Thick As A Brick

The Zoo Crew is spinning the epic Thick As A Brick by Jethro Tull, a track that fills both sides of the 1972 album of the same name, clocking in at over 43 minutes. This ambitious piece was born out of Ian Anderson’s frustration with critics labeling the band’s previous album, Aqualung, as a concept album. Anderson, in a 2012 interview, explained he wanted to create “the mother of all concept albums” to both mock the genre and prove a point, drawing inspiration from the satirical humor of Monty Python. The result was a single continuous song, blending progressive rock, folk, and jazz, with lyrics credited to a fictional 8-year-old poet, Gerald Bostock. The album’s elaborate packaging, a 12-page fake newspaper called the St. Cleve Chronicle, took longer to produce than the music itself, filled with in-jokes and a tongue-in-cheek review of the album.

One fascinating piece of trivia comes from the album’s cultural impact. In a 2012 interview with Louder, Anderson noted his surprise when Thick As A Brick hit number one in the U.S., despite its unconventional format and British humor, which he thought might not translate. The album even made its way into pop culture, appearing in an episode of The Simpsons where the character Martin Prince sings part of it, and the original track plays over the end credits. Anderson speculated that the character’s name in This Is Spinal Tap, Derek Smalls, might be a nod to the album, as three Jethro Tull members smoked Peterson pipes, a detail mirrored in the film, though actor Harry Shearer denied any connection. Posts on X from fans like @ProgRockWorld in 2024 hail it as a masterpiece, praising its parody of an epic poem and its complex musical suite.

Jethro Tull began in Blackpool, England, in 1967, led by the charismatic Ian Anderson. Initially a blues-rock outfit, the band was named after an 18th-century agricultural inventor, a nod to Anderson’s quirky sense of history. Anderson, originally a guitarist, switched to flute after realizing he’d never match Eric Clapton’s skill, as he shared in a 2013 Songfacts interview. Teaching himself to play by mimicking jazz flautist Roland Kirk, Anderson developed a unique blues-rock flute style. By February 1968, Jethro Tull was born, releasing their debut album, This Was, later that year. Their early sound, driven by Anderson’s flute and Mick Abrahams’ guitar, evolved as Martin Barre joined, steering the band toward the progressive and folk-rock blend that defined Thick As A Brick.

Fans can stay connected with Jethro Tull through their official Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where updates on tours and releases, like the 2025 album Curious Ruminant, are shared. The band’s official website offers a deep dive into their discography and tour dates. For community vibes, check out the Jethro Tull Forum, where fans discuss everything from live shows to trivia quizzes, or join the Jethro Tull Fans Facebook group to swap stories and memorabilia. Zoo Freaks, keep those dials locked on THE ZOO for more Tull magic!