Customer Reviews

Living in the Past

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Jethro Tull Fans & consumers BEWARE!! There have been several misleading "Reviews" offered up about this album. BE CAREFUL about which version you are trying to buy.

I've been a Tull fan since about 1972 (when I was in High School); my first Tull LP purchases were "Thick as a Brick" and then "Living in the Past".

When the Tull CD's first came out, I bought almost all of them (naturally), and am now in the process of replacing my earlier versions with the newer "Remixed/Remastered" versions. However, I had bought the U.S. version of "Living in the Past", and chose not to buy the much more expensive "Gold CD"/"Mobile Fidelity" versions; these versions are, however, more "complete" in that they do include all of the tracks from the original 1972 vinyl release.

Many have noted that the one-CD versions of "Living in the Past" have deleted various tracks from the original '72 vinyl release due to "time constrictions", to keep things to one CD. These versions generally do add a track not found in the original ("Inside", from BENEFIT).

However, I recently purchased the UK Import version of "Living in the Past", after reading one of the reviews WHICH SHOULD ONLY HAVE APPLIED TO THE "GOLD CD"/MOBILE FIDELITY version, as it stated that "this is the only complete version available", etc.

Instead, *there are differences in the tracks* between the UK Import version and the apparently now-out-of-print US version (which I already had).

Here are the differences: BOTH one-CD versions (US & UK) omit "Bouree" and "Teacher"; this is not a terribly great loss to most Tull fans, as any Tull fan will probably have these previously-released tracks on another CD--although these are two of Tull's best songs!

BOTH one-CD versions (US & UK) add "Inside" (also previously-released), but which was NOT on the original 1972 vinyl LP.

However, here's the important distinction between the US & UK version: The US version DOES include "Alive and Well and Living In", and also includes "Hymn 43" (another excellent song), but does NOT have "Locomotive Breath" (which can also be found on AQUALUNG).

The UK version DOES NOT have "Hymn 43", but does include "Locomotive Breath" . . .! And again, it does not have "Alive and Well and Living In" (nor "Bouree" or "Teacher").

In a "side-by-side" comparison, and a close examination of the liner notes, etc., it appears that the US and UK one-CD versions are otherwise identical, and have the same recordings/mixes, but you'll get one more track in the US version than in the UK Import; unfortunately the US version now appears to be out-of-print . . .!

What we really need is a new, repackaged (orignial packaging, etc.) two-CD remixed/remastered version of this old favorite, with ALL of the original tracks included on the '72 LP, and which would have "room" for interviews, bonus tracks, or whatnot.

By the way, we need this because this is one terrific album!! A "complete" version would rate 5 stars.

Yes, there are a few different versions of "Living in the Past" floating around, and I still have the original LP from which I can compare them all. I own the Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab, 2-disc, Original Master Recording UltraDiscII GOLD CD and it is the ONLY COMPLETE VERSION CURRENTLY AVAILABLE! With a grand total of 23 tracks, not to mention a faithful reproduction of the 35 page booklet included in the original album, this version has sonic quality far superior to any "CD" version you will ever hear. This is as close as you'll get to listening to the orginal "LP" on the finest turntable system. It's obvious that great care was taken when this package was put together, from the remastering to the detail that went into the booklet and packaging. In fact, it is probably the best sounding MFSL CD that I own, and I have quite a few. So, from one "Tull Fan" to another, this is the definitive version. I realize that it's likely to set you back few bucks (I've seen some of the prices!), but if you can find it, BUY IT! It's a worthy investment.

If your just getting into Tull, try and get a copy with "Alive and well and Living in" which was on the original U.K. version and now the remastered Benefit CD. Don't worry about getting:

1.Bouree

2.Teacher

3.Locomotive breath(U.K. release)

4.Hymn 43(U.S. release)

They are all excellent songs but if you start to like Living In The Past you can get these songs on other great albums, which is really a much better way to hear them.

I first started listening to Jethro Tull in High School. Being part of the band geek community, my friends and I would spend any free time we had before or after school in the band room playing or listening to music.

This is one of the first albums I heard from them, along with "Songs from the Wood" and "Thick as a Brick"(besides Aqualung from classic rock radio).

This is the first music I ever heard with incredible ecclecticism in style and instrumentation, but not disparate sounding, from acoustic guitar and toy piano(Just trying to be),to heavy rock guitar and flute and tablas(Love Story).

From mandolin, whistle and strings(Christmas Story),

to a pop rock song with a clave and bass intro in 5/4(holy crap!).

From songs about the well told tale of touring woes(Driving Song), to discontent with holiday excess(Christmas Song).

From a simple thank you(Nursie), to cynical commentary on society(Wond'ring again).

From aimless lovelorn wandering (Singing all day),

to the beauty of realizing "that life is a long song, but the tune ends to soon for us all."

This album is filled with some of the best Tull songs from any of their various eras. These songs reflect Ian Anderson's songwriting before their extended song albums(Thick and Passion) changed their direction somewhat(not in a bad way!). These songs, excluding the two live cuts, are gems filled with exceptional musicianship, arrangements, idiosyncratic lyricism, weird esoteric british references(Up the 'pool), humor,touching sentiments, and total originality, each under four and a half minutes,some a minute and a half(Just trying to be, Nursie).

Ian's great singing and olde english, travelling minstrel acoustic guitar is all over them. And flute playing that ranges from little backround parts to huge in your face flurries, classical lines to Roland Kirk tinged blues licks, all the while infusing the flute into the band's sonic landscape so you never say to yourself "Oh there's the flute again".

This album really comes to life in the headphones, with great Beatles-esque stereo panning and intricate overdub layering. Once you start listening you're bound to find at least a handful of things sonically in each song that are interesting, like the far left and right panning of John Evans' piano and the acoustic guitar harmonizing in unison in "Witches Promise". Or the huge cavern reverb they throw on the very end of Martin Barre's guitar solo in "Sweet Dream". Just a couple of examples from a couple of songs!

If your already a fan, try listening to the album excluding the previously released tracks(when it came out) and the live cuts. Then throw "Living in the Past" on top:

1.Living in the past

2.Love Story

3.Christmas Song

4.Driving Song

5.Sweet Dream

6.Singing all day

7.Witches Promise

8.Alive and well and living in

9.Just trying to be

10.Wond'ring again

11.Life is a long song

12.Up the 'pool

13.Dr. Bogenbroom

14.For later

15.Nursie

This is the only way I listen to these songs now. I find the other songs great but I've grown to love these songs as their own album, and the other songs become intrusive. I listen to "Locomotive Breath" and "Hymn 43" on Aqualung, "Teacher" with Benefit, "Bouree" on Stand Up, and the live tunes with the Live from Carnegie Hall '70 disc from the 25th Anniversary Set.

Amid the hysteria of the satisfying but radio-drained alpha-male Aqualung riff which unfortunately went up the stairway to heaven and the Thick as a Brick "concept album" hype(albeit well deserved hype), this album proves what a great band and concept that Jethro Tull were based solely on the songwriting and execution of these relatively short pieces.

The thing about this set is it contains that intangible sense of place and time that great albums have. They have the ability to evoke images or feelings that belong specifically to an era I did'nt grow up in, or a place I've only seen second hand.

Hey Santa, pass us that bottle will ya?

This effort includes some of Ian Anderson's finest ballads.

I personally like the acoustic side of Jethro Tull as well as the electric side with Bartin Barre on the guitar.

For acoustic music this is probably Ian Anderson's finest hour.

Christmas song has always been one of my favorites, "Hey Santa pass us that bottle". He talks about how Christmas is not really celebrated right and how people use Christmas as an excuse to party. "The Christmas spirit is not what you drink"

This to me sums up the way we celebrate Christmas or at least many of us.

Life is a long song, and Going up the pool. Are two excellant acoustic songs.

Dr Bodgenbroom, for later and Nursie also show the acoustic side as well.

Some people complain that Teacher and Bouree are not on some collections. Personally I dont like to "re-buy" songs when I get a new album. I would rather have two new songs like this CD gives you. If you want Teacher or Bouree, get Stand up or Benefit. This is another album that has stood the test of time, in my mind the greatest test there is...........enjoy

Living in the Past is one release amongst a string of five classic releases by Jethro Tull. This CD contains music that lit the fuse on an explosion of ecclectic styles that was the taproot of all the sounds that have grown out of the progressive rock and roll movement since. This CD set is truly solid from front to back, relying on such slick standards as the title cut, "A Song for Jeffrey," "Witches Promise," and "The Teacher." The accoustic tracks that wind the second CD down, which include "Blackpool," and "Nursie" will give you a feel for the incredible range of lyrical expression frontman Ian Anderson brings to bear. The sounds of tracks 14-20 will wash over you like a warm summer rain. Rated amongst the aforementioned string of five classics (Stand Up, Benefit, Aqualung, and Thick as a Brick being the others), Living in the Past more than holds its own. Further, this group of releases contains a body of work that compares well with any of the best examples of its contemporaries, and their wildly varying styles. Stack these recordings up against Elton John (Yellowbrick Road and earlier), David Bowie (pre-Diamond Dogs), Pink Floyd (Wish You Were Here and earlier), and yes, even Led Zepplin (1-4, & Houses of the Holy) and you'll see what I mean. Buy this CD and all the others, oh you woefully uninitiated,and get yourselves enlightened!

This CD is actually a compilation of songs from 1968-1972; singles, b-sides, live recordings, etc. Mostly non-album, although there's a few songs from their earlier albums. Originally a two-record set, the single-CD editions delete some of the songs, but they're ones that are on their other albums anyway.

These songs completely disprove the criticism that "progressive rock bands can't write a good song/single", as (with the exception of the two live songs, which are pretty much 10-minute imrovisation-filled jams), we have here a collection of short, simple, excellent songs. The earlier pieces contain some pretty bluesy pieces, including one of my favorites ("Singing All Day"), which are complimented by some really great acoustic/folky pieces (such as "Witches Promise", which is another highlight). There are some more "rock" oriented songs, but mainly this album doesn't have so much of the early-metal leanings of Aqualung or Minstrel In the Gallery, although the drum-solo centered live "Dharma For One" is pretty heavy rock. Mostly, though, this album focuses on the charming, late-60s influenced era of Jethro Tull, which is really wonderful. An essential CD for any classic rock or Tull fan.

Most of the non-album tracks have been included on the remaster albums in the recent decade, so owners of these albums may find this release unnecesary (the two live jams are from the 1970 Carnegie Hall concert, which may also be available now in its entirety).

As you probably know this is a very pricey double CD set. However, it is the only version of "Living in the Past" that contains every single song (and some bonus tracks) from the original 1972 U.S. LP. The single CD version (at one third the price) deletes several songs (to fit it on one CD) and has no deluxe packaging. The single CD omits the songs "Teacher" (one of the best songs on the album) and "Bouree" (a great, little instrumental).

This Mobile Fidelity version adds the following songs not found on the U.S. version: "Inside, "Alive and Well and Living In," and "Locomotive Breath." It also contains a replica (down to the texture of the booklet) of the photograph album which was in the original gatefold sleeve of the old U.S. LP. However, Mobile Fidelity has not provided any added information or photographs-it is just a straight replica. The Mobile Fidelity version also contains "Teacher" and "Bouree" which, per the above, are deleted from the single CD version.

Now, as to the substance of the CDs themselves: I give this version of "Living in the Past" 4 (four) stars because, for the price, the sound quality is "very good" but not excellent. Furthermore, you should know that I am not a die-hard fan of Jethro Tull. For the most part, I do not think their other music from the 70s (which was extremely popular at the time) has held up that well. That being said, "Living in the Past" is Tull's best album probably because it is its least pretentious. This album is a series of good to excellent, self-contained songs. The standouts are "Living in the Past," "Sweet Dream" (which in this version has a mix that buries the electric, rhythm guitar), "Witch's Promise," "Teacher," Life is a Long Song," and "Up the `pool." Even the longer, more demanding songs (the live "By Kind Permission of" and "Dharma for One") are better than I remember them being.

The non-Tull fan is left in a quandary: Do you but the single CD version with inferior sound, no packaging, and the loss of several excellent songs or shell out nearly $40 dollars for the Mobile Fidelity Version? Tough call; however, buy the Mobile Fidelity version unless you have only a passive interest in "Living in the Past."

Before moving into the review, I must warn you that these reviews appear under three different versions of "Living in the Past." The first version is a gold CD that contains 23 tracks, including "Teacher," "Bouree," and "Locomotive Breath," that do not appear on the other two versions. The second version has 20 tracks, which does not include the three aforementioned tracks. The third version is an imported version with only 19 tracks. In addition to the three previously eliminated tracks, this CD also eliminated "Hymn 43." The prices of the three versions and their availability vary greatly, so I recommend you survey the versions available and choose the version that best fits your needs.

This album fills in holes in Jethro Tull's early music, including tracks not a part of their earlier albums and commercially adding more music at a time when Tull was riding high on the success of 1971's "Aqualung." While some reviewers advise that you need not buy Tull's earliest recordings if you have "Living in the Past," I have all those recordings as well and do not believe this CD replaces them.

This CD offers a range of music, from hard rockers to mellow folk and Tull's signature renaissance-flavored folk and rock. "Living in the Past" offers a jazz-like piece with Ian Anderson's flute prominently displayed. It was the range of music Tull played that has always made Tull hard to fit into a particular genre. While they are often classified as hard rock because of songs like "Teacher" and "Sweet Dreams," as well as most of "Aqualung" and "War Child," Tull more likely fits into a genre of their own as they play music of all types and they seem to do so in a pattern of their own.

Like the true artists that they are, Jethro Tull created music as they felt moved to create. The result is creative and interesting music, often satirical, nearly always at least good. It may be tempting to think in retrospect that some of the music on this CD indicated that Jethro Tull was moving in a harder rock direction. However, as music from CDs such as "Minstrel in the Gallery" and "Songs from the Wood" indicates, Tull's style has always been eclectic, with hard rock being only one of their numerous styles.

This collection is a great introduction to a group that refuses standard classification and has only been recognized as one of music's greats in the last few years. While this CD is sometimes hard to find, I recommend this CD highly if you can find it and if you have liked what you've heard of Jethro Tull's non-commercial music.

The 2LP set "Living In The Past" was issued in July 1972 in the UK on Chrysalis CJT 1 and October 1972 in the USA on Chrysalis 2CH 1035 - both originals sporting hardback book sleeves with 12 pages of colour shots inside. The set's title reflected what was inside - a ragbag of previously released albums tracks bolstered up with new live and studio songs, rare single sides and their non-album flips.

This 'full' 23-track 2CD version is an audiophile issue - a Mobile Fidelity ORIGINAL MASTER RECORDING housed in a card wrap with two gold ULTRADISC-2 CDs in two separate lift-lock CD cases. The detached oversized booklet slotted in beside the CDs replicates entirely the packaging and liner notes of the original double album - right down to the 'book' texture of the front and rear sleeve. Nice touches it has to be said. However, the liner notes get some details wrong which need clarifying...

Disc 1 (42:55 minutes)

Tracks 1 to 11 and 13 make up the 12 tracks of Side 1 and 2 of the original 'UK' double album using strict sequencing

You will notice that Disc 1 has 13 tracks and not 12. The reason for the extra song is that "Inside" (from the "Benefit" LP) appeared as track 5 on Side 2 of the original 'UK' issue, but the original 'US' issue replaced this track with "Alive And Well And Living In" (another "Benefit" track in the UK and the B-side to the UK 7" of "Inside"). Both have been included on this 2CD set for completeness.

Disc 2 (45:35 minutes)

Tracks 1 to 3 and 5 to 10 make up the 9 tracks of Side 3 and 4 of the original 'UK' double album using strict sequencing

However, you will notice that like Disc 1, Disc 2 also has an extra track. Track 5 is "Locomotive Breath" from the "Aqualung" LP - it appeared as track 2 on Side 4 of the original 'UK' issue. However, the 'US' issue replaced this track with another cut from "Aqualung" - "Hymn 43" - again both tracks are included on the Mobile Fidelity issue for completeness.

To confuse matters further, the official EMI release of "Living In The Past" on CD is a truncated single disc of 19 tracks with a crappy inlay and ok-only audio... So this USA-only Mobile Fidelity 2CD issue is the only way to get the full double album in one place - either the UK or US variant - and more importantly with truly great sound.

Speaking of which - when I compare "Locomotive Breath" and "Hymn 43" on the 1996 "Aqualung" remaster to these MF versions - the difference couldn't be more marked; the "Aqualung" remaster was to my ears one of the worst and dullest of issues - these MF versions leap out of the speakers. As the recordings vary from 1968 to 1971, the sound does so too, but the Mobile issue excels on them all - especially the beautiful acoustic turns "Just Trying To Be" (lyrics above) and "Up The 'Pool". In fact - excepting the excessive two live tracks, which took up all of Side 3, it's amazing how well the whole set holds together - even to this day.

Bottom line is - this Mobile Fidelity 2CD set has really great sound and the full compliment - it's just such a damn shame that it costs so much...

PS: Given the stunning sound quality on the Collector's Edition of "This Was" achieved by Peter Mew at Abbey Road - surely EMI - both this, "Aqualung" and "Stand Up' could do with the same treatment? It's infuriating that fans have to dig into their wallets to get quality sound...

I have long been a fan of Jethro Tull, since I was a kid. It had been many years since I heard this one and it is excellent. Admittedly, Tull lost me after the album Storm Watch but the early work by Ian Anderson and Co, is true classic Rock. I rate this as not quite as good as Benefit, and a bit better than Passion Play and way better than the much of the rock music being made today.