Next to " Songs From the Wood," being my all-time favorite Jethro Tull album, " Under Wraps," is second. I'm patiently looking forward to a " Steven Wilson " 40th anniversary box set. Also, in my humble opinion, the drum machine doesn't need to be changed. Thank you for the post. Can't wait for this treasure piece of music.
Fantastically interesting review! Thank you, Ian. Your knowledge and nuisance with this period for Tull is much appreciated. I saw this tour and felt like the band had an almost fusion type approach to the music live. Very high energy with the new material as well as the classics.
Thanks for a very interesting video! Being the Tull geek that I am, it's hard to come across TH-camrs, podcasters etc. who are really knowledgeable about Tull's history. You seem to be very well informed though, so it was very entertaining listening to your thoughts about Under Wraps and Walk into Light. The idea of replacing the drum machine with new, better sounding drum samples, but using the exact same rythm and patterns, is interesting and something I hadn't thought about. Not quite sure what I would prefer. I really like Under Wraps (even Automotive Engineering and General Crossing, but then again I love all Tull/IA albums) and the drum machine hasn't really bothered me that much. The 2005 remaster is the version I've listened to the most, and it had never occured to me to compare the drum machine in the remaster and the original. Listening to the beginning of Lap of Luxury, I can hear a big difference in how the drum machine sounds in the two versions. In the original version the drum machine sounds much more like real drums, while the 2005 version has done something weird to the drums which make them sound more artificial. Thanks for pointing that out. I wonder if the 2005 version really is a new mix like you mentioned ... I hope there will be a box set of Under Wraps soon, and I agree Walk into Light should be included as I think that's the greatest chance we have of that album getting the "anniversary treatment" with a new mix and hopefully some bonus content with unreleased stuff if that exists. According to Ian there aren't that many unreleased songs from this area though (if any). The old "Cup of wonder" website mentioned two unreleased songs from the Walk into Light sessions: "8:40 From Nowhere (Inverness Sleeper)" and an instrumental version of End Game, but both were released on the Monster Edition of Broadsword and the Beast last year, so I guess they weren't really from the Walk into Light sessions after all. So perhaps there are no unreleased songs from 1983/84. After all the CD/Cassette version of Under Wraps had 15 songs and a playing time of almost an hour, much longer than any previous Jethro Tull album. According to Discogs The Broadsword and the Beast wasn't released on CD until 1983, a year after the album was originally released (and Walk into Light wasn't released on CD until 1988), so Under Wraps was really the first Tull album to take advantage of the longer playing time on CDs. So it's likely Ian used all the content he had to give the few people who bought the CD (I guess not that many people had a CD player back then) something extra, but I would be thrilled if there turned out to be any unreleased songs from that area. I also hope we get the full Hammersmith concert (not the shortened version which was released on CD), and to put the icing on the cake, the box set should also include the Passaic, New Jersey show on DVD/Blu-ray (hopefully with even better picture quality than the video currently on TH-cam). Anyway, I will be checking out more of your Tull videos (and King Crimson videos, as I'm also a King Crimson fan). Thanks again!
I bought Under Wraps on CD back in the day, but somehow I seemed to have replaced it with the 2005 remaster. I bought the LP after this (completist as I am!) and now I know why the drums on the LP with the original mix sound better.
Under Wraps was the first Tull album I ever heard. I had no preconceived ideas about how they should sound and I loved it!! Still one of my favourites. Yes they should do a remix.
@@Iainmaclennan70 interesting standpoint ! My own introduction is unique, it was presented to me like “just another Tull album” so I never saw it as a betrayal. In many ways it exemplifies what I love about the band and aside from Roots to Branches this is the last time they took huge chances imo.
I've always liked this since I first heard it in 1985. It sounds of tha time as it has a lot of cold war and espionage themes which resonated with me at the time. Plus its the last album that IA had dynamic range. He had a lot of throat issues at the time and has never sounded the same since. Am really hoping for a box with real drums, but I would be happy with a box set either way. Keeping fingers crossed. Great video. Thanks!
I think a combo box set of Wraps and Light is a great idea! In addition to the immersive mixes, the concerts included in the Tull sets are my favorite, as we get to hear more of the songs from the album they are touring! Regarding the Under Wraps drums, I agree with the order of how you would like to see it happen. As a drummer myself, formerly of Ut Gret and currently performing Afrobeat music with The Afrophysicists (Spotify, etc.), I’m OK with the Linn drums, but would also love to hear Doane in the mix! The Ken Scott approach would be my last preferred. Keep up the good work Ian, enjoying your channel!👊🏻😎
Glad you like that one. The album before, Radical Symmetry, has the over 16 min. composition, Infinite Regress (fav of mine). Here’s my latest recording, by a band I founded back in 2006. music.th-cam.com/play/OLAK5uy_nQLSWyfGDE5A98ZD2XtGxtDb9ZpkkvzXI.html&si=XUeQMBx2JBQCbZyV
I saw Jethro Tull on the Under Wraps Tour in mid-September 1984 before Ian lost his voice, and honestly it was great, even if Doane Perry used electronic pads on a few tracks, when I'm sure with a normal drum kit it would have been even better! Under Wraps is far from perfect in terms of its production and its choice of mid-80s synth sounds, not to mention the choice of drum programming in place of a drummer, but the majority of the tracks on the album are excellent and, in my opinion, this is the last risky and inventive Jethro Tull album and the last time Ian Anderson will have his voice intact! Under Wraps deserves a super deluxe edition box set with the original album remastered on CD1, plus a remix with new drum tracks replayed if possible by Doane Perry on CD2, plus a full concert at London's Hammersmith Odeon in September 84 on CD3 and CD4....and finally a DVD of the concert filmed at the Capitol Theatre, Passaic, NJ. in October 84. Fingers crossed that this will happen!🤞😉
Another great video. I like hearing your comments and then listening to the albums with that in mind. I have commented on many videos as being a big JT & IA fan, it is fun to listen to someone who is even more passionate than myself. Extra comment. Besides Marillion I don’t think another artist does reissues as well as IA in not only the music but providing a physical product that feels worth owning again. I truly appreciate your videos.
@@AudioAl5195 thank you kindly for this comment ! I think King Crimson comes pretty close, perhaps they even surpass Tull in some ways in the comprehensive boxed set game. The Zappa ones are excellent too, if a bit pricey.
@@ShedSoundsMediawithIanBeabout Ian I will take your word for it as I haven't purchased either bands box sets. While I have quite a bit of KC albums on vinyl and CD, aside from the debut album I have always struggled with KC albums as a whole. I always ask myself what I am missing that others are hearing. The Zappa catalog is overwhelming and so diverse in so many ways I have only a handful of the most acclaimed and popular albums. Thank you for the feedback.
@ we did a ranking and thorough discussion of the King Crimson studio albums. For the debut album, there is the excellent ‘Complete 1969 Recordings’ boxed set. It’s an eye opener in a lot of ways if you’re curious about that era.
This was a very interesting video for me to watch, as I’m really not all that familiar with both of the albums discussed here - I don’t even have a copy of Walk Into Light on any medium! That said, I just ordered vinyl copies of both, and I DO have an original CD Copy of Under Wraps with the expanded track listing. I’ll be checking it out sometime soon. I watched this video at night, Ian, and fell asleep in the process, so it invaded my dreams - so weird! I’ll watch it again to help me clarify what you were saying! Too funny, as my sister was in the dream, and she couldn’t give a rat’s ass about these two albums! Anyway, I’ll be playing catch-up.
Excellent video, I think a remix of any kind could do wonders for the album’s reputation. I currently only have access to the remaster of under wraps through streaming services. I would love to hear the original release (or a better mix in general). My favourites would have to be saboteur (the double kick in the verse is just a bit much though lol) and nobody’s car. Very excited to hear your ranking of the live material!
Interesting discussion. I’ve always really liked this album. Great songwriting and performances. Intriguing drum machine programming too. Of course the issue is the sound of the drums. Remixing and triggering acoustic drums would deliver more energy I think - and having a drummer reimagine the drums with new performances could be interesting too. Either option would modernize the album (like PF did with Momentary Lapse of Reason) and create a whole new listening experience. If some people don’t like these approaches it’s not like the original album disappears. Fingers crossed 🙂.
@@chrisherin4444 I’m ok with it, I just want the option to hear it remixed as is. The Broadsword Sessions and Walk into Light prove to me that drum machines can work ok in Tull.
This is where I thought the box set editions would end. I have every single one that has been released, but if I buy this one it won't be for my listening pleasure. Cheers!
I totally agree, UW remixed with improved drum sound, Live at Hammersmith and WIL included. I do find WIL sounds more dated that UW though. There are great songs on both albums.
Thank you for your interesting thoughts on the subject. I can confirm that the original Chrysalis CD edition of ‘Under Wraps’ sounds better than the unspeakable remaster. I listened to it as soon as it came out because I was already hoping for redemption from the snare sound. But: it sounded even worse. And some psychoacoustic effect completely ruined the stereo stage impression. I never want to listen to that again. Trivia: I had sound problems when ripping the original Chrysalis CD. It turned out that the recording was preemphasised. A technique I had never heard of and which apparently only a few early CDs used. For playback, the CD deck had to deemphasise the audio signal. My modern CD-ROM drive couldn't cope with this and produced a very thin sound with too little bass (as if the album didn't sound thin enough already)! I ended up importing the CD with an older CD player via S/PDIF, which interestingly enough worked. Actually, I would have thought that deemphasising works in the analogue domain.
Ian did an interview with Barry from Classic Album Review a while back about an Under Wraps re-release. Ian is interested in a drum re-record but the label seems skeptical about the return on investing in new drums.
Absolutely correct, great that you pointed this out. Therefore, hopefully something is in the works already or at least being considered at the official headquarters.
First off, news to me about the Under Wraps "stealth remix" thing. Definitely up for a video on that. When it comes to UW, feel like WIL worked as well as it did because Ian and Peter could just arrange the songs however they wanted. When it came to repeating that formula with Tull, they had a guitarist and rhythm section who needed stuff to do and that's why the album is less successful. Just my theory. As for the re-release, unless we're talking about something like King Crimson's "ReconstruKction of Light" where the original drum tracks were gone and it was either re-record or don't remix, I'm not in favor. Frankly, even Doane couldn't be asked to pretend it's 40 years ago. Musicians change over time. Any talk about de-80s-ing a recoding gives me cold sweats because I'm firmly in the camp who think the Pink Floyd "Momentary Lapse" remix sucked with teeth. Everything that made the original album work was stripped out and the result was infinitely less sonically pleasing. Love or hate the original, I don't think the remix elevated anything and actually made the material weaker. So yeah, mark me down for an "elements as-is" remix, maybe the same for WIL (though I love that so much in its original form that I don't expect to be impressed by a new mix), and a live show or two.
I applaud bands who try something different rather than simply churning out the same album every few years, but perhaps Under Wraps was 'too different' for fans of 70s Tull to appreciate? I feel there's a good album in there that somehow needs unlocking. You kind of hit the nail on the head about Under Wraps, the problem is not the drums, it's the lack of dynamics. They're almost like early demos, lacking polish to the arrangements and sounds. Perhaps the band were under pressure to get the thing recorded and released? I'd love to hear Ian Anderson's thoughts on what was going on at that time. I'm generally in agreement with you on what an Under Wraps boxset should include Ian. An album is a snapshot of the band at that time, so the original mix should be included. A new mix where the original drums are a little less 'prominent' would be interesting, and a Doane Perry, Pat Mastelotto type 'reimagining' would also be interesting, but only with Ian Anderson's approval. Some live recordings from that period might also assist in reappraising the album. Just got to add, thanks for the Divinities heads up on your last vid. I much preferred it to Roots To Branches. Perhaps your Tull ranking and discussion could include some thoughts on the Ian Anderson solo albums too? I always found it interesting that TAAB2 was a solo album rather than a Tull album🤔 Loved your King Crimson overview which inspired me to revisit some of their albums that I generally never listen to (still can't get into Islands tho 🤔).
@@terrywalker8446 thanks ! Yes, I thought about the blurring between Ian Anderson and Tull albums. I might argue that after 1999 the only difference between the two was in name only.
It would be very difficult to sample Doane's kit and then create a performance from that for the album tracks. Dynmics, fill choices etc - the original album features drum machine patterns that a drummer would never choose to play (and, in some cases, would be nigh impossible to play). No, it needs a completely fresh acoustic drums rerecording - but not on the obviously electronic tracks, though i.e the title track. Heck, I'd be happy to do it :) (Scott who??) ;)
@@ScottHunterBooks I read after recording this that the original parts were sampled from Ian’s own drum set, and that Doane has stated it would take two drummers to cover all the parts. Really interesting. I think Anderson and Perry should oversee the re-recording if it’s done.
As detrimental as the programmed drums are to UW’s dated sound, I find Ian’s relentless “WHOOPS!” and “BRRRRRS!” slightly more off putting. But no denying that Ian worked his sack off on that tour, those were some fabulous shows.
Look at the history of the Star Wars special editions. Yes, they released the originals officially but not in particularly great quality. If Anderson is gonna change history, please offer both versions remixed so I can choose which one I prefer. I'm willing to keep an open mind despite my reservations but I believe the original should be preserved.
Bruce Soord said that Ian was working on getting "a drummer" to re-do the drum tracks. This is sorely needed, as Ian himself said the drum parts were a compromise. I don't think there is any point in re-releasing or re-mixing Under Wraps w/o replacing the drums as those are the worst features of the album. The songs were definitely sub-par, so why re-release it unless it can be made to sound better?
@@AlanBlack5498 I think the time to do it would’ve been when Doane was still active. It could become disastrously anachronistic like when Zappa replaced the rhythm tracks on some of his 60s albums. I think Perry should be involved on some level, I’m a historian and I think my issues with the drum machine have less to do with the drum machine itself and more to do with the way it’s mixed and EQ’d. Somebody who knew what they were doing could work with what’s there, imo, and ring the best out of it possible.
Regarding Under Wraps, a really good remix and booklet accompanied by live material would make the perfect box set. Bringing in a real drummer at this time doesn't feel like the right approach. It's fun to think about, but it doesn't serve any real purpose. Focus on the live audio and video. It was the last time the band did a large-scale concert production.
Under Wraps is a great bold album. We need the bookset edition. Skipping not permitted.
For continuity, yes! Was a bit perplexed why they’d jump the line for the Christmas album when there was hardly a clamoring for it.
@@michaelstetter722 Because it's released through Inside Out/Sony, not EMI. This might apply to Dot Com as well, if it's ever remixed.
I love the album, top five tull for me, drum machine and all.
Next to " Songs From the Wood," being my all-time favorite Jethro Tull album, " Under Wraps," is second. I'm patiently looking forward to a " Steven Wilson " 40th anniversary box set. Also, in my humble opinion, the drum machine doesn't need to be changed. Thank you for the post. Can't wait for this treasure piece of music.
Fantastically interesting review! Thank you, Ian. Your knowledge and nuisance with this period for Tull is much appreciated. I saw this tour and felt like the band had an almost fusion type approach to the music live. Very high energy with the new material as well as the classics.
Often overlooked album which I really like
Thanks for a very interesting video! Being the Tull geek that I am, it's hard to come across TH-camrs, podcasters etc. who are really knowledgeable about Tull's history. You seem to be very well informed though, so it was very entertaining listening to your thoughts about Under Wraps and Walk into Light. The idea of replacing the drum machine with new, better sounding drum samples, but using the exact same rythm and patterns, is interesting and something I hadn't thought about. Not quite sure what I would prefer. I really like Under Wraps (even Automotive Engineering and General Crossing, but then again I love all Tull/IA albums) and the drum machine hasn't really bothered me that much. The 2005 remaster is the version I've listened to the most, and it had never occured to me to compare the drum machine in the remaster and the original. Listening to the beginning of Lap of Luxury, I can hear a big difference in how the drum machine sounds in the two versions. In the original version the drum machine sounds much more like real drums, while the 2005 version has done something weird to the drums which make them sound more artificial. Thanks for pointing that out. I wonder if the 2005 version really is a new mix like you mentioned ... I hope there will be a box set of Under Wraps soon, and I agree Walk into Light should be included as I think that's the greatest chance we have of that album getting the "anniversary treatment" with a new mix and hopefully some bonus content with unreleased stuff if that exists. According to Ian there aren't that many unreleased songs from this area though (if any). The old "Cup of wonder" website mentioned two unreleased songs from the Walk into Light sessions: "8:40 From Nowhere (Inverness Sleeper)" and an instrumental version of End Game, but both were released on the Monster Edition of Broadsword and the Beast last year, so I guess they weren't really from the Walk into Light sessions after all. So perhaps there are no unreleased songs from 1983/84. After all the CD/Cassette version of Under Wraps had 15 songs and a playing time of almost an hour, much longer than any previous Jethro Tull album. According to Discogs The Broadsword and the Beast wasn't released on CD until 1983, a year after the album was originally released (and Walk into Light wasn't released on CD until 1988), so Under Wraps was really the first Tull album to take advantage of the longer playing time on CDs. So it's likely Ian used all the content he had to give the few people who bought the CD (I guess not that many people had a CD player back then) something extra, but I would be thrilled if there turned out to be any unreleased songs from that area. I also hope we get the full Hammersmith concert (not the shortened version which was released on CD), and to put the icing on the cake, the box set should also include the Passaic, New Jersey show on DVD/Blu-ray (hopefully with even better picture quality than the video currently on TH-cam). Anyway, I will be checking out more of your Tull videos (and King Crimson videos, as I'm also a King Crimson fan). Thanks again!
@@thekelpie great comment ! Hope you stick around
I bought Under Wraps on CD back in the day, but somehow I seemed to have replaced it with the 2005 remaster. I bought the LP after this (completist as I am!) and now I know why the drums on the LP with the original mix sound better.
Under Wraps was the first Tull album I ever heard. I had no preconceived ideas about how they should sound and I loved it!! Still one of my favourites. Yes they should do a remix.
@@Iainmaclennan70 interesting standpoint ! My own introduction is unique, it was presented to me like “just another Tull album” so I never saw it as a betrayal. In many ways it exemplifies what I love about the band and aside from Roots to Branches this is the last time they took huge chances imo.
@@ShedSoundsMediawithIanBeabout Really enjoyed this discussion Ian! Subscribed!
@ thanks ! :-)
I've always liked this since I first heard it in 1985. It sounds of tha time as it has a lot of cold war and espionage themes which resonated with me at the time. Plus its the last album that IA had dynamic range. He had a lot of throat issues at the time and has never sounded the same since. Am really hoping for a box with real drums, but I would be happy with a box set either way. Keeping fingers crossed. Great video. Thanks!
I think a combo box set of Wraps and Light is a great idea! In addition to the immersive mixes, the concerts included in the Tull sets are my favorite, as we get to hear more of the songs from the album they are touring! Regarding the Under Wraps drums, I agree with the order of how you would like to see it happen. As a drummer myself, formerly of Ut Gret and currently performing Afrobeat music with The Afrophysicists (Spotify, etc.), I’m OK with the Linn drums, but would also love to hear Doane in the mix! The Ken Scott approach would be my last preferred. Keep up the good work Ian, enjoying your channel!👊🏻😎
@@gpahler4461 no way, Ut Gret ?! Did you play with them at ProgDay around 2014 ish ?? I saw that gig.
No, I left a few months before that gig. I’m on a few of their CDs though, the last being one called, Ancestors’ Tale.👍🏻🙂
@ I love that cd !
Glad you like that one. The album before, Radical Symmetry, has the over 16 min. composition, Infinite Regress (fav of mine). Here’s my latest recording, by a band I founded back in 2006. music.th-cam.com/play/OLAK5uy_nQLSWyfGDE5A98ZD2XtGxtDb9ZpkkvzXI.html&si=XUeQMBx2JBQCbZyV
I saw Jethro Tull on the Under Wraps Tour in mid-September 1984 before Ian lost his voice, and honestly it was great, even if Doane Perry used electronic pads on a few tracks, when I'm sure with a normal drum kit it would have been even better! Under Wraps is far from perfect in terms of its production and its choice of mid-80s synth sounds, not to mention the choice of drum programming in place of a drummer, but the majority of the tracks on the album are excellent and, in my opinion, this is the last risky and inventive Jethro Tull album and the last time Ian Anderson will have his voice intact!
Under Wraps deserves a super deluxe edition box set with the original album remastered on CD1, plus a remix with new drum tracks replayed if possible by Doane Perry on CD2, plus a full concert at London's Hammersmith Odeon in September 84 on CD3 and CD4....and finally a DVD of the concert filmed at the Capitol Theatre, Passaic, NJ. in October 84.
Fingers crossed that this will happen!🤞😉
@@a.k.1740 speakin’ my language here
Another great video. I like hearing your comments and then listening to the albums with that in mind. I have commented on many videos as being a big JT & IA fan, it is fun to listen to someone who is even more passionate than myself. Extra comment. Besides Marillion I don’t think another artist does reissues as well as IA in not only the music but providing a physical product that feels worth owning again. I truly appreciate your videos.
@@AudioAl5195 thank you kindly for this comment ! I think King Crimson comes pretty close, perhaps they even surpass Tull in some ways in the comprehensive boxed set game. The Zappa ones are excellent too, if a bit pricey.
@@ShedSoundsMediawithIanBeabout Ian I will take your word for it as I haven't purchased either bands box sets. While I have quite a bit of KC albums on vinyl and CD, aside from the debut album I have always struggled with KC albums as a whole. I always ask myself what I am missing that others are hearing. The Zappa catalog is overwhelming and so diverse in so many ways I have only a handful of the most acclaimed and popular albums. Thank you for the feedback.
@ we did a ranking and thorough discussion of the King Crimson studio
albums. For the debut album, there is the excellent ‘Complete 1969 Recordings’ boxed set. It’s an eye opener in a lot of ways if you’re curious about that era.
UW. Is a masterpiece
This was a very interesting video for me to watch, as I’m really not all that familiar with both of the albums discussed here - I don’t even have a copy of Walk Into Light on any medium! That said, I just ordered vinyl copies of both, and I DO have an original CD Copy of Under Wraps with the expanded track listing. I’ll be checking it out sometime soon. I watched this video at night, Ian, and fell asleep in the process, so it invaded my dreams - so weird! I’ll watch it again to help me clarify what you were saying! Too funny, as my sister was in the dream, and she couldn’t give a rat’s ass about these two albums! Anyway, I’ll be playing catch-up.
@@twostikks1 be sure to write back and let me know your thoughts !
@@ShedSoundsMediawithIanBeabout
I will give some follow-up comments, my thoughts on those albums.
Excellent video, I think a remix of any kind could do wonders for the album’s reputation. I currently only have access to the remaster of under wraps through streaming services. I would love to hear the original release (or a better mix in general). My favourites would have to be saboteur (the double kick in the verse is just a bit much though lol) and nobody’s car. Very excited to hear your ranking of the live material!
the original CD is probably really easy to get ahold of second hand now, check Discogs !
I agree on the double kick on Saboteur but it's what makes it memorable ahah
@ true, maybe this distaste I have is only with the remaster. I will have to check out the original
Interesting discussion. I’ve always really liked this album. Great songwriting and performances. Intriguing drum machine programming too. Of course the issue is the sound of the drums. Remixing and triggering acoustic drums would deliver more energy I think - and having a drummer reimagine the drums with new performances could be interesting too. Either option would modernize the album (like PF did with Momentary Lapse of Reason) and create a whole new listening experience. If some people don’t like these approaches it’s not like the original album disappears. Fingers crossed 🙂.
@@chrisherin4444 I’m ok with it, I just want the option to hear it remixed as is. The Broadsword Sessions and Walk into Light prove to me that drum machines can work ok in Tull.
Another interesting review, Ian. Like always, this makes me go back and listen to the album again.
@@davenewhouse1708 let me know what you think ! I could see you diggin Walk into Light
This is where I thought the box set editions would end. I have every single one that has been released, but if I buy this one it won't be for my listening pleasure. Cheers!
I totally agree, UW remixed with improved drum sound, Live at Hammersmith and WIL included. I do find WIL sounds more dated that UW though. There are great songs on both albums.
There is also the Passiac performance...
@@AlaricAnthonyMorgan great one, if truncated. I have a bootleg on dvd of that. I wonder if there’s a more complete version in the vaults ??
Thank you for your interesting thoughts on the subject. I can confirm that the original Chrysalis CD edition of ‘Under Wraps’ sounds better than the unspeakable remaster. I listened to it as soon as it came out because I was already hoping for redemption from the snare sound. But: it sounded even worse. And some psychoacoustic effect completely ruined the stereo stage impression. I never want to listen to that again.
Trivia: I had sound problems when ripping the original Chrysalis CD. It turned out that the recording was preemphasised. A technique I had never heard of and which apparently only a few early CDs used. For playback, the CD deck had to deemphasise the audio signal. My modern CD-ROM drive couldn't cope with this and produced a very thin sound with too little bass (as if the album didn't sound thin enough already)! I ended up importing the CD with an older CD player via S/PDIF, which interestingly enough worked. Actually, I would have thought that deemphasising works in the analogue domain.
@@semib0ld nice work on your channel, I listened to your mixes a little bit when preparing for this video. Thank you for your comment !
Ian was ok with the drums and it is great.
Ian did an interview with Barry from Classic Album Review a while back about an Under Wraps re-release. Ian is interested in a drum re-record but the label seems skeptical about the return on investing in new drums.
@@macdonaldnik probably another reason why well enough should be left alone
Absolutely correct, great that you pointed this out. Therefore, hopefully something is in the works already or at least being considered at the official headquarters.
Have you ever done a ranking on all the Tull albums? I love your channel!
@@boombadoomba14 not yet but I’m planning one. Thank you !
Hi, great stuff, please do a video comparing both cd versions.
@@christopherbrown6153 planned for 2025 when Jaco is available !
No. Under Wraps is in my Top 5 Jethro Tull albums. Keep everything the way it is, the engineering on that album is superb, no remix required.
First off, news to me about the Under Wraps "stealth remix" thing. Definitely up for a video on that.
When it comes to UW, feel like WIL worked as well as it did because Ian and Peter could just arrange the songs however they wanted. When it came to repeating that formula with Tull, they had a guitarist and rhythm section who needed stuff to do and that's why the album is less successful. Just my theory.
As for the re-release, unless we're talking about something like King Crimson's "ReconstruKction of Light" where the original drum tracks were gone and it was either re-record or don't remix, I'm not in favor. Frankly, even Doane couldn't be asked to pretend it's 40 years ago. Musicians change over time. Any talk about de-80s-ing a recoding gives me cold sweats because I'm firmly in the camp who think the Pink Floyd "Momentary Lapse" remix sucked with teeth. Everything that made the original album work was stripped out and the result was infinitely less sonically pleasing. Love or hate the original, I don't think the remix elevated anything and actually made the material weaker.
So yeah, mark me down for an "elements as-is" remix, maybe the same for WIL (though I love that so much in its original form that I don't expect to be impressed by a new mix), and a live show or two.
I applaud bands who try something different rather than simply churning out the same album every few years, but perhaps Under Wraps was 'too different' for fans of 70s Tull to appreciate? I feel there's a good album in there that somehow needs unlocking. You kind of hit the nail on the head about Under Wraps, the problem is not the drums, it's the lack of dynamics. They're almost like early demos, lacking polish to the arrangements and sounds. Perhaps the band were under pressure to get the thing recorded and released? I'd love to hear Ian Anderson's thoughts on what was going on at that time.
I'm generally in agreement with you on what an Under Wraps boxset should include Ian. An album is a snapshot of the band at that time, so the original mix should be included. A new mix where the original drums are a little less 'prominent' would be interesting, and a Doane Perry, Pat Mastelotto type 'reimagining' would also be interesting, but only with Ian Anderson's approval. Some live recordings from that period might also assist in reappraising the album.
Just got to add, thanks for the Divinities heads up on your last vid. I much preferred it to Roots To Branches. Perhaps your Tull ranking and discussion could include some thoughts on the Ian Anderson solo albums too? I always found it interesting that TAAB2 was a solo album rather than a Tull album🤔
Loved your King Crimson overview which inspired me to revisit some of their albums that I generally never listen to (still can't get into Islands tho 🤔).
@@terrywalker8446 thanks ! Yes, I thought about the blurring between Ian Anderson and Tull albums. I might argue that after 1999 the only difference between the two was in name only.
They could include the original "drums" plus redoing the drums with real drums. Of course, a live version would be welcome.
Someone has already done an excellent job and replaced the drum-sounds on songs like Saboteur and others here on the tube. I think they sound great.
@@nilsandersson6 it’s ok, but even he says it’s a proof of concept. I addressed that a little bit in the video
It would be very difficult to sample Doane's kit and then create a performance from that for the album tracks. Dynmics, fill choices etc - the original album features drum machine patterns that a drummer would never choose to play (and, in some cases, would be nigh impossible to play). No, it needs a completely fresh acoustic drums rerecording - but not on the obviously electronic tracks, though i.e the title track. Heck, I'd be happy to do it :) (Scott who??) ;)
@@ScottHunterBooks I read after recording this that the original parts were sampled from Ian’s own drum set, and that Doane has stated it would take two drummers to cover all the parts. Really interesting. I think Anderson and Perry should oversee the re-recording if it’s done.
As detrimental as the programmed drums are to UW’s dated sound, I find Ian’s relentless “WHOOPS!” and “BRRRRRS!” slightly more off putting. But no denying that Ian worked his sack off on that tour, those were some fabulous shows.
@@michaelstetter722 hup hup HUPHUP
Don’t get the opposition to replacing the drums, considering the original mixes have also been included in all the book editions.
Look at the history of the Star Wars special editions. Yes, they released the originals officially but not in particularly great quality. If Anderson is gonna change history, please offer both versions remixed so I can choose which one I prefer. I'm willing to keep an open mind despite my reservations but I believe the original should be preserved.
I don’t think it’s going to happen anyway, as Anderson has been banging on about replacing the drums since Methuselah was a boy!
@ LOL
It’s the drum machine that makes this album so different. Real drums won’t make the songs any different. It’s why this album is so different.
Bruce Soord said that Ian was working on getting "a drummer" to re-do the drum tracks. This is sorely needed, as Ian himself said the drum parts were a compromise. I don't think there is any point in re-releasing or re-mixing Under Wraps w/o replacing the drums as those are the worst features of the album. The songs were definitely sub-par, so why re-release it unless it can be made to sound better?
@@AlanBlack5498 I think the time to do it would’ve been when Doane was still active. It could become disastrously anachronistic like when Zappa replaced the rhythm tracks on some of his 60s albums. I think Perry should be involved on some level, I’m a historian and I think my issues with the drum machine have less to do with the drum machine itself and more to do with the way it’s mixed and EQ’d. Somebody who knew what they were doing could work with what’s there, imo, and ring the best out of it possible.
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Regarding Under Wraps, a really good remix and booklet accompanied by live material would make the perfect box set. Bringing in a real drummer at this time doesn't feel like the right approach. It's fun to think about, but it doesn't serve any real purpose. Focus on the live audio and video. It was the last time the band did a large-scale concert production.
Can the songs be replaced as well?
Hopefully so.
They should not go near it, it's not a good album. Great video.
No, definitely not.