I’ve been trolling my way through the sordid underbelly of the Jethro Tull canon. Failed t.v. shows, stage shows and rock operas abound.
I do however have to admit a soft spot for Too Old To Rock’n’Roll, Too Young To Die. It’s a little unpleasant in places, bawdy and uncompromisingly Jethro Tull at times but somehow a whole lot of fun. It’s uncomfortable as you follow old Ray Lomas on his merry adventures, just a little sad and maybe as I age my way along a little too close to home.
I also remember the glee I had several years ago stopping at the service station at the junction of the A1 and A66 at Scotch Corner. I may have stood on the tarmac and had a moment for myself and Ian Anderson and thought of old Ray speeding his way along on Doris to his less than fatal collision.
And at the end of the day it’s a great album cover.
‘uncompromisingly Jethro Tull’ – great line & visual/audio image!
I sort of inherited a dislike of Jethro Tull from my parents and I’ve never been quite rebellious enough to throw it off.
My Dad hated Jethro Tull for different reasons I am sure, so I played them as much as possible
There’s an earnest country song in all this.
Scotch Corner sounds like an alright place to be, but not for accidents…
I don’t know this album, but I think Mike bought it on one of our Taranna trips…
It’s really not that cool…
Well Neil, I’d love to say that I’m rushing off to spin “Too Old…” but sadly, I’m in the nay-sayer camp for this one. Really like Tull, even some of the later stuff, but not this one. Sorry mate. But I do admire your strength of er, something as you pursue the trip.
I was overcome by a completist insanity and now own way more Tull than I want, I feel obliged to listen at least once.
Ah, yes. The Completist. Should have figured more prominently in the ‘Top Ten Excuses For Buying Records’ list.