JETHRO TULL/TOO OLD TO ROCK'N'ROLL: TOO YOUNG TO DIE CHR 1111 (-76) UK

Don't know if it's relevant to speak about forgotten gems when it comes to a major act, as Jethro Tull was back then. But in comparison to surrounding issues by the band it didn't sell a lot and today never mentioned among their best. That certainly has nothing to do with songwriting, performance or audio - all top class. There's not a bad track on it. Memorable melodies with poetic lyrics and earnest delivery. "Bad-Eyed and Loveless" is a beautiful love song and cuts like "Crazed Institution", "Quizz Kid", "Pied Piper" and title track all very catchy. Sincere with emotional vocals, but never mushy. I guess the package put some buyers off at the time. Theme albums were popular, but maybe the rocker/greaser subject was too narrow for a large international public. Also the sleeve is messy and unattractive, but if you forget about the images and just hear it out it's downright pleasant. First US with same label, number and sleeve design. Frequently re-issued on LP and CD. Premiere UK had label as shown here and matt fold/out cover. (YÖHT*) (RÖKÖ*)