SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: VARIOUS ARTISTS – BEST OF JETHRO TULL (REDUX)

VARIOUS ARTISTS
BEST OF JETHRO TULL (REDUX)
MAGNETIC EYE RECORDS

Best Of Jethro Tull (Redux) is the second of two Jethro Tull tribute albums from Magnetic Eye Records. Both albums feature ‘heavy metal’ interpretations of classic Jethro Tull songs. This is not a ‘greatest hits’ collection, as only one song on Best Of Jethro Tull (Redux) would meet that criterion, but rather lesser known, yet brilliant, Jethro Tull songs make up the album. Magnetic Eye Records have brought a number of groups together for them to provide their interpretations of these classic songs.

Mr. Bison gets the ball rolling with a song from Jethro Tull’s breakthrough album in North America, Stand Up (1969). Their version is very close to the original and they don’t deviate too much, but when they do, especially with the guitar solos, they do create a fresh new sound. It is more stripped back than Tull, but it sounds great. Whereas Hashtronaut delivers a full-on audio assault with their very heavy and almost screamo version of “Bungle In The Jungle”. Jethro Tull’s version was much more innocent; this version is almost threatening. It is a very unique take on the song, and it works.

The Golden Grass delivers a very heavy and dense version of “The Teacher”. The song, originally from Jethro Tull’s album Benefit (1970) has been a concert favourite of Jethro Tull, but it has never sounded this hard. Again, it is very different from the original, but it sounds great and is far from boring. Sergeant Thunderhoof brings their very heavy metal version of “Son” (also from Benefit).

Once again, it is important to state that tribute albums are very difficult. However, the theme for this album is taking well-loved Jethro Tull songs and turning them into heavy metal jams. Best Of Jethro Tull (Redux) is a very interesting take on songs that are not heavy metal in their roots. However, the bands have made some very creative arrangements with the songs. Not all of the songs work, but it is clear that these bands gave these songs some new leases on life.

Jethro Tull Links