Jethro Tull’s excellent series of anniversary CD/Blu-ray box sets has finally reached Under Wraps - the controversial and, for many fans, unloved electronic album from 1984.
This set includes the original, remastered and remixed versions of Under Wraps and Ian Anderson’s 1983 solo album Walk Into Light, alongside previously unreleased material from the sessions for both albums, a concert recorded at the Hammersmith Odeon on the 1984 tour, and extensive notes on the making of the records.
I’ve always been very fond of Walk Into Light. It’s a true solo album, sounding completely different from both Jethro Tull and what many might have expected from Ian Anderson. At times it could almost be mistaken for Depeche Mode, and it contains several outstanding songs, including the title track, “Made in England” and “Different Germany”.
Under Wraps is even more radical: an electro-pop album driven by electronic drums, sharper instrumental textures and Anderson pushing his vocal range into new territory.
The unreleased tracks are an interesting listen, but as with previous box sets, they reinforce my view that the right songs made the original albums.
Remastered by Bruce Soord rather than Steven Wilson, the project initially explored replacing the drum machines used on both albums with live drums, but apparently the results weren’t convincing. Instead, the kick and snare samples have been subtly enhanced to sound more natural while preserving the original rhythms and feel. The effect is noticeable, particularly on Under Wraps, where the drums play a more prominent role.
The biggest improvement, however, comes from the remixing. Both albums were originally recorded and mixed in Anderson’s then-new home studio, which lacked some of the capabilities of a full professional facility. The new mixes free the music from some of its sterile 1980s production and technological limitations, resulting in a richer, more dynamic and engaging sound. Background vocals emerge with newfound clarity, and the acoustic instruments finally sound acoustic. I spent my first few listens pleasantly surprised by details I’d never noticed before and found myself discovering new favourite tracks.
The remixed albums are also available on vinyl, if that’s your thing (it’s certainly mine), although you miss out on the unreleased material and the excellent live concert. If you’re not ready to buy, all five CDs are available to stream in 96kHz quality on Tidal, and no doubt on other services as well.
Enjoy.
Chris
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