Up to Me

The Zoo Crew is spinning the quirky acoustic gem "Up to Me" by Jethro Tull from their iconic 1971 album Aqualung, and the Zoo Freaks are in for a treat with this lesser-known track. One fascinating tidbit about "Up to Me" comes from its recent reinterpretation by Norwegian progressive psych rockers Motorpsycho, who covered it for the Aqualung (Redux) tribute album, released on December 6, 2024, via Magnetic Eye Records. Motorpsycho’s Bent Sæther shared that they initially tried an electric version to mimic how Tull might have played it in 1971, but found the original acoustic arrangement superior. After experimenting with a drum machine and a modern bass line, they crafted a frantic, contemporary take that avoids being a mere replica, honoring Tull’s innovative spirit. This cover highlights the song’s enduring appeal and its ability to inspire creative reinterpretation decades later.

Another layer of trivia ties "Up to Me" to the broader context of the Aqualung album, which Ian Anderson, Jethro Tull’s frontman, has repeatedly clarified was not intended as a concept album, despite critics’ claims. In a 2022 GRAMMY.com interview, Anderson emphasized that the album, including tracks like "Up to Me," was just a collection of songs, some reflecting his skepticism about organized religion and others, like this one, showcasing a lighter, whimsical side. The song’s playful acoustic vibe, with its intricate guitar work and breezy melody, contrasts with heavier tracks like "Locomotive Breath," demonstrating Tull’s versatility. Fans on the Jethro Tull Forum often praise "Up to Me" for its understated charm, noting its role as a palate cleanser amidst the album’s weightier themes.

Jethro Tull’s origins trace back to Blackpool, Lancashire, where Ian Anderson formed the band in 1967. Born in Dunfermline, Scotland, in 1947, Anderson moved to Blackpool in 1960, where he attended Blackpool Grammar School alongside future bandmates Jeffrey Hammond and John Evan. Initially an aspiring painter, Anderson taught himself guitar and was inspired to form a band after seeing the Beatles perform "Love Me Do" on television. Recruiting Hammond on bass and Evan, who switched from piano to drums, the group started as a blues rock outfit. Their early days were marked by a soulful sound, but Anderson’s distinctive flute playing and eclectic influences soon set them apart. By 1968, guitarist Martin Barre joined, and the band’s shift toward progressive rock began, culminating in their breakthrough with Aqualung in 1971, which sold over seven million copies worldwide.

The band’s evolution from blues to progressive and folk rock was driven by Anderson’s vision and Barre’s versatile guitar work. Despite numerous lineup changes, including the departure of original bassist Glenn Cornick and drummer Clive Bunker after Aqualung, Jethro Tull maintained a unique sonic identity, blending classical, Celtic, and hard rock elements. Anderson’s idiosyncratic vocals and flute, paired with complex song structures, earned them a Grammy for their 1987 album Crest of a Knave and a loyal fanbase. The band ceased studio recordings in the 2000s but continued touring until splitting in 2011, after which Anderson pursued solo work under both his name and the Jethro Tull moniker.

For Zoo Freaks eager to dive deeper, connect with Jethro Tull through their official website, where you’ll find tour dates, discography, and news about their latest release, Curious Ruminant (2025). Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates and fan interactions. Fans can also join vibrant communities like the Jethro Tull Forum or the Jethro Tull Fans Facebook group, where enthusiasts share trivia, concert memories, and quizzes, keeping the spirit of Tull’s music alive.