Jethro Tull

by Raymond Benson

The Legendary Jethro Tull - How many rock bands from the sixties can you name that are still around today? Probably not that many. There are a couple -- the Rolling Stones, Santana-but most have broken up, stopped recording, and reappear only for the ubiquitous 'reunion' tours. Jethro Tull is one band that formed in 1968 and are still going strong, thanks to the leadership, vision, and extraordinary talent of its leader, Ian Anderson. Named after the 17th Century inventor of the seed drill, Jethro Tull have always been controversial, challenging, and completely impossible to categorize. Are they rock? Blues? 'Progressive'? English folk? These labels merely begin to describe Jethro Tull's eclectic and imaginative music. Author Raymond Benson looks at this legendary rock band and analyzes their place in pop music history. He examines every Jethro Tull album -- track listing, personnel, cover art, recording history, and content. A handy rating system informs Tull newbies where to start and provides longtime fans with fodder for debate. A book for both the casual and hard-core fan, Jethro Tull is an insightful companion to enhance one's listening pleasure.

Genres: Music

116 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Raymond Benson is the author of approximately 40 titles. Among his works are the critically-acclaimed and New York Times best-selling serial THE BLACK STILETTO, and he was also the third--and first American--continuation author of the official James Bond 007 novels. His latest novels are HOTEL DESTINY--A GHOST NOIR, BLUES IN THE DARK, IN THE HUSH OF THE NIGHT and THE SECRETS ON CHICORY LANE.

Reviews

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative and enlightening book about Jethro Tull

I thought this book was packed with great information about Jethro Full and perfect for anyone who is first learning about the band and their music. I liked learning about the different albums, songs, and instruments used on each album.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

JT Albums Appreciated

Quick read that helped me gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of Jethro Tull music. Definitely guided me to the gaps in my music collection with spot-on analysis. A little thin as an Ian Anderson biography, but that is not the point of Benson’s “Jethro Tull.” A new edition from Benson is certainly warranted since Anderson continues to create.

[Colin Murtagh · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't think I'm really the target audience for this one. It's a short history of the band, followed by a review of each album in chronological order. With each review is a potted history of where the band is at that point in time.
To be honest, there's nothing here that any fan of the band wouldn't already know, and I'm reasonably sure a lot of fans would argue with the ratings used. I'm not sure rating albums out of 5 is the best way to go.
On the plus side, it is a short inexpensive book, and for those looking to explore the music of Tull who don't know the band well this would be a good starting point.

[Gary Phelps · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ian Anderson often says that the history of Jethro Tull is a boring, uneventful tale. Either he was right, or this is just lazy writing. I'm leaning toward the latter-the author writes as if he's composing a cheap fanzine bio, complete with excessive use of the exclamation point. Oh well, maybe someday...

[Corey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gloss on their 35 year career but if you're a Tull fan you'll dig it.

[Garry Marlton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Tull so I love this book. All the facts and I like the fact the author gives his opinion about each album.

[Felicity Fozard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short stories bringing together the themes of birthdays and vampires. Loved Jim Butcher and Charlaine Harris's stories, but was pleasantly surprised by many of the others.

[Waterman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just the thing for the Jethro Tull obsessive!