Aqualung

[jc_the_trucker]

I've been checking out eBay for a copy of Jethro Tull's Aqualung and was actually somewhat surprised by how many different flavors there are of this one (and the vast spread of prices from one to the next). I know how bad some re-issues can be, so is there any particular version that stands out in terms of quality? I'm not that interested in having the rarest copy, just one that plays well and doesn't break the bank.

Thanks!

[Hermionediamond]

Hi JC, I took the statement below from Tull's website.

"The limited "25th Anniversary Special Edition Aqualung" features 20-bit remastered sound, five additional tracks (including "Lick Your Fingers Clean," the famed quad version of "Wind Up," and excerpts from an Anderson interview. The current release has the same tracks."

I have this as a lossless download and it sounds OK. If you can find a vinyl version of the anniversary release that would be the one to go for. Ian Anderson personally oversaw the remastering so I expect it's as good as you're going to get.

Waiting at home for me tonight is an early vinyl release. I've not heard Aqualung on vinyl so I'm really looking forward to getting home. I'll let you know how it sounds.

[jc_the_trucker]

Thanks very much for the info! I'm probably going to have a look-see at my favorite record shops when I get home next week and see what they have hanging around. Chances are only one in particular will have any copies at all and he tends to be somewhat proud of his records. I'll definitely check for the 25th anniversary in particular based on that info!

[ighten]

Is the latest one the one Steve Wilson was involved with

[Hermionediamond]

I think Steve Wilson was involved with the 40th Anniversary remixed release that came out last autumn. It was an expensive package including vinyl, cds and other bits.

Now I'd really like one of those!

[satanfriendly]

I have a 200g cut and personally I would say 'stay clear'. It sounds congested for some reason and although not a Tull fan I think in there somewhere is a great album trying to get out.

[jc_the_trucker]

Well after searching the eBay some more I found what appears to be a fairly early Chrysalis version that looked to be in good shape. Snagged it for $10, so if its a bad cut it isn't a total loss. I guess I'll have to wait and see.

BTW Satan, you're absolutely right, it is down there somewhere! Try looking for it with a magnifying glass yet?

[MasterCylinder]

eBay has been a good resource for me ...... Been lucky for the most part I guess. But as we know it's hit or miss. Congrats and let us know about the condition and sound quality

[ighten]

TBF you'll never find a v good SQ of Aqualung. Ian Anderson blamed the new Island recording studio they used which basically had faulty equipment throughout the entire sessions and tracks were poor quality as they laid them down. If you check out the S Hoffman pages theres some hilarious information about the remasters which in some cases have entire tracks from the master missing or incorrect phase.

I believe SW managed to get new tapes from Anderson himself. Its price tag now though is phew....

[Hermionediamond]

Well I gave my new (to me) copy a spin last night. It's on Chrysalis green label and I think its an early pressing. The gatefold cover is lovely. As expected the SQ is not great. Aqualung and Cross Eyed Mary sound a little muddy. Having said that when we got to Cheap Day Return and Mother Goose my spirits lifted. Both tracks sounded crisp and clear and the vocal really good.

To me the heavy tracks all sound muddy but the quieter, less complex tracks sound quite good.

I don't care though, Aqualung is a collection of brilliant songs which I will play for years to come.

[davidsrsb]

A Tull compilation CD I bought recently has a terrible thin and lifeless sound, I will have to investigate to see if it is out of phase, which would explain a lot.

I have Heavy Horses on vinyl and it sounds great.

[jc_the_trucker]

Interesting stuff. Well like I said, when many versions are selling for upwards of $100, I think I'll take my chances on the cheap copy. If its really bad, maybe I'll shell out the big money for the 25th or 40th anniversary copy. I'll let you folks know how it is when I get it, maybe I got lucky and found the only good one. (Apparently that would be unlikely)

[paul401]

Hi,
I have a mid 70's pressing, purchased new around 75/76, gatefold with green Chrysalis label, the quiet bits are recorded at a very low level, but as noted the louder passages can sound a little closed in, overall it's a slightly 'odd' sound. Often wondered if it was an attempt at increased dynamic range, but reading some of the replies maybe just bad equipment?
Other JT. LP's inc Minstrel in the Gallery, Warchild and as mentioned, Heavy Horses all have very good sound.

Paul

[TheArc]

Heresy I know, but get the 2CD 40th anniversary version. The Steven Wilson remix is a revelation. Very faithful to the original soounds (no weird modern reverbs etc) but he's managed to completely open up the soundstage. The air and space around instruments is stunning and knocks the original mix into a cocked hat. It's one CD that sounds immeasurably better than the original vinyl IMHO.