Jethro Tull - Too Old To Rock ‘N' Roll: Too Young Too Die
Chrysalis/Capitol

By MuzikMan (more articles from this author) 2002-12-17

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Artist: Jethro Tull (www.jtull.com)
Title: Too Old To Rock ‘N' Roll: Too Young Too Die
Label: Chrysalis/Capitol (www.hollywoodandvine.com)
Genre: Progressive-Rock

This is the very first Jethro Tull album in the series of remasters that I was not in awe of. The odds have it that eventually there had to be some kind of a letup or break in their endless flow of excellent albums. This was a good recording mind you, just not a real great album like all of the prior releases. There are some fine moments found on this CD, enough to give it a whirl on your stereo and add it to your collection.

Ian Anderson discusses in his continuing stories of how each album started and ended and how originally "Too Old To Rock ‘N' Roll: Too Young Too Die!" was intended for a musical about an over aged biker. The liner notes include a comic strip to tell the story. This planned event was brilliantly rock ‘n' roll in concept but it never happened. Well, at least the album became a reality.

"Quizz Kid" has some great rockin' guitar parts courtesy of the great Martin Barre, and the title track is irresistibly catchy and classic JT in every aspect. I am sure that you have it heard at some point even if you have not collected the bands recordings over the years. The bonus tracks are not so generous on this release; there are only two, "A Small Cigar" and "Strip Cartoon." They are quite different and enjoyable as usual. One of the album's sleepers is "Chequered Flag (Dead or Alive)," it is also one of the more interesting tracks musically and lyrically. It will suddenly catch you off guard. It is about racecar driving and how wonderful it is to see that flag waving and being in the winner's circle of life enjoying all the adulation whether you are dead or alive. As if to say it would not matter, even if it kills you, winning the race is the most important thing. I always enjoyed the way Anderson wittingly looks at life square in the eye and builds his stories around his feelings and thoughts. The funny thing is that it always hits home and it will be somebody's truth, if it happens to be humorous or not.

With straight A's in the class of progressive rock, I would have to say that their grade was a B this time out. It was a very nice gesture on Ian's part to dedicate this remastered version of the album to their short-lived bass player John Glascock, whom died suddenly of heart failure before he had a chance to go back into the studio to record another album.

1. Quiz Kid
2. Crazed Institution
3. Salamander
4. Taxi Grab
5. From A Dead Beat To An Old Greaser
6. Bad Eyed And Loveless
7. Big Dipper
8. Too Old To Rock N Roll Too Young To Die
9. Pied Piper
10. Chequered Flag (Dead Or Alive)
Bonus Tracks:
11. Small Cigar
12. Strip Cartoon

Credits:
Maddy Prior - Vocals
Ian Anderson - Guitar (Acoustic), Flute, Harmonica, Percussion, Guitar (Electric), Vocals, Producer
Martin Barre - Guitar, Guitar (Electric)
Angela Allen - Vocals
Barriemore Barlow - Percussion, Drums
John Evan - Piano, Keyboards
John Glascock - Bass, Vocals
David Palmer - Synthesizer, Keyboards, Saxophone

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