Liverpool Sound and Vision 8.5/10

The original album release of Living In The Past always felt kind of out of its own time, a series of stand-alone singles, leftovers, and memories for those who upon reflection were caught up in the band’s fever following two extraordinary pieces of artistic brilliance, the sheer theatre of Aqualung and Thick As A Brick to be able to be introduced to; the first three albums, instead of being seen as a compilation act, became instead a sounding board, a resonating confidant who’s purpose was not only as a reminder, but an exploration that resolutely, confidently asked to investigated and listened to with growing inspiration.

Out of time, and yet timeless, Still Living In The Past is the latest Jethro Tull album to receive the blessings of Steve Wilson as he pours and scrutinises his way through the double album, with the added bonus of the 1970 Live At Carnegie Hall set spread over two further discs, and the extras and subsequent Blu-Ray audios that have added spice to the occasions which have appeared in a reverential style book since being re-released.

Whilst a boon to those who found themselves entranced by the band as they showed their adeptness to the Blues which their glorified in at the start of their career, it is perhaps to the addition of two non-album singles at the time which gives the original release, and this subsequent revisit, its edge, its dramatic engagement as it signalled the intense story-telling that was come.

In the wide-eyed expressions that are captured in the single that gave the album its name, Living In The Past, its incredible time signature which made the song understandably stand out, and The Witch’s Promise, a song heightened by its use of the mellotron and which leaned heavily on the folk influence, gave the recording its force, that sense of vigour is still to be reckoned today, and as the reminders of what was before the temptation of defying critics with what they imagined to be a joke at their expense but which catapulted the group into being seen as part of the Progressive movement, so the album is to be seen not as a memory, but a living statement, a fiercely upheld declaration to the world that no matter what the sound of the future may come, the foundations of Jethro Tull were not only built upon sturdy ground, but had layer upon layer of hidden rooms and basements in which to discover

The fact that Still Living In The Past is part of the prestigious reworking and incredibly detailed boxset reissues is testament to its originality at the time, not just a repackaging of This Was, Stand Up, and Benefit, its encompassing aural dedication to songs of the past making the listener yearn for nostalgia, and coveting a hunger for what was to come.

A thrilling call back to a period on the verge, on the cusp of change.

Ian D. Hall