*. Jethro Tull .* (Remaster 2012)

Album: Thick as a Brick (1972)(40th Anniversary)(2012 New Stereo Mix)
Genre: Prog Rock (Prog Folk) /  UK

This album is simply brilliant. It is flawless in every which way. It has upbeat parts, weird time signatures, solos galore, fantastic vocals that you can even sing along to, catchy melodies, and everything else you ever wanted. It is without question one of the most impressive peaks of progressive rock. The beginning is great, and sets up the whole show. Once it gets going with an upbeat section in 10/8, you know that you're listening to what's going to be a great song. One of the most catchy melodies, for me anyway, is about 16 minutes into side one, where the lyrics start, "I see you shuffle in the courtroom....". Martin Barre does a fantastic job, and I am really upset that he is not going to be on the new sequel to the album. Jeffrey Hammon Hammond has some of the best basslines ever laid down in this one song, and it keeps the whole thing going. My favorite things about Thick as a Brick: 1) It never seems to drag on...EVER....it always feels fresh, no matter what... 2) It makes so much sense, especially when you factor in the genius ending....the first time I heard this album, I was wondering, "Now how are they going to possibly come up with a way to end this monster?" And they do, quite perfectly. 3) The little touches really make the song perfect, such as the piano parts about 16 minutes in and the use of percussion. 4) The melodies are insanely catchy. I will be caught humming one all day whenever I listen to this song. 5) The lyrics are pretty awesome. This is probably one of my top ten albums of all time. I see no reason to dislike it. Utterly stunning and perfect. Review by "bb1319" (Prog Archives).

RATING:  9.5 / 10

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