Supriya Ghosh (Editor)

Living in the Past (song)

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B-side
  
"Driving Song"

Recorded
  
17 February 1969

Label
  
Island

Released
  
25 April 1969

Length
  
3:18

Genre
  
Progressive rock, jazz rock

"Living in the Past" is a song by British progressive rock group Jethro Tull. It is one of their best-known songs, and it is notable for being written in the unusual 5/4 time signature. The 5/4 time signature is quickly noted from the beginning rhythmic bass pattern.

Contents

The single reached number 3 on the UK Singles Chart.

Overview

The song was originally recorded before the sessions for Jethro Tull's 1969 album Stand Up, released in the same year as a stand-alone single to UK audiences while Jethro Tull finished their US tour. However, it became more popular after its 1972 release on Jethro Tull's compilation album, also called Living in the Past. After its release on the album, it became the band's first Top 20 hit in the US, peaking at #11. The song was restored as a "bonus track" for the 2001 CD reissue of Stand Up (1969).

Release history

  • Single: "Living in the Past" / "Driving Song" (Island WIP 6056, 25 April 1969)
  • Single: "Living in the Past" / "Christmas Song" (Australia) (Reprise R 3578 December 1972)
  • Single: "Living in the Past" / "Requiem" (Chrysalis CHS 2081, 16 January 1976)
  • Single: "Living in the Past" / "Hard Liner" (Chrysalis CHS 3970, 1993)
  • Single: "Living in the Past" / "Witch's Promise" / "Teacher" / "Life is a Long Song" (April 2013, limited edition vinyl)

    • Personnel

    Jethro Tull
  • Ian Anderson – flute, lead vocals
  • Glenn Cornick – bass guitar
  • Martin Barre – guitar
  • Clive Bunker – drums, percussion
    • Additional musician
  • Lou Toby - arranged and conducted strings

    • Cover versions

    The song was first covered as an instrumental by CCS in 1970. Other cover versions include:

  • Maynard Ferguson (1971)
  • Midge Ure (1985)
  • Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (1993)
  • The Connells (1994)
  • Francis Dunnery (1994 - with entirely rewritten lyrics)
  • Keith Emerson (1996 - in the tribute album To Cry You A Song - A collection of Tull Tales)
  • Billie Davis (2002)

    • References

    Living in the Past (song) Wikipedia
    (Text) CC BY-SA