This Was

This Was (1968) is the first album by the rock band Jethro Tull. An amaturish effort, recorded at a cost of only 1200 British poundss, it is mainly of interest to historians of rock music. Nevertheless, some of the songs reveal the kind of inventiveness that characerizes the band's later work.

Unlike their later albums, vocalist Ian Anderson shared songwriting chores with guitarist Mick Abrahams. The album overall has more of a rhythm and blues feel than the progressive rock feel the band is better known for.

Abrahams left the group following this album.

Jethro Tull's next album is Stand Up.

Personnel

• Ian Anderson: Vocals, flute, mouth organ, claghorn, piano
• Mick Abrahams: Vocals, guitar, nine-string guitar
• Clive Bunker: Drums, hooter and charm bracelet (these last two may be jokes)
• Glenn Cornick: Bass guitar

Track listing

This Was was remastered in 2001 and released with three tracks not on the original album.

1. My Sunday Feeling (Anderson)
2. Some Day the Sun Won't Shine for You (Anderson)
3. Beggar's Farm (Abrahams/Anderson)
4. Move on Along (Abrahams)
5. Serenade to a Cuckoo (Roland Kirk)
6. Dharma for One (Anderson/Bunker)
7. It's Breaking Me Up (Anderson)
8. Cat's Squirrel (Traditional, arranged by Abrahams)
9. A Song for Jeffrey (Anderson)
10. Round (Anderson/Abrahams/Bunker/Cornick/Terry Ellis)
11. One for John Gee (Abrahams) (2001 remaster)
12. Love Story (Anderson) (2001 remaster)
13. Christmas Song (Anderson) (2001 remaster)