Minstrel in the Gallery [Original recording remastered, Original recording reissued, Extra tracks]

Jethro Tull | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 5, 2002)
• Original Release Date: 1975
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Original recording remastered, Original recording reissued, Extra tracks
• Label: Capitol
• ASIN: B00006JKOL
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (70 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,960 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

24-bit digitally remastered reissue of 1975 album with 5 added bonus tracks Summerday Sands', 'March The Mad Scientist', 'Pan Dance', 'Minstrel In The Gallery' (live) & 'Cold Wind To Valhalla' (live). Capitol. 2002.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

96 of 96 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very nice remastering job, January 18, 2003

By 

John S. Ryan "Scott Ryan" (Cuyahoga Falls, OH) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Minstrel in the Gallery (Audio CD)

I said in my 7 January review (below) that I planned to buy the remastered version of this release even though I already had the older CD version. Well, I bought it, and I'm just submitting this follow-up review to say that I'm very, very glad I did.

It's not just for the extra tracks, although those are nice. The two live tracks are no big deal; they're just the introductory acoustic portions of the two songs. Of the three studio tracks, two have been previously released and are of course good to have; "Pan Dance," previously unreleased [or is it? see comments], is an instrumental featuring Ian Anderson's flute and a fine orchestral arrangement by David Palmer. All well worth having, at any rate.

But the album itself is so good that it's worth having the remastered version just for the improved sound quality. I thought it was fine before, but compared to this one, the old one sounds like it was recorded through a bucket of mud. The remastering is so crisp, clean, and clear that you can hear every single sonic detail, from Anderson's acoustic guitar to Barrie Barlow's subtle percussion. And Martin Barre's electric guitar, which was penetrating enough on the older release, is now so sharp it's like an ice pick in your mind.

There's also (as in all these recent remasterings) a short set of liner notes by Ian Anderson himself. The lyrics are included twice -- once in a copy of the old album insert, and once in a set of new pages. (It's good that they're both included, as the new pages inadvertently omit a verse here and there.)

If you're a Tull fan, it's well worth picking up even if you already have the old one. Just thought you'd like to know.

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great recording gets a great remaster, November 9, 2002

By 

dpm60 "dpm60" (Pittsburgh, PA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Minstrel in the Gallery (Audio CD)

Minstrel In The Gallery is a great hard rocking slice of progressive music. Back in 1979, when I was first exposed to this release, I wasn't too keen on it. But past experience with all things Tull had taught me that my patience and persistence would be rewarded. And so they were--more than with any other Tull recording.

For the progressive ROCK connosieur, Minstrel In The Gallery has everything. Great vocals with witty over-the-top lyrics, stinging guitars, inventive drumwork, solid bass playing, and some of the best string arrangements ever to grace a rock 'n' roll recording. Yep, Minstrel is my favorite from Tull. I'd take it over Thick As A Brick or Aqualung anyday.

As for the sound of this remaster, it is wonderful. Both of the previous versions (one on vinyl and one on CD) of Minstrel I've owned were lacking in some way. My old vinyl was almost completely devoid of treble frequencies, and the bass was rather flat. My old import CD version I purchased back in 1987 was way too bright with the same flat bass as the vinyl. The new remaster addresses all of these problems and more. I almost feel like I'm hearing Minstrel In The Gallery for the first time. Also, in direct contrast to recent general mastering practice, very little--if any--compression was applied to the music. The full scope of the dynamics are there to behold--not squashed for the sake of a louder CD. You just need to turn it up folks. What rock 'n' roller has a problem with that?

25 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Astounding!! But a Warning!!, November 21, 2002

By 

ThrEaD NUGENT (Newport Beach, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Minstrel in the Gallery (Audio CD)

1st of all I must warn anyone looking to buy this that the 'live' bonus tracks are studio snippets from a radio program already released on the 20th Ann. Box Set. So forget about them, they fade out after a min. or so....however, this to me is one of Jethro Tull's most amazing lps. the inclusion of Summerday Sands and Pan Dance only enhance it's beauty!! Absolutely recommended!!