The album that really broke Jethro Tull out of the prog rock underground and into the mainstream – and a set that showed that the group weren't just a combo with creative use of flute, but a band that could really rock off their ass when they wanted to! Previous records were all pretty great, but there's definitely something special in the air with this one – an extra-amped version of the group that even seems to have Ian Anderson's flute blowing out all stops, and his vocals sounding even more menacing than before! Martin Barre's maybe the real master, though – searing on guitar, and punctuating all of Anderson's efforts with his own mad energy – on titles that include the classic "Aqualung", plus "Wondering Aloud", "Cheap Day Return", "Cross Eyed Mary", "My God", "Slipstream", "Locomotive Breath", "Wind Up", and "Mother Goose". LP, Vinyl record album

A dramatic, dynamic set from the early 70s Aussie scene – a record that's got a lot more grace, power, and flight than you might guess from its cover – and a vibe that also doesn't entirely fit the group's Lord Of The Rings reference in their name! The set's definitely in the prog side of the spectrum, but it's also delivered with an instrumental complexity, especially on the piano lines – which have a similar vibe to some of the live tracks on Jethro Tull's Living In The Past 2LP set – echoed by the phrasing in the vocals, and the album's great use of flute. Yet this is hardly a Tull set either, as there's no blues rock references – and maybe more of an inspiration from higher concept jazz fusion projects, reflected especially on the longer instrumental passages on the record. Titles include "Rivendell", "Land Of Mordor", "Trees & Grass", "A History Book", "Sky", "Dark Lord", "Aragorn", and "Dance Of The Ring". LP, Vinyl record album

The fantastic debut of Jade Warrior – a group who were one of the most unique prog acts to record for the Vertigo label in the 70s! Jade Warrior is just a trio – and unlike some of the harder-rocking power trios of the time, the group have a way of balancing softness and intensity, acoustic modes and electric ones – all with a unique style that also offers up some of the exoticism promised by their name! Yet don't worry about that last aspect – as things here are never too heavy-handed, as the group are Brit to their core – maybe balancing some of the lighter Mel Collins moments of King Crimson and the more personal Ian Anderson songs of Jethro Tull – in a line up that features percussion and flute from Jon Field, guitar from Tony Duhig, and bass and these great raspy vocals from Glyn Havard. Titles include "Masami Morning", "Windweaver", "Petunia", "Telephone Girl", "Psychiatric Sergeant", "Slow Ride", and "A Prenormal Day At Brighton". LP, Vinyl record album