Jethro Tull - Benefit
	Released: 1970/2001 Label: Chrysalis - Capitol Cat. No.: 35457 Total Time: 49:34
	Reviewed by: Keith "Muzikman" Hannaleck, July 2002 Jethro Tull's third release was Benefit. Indeed the third time is the charm. Ian Anderson's vocals were getting stronger and more dominating, while his flute playing maintained its unfailing authority. Anderson remarks in the liner notes that his writing was getting darker and that he realized thirty two years later that he was being cynical in reference to being on the road and away from home. His feelings regarding the music industry were coming through as well. "To Cry You A Song" was the strongest introduction to the fresh and new formula that they would continue to follow and develop for the rest of their long and fruitful careers. Although the group's love of blues and jazz remained evident, they were leaning heavier towards more rock and folk arrangements, which allowed them to reach a much wider audience. "Inside" was another song that was to rapidly become a trademark of the Jethro Tull sound with Anderson's flute taking a lead role and Martin Barre strumming a soft acoustic guitar in the background. Although Barre rarely remained in the background on any song, he was now more comfortable in his new surroundings and showed all of his colors on this album. This new formula was to delight listeners worldwide. The group's diversity pleased those that loved to rock and the other segment of listeners that enjoyed the more folk, classical, and ethnic sounds that they had offered on their previous release Stand Up. Ian Anderson was becoming the true court jester onstage and the consummate leader. This was a position that was solidified on this album and one that he would never relinquish. The bonus tracks give an interesting glimpse into the future and a peak into the upcoming golden age of Jethro Tull. More about Benefit: Track Listing: With You There To Help Me (6:19) / Nothing To Say (5:14) Alive And Well And Living In (2:48) / Son (2:51) / For Michael Collins, Jeffrey And Me (3:51) / To Cry You A Song (6:15) / A Time For Everything? (2:44) / Inside (3:49) / Play In Time (3:49) / Sossity; You're A Woman (4:42) / Bonus Tracks: Singing All Day (3:07) / Witch's Promise (3:52) / Just Trying To Be (1:37) Teacher (Original UK Mix) (3:49) Musicians: Ian Anderson - glute, guitar, harmonica, piano, horn, vocals, mouth organ Martin Barre - flute, electric guitar Clive Bunker - drums, hooter Glen Cornick - bass Contact: Website: www.jethrotull.com Note: will open new browser window Discography This Was (1968) Stand Up (1969) Benefit (1970) Aqualung (1971) Thick As A Brick (1972) Living In The Past (1972) A Passion Play (1973) War Child (1974) Minstrel In The Gallery (1975) M.U. The Best Of (1976) Too Old To Rock ‘N’ Roll: Too Young To Die (1976) Songs From The Wood (1977) Repeat - The Best Of Jethro Tull Vol 2 (1977) Heavy Horses (1978) Bursting Out - Live (1978) Stormwatch (1979/2004) 'A’ (1980) The Broadsword And The Beast (1982/2005) Under Wraps (1984) Original Masters (1985) Crest Of A Knave (1987/2005) 20 Years Of Jethro Tull (1988) Rock Island (1988) Catfish Rising (1991) A Little Light Music (1992) The Anniversary Collection (1993) 25th Anniversary Box Set (1993) Nightcap (1995) Roots To Branches (1995) J-Tull Dot Com (1999) The Very Best Of (2001) Living With The Past (2002) (cd) The Jethro Tull Christmas Album (2003) Nothing Is Easy: Live At The Isle Of Wight 1970 (2004) Living With The Past (dvd) (2002) Live Review: Jethro Tull In Concert At The North Shore Theater, Beverly, Massachusetts, August 25, 2001 Live Review: Jethro Tull In Philadelphia, Academy Of Music, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania April 23, 2002 Live Review: Jethro Tull: An Evening With Jethro Tull & The Boston Symphony Orchestra Live Review: This Locomotive Keeps Rolling Along - Jethro Tull Live 2004 Interview: Ian Anderson and Martin Barre (January 2000)
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