Jethro Tull: Live at Madison Square Garden 1978 Review

A Jethro Tull concert is as much of a visual experience as it is an aural one. Ian Anderson demands a viewers undivided attention with his over-the-top theatrics and captivating musical ability - all the more reason to warrant a DVD release. This DVD/CD package was filmed and recorded live in New York City on October 14, 1978 during the Heavy Horses tour with the purpose of being broadcasted on British television.

As a band, Jethro Tull put forth efforts of great bombast that were both complex yet at the same time accessible to any casual rock fan. They accomplished the seemingly impossible task of mending folk with hard rock and blues for a sound that still to this day, is unparalleled to any band.

Focusing on the DVD - because it’s undoubtedly the heart and soul of this package - visually it is quite impressive despite its age, capturing the raw and frenetic intensity of the wild frontman who wields his flute like a knight ready for war. Lets be honest however, there are no words or reviews that could possibly prepare a person for the insanity and intensity of a Tull concert. It’s just one of those things that you must witness yourself, hence this DVD. The sound is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround, and like the visuals, is also impeccable. Absent however are video from a few songs, but Virgin/EMI were courteous enough to include this material on the disc.

Jethro Tull’s performance, like Ian Anderson, is gritty, powerful and unequivocally rocking. With a slew of fan favorites performed, this package delivers on every front. Without question this is the kind of DVD that any fan of the arts should own - theater or music.

Grade: A

DVD
1. Sweet Dream
2. One Brown Mouse
3. Heavy Horses
4. Opening
5. Thick As A Brick
6. No Lullaby (including flute solo from God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen)
7. Songs From The Wood
8. Band Intro
9. Quatrain
10. Aqualung
11. Locomotive Breath (including Dambusters March)
12. Too Old To Rock 'N' Roll: Too Young To Die
13. My God/Cross Eyed Mary
14. Locomotive Breath (Encore) (including Dambusters March)

CD
1. Sweet Dream
2. One Brown Mouse
3. Heavy Horses
4. Thick As A Brick
5. No Lullaby (including flute solo from God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen)
6. Songs From The Wood
7. Quatrain
8. Aqualung
9. Locomotive Breath (including Dambusters March)
10. Too Old To Rock 'N' Roll: Too Young To Die
11. My God/Cross Eyed Mary