Label: WEA/Chrysalis
I
have been having the time of my life lately immersing myself in the world and
music of Jethro Tull. I got the 4 DVD concert set for Christmas, then prior to
that received a recent book that was published about the band (which I am
currently absorbing), and now I have the pleasure of taking in another
remastered JT album. Again Steven Wilson was hired to come in and give their
classic Benefit release the full
treatment.
Benefit
was
originally released in 1970 prior to them becoming international stars with Aqualung. The general feeling among
longtime fans and rock historians is that Benefit
was a greatly underappreciated and overlooked studio recording. One would
have to agree that this is not one album that immediately comes to mind when
the discussion is around Jethro Tull. This release will force a lot listeners
and critics alike to pay more attention.
After listening to this incredibly good remastered
recording I would have to say it was a great way to set up the band’s fan base
prior to unleashing Aqualung. I think
this album is an underrated classic much like the wonderful War Child. Of course this is a matter of
opinion from a fan that has been listening to them since the 70s. This set is a
tri-fold book style package that includes the original recording on one CD with
five bonus tracks, the second disc includes newly remastered versions of rare
tracks and singles recorded around the same time as Benefit, such as "Sweet Dream" in both stereo and mono.
To some the repetitive nature of this format with various versions may become
tiresome nevertheless it is interesting to hear the different variations.
The DVD is audio only, sorry no videos, which is
available exclusively with this version. It is packed with 58 tracks, including
the album and bonus tracks in 5.1 surround sound, which are absolutely amazing.
It also contains the U.K and U.S. versions of the album. The American version
was sequenced differently and replaced the U.K. track "Alive and Well and
Living In" with "Teacher." In addition the ultimate version is
in detailed 5.1 surround sound. So many things that you never heard or noticed
before will come popping out with a roar saying “Listen to me!” The package
also includes an extensive booklet that is a very interesting account of the
recording sessions and events surrounding it with input by band members and
others in the entire process.
“Teacher (US album version) (stereo)” is one of the many
bonus tracks. It offers more substance and fullness than its apparently
understated UK counterpart even though Wilson mentions in the liner notes that
they were both taped at different pitches and that has been corrected to
reflect the original intent of the sound, I still hear a difference between the
two. As he mentioned, one of the versions was more ponderous, I believe it was
the UK version, it sounds more subtle compared to the US version. Well,
everyone’s ears are different and I doubt there are ears in our universe like
Wilson’s otherwise why would he be doing this in the first place?
Moving on…“A Time for Everything? is a shining gem. It
illustrates the evolution of the band and a precursor of what was to come.
Wilson did a nice job bringing out Martin Barre’s guitar on these tracks and I
found it to be more noticeable and quite ear catching. “To Cry You a Song” is a hands down classic and it also
receives the justice it deserves, as does the entire album in its entirety to
be perfectly honest.
It is a lot of fun to compare and contrast all the
different formats that are offered and the realization of how complex and
diverse the band had become really hits home now more than ever. It does not
come as a surprise that prog’s old guard is turning to one of the younger more
brilliant artist in the genre to remaster their music. King Crimson did it now
its Jethro Tull’s turn. I wish they would have had Wilson on board the team
when they started all the remastering of their catalog years ago. No need to
worry, I am sure there will much more to come and I stand ready to open my ears
to whatever is next. I really did not think it was possible to appreciate this
band more than I did but here I sit again feeling like there is always
something new to hear and enjoy with each newly packaged release that finds its
way to me. There is nothing here not to like if you are JT or prog rock fan.
5/5 Stars
Key
Tracks: A Time for Everything?, To Cry You A Song, Teacher (US album version)
(stereo)
Keith “MuzikMan”
Hannaleck
January 18, 2014
Tracks:Disc: 1
1. With You There To Help Me
2. Nothing To Say
3. Alive And Well And Living In
4. Son
5. For Michael Collins, Jeffrey and Me
6. To Cry You A Song
7. A Time for Everything?
8. Inside
9. Play In Time
10. Sossity: You're a Woman
11. Singing All Day
12. Sweet Dream
13. 17
14. Teacher (UK single version) (stereo)
15. Teacher (US album version) (stereo)
Disc: 2
1. Singing All Day (mono)*
2. Sweet Dream (mono)
3. 17 (mono)
4. Sweet Dream (stereo)*
5. 17 (stereo)*
6. The Witch s Promise (mono)
7. Teacher (UK single version) (mono)
8. Teacher (US album version) (mono)
9. The Witch s Promise (stereo)
10. Teacher (UK single version) (stereo)
11. Teacher (US album version) (stereo)
12. Inside (mono)
13. Alive And Well And Living In
14. A Time For Everything (mono)
15. Reprise AM Radio Spot 1 (mono)
16. Reprise FM Radio Spot 2 (stereo)
Disc: 3
1. DVD Audio: With You There To Help Me
2. DVD Audio: Nothing To Say
3. DVD Audio: Alive And Well And Living In
4. DVD Audio: Son
5. DVD Audio: For Michael Collins, Jeffrey and Me
6. DVD Audio: To Cry You A Song
7. DVD Audio: A Time for Everything?
8. DVD Audio: Inside
9. DVD Audio: Play In Time
10. DVD Audio: Sossity; You re a Woman
11. DVD Audio: Singing All Day
12. DVD Audio: Sweet Dream
13. DVD Audio: 17
14. DVD Audio: Teacher (UK single version) (stereo)
15. DVD Audio: Teacher (US album version) (stereo)
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