Bouree is an instrumental built around Ian Anderson's flute and Glenn Cornick's walking bass line. This track was released as a single in October 1969. The track was based on a Bach composition and developed further by Ian Anderson. All the other tracks on the album were written by Ian Anderson.

Back to the Family is another track where Anderson's flute playing comes to the fore. While the flute was not common in rock music, both Jethro Tull and Traffic made the flute a major part of their sound.

The 2001 reissue includes A and B-sides of the two singles that were released around the same time as the album. Living in the Past is, arguably, Jethro Tull's best-known song. The song reached number 3 in the UK singles chart. Sweet Dream was recorded at the end of August 1969 and released at the beginning of October. Alongside the core Jethro Tull line-up, the orchestral arrangement gave the song a much heavier feel. The track reached number 7 in the UK.

Stand Up was a major success, topping the album charts in the UK and reaching number 20 on the Billboard chart in the US.

To be completed

Original release: 25 July 1969

CD Reissue: 2001

Island

UK chart position: 1

Essential Tracks