Released 7 September 1984 Artist Jethro Tull Label Chrysalis Records Producer Ian Anderson | Under Wraps
(1984) A Classic Case
(1985) Release date 7 September 1984 Genre Prog rock | |
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Recorded Spring 1984 at Ian Anderson's home studio Length 43:13 (Vinyl)
60:33 (CD) Similar Jethro Tull albums, Progressive rock albums | ||
Under Wraps is the 15th studio album by the band Jethro Tull, released in 1984. The songs' subject matter is heavily influenced by bandleader Ian Anderson's love of espionage fiction. It was controversial due to its electronic/synth sound, particularly the use of electronic drums. Dave Pegg has been quoted as saying that the tracks cut from Broadsword and the Beast would have made a better album, while Martin Barre called it one of his personal favourite Tull albums. The album reached Nº 76 in the Billboard 200 and Nº 18 in the UK charts. The single "Lap Of Luxury" reached Nº 30.
Contents
Jethro tull under wraps
Production
This is the first Jethro Tull album since This Was where the majority of songs were co-written with band members, primarily Peter-John Vettese. Usually Ian Anderson is the sole songwriter.
This is also the only Jethro Tull album that features no live drummer at all. After the recording Doane Perry joined the band on tour and became their permanent drummer.
Releases
The original 1984 release had 11 tracks, with "Astronomy", "Tundra", "Automotive Engineering", and "General Crossing" appearing on cassette only. Of these extra tracks, "General Crossing" became the first Jethro Tull track never to be released on vinyl, as "Astronomy", "Tundra", and "Automotive Engineering" all appeared on the 12-inch single release of "Lap of Luxury".
The CD editions of the album carry all 15 tracks. The 2005 enhanced CD also contains a QuickTime video for "Lap of Luxury".
Live performance
For the 1984 tour to promote Under Wraps, Jethro Tull offered artistic stage production as usual. In a manner quite similar to the Thick as a Brick tour, the roadies appeared onstage sweeping the floor, counting the audience and studying the place. All band members and instruments were covered in "wraps", with Anderson then releasing them and the music starting. During the tour, Anderson suffered from vocal problems, resulting in throat surgery and an extended hiatus from the band.
Original Vinyl
All tracks written by Ian Anderson and Peter-John Vettese except where indicated.
Credits
Songs
1Lap of Luxury3:36
2Under Wraps #14:03
3European Legacy3:23