Jethro Tull - This As A Brick 50th Anniversary Half Speed Vinyl Edition.

Jethro Tull

Thick As A Brick - 50th Anniversary Half Speed Vinyl Edition

(Warner)

8/10

By Paul Davies

It’s a decade since the release of the TAAB CD box set. While some debate has been about releasing the Steven Wilson 2012 mix over the original, this half-speed vinyl remaster seamlessly fits in with the ongoing reissues of Tull’s peerless catalogue. The shrink wrap cover is also updated and reveals a fold-out twelve-page replica of the original St. Cleve Chronicle & Linwell Advertiser newspaper written in original form by Ian Anderson, Jeffrey Hammond and John Evan.

Listening to this half-speed master, it’s evident that the quality in detail will provoke much chatter amongst audiophiles comparing this and the CD box set’s sonic soundscape. Apart from the enhanced dynamic range for vinyl, what is also important is that this is an essential collector's artefact coupled with the superior soundscape beyond the original album’s recording and sonic discoveries pop up on repeated plays across both sides of this pioneering, landmark progressive musical satire concept album. Same music; better sound; updated on vinyl. Any true Tull fan really would mind sitting this one out, in fact, they would be kicking themselves given this limited edition definitive release will soon be out of stock.