This Is Not Love

The Zoo Crew is spinning "This Is Not Love" from Jethro Tull's 1991 album Catfish Rising, and the Zoo Freaks are vibing to its bluesy, hard-rock edge. This track kicks off the album with a punchy guitar riff from Martin Barre that some fans on the Jethro Tull Forum compare to the sound of Foreigner, though it carries Tull’s signature quirky charm. Ian Anderson, the band’s frontman, wrote the song with a playful yet biting tone, with lyrics that explore love’s illusions, delivered through his distinctive vocal style and flute flourishes. In a 2024 interview with Church Times, Anderson reflected on his songwriting, noting how he often weaves humor and social commentary into his work, which is evident in the sardonic edge of "This Is Not Love." Fans on Rate Your Music praise the song as one of the stronger tracks on the album, with its catchy hook standing out despite some criticism of the album’s overall monotony.

Delving into the song’s trivia, "This Is Not Love" was released as a single and featured in Jethro Tull’s live sets during the Catfish Rising Tour, including performances in Miami and Madrid in 1991 and 1992. The Jethro Tull Forum community has shared stories of Anderson’s energetic stage presence during these shows, often improvising flute solos that gave the song a fresh twist live. A fan on The Jethro Tull Group on Facebook recalled a 1991 concert where Anderson jokingly introduced the song as “a lesson in what not to fall for,” sparking laughter from the crowd. The song’s production, handled by Anderson himself, marked the debut of keyboardist Andrew Giddings, whose subtle contributions added depth to the track’s sound, as noted in reviews on Genius. While some critics on ProgArchives felt the album leaned too heavily into hard rock, "This Is Not Love" is often cited as a highlight for its blend of Tull’s progressive roots with a more accessible rock vibe.

Jethro Tull began in Blackpool, Lancashire, England, in 1967, evolving from a blues outfit into a progressive rock legend. Ian Anderson, the band’s charismatic leader, started playing harmonica and guitar in local bands before picking up the flute, an instrument he self-taught and made iconic in rock music. As detailed on their official website, the band formed when Anderson joined forces with guitarist Mick Abrahams, bassist Glenn Cornick, and drummer Clive Bunker. Named after an 18th-century agriculturalist (a name chosen almost by accident), Jethro Tull gained traction with their 1968 debut album, This Was, which showcased their bluesy roots. Their breakthrough came with 1969’s Stand Up, where Anderson’s flute and folk influences took center stage, setting them apart from contemporaries. By the 1970s, albums like Aqualung and Thick as a Brick cemented their status, blending complex compositions with Anderson’s theatrical flair, as fans on Last.fm often celebrate.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, connect with Jethro Tull on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans can join vibrant communities like The Jethro Tull Group and Jethro Tull Fans on Facebook, where members share rare photos, tour memories, and trivia. The Jethro Tull Forum is another hub for diehards, offering discussions on everything from album analyses to Anderson’s latest projects. Whether you’re grooving to "This Is Not Love" or exploring Tull’s vast catalog, these platforms keep the spirit of the band alive for fans old and new.