Under Wraps, Jethro Tull’s opinion-splitting 1984 album becomes the latest from Tull’s back catalogue to have the metaphorical kitchen sink thrown at it with the now familiar multi-disc big hard backed book box set thingy released.
This album continued the increasing use of electronica which had become a feature of Tull’s early 1980s output with the likes of Broadsword and the Beast and A.
However, Under Wraps saw the electronics go further including the use of programmed drums and Martin Barre’s guitar well down in the mix.
It’s not Tull, thought many at the time. Now, I’ve always thought Under Wraps is a fine album if listened to with an open mind and have been very much looking forward to this box set appearing.
So what’s in the box? Five CDs, a Blu-Ray, a 100 page book in full colour on gloss art pages with articles, interviews, stories, touring schedules, lyrics etc. If you have any of the preceding Tull box sets you’ll know what to expect.
Discs 1 and 2 are both remixed Under Wraps. One being with “2026 drums” and one with the “original drums”. Both with all sorts of associated recordings.
The remixes are excellent giving the album a much cleaner and more oooomph. It sounds crisp with more life to it. The “2026 drums” sound a bit fresher.
Take Lap of Luxury for example. The new mix is sharp and Martin Barre’s guitar is much more to the fore and punchy. As is the whole album.
The title track has always stood up well. And now track such as Saboteur and Nobody’s Car, Heat and Paparazzi have more bite. Especially Heat with the pacey, cutting riff.
Here’s Lap of Luxury with the 2026 drums:
Next it’s on to Ian’s 1983 solo album Walk Into the Light. As with Under Wraps we have remixes of the original drums, 2026 drums accompanied by various associated recordings.
Walk Into the Light not Ian’s best work. The electronics taken to extremes and I’ve never though much of it. Fly By Night, Made in England and User Friendly are OK. The rest of it to me comes over as slow and uninspired.
CD5 is a tasty one. BBC Live at The Hammersmith Odeon in 1984 on the tour. A fine, powerful performance with a varied set list and Martin Barre on fire. His solos in Aqualung and Locomotive Breath quite remarkable.
The Blu-Ray has all sorts of stuff on it. I can’t give any comment as I do not have a Blu-Ray player.
So good to have another of these Tull reissues with the multi-discs and the hard backed book format. And another one to add to the collection.
In addition to the multi-disc/book physical version, there are vinyl, MP3 and streaming versions available.
>> UNDER WRAPS THE UNWRAPPED EDITION ON AMAZON <<
Will it be Crest of a Knave next if the series continues I wonder?
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