Jethro Tull – Still Living In The Past (5CD/Blu-ray Boxset)

Still Living in the Past sees Jethro Tull issuing another high-quality release in the series of deluxe edition remasters of their classic albums. These attractive packages have increasingly become essential purchases for Jethro Tull fans, and Still Living in the Past will probably be no exception. The remixing king, Steven Wilson, is at the helm yet again for this release, once again displaying his intuitive skill and respect for the integrity of the original material. He has polished up this collection with his usual finesse, representing an iconic band with renewed sonic clarity.

The basis for this release is the 1972 Living in the Past album which was partly cashing in on the great success of Aqualung, especially in America. This was a smart move by the band as the album went to Number 3 in the U.S. Billboard charts and the associated single Living in the Past, was their first Top 40 U.S. hit, reaching number 11. However, this was not simply a ‘Greatest Hits’ package. It was a peculiar mixture of part compilation and part live album. Living in the Past focused on their first 4 albums: This Was (1968), Stand Up (1969), Benefit (1970) and Aqualung (1971) with the added attraction of two extended pieces from a concert at Carnegie Hall in New York in 1970. This was also an era when bands still released ‘non-album’ singles and EP’s, so it included the 1971 Life is a Long Song EP and classic non-album singles such as Witch’s Promise and the iconic Living in the Past single. The added bonus was that whilst some of these songs had been released in mono, the 1972 compilation album made them available in stereo mixes. Therefore, if you did not have those singles this was the album to get to gather up those gems – it is amazing now to think that a band was slinging out non-album singles of such high quality. Indeed, they included some of their best songs so far in their career, and for many ‘non-fans’ the song Living in the Past is still probably the most familiar Jethro Tull tune.

What’s new or different about Still Living in the Past, and is it worth investing in this collection?

The starting point is that all the songs on the original collection are included. Additionally, the original 1971 remixes of those songs are included for those wanting to re-live that aural experience (not everyone loves remixes and still hanker after the originals). Alongside those songs from the original edition, Still Living in the Past presents numerous other edits and some interesting mixes or different U.S. & U.K. single versions. The differences are rather subtle at times, but that will satisfy the completists.

Alongside those original mixes, Still Living in the Past includes the Steven Wilson remixes. Steven Wilson has been remixing the Jethro Tull albums for some years now so many of the remixes for this edition are sensibly drawn from those already remixed editions – therefore, for punters with these re-releases they will possess some of these remixed version on the spruced up editions of This Was, Stand Up, Benefit and Aqualung (but there are definitely other attractions for this release if some may be thinking ‘I have those songs already so why bother with this edition?’) There are multiple additional songs that did not appear on those other re-releases that are included in Still Living in the Past and they get the full 2025 Steven Wilson remix treatment. The pick of these additional tracks is an early version of My God, which was an iconic song on Aqualung, a fascinating insight into how this great track originated and evolved into the classic track heard in the album version.

Still Living in the Past is a fine summary of Tull’s first four albums, tracking their progress from a more blues-oriented act, albeit peppered with flute, into a more folk-rock oriented band and then a further evolution into a more ambitious rock band, incorporating their blues and folk roots with more of a harder rock edge and progressive leanings. For instance, Fat Man features crisp percussion and playful flute over an Eastern tinged melody, whilst 17 is a more bluesy and nostalgic little gem. What is all the more remarkable is that some of the best songs on this collection are non-album singles, such as the memorable jazz-tinged Living in the Past, the swirling enchantment of Witch’s Promise and it’s almost equally as good B-Side Teacher. Similarly, the powerhouse Sweet Dream, which became such a great and menacing live piece, was a successful early non-album single, presented with an almost perverse ‘Big Band’ sounding horns. It is surprising that bands of that era could just release stand alone singles of such quality with no connection to their latest album. These diamonds gave this collection added attraction.

What else may attract those familiar with the original album?

The jewel in the crown of this significantly expanded version of Living in the Past is the full recording of the 1970 Carnegie Hall gig in New York, of which there were only 2 tracks on the original version. This has been previously released as a Record Store Day vinyl edition in 2015 which was heavily edited – it’s great to be able to hear the full version and is now available to those without LP players. Complete with Anderson’s inimitable introductions, this is a great example of the live power and skill of this fabulous live band. It does include that behemoth which haunts so many early 70’s live releases – the interminable drum solo! Dharma for One is a real showcase for early drummer Clive Bunker… and a good time for most of us to use the bathroom in all honesty, but some will love it. This Carnegie Hall gig recording shows that this was an assured live outfit still mixing up blues, jazz, folk and straight-ahead rock. Some early Prog shoots are evident with an extended and sometimes coruscating version of the anti-clerical My God, complete with a characteristically eccentric flute solo from Anderson. John Evan’s place in the spotlight is in With You There To Help Me, which he embellishes with a tinkling and sparkling piano solo. Martin Barre’s highlight is in the inventive and extended Guitar Solo at the finale of the show – such a talented guitarist. This segues into the thunderous For a Thousand Mothers, from their 1969 Stand Up album, to emphatically end the show on a high.

This is quite a mammoth set with 5 CD’s and a Blu-ray. Steven Wilson has remixed all the discs, either especially for this edition or for previous album deluxe editions. For those with the equipment Wilson has remixed these in sumptuous surround sound mix in 5.1. He has repeatedly shown his skill and touch with these remixes, enhancing the sonic quality and balance of these songs, but crucially respecting the original source material.

Jethro Tull more or less set the standard for the quality and value for these deluxe edition re-releases, and this is no exception. Alongside the great music, Jethro Tull always make sure to include great archive photos, fascinating essays and extensive notes about the history behind the album and details about each song – certainly enough to keep the average fan engrossed for ages! There is a degree of repetition inevitably in a deluxe edition of a previous part-compilation album with songs in their 1971 mixes as well as their more recent remixes.

For those who possess the original album but wondering whether to also get this version is a question punters will have to judge for themselves. There really is sufficient new material, especially the Carnegie Hall live recording, as well as the associated packaging, photos and notes that mean this is another deluxe set worth investing in again. If you are fairly new to the band, then this would be a fine place to start when exploring their early material.

Still Living in the Past? Well, obviously… but what a fabulous past!

TRACK LISTING
CD 1: (Original Mixes, Remixes, Edits & Demos – 1968-71)
01. A Song for Jeffrey [1971 Remix] (3:22)
02. Love Story [1971 Remix] (3:03)
03. A Christmas Song [1971 Remix] (3:05)
04. Living in the Past [1971 Remix] (3:21)
05. Driving Song [1971 Remix] (2:40)
06. Sweet Dream [1971 Remix] (4:03)
07. Singing All Day [1971 Remix] (3:05)
08. Teacher [US Album Version] [1971 Remix] (4:10)
09. Inside [1969 Stereo Mix] (5:05)
10. My God [Early Version] (1970 Master Mix) (9:06)
11. Just Trying To Be (1970 Master Mix) (1:37)
12. Wond’ring Aloud Again (1970 Mono Demo) (7:11)
13. Wond’ring Again (1970 Master Mix) (4:14)
14. Lick Your Fingers Clean [1970 Stereo Mix] (2:52)
15. Locomotive Breath [1971 US Single DJ edit] (3:07)
16. Life is a Long Song [1971 Master Mix] (3:19)
17. Up the ‘Pool [1971 Master Mix] (3:12)
18. From Later [1971 Alternative Master Mix] (2:11)
19. Life is a Long Song [1971 Alt. Master Mix] (3:21)

CD 2: (Steven Wilson Stereo Remixes – Part 1) (2025 Remixes unless otherwise stated)
01. A Song for Jeffrey (3:22)
02. One for John Gee (2:05)
03. Love Story (3:03)
04. A Christmas Song (3:07)
05. Living in the Past (3:25)
06. Driving Song (2:50)
07. Bouree (3:49)
08. Fat Man (2:52)
09. Singing All Day (3:08)
10. Sweet Dream (4:05)
11. 17 (3:09)
12. Teacher (U.K. Single Version) (4:56)
13. The Witch’s Promise [1971 Remix) (3:51)
14. Teacher (U.S. Single Version) (4:02)
15. Inside (3:51)
16. Alive and Well and Living In (2:48)
17. Just Trying to Be (1:39)

CD 3: (Steven Wilson Stereo Remixes – Part 2) (2025 Remixes unless otherwise stated)
01. By Kind Permission of (Live) (10:14)
02. Dharma for One (Live) (9:56)
03. Wond’ring Aloud (Early Version) [2011 Steven Wilson Stereo Remix] (2:52)
04. Wond’ring Again [2011 Steven Wilson Stereo Remix] (4:16)
05. Lick Your Fingers Clean (2:54)
06. Up To Me [2011 Steven Wilson Stereo Remix] (3:15)
07. Hymn 43 [2011 Steven Wilson Stereo Remix] (3:18)
08. Locomotive Breath [2011 Steven Wilson Stereo Remix] (4:42)
09. Life is a Long Song [2011 Steven Wilson Stereo Remix] (3:20)
10. Up the ‘Pool [2011 Steven Wilson Stereo Remix] (3:12)
11. Dr. Bogenbroom [1971 Master Mix] (3:00)
12. From Later [1971 Master Mix] (2:08)
13. Nursie [1971 Master Mix] (1:36)
14. Locomotive Breath [Unplugged Mix] (3:25)

CD 4: Live at Carnegie Hall, 1970 (Part 1 – 2025 Remix)
01. Introduction to Nothing is Easy (2:23)
02. Nothing is Easy (6:03)
03. Introduction to My God (1:52)
04. My God (12:54)
05. Introduction to With You There To Help Me (2:19)
06. With You There To Help Me / By Kind Permission of (13:07)
07. Introduction to A Song for Jeffrey (2:00)
08. A Song for Jeffrey (4:58)
09. Introduction to To Cry You a Song (0:51)
10. To Cry You a Song (5:41)

CD 5: Live at Carnegie Hall, 1970 (Part 2 – 2025 Remix)
01. Introduction to Sossity; You’re a Woman (2:52)
02. Sossity; You’re a Woman (5:36)
03. Introduction to Dharma for One (1:37)
04. Dharma for One (including Drum Solo) (21:31)
05. Introduction to We Used to Know (2:30)
06. We Used to Know (3:19)
07. Guitar Solo (8:34)
08. For a Thousand Mothers (4:57)

Blu-ray Audio
Same track list as CD’s 1, 2,3,4, & 5
Steven Wilson Remixes and Remasters in 24/96 Stereo
Remixes in 5.1 Surround Sound
Blu-ray Audio / Video
– The Witch’s Promise (1970 Promo Film)
– Teacher (U.K. Single version) (1970 Promo)
– Teacher (U.S. Album version) (1970 Promo)
– Life is a Long Song (1971 Promo)

MUSICIANS
Ian Anderson – Lead Vocals, Flute, Piano, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Tin Whistle, Balalaika & Hammond Organ
Martin Barre – Electric & Acoustic Guitars, Mandolin (Various tracks & CD’s 4 & 5 – Live at Carnegie Hall)
Glen Cornick – Bass Guitar, Hammond Organ (Various tracks & CD’s 4 & 5 – Live at Carnegie Hall)
Clive Bunker – Drums, Congas, Bongos, Glockenspiel, Percussion (Various tracks & CD’s 4 & 5 – Live at Carnegie Hall)
John Evan – Piano, Mellotron, Organ, Hammond Organ, Celeste (Various tracks & CD’s 4 & 5 – Live at Carnegie Hall)
Barriemore Barlow – Drums & Percussion (Various tracks)
Jeffrey Hammond-Hammond – Bass Guitar, ‘Odd Voice’ (Various tracks)
Mick Abrahams – Electric Guitar (Various tracks)

ADDITIONAL INFO
Record Label: Parlophone Records
Country of Origin: UK
Date of Release: 11^th July 2025

LINKS
Jethro Tull – Website | Facebook | YouTube | X | Instagram