Jethro Tull: New Day Yesterday [DVD] [2003]

This is the DVD format of the video brought out in 1993 to celebrate Tull's quarter century of music-making. Gathered in a cosy pub, the former members of the band reminisce whilst watching video footage of past gigs. Interviews are intercut with extracts from JT's promo videos, gigs and rehearsals. An additional seven tracks give the complete song videos. This collection is more for fans who already know the band's history rather than the newcomer. Though, newcomers wishing to get a flavour of the band's changing styles through the years, would do better to listen to the selection here instead of just the Best Of audio compilations. The visual persona of JT is very strong, especially in the early days. Songs like "The Witches Promise", presented by a wildly gurning, Catweazlish Ian Anderson (Top Of The Pops, 1970) is still really striking. This is Folk-Rock with plenty of balls behind the cod-piece. The late-period work seems less interesting here, with the exception of the hilarious Regency farce "Kissing Willy", which has to be the bawdiest promo video in rock history. "The Hare That Lost His Spectacles" is a surreal inclusion: like Monty Python meets Lewis Carroll, a theatrical folly which must have divided fans back in 1973. The soundtrack quality through this disc varies a lot. Mostly, the dynamic range appears narrow. Only the later recordings appear tweaked for hi-fi appreaciation. It's unfortunate that this recording wasn't remastered for DVD. The visuals suffer from a recording technique that leaves occasional picture pause, which may not have been evident on the original VHS recording; so don't expect hi-fi playback with this disc. Strangely, a "Hidden Bonus Track" is listed, but not discoverable. So, this package is not as classy as most on the market. However, it's still very enjoyable both historically and musically.

Hidden track 1: Documentary Clips
Go to the DVD's Main Menu and once there highlight the 'Play All' selection. Now press the RIGHT arrow key on your remote control to highlight two pictures on the pub wall. If you press the ENTER' key now you will see random clips from the documentary.

Hidden track 2:
The track is "Witch's Promise" and can be found on the Bonus Tracks menu. On that menu, select the entry 'Play All' to start playback of all bonus tracks. Once they are all through, the promised hidden track will play automatically.

Well there are some excellent performances on this DVD and it's interesting to see all the ex-Tull members (from way back) and how they've changed. Especially Glen Cornick: gone is the 2ft long black hair and the beard and headband. Short hair - clean-shaven. I barely recognized him. Clive Bunker is almost bald. And I'm sure Ian Anderson's beard is darker now than in 1970. I wonder if he uses Grecian 2000?

Most of the videos you'll have seen before at one time or another. Except, probably, for one: The Hare Who Lost His Spectacles - which was shown at only a few Tull concerts during the Passion Play period in the mid 70s. But anyway it's all good stuff.