Jethro Tull's Sophomore Effort: "Stand Up" (1969)

52 years ago today, Jethro Tull released their 2nd studio album "Stand Up" from Island Records. "Stand Up" is the first album on which Ian Anderson was in full control of the music and lyrics. It also marks the first appearance of guitarist Martin Barre, who appeared on every Tull album from this point on. After the release of the first album, Mick Abraham left the band, thinking that his musical directions were so different than Ian Anderson's.

Tull’s initial musical approach was torn between Mick Abrahams’ blues vision and Ian Anderson’s more unique approach. When Abrahams left, his replacement Martin Barre became the key player in Tull’s move towards a more progressive style.

Starting with “Stand Up,” the band’s use of dynamics, Celtic Folk, and classically-oriented tonal structures, along with Ian Anderson’s flute playing and songwriting, became Jethro Tull’s signature. Simply put, “Stand Up” was the genesis of Tull’s sound and, not surprisingly, is one of Anderson’s favorite Tull records.

While hardly a “concept” album, lyrically the album devotes a lot to Anderson’s relationship with his parents (a subject continued on “Benefit”) and coping with newfound pop stardom.