Friday, July 4, 2025

Prog Rock Review: Jethro Tull - Still Living In The Past (5 CD/BR/BOOK)

Release Date:  July 11, 2025

Label: Chrysalis

Website

Steven Wilson’s remasters of the Jethro Tull catalog have reinvigorated the sound of the music and brought further attention to their entire catalog.

Still Living In The Past is a comprehensive package that includes five CDs, featuring Steven Wilson remixes in 24/96 PCM stereo and DTS 5.1 surround, a flat transfer of the original album, and bonus unreleased original mixes. These unreleased mixes, which offer a fresh perspective on the band's classic tracks, are a treasure trove for Jethro Tull fans. It is also available in a 2 LP set.

 

Additionally, it includes the Live at Carnegie Hall 2025 remix in 24/96 PCM and DTS 5.1 surround, as well as four promotional films. It is all presented in a book format, containing a wealth of information about the band’s recording sessions and live shows. For those interested in the lyrics, they are included.

 

The mixes on CD1 and CD2 are clean and vibrant, showcasing the exceptional performances by the band members. Martin Barre’s guitar, consistently brilliant during his years with the band, also shines on CDs 4 and 5, offering a faithful representation of his talents. Having seen Jethro Tull perform live several times during his time there, I can attest that he was the perfect fit for Ian’s songs.

 

Other highlights are some superb flute playing from Ian, and his voice was powerful. The entire band was a well-oiled machine consistently. John Evans had some moments of his own on the keyboards, notably on CD4 “With You There To Help Me / By Kind Permission Of.” The opener on that CD, “Nothing Is Easy,” was terrific as well. The bottom end was spot on, per usual, and Barre just took off in the live setting.

 

Throughout the live tracks, you will hear many moments when the band had more room to stretch out and improvise, adding an element of excitement and spontaneity. At the height of their success, they were a great live band, capable of cutting loose on extended jams and delivering impressive improvisations.

 

Classic JT, such as “Teacher,” “Living In The Past,” ‘The Witch’s Promise, " and “Bourée,” are always a treat. Then “Dharma For One (Live)” explodes with instrumentation; it's one of the best cuts. And “My God,” where Ian informs the audience on the intro, “for those who use God to lean on, it is not my cup of tea.” People familiar with the band and Ian's beliefs, both religious and political, understand him and can set those aside to enjoy the music. I always have myself. I realize he's an intellectual, and his lyrics can be profound and cerebral, but that's what makes the music so much better; it prompts you to reflect and think more deeply. You can think of it as music and beyond, making for a unique combination that has entertained millions of music lovers worldwide.

 

Still Living In The Past is an extraordinary addition to the remasters series and a must-have for those who want to hear rare demos and live material from the band at its peak, when it was becoming world-renowned.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Progressive Music Reviews Founder

July 2, 2025

Full tracklisting

5CD/BR

CD ONE:

ORIGINAL MIXES, REMIXES, EDITS & DEMOS 1968-1971

1. A Song For Jeffrey (Remixed at Morgan Studios in April 1971 for the Living In The Past album)

2. Love Story (Remixed at Morgan Studios in April 1971 for the Living In The Past album)

3. A Christmas Song (Remixed at Morgan Studios in April 1971 for the Living In The Past album)

4. Living In The Past (Remixed at Morgan Studios in April 1971 for the Living In The Past album)

5. Driving Song (Remixed at Morgan Studios in April 1971 for the Living In The Past album)

6. Sweet Dream (Remixed at Morgan Studios in October 1971 for the Living In The Past album)

7. Singing All Day (Remixed at Morgan Studios in October 1971 for the Living In The Past album)

8. Teacher (US Album Version) (Remixed at Morgan Studios in October 1971 for the Living In The Past album)

9. Inside (Andy Johns Mix) (Mixed at Olympic Studios on 18th September 1969 by Andy Johns)

10. My God (Early Version) (Mixed at Morgan Studios on 12th April 1970)

11. Just Trying To Be (Mixed at Morgan Studios on 12th April 1970)

12. Wond’ring Aloud Again (Demo)** (Recorded on 2-track at Morgan Studios in June 1970)

13. Wond’ring Again (Mixed at Morgan Studios in June 1970)

14. Lick Your Fingers Clean (1970 Mix) (Mixed at Island Studios on 31st December 1970. Working Mix #4)

15. Locomotive Breath (DJ Single Edit) (Mixed at Island Studios in February 1971, edited for US Radio in March 1971)

16. Life Is A Long Song (Mixed at Sound Techniques Studios in June 1971)

17. Up The ’Pool (Mixed at Sound Techniques Studios in June 1971)

18. From Later (Alternative Master Mix) (Mixed at Sound Techniques Studios in June 1971. Unused master mix)

19. Life Is A Long Song (Alternative Master Mix) (Mixed at Sound Techniques Studios in June 1971. Unused master mix)

**Mono recording

 

CD TWO:

LIVING IN THE PAST (Part One)

The Steven Wilson Stereo Remixes [Sides 1 & 2] except+

1. A Song For Jeffrey (2025 Remix)

2. One For John Gee (2025 AI remix from mono master)

3. Love Story (2025 Remix)

4. A Christmas Song (2018 Remix. Previously released on This Was 50th Anniversary Edition book set)

5. Living In The Past (2016 Remix. Previously released on Stand Up Elevated Edition book set)

6. Driving Song (2016 Remix. Previously released on Stand Up Elevated Edition book set)

7. Bourée (2016 Remix. Previously released on Stand Up Elevated Edition book set)

8. Fat Man (2016 Remix. Previously released on Stand Up Elevated Edition book set)

9. Singing All Day (2013 Remix. Previously released on Benefit Enhanced Edition book set)

10. Sweet Dream (2013 Remix. Previously released on Benefit Enhanced Edition book set)

11. 17 (2013 Remix. Previously released on Benefit Enhanced Edition book set. Edited in 2024)

12. Teacher (UK Single Version) (2025 Remix)

13. The Witch’s Promise+ (Remixed at Morgan Studios in October 1971 for the Living In The Past album)

14. Teacher (US Album Version) (2025 Remix)

15. Inside (2013 Remix. Previously released on Benefit Enhanced Edition book set)

16. Alive And Well And Living In (2013 Remix. Previously released on Benefit Enhanced Edition book set)

17. Just Trying To Be (2011 Remix. Previously released on Aqualung Adapted Edition book set)

+Remastered by Steven Wilson, 2025

 

CD THREE:

LIVING IN THE PAST (Part Two)

The Steven Wilson Stereo Remixes [Sides 3 & 4] except+

1. By Kind Permission Of (Live) (2025 Remix)

2. Dharma For One (Live) (2025 Remix)

3. Wond’ring Aloud (Early Version) (2011 Remix. Released on Aqualung Adapted Edition book set)

4. Wond’ring Again (2011 Remix. Released on Aqualung Adapted Edition book set)

5. Lick Your Fingers Clean (2025 Remix)

6. Up To Me (2011 Remix. Released on Aqualung Adapted Edition book set)

7. Hymn 43 (2011 Remix. Released on Aqualung Adapted Edition book set)

8. Locomotive Breath (2025 Remix)

9. Life Is A Long Song (2011 Remix. Released on Aqualung Adapted Edition book set)

10. Up The ’Pool (2011 Remix. Released on Aqualung Adapted Edition book set)

11. Dr. Bogenbroom+ (Mixed at Sound Techniques Studios in June 1971)

12. From Later+ (Mixed at Sound Techniques Studios in June 1971)

13. Nursie+ (Mixed at Sound Techniques Studios in June 1971)

BONUS TRACK

14. Locomotive Breath (Unplugged Mix) (2025 Remix)

+Remastered by Steven Wilson, 2025

 

CD FOUR:

LIVE AT CARNEGIE HALL, NOVEMBER 4, 1970

Part 1: 2025 Steven Wilson Stereo Remix

(Recorded on 16-track by Fedco Audio Labs at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY

on November 4, 1970. Engineered by Kim King, assisted by Vin Leary and Dave Palmer)

1. Introduction to Nothing Is Easy

2. Nothing Is Easy

3. Introduction to My God

4. My God (including flute solo)

5. Introduction to With You There To Help Me

6. With You There To Help Me / By Kind Permission Of

7. Introduction to A Song For Jeffrey

8. A Song For Jeffrey

9. Introduction to To Cry You A Song

10. To Cry You A Song

 

CD FIVE:

LIVE AT CARNEGIE HALL, NOVEMBER 4, 1970

Part 2: 2025 Steven Wilson Stereo Remix

(Recorded on 16-track by Fedco Audio Labs at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY

on November 4, 1970. Engineered by Kim King, assisted by Vin Leary and Dave Palmer)

1. Introduction to Sossity; You’re A Woman

2. Sossity; You’re A Woman / Reasons For Waiting

3. Introduction to Dharma For One

4. Dharma For One (including drum solo)

5. Introduction to We Used To Know

6. We Used To Know

7. Guitar instrumental

8. For A Thousand Mothers

 

CD1: Tracks 9, 10, 12, 14, 18 & 19, CD2: 1, 2, 3, 11, 12 & 14,

CD3: 1, 2, 5, 8 & 14, CD4 & CD5 Previously Unreleased

 

DISC 6: BLU-RAY AUDIO

Steven Wilson studio remixes in 24/96 PCM stereo

(and Steven Wilson studio remasters in 24/96 PCM stereo)

Steven Wilson studio remixes in DTS 5.1 surround

 

Steven Wilson remixes [sides 1 & 2]

Steven Wilson remixes [sides 3 & 4]

 

Flat stereo 24/96 transfer of original

Living in the Past studio album reels (UK & US versions combined)

 

Flat stereo 24/96 transfer of bonus unreleased original mixes

 

Live Carnegie Hall 1970, 2025 remix in 24/96 PCM stereo

Steven Wilson Live Carnegie Hall 1970, 2025 remix in DTS 5.1 surround

 

BLU-RAY AUDIO/VIDEO

The Witch’s Promise (March 1970 Promo Film)

Teacher (UK Single Version, March 1970 Promo Film)

Teacher (US Album Version, March 1970 Promo Film)

Life Is A Long Song (September 1971 Promo Film)

 

BD RUNNING TIME: Approx 355 minutes. REGIONS: A, B & C. VIDEO: BD50 - Aspect Ratio: 1080i59.94 / 1080p23.976

AUDIO: 96/24 PCM Stereo and DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. EXEMPT FROM CLASSIFICATION

 

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