Jethro Tull's Aqualung  Gets Analogue Productions Double 45 RPM UHQR Release

Analogue Productions announced yesterday a limited to 5000 copies deluxe double 45rpm 200g UHQR release of Jethro Tull's enduring 1971 classic Aqualung. The pressing and presentation will be similar to that of the Axis: Bold As Love box released in 2019.

This edition cut by Chris Bellman using the original master tape will be the best sounding Aqualung. I can say that with confidence since I've compared an early Clarity Vinyl test pressing to: an original U.K. Chrysalis, an original French "Pink Label Island", an American Chrysalis, the Mobile Fidelity and the DCC Compact Classics version. Whew! However, I promise to again go the distance with all of those when the final version arrives.

The records will be "hand pressed" one at a time at QRP on the plant's Finebuilt press and packaged in a deluxe box that will include a booklet detailing the entire UHQR record making process along with a hand-signed certificate of inspection.

Acoustic Sounds is now taking pre-orders for the record, which is scheduled to ship October 16th, (the 2000 year old man's birthday)! Please do not expect sonic miracles. For whatever reason or reasons this was never a great sounding record, especially compared to the band's previous great sounding releases This Was and Stand Up, but it will be as good as it can be, something to which we all should aspire every day! And was there ever a better riff than the one accompanying "Sitting on a park bench da da da da"? Is that a snot green box?

Here's a pressing UHQR video:,p>

Jethro Tull on UHQR – Clarity Vinyl®! from Acoustic Sounds on Vimeo.

COMMENTS
MalachiLui's picture

great to see more UHQR's, and that they're being pressed before they go on order but i can't get on board with aqualung, to say the least.

Wimbo's picture

blows Kanye away.

MalachiLui's picture

but is there a jethro tull album with a multi-faceted narrative detailing how ego and celebrity excess are the downfall of a human? or a record about the struggle between being a celebrity and a loyal family man? did jethro tull influence an entire generation of artists who built up some of the biggest brands we've ever seen?

you get back to me on those questions. see what you find. jethro tull wouldn't even make it into my top 30 british rock bands list (yes, i actually made a list and counted everything).

Glotz's picture

You have all of your ammunition already loaded!

Great job dude!

Wimbo's picture

points to is the fact that you don't like Jethro Tull.
I take into account your instant dismissal of the album.
I found this arrogant to the extreme and your response isn't any better.

MalachiLui's picture

i think we all know that i like SOME prog rock, but most of it doesn't do much for me whatsoever. i just don't find it musically or lyrically satisfying. but, i keep an open mind, and like at least something from every genre (prog rock included).

plus, comparing anything to kanye almost always backfires on you. just saying. there's a reason he's the greatest artist of all time.

and of course, you never answered my questions anyway, maybe try doing that next time. or maybe you're just too uneducated to have an argument here, or you know your side won't stand a chance.

robert r dawson's picture

...he's not even the greatest RAPPER of all time as long as Eminem and Jay-Z are in the conversation.

MalachiLui's picture

eminem can rap faster, but he also made revival and kamikaze. instant elimination from "greatest rapper" conversation.

jay-z has some good records but pales in comparison to kanye. he's not nearly as lyrically detailed. and you can hear hov and kanye side-by-side on 'watch the throne,' and kanye outshines him (to varying extents) every time. also, jay-z made 'magna carta holy grail' which is nearly unbearable.

TheShawndor's picture

NAS, Biggie, MC Ren, Rakim ... Kanye also made Ye and Jesus is King, so in your words, instant elimination from "greatest rapper" conversation. Heck, all you have to do is listen to Forever, and Kanye is easily outshined by even Eminem. To go even further and claim he's the greatest artist of all time is ludicrous. He's a quality producer that can barely play piano. Give me a break.

MalachiLui's picture

nas isn't even a great rapper. he has some good songs but no GREAT album (and yes, i've heard illmatic. all the way thru.). and i fucking looooove 'ye' and enjoy 'jesus is king' so you can't really use that argument...

TheShawndor's picture

Your subjective taste isn't a valid rebuttal either. Some people love Nickelback - doesn't mean they're great artists. You won't find another worthwhile rapper who would have Kanye in their own top 3. Only Kanye himself thinks that, along with the delusional Ye army...

MalachiLui's picture

on a technical RAPPING level, kanye isn't THE best. but he's the best overall artist. period. no other rapper has EVER made a complete work on the level of yeezus.

TheShawndor's picture

If you want to make the argument he's the best overall rapping artist strictly for that genre, then fine, to each their own. But he's not the greatest musical artist of all time, and that isn't close.

Wimbo's picture

Thats a real Snowflake comment.
Ask Mike how living a life educates you.
You have not started yet.

drummerguy's picture

I'm a big Tull fan but I agree with Michael the first 3 albums, both original and remastered by Steven Wilson, were the best both musically and sound wise. I find that I play the first three much more than
"Aqua and Thick". Don't get me wrong I like "Aqualung" and to a lesser extent "Thick as a Brick" but to call someone arrogant to the extreme is - well - arrogant and extreme on your part!

samman's picture

Yes, Mr. West has sold many records and is quite popular. You like his music and I can respect that. After all you're entitled to your opinion, and Kanye is part of your generation. Tull is part of mine, and most Anderson's music is embedded into my musical memory. For me, Aqualung is a classic from start to finish. It's impossible to attempt to compare West with Anderson, due to completely different musical styles and generations. You don't like Jethro Tull, and that's fine. And likewise, lord knows I've tried, but I personally can't stomach the rap music by Mr. West, no matter how many multi-faceted themes he writes about. I just can't get into that style of music. That's my opinion. I'm happy that you find joy in listening to him, and I hope that you respect those of us who find joy in listening to Tull.

MalachiLui's picture

it's a generational difference, which i can somewhat understand (although i stay open to any time period and genre). however, if you don't like rap, there's a reason why kanye made a full art pop album, an industrial punk record, a psychedelic rock project, and a gospel LP. some of kanye's work can safely be considered pop rap, but his best works are considered art pop, really. he's a rapper, but his work doesn't always fall into the rap category.

samman's picture

I will seek out his art pop music and gospel via Apple and give it an honest try. I may be pleasantly surprised.

avanti1960's picture

I would rather listen to a 33.33333/LP with best possible mastering and pressing than own something that is a collector's item and maybe play once.

MalachiLui's picture

i'm not a 45rpm loyalist, but it does sound better than 33. not worth the price difference, but if it's a 40-50 minute 2LP album with only one vinyl cut, i'd MUCH rather it be at 45. but 33 vs 45 has no impact on what i choose to listen to, and sometimes a 33 is better than a 45 (and vice versa ofc). for short double LPs, though, 45 is the way to go.

avanti1960's picture
Anton D's picture

That glitch reminds me of Max Headroom.

;-D

avanti1960's picture

when i tried to save it took me to an error page not found. therefore the multiples.
sorry everybody.

Michael Fremer's picture
It's good to stand up every 10 minutes and get the circulation going. If you like the music it's not a sacrifice to stand up and turn over the record a few times.
xtcfan80's picture

Agreed .I believe both Sam Telling and the late Art Dudley extolled the values of getting up off our arses to use our systems controls or change a record side.

Roy Martin's picture

...try the Mofi 45 RPM "Surrealistic Pillow." By the time you get back to the couch it's time to flip the record over.

Paul Boudreau's picture

How about Chrissie Hynde’s VBW in the 7x7” format?

Anton D's picture

Generally not an acolyte of the church of 45 RMP, but this gave me a good chuckle! I'm gonna hit "Cross Eyed Mary," "Aqualung," and especially "Locomotive Breath" on 45 RPM clear audiophile grade vinyl! (I hope they made it using ground up recycled vinyl from 'Jazz at the Pawnshop' pressings.

I wonder if we can convince ERC to hop on board the "Locomotive Breath" train!

If only they could make another version of the Starker Cello Suites!

Don't bang on 45 RPM too hard, the average audiophile only listens to the first half of any given cut, anyway.

For those who have played it: did you remember to demagnetize the vinyl before you played it?

Michael Fremer's picture
Clarity vinyl, which does not have carbon black or any black pigment came into existence when Classic's Mike Hobson came over and asked me to demonstrate demagnetization of plastic records with black pigment. We played his black vinyl edition of the soundtrack to "Masked and Anonymous", which sounded kind of bright and hard. Then we demagnetized it on the Furutech demagnetizer and played it again. The difference was so obvious, Hobson set out to create a vinyl formulation minus the carbon black but with sufficient opacity to allow you to see just the play side. Otherwise cuing a track become impossible. The first test pressing he sent was Leo Kottke's 6 and 12 string guitar on black vinyl and Clarity Vinyl. Big difference! In favor of Clarity, though once I demagnetized the black vinyl version is sounded very similar to the Clarity version.
Paul Boudreau's picture

So the Clarity vinyl has something added to it to make it more opaque as opposed to something like the clear version of Rumours in the 1975-1987 FMac box?

DigMyGroove's picture

With a Furutech device not in my future at it's current price, I was very happy when last weekend I was able to get a great deal on a "like new" Talisman Magnetic and Destatic Optimizer. While it works on vinyl records, the effect is even more pronounced on audio discs. I previously used a tape head demagnetizer wand from the 1970's (they're still sold for around $25). While that works, it's a bother to plug and unplug it all the time. The Talisman doesn't require any power and last forever, perfect!

Paul Boudreau's picture

CDs & SACDs get magnetized?

DigMyGroove's picture

Audio discs get magnetized from their time spinning in the player along with the inks used on the graphics side of the disc. I became intrigued when I first learned about this issue, and knowing I wasn't going to spend $$$ on a device that might alleviate the issue tried using my tape head demagnetizing wand that I've had since the 1970's. I found it worked quite well on audio discs as well as vinyl records. I've yet to try the Talisman on DVDs, but will this weekend.

For anyone wishing to find out for themselves that this isn't a bunch of mumbo jumbo all it takes is spending around $25 for a wand and giving it a try, they're available via Amazon. Over time it's a bit of a pain since you have to plug and unplug the wand each time, thus my interest in the Talisman. At $325 retail now the Talisman is pricey, the one I picked up last week was $200. Not cheap, but a rare chance to get a decent deal on this device, I'm glad I bought it.

Paul Boudreau's picture

Interesting, thanks.

Glotz's picture

They demag cables and components as well. I'm providing the website link, not the video link. Just scroll down and it's there.

Glotz's picture
DigMyGroove's picture

Absent from your comparisons of Aqualung pressings was the Steven Wilson remix; I would be curious to know your take on that. Yes the Wilson remix is another thing entirely, most definitely not a straight AAA release like the others. But it is a revelatory listen in my opinion, perhaps the best I've heard this album sound, and I have the DCC vinyl mastered by Steve Hoffman.

Steve Edwards's picture

I agree with DigMyGroove; the Wilson remix is the best sounding version IMHO, and I've heard all the afore mentioned.
Play on

Michael Fremer's picture
Have not heard...
madfloyd's picture

It's only $20... you'll be amazed. Remixed... so he went back to the multi track master (not the stereo master) and did not try to change things so much as improve the sound. Digital, but you won't care.

Tom L's picture

Nick Lowe rules!

DigMyGroove's picture

Thanks!

JTR's picture

Yeah, I don't have much on vinyl for this title, but I do have the SW remix which sounds absolutely incredible. I personally don't think I will need any other pressing of this title.

Rashers's picture

Was muddy and hissy. I can’t imagine that much can be done to improve this situation using the master tapes. Steven Wilson remixed the album, digitally, in 2011 from the multitrack masters - I think his mix, pressed onto vinyl (2011 box set), is superior to any other version that I have heard. It may be sacreligious - but here are times when digitising the multitrack masters produces a superior modern mix e.g. Giles Martin’s recent Sgt Pepper and White albums.
Final comment - I’m sure that this will sell out - but I wish that AP and Moffat would do a 33rpm UHQ / one step version at 1/2 or 1/3rd the price.

Jay's picture

There are so many great albums that have never had a sniff of an audiophile pressing and what do they choose? Aqualung! I suppose that Chad knows his market, but how about something we haven’t seen again and again? A UHQR pressing of John Martyn’s Solid Air, Woody Guthrie’s Dust Bowl Ballads, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band‘s Will the Circle Be Unbroken or James Brown At The Apollo would be really worth having.

MalachiLui's picture

while the titles you mentioned wouldn't do it for me either, 'aqualung' is simply hilarious. i'll instead spend my money on VMP reissues (audiophile quality for far more interesting titles!) and the haruomi hosono great tracks/sony import reissues.

Jay's picture

Thank you Malachi and Anton. It’s a relief to know it’s not just me who thinks that way.

I’ve taken a look at the Vinyl Me Please issues in the past, but I wasn’t sure if the label was one of those cowboys cutting good quality vinyl from crappy low-res digital sources. It’s nice to know they’re the real deal. Thanks mate!

MalachiLui's picture

yeah, they've gotten quite good over time. at first, it was mostly in-house GZ cuts (or colored vinyl represses at wherever the standard editions were pressed), which can be fine but aren't amazing. the rap and hip-hop series still only uses GZ cutting, but the good titles there are done well. the classics (jazz, blues, soul, and folk) reissues used to be GZ cuts too, but they now use proper mastering engineers (although some selections are unnecessarily from digital sources, recent ones are often AAA). the essentials track almost always uses the best sources and mastering engineers possible (except 'buena vista social club,' done from digital when there's a useable tape), and the recent spiritualized reissue (review coming soon) is AMAZING. i was going to cancel with the price hike, but rejoined for the RKS mastering of 'stankonia.'

Anton D's picture

"Will the Circle be Unbroken" would rock.

I look at it as "the popular titles will help fund the pressing of less popular titles."

Michael Fremer's picture
Reissue from a few years ago was cut from tape and sounds 100% better than the original.
Anton D's picture

If you ever quit this gig, will I have to pay alimony?

I am on my way to Discogs now, thanks to you.

:-D

Steve Edwards's picture

Are you referring to the 2013 "40th Anniversary Edition" remaster on Capital Records?

Jay's picture

I must have missed that one Mikey and I must confess I’m seriously annoyed with myself that I did. But thanks for the heads up on it.

cutandcover's picture

Always hilarious to find that among so called audiophiles, there are tons of people who are like 'nah, I'd rather not have the best. I wish they'd do slightly inferior so I could not get up as much.' Give me a break. Let's applaud these companies for not only exploring the limits of high end analog software but breaking barriers on it as well. Clarity vinyl at 45 RPM has got to be some of the best vinyl you can possibly get. I want the best - don't you? Are you really suffering that you have to change sides? Go digital, friend! You'll never leave your seat again!

MalachiLui's picture

unless 45rpm REALLY affects an album's flow, I have absolutely no problem with it. and "REALLY affecting an album's flow" only applies to a few records anyway.

Carrol Speed's picture

Hi

I love this album, I have the SW mix and a 1975 repress cut by George Peckham which sounds fantastic On my system (Technics SL-1200GR, Ortofon Black Cartridge, Blue Aura, Revolution XT) Highly recommended pressing.

Intrigued how this will sound though, not a fan of 45rpm LP's unfortunately.

Michael Fremer's picture
I didn't know there was one! I'm sure it sounds great.
Carrol Speed's picture
AnalogJ's picture

Michael, I had bought a copy of the Classic Records pressing of this after you reviewed it. Don't you still have that? Mastered and cut by Bernie Grundman, I'm going to imagine that the new one will have a similar sonic profile. The midband on the Classic is terrific and wide open.

Michael Fremer's picture
Was cut by Chris Bellman at Bernie Grundman's at the same time he cut this 45rpm version. Yes the Classic version is outstanding and this sounds somewhat better because of the higher speed, the Clarity Vinyl and the hand pressing..... but if you have the Classic I'd say you are all set.
AnalogJ's picture

Saved me $125 plus shipping (no free shipping offered with this). Merci, mon ami.

Mike Mangold's picture

8 months later I'm lusting after yet another copy of this album, until I read this post. I do indeed have the Classic and as all CBs I have, I love it. So for $200 or more on the secondary market, I can now relax and focus on another album like Kind Of Blue ?

estimatedprophet's picture

No question that 45rpm mastering is Superior, but for many people (well, me anyway) want a high-quality pressing without having to flip the side every 12 minutes. I love “Sad-Eyed Lady Of The Lowlands”, but I will probably never play its side on the MoFi 45rpm “Blonde On Blonde”, because I HATE changing the side after one song.

Attn Analogue Productions and MoFi - everything released in 45 should also be released in 33.

PeterPani's picture

But I have to say, I have fantastic sounding shellacks playing 78 rpm. Maybe they could republish the whole Beatles catalogue on 78's :-)
My TD 124 also plays 16 rpm. I own 2 old recordings with that speed. For spoken words it is very nice, how long that plays. I could imagine buying 16 rpm pop records with less sound quality just for the fun of party nights with friends (assuming one day Corona has lost interest in playing around with us).

Babysharks's picture

Agree completely with your comment. I have one 45 that is only 8 minutes on one side. I enjoy the quality but I find it to not be a very relaxing listen.

Michael Fremer's picture
"Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowland" takes up an entire side of the original 33 1/3 "Blonde on Blonde".

estimatedprophet's picture

Yep - right-after I posted, I realized that the problem is on "Highway 61", not BOB ... I'll never hear "Desolation Row" again.

MalachiLui's picture

that's your own goddamn problem for not being bothered to flip over a record! i have the 45rpm 'highway 61 revisited' and it doesn't bother me one bit.

MalachiLui's picture

i have the 45rpm 'highway 61 revisited,' and i don't mind flipping the records over more. plus, it's your own damn fault for being too lazy to flip over records!!! ya might wanna work on that... just saying

estimatedprophet's picture

... I won't buy any more 45rpm records. And I don't think I'm alone on this.

*which is the primary message that I'm hoping AP and MoFi understand.

MalachiLui's picture

is that it isn't ALWAYS the audiophile label's decision on what speed to cut a release at. major labels won't let certain titles be licensed out for 33rpm since they don't want competition with their own product. so you should be screaming at the rights owners, NOT as much the audiophile reissue companies.

i can understand why you won't buy 45rpm records for 25-45 minute albums, but what about 50-60 minute albums? i have several double 45rpm LP sets for albums that are 50-55 minutes - too long to comfortably fit on a single LP, but pointless to do at 33. what about those? do you still refuse to buy ANYTHING that plays at 45rpm??? cuz if so, you're missing out on some great albums from several genres.

ArcAudio's picture

Just curious. I've owned a few color vinyl thru the years and never compared. I know most picture discs, to me, sound like crap. Just curious

Paul Boudreau's picture

Black vinyl is actually colored or tinted by the addition of something called carbon black. The only "uncolored" vinyl would be clear or translucent. Picture discs are another beast entirely.

ArcAudio's picture

I did not know that. After 53 years, I'm still learning something new. I always assumed the natural color was back. :)

MalachiLui's picture

i'll answer one of these at a time:

colored vinyl - black is colored vinyl too, and while the carbon black color additive is quieter than some other colors, it's not THE best. surface noise with colored vinyl all depends on the formulation, pressing plant, color type, etc. solid (or close to it) clear and red vinyl are consistently pretty quiet, color-in-clear (colored vinyl inside of clear vinyl) is good (same with color swirl inside clear). splatter vinyl is typically noisier, and multi-colored marble/swirl is the worst. still, colored vinyl isn't anywhere near bad - just a bit noisier. and there are some solid colors where certain records turn out excellent, others turn out noisier than desired.

picture discs - these aren't made like normal records, hence the higher prices. the actual grooves are pressed onto a clear foil, which goes above some sort of paper with the picture. then, that's all adhered to a slab of vinyl in the center. do picture discs sound AS good as standard vinyl? USUALLY not (some exceptions if there's different plating or pressing - for example, the picture disc of tyler's 'IGOR' is noisy but due to better plating sounds worlds better than the normal US pressing). HOWEVER, i've had some AMAZING sounding picture discs. kanye's "homecoming" 12" picture disc is DEAD SILENT (yes, seriously) and has audiophile-quality sound. so picture discs are better than most people say they are.

clarity vinyl - this is what analogue productions uses for the UHQR's. iirc, it's a vinyl formulation without color pigments so it's purer than standard black vinyl. very little surface noise.

srx/supervinyl - this is RTI's special formulation, known as "supervinyl" for the mofi one-steps and "SRX [silent running eXperience]" for the recent music matters pressings. this still has a color dye, but it's not carbon black. it's somewhat translucent gray when held to light.

jvc supervinyl - used for many japanese pressings in the 70s and 80s for greater durability, the original MFSL's used this. it LOOKS black, and has a slight brownish tint when held to light. i don't have enough experience with this formulation, and it's too toxic to be used nowadays.

ArcAudio's picture

Thanks for the info.

MalachiLui's picture

it’s malachi here lol, michael would NEVER have an ecco2k profile pic haha

Glotz's picture

Lovin it!

Voolston's picture

I have only one red record that comes to mind, that being the Billie Eilish 'don't smile at me' EP, and it does sound good. I agree that clear vinyl tends to almost always sound good. And while I have a number of picture discs that sound good, they are the exception and not the rule.

On an unrelated matter, I'd like to thank you for a recent posting about record day releases of which the reissue of Third Man Records acoustic recording of Billie Eilish was brought to my attention, and finally to my doorstep. Despite being a fan, that release had totally escaped my attention but now I'm complete. Actually, when my two 7" picture discs of "my future" and "No Time To Die" show up, I'm be totally complete.

Voolston's picture

My post was was meant to be posted a few spots up under Malachi's description of different vinyl type sounds.

MalachiLui's picture

that's some pretty intense completism. i have the standard 'when we all fall asleep,' the RSD 'live at third man,' and the "my future" picture disc 7". i might consider getting "no time to die"... i don't see much of a need for 'don't smile at me' since i prefer the 'live at third man' versions of those songs.

Voolston's picture

If I really wanted to go hard-core, I'd get when WWFAWDWG as the 7 inch collection. Talk about getting my exercise playing that album*! Again, I didn't even know about the Third Man acoustic set until a couple weeks ago when I read about it in you're posting. And of course, that's a true all analog affair. Very excellent and intimate recording. And being a one take deal, there's no editing her screwup in Bad Guy!

*Going back to one of the original complaints in this thread, I too don't care for all these double 45rpm sets, though I acknowledge its sonic superiority.

xtcfan80's picture

Yes ...I would love to see Solid Air and some early Fairport Convention titles get the AP - UHQR treatment.... while I'm dreaming, how about XTC????Anything BUT Skylarking would be nice but not mainstream commercial stuff.....

Roy Martin's picture

"Liege and Leaf" would be nice. They even have a song about Fremer (you know the one!).

Paul Boudreau's picture

I've been wondering when they would begin using Classic Records' Clarity Vinyl. Interesting that they don't mention the magnetization aspect of carbon black: "Working closely with the PVC manufacturer Kenan, Classic developed its own proprietary "Clarity Vinyl" devoid of the problems with trace magnetic particles contained in black vinyl formulas. A Clarity vinyl pressing on a flat profile die is the absolute ultimate pressing possible and even a step above the JVC UHQR black vinyl pressings. Not to be missed - you can hear the difference!" (from a current eBay listing for a Classic Records pressing).

Michael Fremer's picture
The "Axis: Bold As Love" UHQR used Clarity vinyl
estimatedprophet's picture

no need for 45rpm, when I couldn't be happier with my 33rpm purchase.

Analog Productions and MoFi - please note!

palasr's picture

It would take a lot to beat the 2009 Classic Records Clarity Vinyl Box set of 45RPMs spread out over four records. That thing impresses everyone whose heard it.

ankysoho's picture

The Classic was also cut by Chris Bellman and AP owns the plates I would think. Are they repressing using those? They seem happy to reuse the Classic parts when they get the rights (Folk Singer, Time Out, etc) so I assume the same is happening here? Not that I think that takes away from this release.

What does take away from this release is that it's a lame title to spend a year on releasing. I'm glad this UHQR series is continuing but I will be skipping this one with a passion.

TurnipHead's picture

It was confirmed by Acoustic Sounds that the UHQR uses the same plates as the earlier Classic Clarity 45-rpm box.

https://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/ap-uhqr-jethro-tull-aqualung.8367...

ankysoho's picture

Thanks for that link.

Given the shortage of lacquers these days I wouldn't be upset to see AP press a lot more of those old Classic titles.

Anton D's picture

Your post is greatly appreciated.

Rick Vinyl's picture

With clarity vinyl, another 45rpm Aqualung, same person doing the mastering, and AC buying out Classic Records stock; all this makes me wonder if this isn't a reissue of the Classic Record's 45rpm Aqualung.

This is not a bad thing. CRs Aqualung appears to be one of the best versions out there. Is there a 45rpm Led Zeppelin in the near future from AC? I would definitely vote a thumbs up for that.

This is little off-track, but what is Chad doing with the Classic Records "stuff" he purchased (other than sell off the albums). Does Chad own other CR goodies like tapes, rights to music, etc?

Rick Vinyl's picture

My bad, just too many comments for this popular topic.

Anton D's picture

Holy crap! There are the Classics plates?!?!

Those are awesome. There are pressings that exist in that line that ‘never existed’ in the commercial line up!

Oh, my, there were some ultra perfect Led Zep albums, amongst others.

This release could presage a veritable Niagara Falls of great pressings.

Any chance for any inside scoop (Dotctor Tarr or )Professor Fremer?

This could be big news!

More info!

OldschoolE's picture

I admit that Aqualung, as iconic as that LP is, is not my favorite on the whole. (I do like a few select tracks though). I enjoy Tull's acoustic works a lot. In fact, one of my favorite Tull LPs is Heavy Horses, which in my opinion is also a fine example of a well done LP sonically. Even the original pressings (if you find one in good condition) can put a smile on your face.
To appreciate Jethro Tull more, one needs to dive into the history a bit, which I won't do here because it is easily found on the web. To further amaze the ear, one can realize that Ian Anderson is one of the best flute players in the world, perhaps not by classical music standards (although later he caught up with that), but overall. What is further impressive is that he is entirely self-taught! Never had a lesson, just picked up a flute in the late 60s and went all in!
I also note that sadly, we may soon lose Ian Anderson to cancer! He is not well at all and he has announced that.

Catcher10's picture

Like many I have the Steven Wilson remix and safe to say its the best version I have ever heard. Now I was very excited about this 45RPM version, but once I got over the hype I realized that this original recording was not very good to start with, that's well known.
I just don't see how $125 will sound $100 better than the Steven Wilson version....He really did an outstanding job along side Ian Anderson....I just spun Aqualung again and am convinced, I'll keep the 'bucktwentyfive' in my wallet for now.

Russo7516's picture

I have all the UHQR of that MOFI series . 180 grams and 33 1/3 rpm's .The mastering on them were pure perfection . ESP DSOTM
Why is MOFI and AP doing this ? Those LP's that were never pressed for 45 rpm. Is it to sound more clearer like a CD ?

GAAudioLVR's picture

A tale of three Tulls. I have a'73 Pitman pressing on the Chrysalis label, the '81 Mobile Fidelity pressing, and then the 2020 Analog Productions UHQR. Now, I haven't opened the UHQR to give it spin but you can clearly see a big difference in the cover art quality.

The '73 is the darker of the three with the MoFi having the most saturated colors. The UHQR photo looks like it's been sitting in the sun for a few months. Geez.........couldn't they do a better job on the cover art? It's a bit of a letdown after how well the Jimi turned out. Maybe it will bug me less after a Scotch or two while spinning the UHQR.

Boomer's picture

Just received my copy about an hour ago and being a huge Tull fan having seen them five times. I don't have all of their ablums but I do have eight of them, not counting this one. To be honest, I'm a little hesitant on opening up the album until I make sure I have an outer sleeve that will fit over it after opening.

Boomer's picture

I received my box of the Aqualung reissue a couple of weeks ago. I've seen Jethro Tull five times and loved every one of those concerts.

Boomer's picture

And another thing. How in the world is Jethro Tull not in the R&R HoF??!!! Or Joe Cocker, Humble Pie or even Little Feat for that matter? We need everyone's help to correct this error of judgement.

X