ON THIS DATE (51 YEARS AGO) October 31, 1972 - Jethro Tull: Living in the Past is released. # ALL THINGS MUSIC PLUS+ 5/5 # Allmusic 4.5/5 stars Living in the Past is a double album by Jethro Tull, released in the US on October 31, 1972 (June 23, 1972 in the UK). It contains album tracks, outtakes, the "Life Is a Long Song" EP, and all of their singles non-lp tracks except "Aeroplane", "Sunshine Day", "One for John Gee", "17" and the original United Kingdom version of "Teacher" (the United States single version, included in the US version of Benefit, was included instead). With hit albums like Benefit and Aqualung (as well as a spectacular live show), Jethro Tull became one of rock's most popular bands by the early '70s. While many were quick to categorize its music as prog-rock (à la Yes, Genesis, etc.), Tull also dabbled in folk, jazz, heavy metal, and blues. After the success of the band's previous two albums, Chrysalis Records issued the double album Living in the Past, a mix of hits, important album tracks, single/EP-only material, and previously unreleased live tracks. As longtime fans know, and as Living in the Past makes clear, Jethro Tull produced a wealth of great songs outside of their hits. The best-known song in this collection is undoubtedly the title track, while "Song for Jeffrey," "Witches Promise," and "Hymn 43" also remain classic rock radio staples. There are also numerous lesser-known highlights, many of which were compiled from singles and EPs and are therefore otherwise difficult to obtain.Living in the Past, then, is a treasure trove for Tull fans, and a fine place for the uninitiated to start exploring this ambitious band. __________ REVIEW Bruce Eder, allmusic Listen to this collection, put together to capitalize on the explosive growth in the group's audience after Aqualung, and it's easy to understand just how fine a group Jethro Tull was in the early '70s. Most of the songs, apart from a few heavily played album tracks ("Song for Jeffrey," etc.) and a pair of live tracks from a 1970 Carnegie Hall show, came off of singles and EPs that, apart from the title song, were scarcely known in America, and it's all so solid that it needs no apology or explanation. Not only was Ian Anderson writing solid songs every time out, but the group's rhythm section was about the best in progressive rock's pop division. Along with any of the group's first five albums, this collection is seminal and essential to any Tull collection, and the only compilation by the group that is a must-own disc. TRACKS: All songs by Ian Anderson, except as noted. Side one "A Song for Jeffrey" – 3:20 "Love Story" – 3:02 "Christmas Song" – 3:05 "Living in the Past" – 3:20 "Driving Song" – 2:39 "Bourée" – 3:43 (Bach arr. Jethro Tull) Side two "Sweet Dream" – 4:02 "Singing All Day" – 3:03 "Teacher" – 4:08 "Witch's Promise" – 3:49 "Inside" - 3:49 "Just Trying to Be" – 1:36 Side three: Recorded live at Carnegie Hall for the benefit of Phoenix House, 4 November 1970 "By Kind Permission Of" (instrumental) – 10:11 (John Evan) "Dharma for One" – 9:45 (Ian Anderson/Clive Bunker) Side four "Wond'ring Again" – 4:12 "Locomotive Breath" – 4:24 "Life Is a Long Song" – 3:18 "Up the 'Pool" – 3:10 "Dr. Bogenbroom" – 2:59 "For Later" (instrumental) – 2:06 "Nursie" – 1:38 #jethrotull