Song of the Day 12/18: Jethro Tull, “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”
Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson has written several Christmas songs, and he’s also given many traditional carols new, jazzy arrangements that show off the band’s chops. This is one he played in concert for many years before recording it in 2003 for Tull’s “A Christmas Album.”
That album, the last studio effort from the band, featured new versions of some old favorites, including a new arrangement of “Bourée,” Anderson’s arrangement of the fifth movement from Bach’s Suite in E minor for Lute.
Underrated Christmas album by still-underrated band. Wake up and smell the pine needles, Rock Hall of Fame.
They might deserve the uncoveted “Best Band Not in the Hall” award this year. Anderson’s antipathy to organized religion is probably the stumbling block, don’t you think? 😉
That should go on the plus side.