The rolling series of Jethro Tull big book set beefed up reissues continues with their 2003 Christmas Album given the treatment.
Quite an appropriate release date with it being December 2024….
If you’re familiar with these reissues you’ll be more than aware of the quality and packaging. Here we have a four CD and one Blu-Ray set contained securely within the usual hard backed book with pages of lyrics, notes and photographs.
A sturdy thing of beauty as always and one to have for all Tull completists to add to your growing collection of these marvellous things which continue to set the standard for stuff like this.
And reasonably priced too.
So what’s in the box, I mean book…..?
CD1: the original album from 2003
CD2: A 2024 remix by Bruce Soord
CD3: The live performance titled Christmas at St. Bride’s as a 2024 remix by Soord
CD4: The Ian Anderson Band live from St. Bride’s from 2004, again a 2024 remix by Soord
Blu-Ray: Remixes in various formats
And of course the book, notes, lyrics and photographs.
Full disclosure: I did not buy the original album back in 2003 as I’m not a fan of Christmas themed stuff. I have bought this bookset mainly to add to my collection of them rather than for the music.
The sixteen tracks on the original album being a mixture of Christmassed up versions of various Tull songs with a Christmas theme such a Weathercock and Ring Out Solstice Bells and interpretations of “traditional“ Christmas stuff such as God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.
Whilst the musicianship can’t be faulted with the marvellous Martin Barre’s guitar and Doane Perry’s crisp drumming for example, to me it sounds far too twee. Even my favourite original of Jack Frost and the Hooded Crow sounds downbeat compared to the original. Have a listen:
The remix version of the album has a bit more oomph to it and the two live performances are interesting. Can’t comment on the Blu-Ray as I don’t have a Blu-Ray player.
As I mentioned earlier, Fresh Snow art Christmas is (in my opinion) one to buy to maintain your collection of Tull box/book sets.
If you’re not familiar with “proper” Jethro Tull, I suggest bagging the Bursting Out Inflated Edition and listen to Tull at the peak of their powers back in the 1970s in thrilling live performances. It’s one of the all time classic live albums.
Or if you do fancy Fresh Snow at Christmas – check it out on Amazon.
>> JETHRO TULL FRESH SNOW AT CHRISTMAS ON AMAZON <<
Which one will we get next I wonder. I remain hopeful for Under Wraps.
As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.