This is one I’ve been waiting a long time for – and the wait is over in about seven weeks from date of posting.
The rolling series of Jethro Tull big box book set thingies continues with the much underrated 1984 album of Under Wraps. The release date is scheduled for 15 May 2026.
This album did not get too much love on original release in 1984. The heavy use of electronica, synths and in particular the use of drum programming as opposed to a real drummer was somewhat controversial with some considering it too removed from what a Jethro Tull album should be.
However, temper that by remembering this was the early 1980s and the increasing use of emerging electronic gadgetry was very much of the day as musicians had new toys to play with. Ian Anderson had already started doing so on Broadsword and the Beast and A for example.
He went full tilt with Under Wraps consigning Martin Barre’s guitar very much to the background.
All that being said, I’ve always had a soft spot for Under Wraps and consider it a fine album if listened to on its merits. Yes, the electro drums are annoying though if given a fair chance it is an album with much hidden depth.
The five CDs, Blu-Ray and book package consists of the following:
CD1: Under Wraps (2026 drums)
CD2: Under Wraps (original drums)
CD3: Ian Anderson’s Walk into the Light solo album (2026 drums)
CD4: Ian Anderson’s Walk into the Light solo album (original drums)
CD5: BBC Live at Hammersmith Odeon from the 1984 tour
BLU-RAY: CDs 1-4 in various formats (DTS, Dolby Atmos etc) and a couple of videos
All encased in the usual hardback book format crammed with a hundred pages or so covering provides the recording of the albums, the 1984 tours, and a track-by-track annotation by Ian Anderson with Peter-John Vettese and Martin Barre.
All the remixes and whatnot by Bruce Soord. I believe that the “2026 drums” is not a human drummer. It is “triggered” drums – whatever that means.
Based on the video for Lap of Luxury, it all sounds great and much improved from the original. Much more beefy and crisp. Barre’s guitar well up in the mix. As it should be. Check it out:
And all very reasonably priced at around £40. You get a lot for your hard-earned. Have my pre-order in. Full review on receipt in a few weeks.
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