Jethro Tull questions...

Late again,
And that's my favorite band. I've been to pretty much every show in Phila. area since the early 90s, his solo with an orchestra included.
The last year's 40th Anniversary Tour show was the best by far.
As to their recordings- I can't name a bad album, maybe with the exclusion of "A" and "Under Wraps".
They are all different musically, and even the "weakest ones" are so much superior to other bands best output.
I consider Anderson one of the greatest contemporary musicians. Can't even put him squarely into the rock category. He's so much more, than that.
Sound wise- I feel "Christmas Album" is one of the best.
One strange thing- every time I see good vinyl copy of "Living in the Past", I can hardly stop myself from buying it, just like Bruce Willis in "Conspiracy Theory".

Markphd,
I agree with you on Anderson's creativity and his versatility. I don't think "A" and "Under Wraps" are inferior musically, it's just not my taste now.
Back when they just came out, I did like them both. Now, that 80s sound is a thing of the past for me.
I love his solo stuff, especially "Rupi's Dance".

I'm not all that familiar with Fairport Convention music, but I do like Richard Thompson, and find many similarities b/w him and Anderson, as composers