I’ve always been an album guy (it’s a boomer thing…).  Albums are not just songs – they are bodies of work by musicians at a particular point in time. And most great albums are the result of an often rare moment of musical synergy, when everything clicks and talent trumps ego. 

Benefit (1970), the third album from Jethro Tull, is the latest Snapper recommendation.  While not an absolute classic like Aqualung, it’s still great.  During this period (the guys were in their early-mid 20s), the band had moved beyond its early blues origins and was further refining the interesting and unique rock sound heard on Stand Up.  Tull frontman Ian Anderson, one of rock’s most colorful characters, could not have picked a band mate any more compatible with his style than guitarist Martin Barre.   His razor sharp licks throughout Benefit perfectly compliment Ian’s fine singing and flute playing.  It is, in fact, one of the best overall guitar albums you’ll ever hear.  Particularly outstanding tunes include Nothing to Say, To Cry You a Song, Time for Everything and the fairly well-known Teacher.  There are no weaknesses.  Tull’s first few albums were some of rock’s most treasured and anticipated.  These guys just didn’t sound like anyone else, particularly to Americans.  And Jethro Tull concerts in this era were awesome experiences (I first saw them in early 1972 on their Thick As A Brick tour and it was a vividly memorable event).  Benefit is one for the ages.  Dig it again.   GD