consists of three CDs and two DVDs. The first CD contains the new stereo mix of the original album (nine tracks) and nine "associate recordings", seven of which are previously unreleased. The second and third CDs include live performances recorded in Berne, Switzerland in May 1978 (twenty two tracks), some of which were used for the "Bursting OutFind albums with this title" double LP released in September 1978. These tracks were remixed to stereo by Jakko JakszykFind albums by this artist. The first DVD contains the album and eight of the "associate recordings" remixed in two High-Resolution formats (5.1 DTS, AC3 Dolby Digital Surround Sound and in High Resolution stereo format 96/24 LPCM). Also included are the original stereo mixes of the album and four additional "associate recordings" in High Resolution stereo format 96/24 LPCM. The second DVD includes the tracks of the live Berne concert remixed by Jakko Jakszyk in two High-Resolution formats (5.1 DTS, AC3 Dolby Digital Surround Sound and in High Resolution stereo format 96/24 LPCM) and promotional short videos. If you are confused by all these technical terms, don´t be – it is all complete bullshit piece of hype! Basically you don´t even get the original stereo mix of the album in a CD form, but you get almost two hours of a live concert on DVD, remixed versions of the album, and a few bonus tracks, which honestly contribute very little, if anything at all. The entire set is lavishly packaged in a digibook format, with great photos of the band, background material, the song lyrics and other goodies, which are all beyond reproach. The group´s lineup on this album is the same as on its predecessor "Songs From The WoodFind albums with this title"; Ian AndersonFind albums by this artist as usual handles most of the vocals and plays the flute parts and acoustic guitar / mandolin. The lead guitar is magnificently handled by Martin BarreFind albums by this artist, the keyboards by John EvanFind albums by this artist and David PalmerFind albums by this artist, the bass by John GlascockFind albums by this artist and the drums by Barriemore BarlowFind albums by this artist. Anderson gets credit for all the music and lyrics, but Palmer and Barre get credit for contributing some of the instrumental themes. Musically the album continues the new stylistic approach, emphasizing the Folk-Rock direction and British Folkloristic references. It is also considered as the second album in the trinity of albums formed by "Songs From The Wood" this album and the forthcoming album "StormwatchFind albums with this title". Of course the album still firmly and consistently continues the Progressive Rock elements, which the band masterly develops regardless of the current stylistic aesthetic the specific albums deal with. For many Jethro Tull fans this albums marks one the definitive highlights of the group´s long and flourishing career, but personally I believe everything the group created over the years was top notch and it was the listeners following fads and fashions who could not always follow the intricacies and complexity of the music Anderson whimsically weaved. A classic by any standard! Side Note As for the Steven WilsonFind albums by this artist contributions, I´m perplexed time after time why anybody being of sound mind would allow him to butcher the original material and then hype the results as spectacular. These original mixes are untouchable and anybody trying to change them is more or less re-painting Van Gogh, re-sculpturing Michelangelo or re-writing the Bible, all truly barbaric acts of disrespect. Additionally I find his stereo mixes to be dry, artificial and deviant, badly damaging the original ambience of the recordings. Perhaps for people who are not familiar with the original sound this sounds fine, but for me it´s unbearable and sacrilegious. In addition I find the surround sound completely redundant, hoping for years that it will go away as did quad and other industry inventions meant to earn some more money from the suckers following the trends. The whole high resolution hype is so ridiculous; in reality most people are deaf anyway and can´t tell one note from another even if it bites them in the ass and use ridiculously lo-fi equipment. In short Emperor´s new clothes, as usual, and no shame whatsoever.

Updated: 15/03/2020Posted: 25/05/2018

3CD+2DVD 5 Digibook Box Set Oversampling DVD-A Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend