95. Steve Luongo Discusses Jethro Tull, Thick as a Brick

Send us Fan MailDrummer, producer, visual artist and designer Steve Luongo (Rat Race Choir, TorQue) takes the guest seat on this week’s You, Me and An Album to discuss Jethro Tull’s Thick as a Brick. Steve talks about why this album is special to him, which parts are his favorites and whether he considers Jethro Tull to be a prog band. He also delves into the John Entiwistle Oxhumed rarities albums he has been working on.Al talked about some other prog rock suites that were released around the same time as Thick as a Brick, and in doing so, he incorrectly stated that “Supper’s Ready” comprises the second side of Foxtrot by Genesis. Al is mortified at this error, as he is a fan of Steve Hackett’s instrumental, “Horizons,” which kicks off Side 2 before “Supper’s Ready” embarks on its 23-minute run.Steve mentioned a video of West Side Story’s “America” that includes performances from both the 1961 and 2021 versions. Here it is! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0jVQT0BrzwKeep up with Steve and his many projects!Twitter: @drumcrusherInstagram: @steveluongo4realWebsite: steveluongo.comFor more information on John Entwistle Rarities Oxhumed, go to johnentwistle.com.For the time being, Al is on Twitter at @almelchiorBB, and this show has accounts on Twitter and Instagram at @youmealbum. Be sure to follow @youmealbum to find out in advance about upcoming guests and featured albums for this podcast.The show is also now on Mastodon. @[email protected] launched You, Me and An Album: The Newsletter earlier this year and has brought it back after a hiatus. You can subscribe for free to get Al’s monthly posts, but paid subscriptions give you access to weekly posts. Please consider trying a paid subscription as it also helps to support this podcast! https://youmealbum.substack.com/1:24 Steve joins the show2:35 Is Jethro Tull a prog band?4:02 Steve recalls how he got introduced to Jethro Tull’s music6:19 Steve explains why Jethro Tull resonated for him more than some other bands7:19 Steve details why he chose Thick as a Brick for this episode8:50 Al compares Thick as a Brick with other early ‘70s prog suites10:51 Steve gives an example of how Jethro Tull is “orchestral”14:41 Is Thick as a Brick a parody of prog rock?16:06 Steve and Al agree on their favorite part of the album17:40 Why aren’t rock flautists more of a thing?19:49 Steve learned a lot of lessons about drumming from Thick as a Brick23:34 Steve would still love the album even if he weren’t a drummer26:22 Steve wonders how the various parts all came together28:36 The drum solo…too much or just right?31:29 Steve singles out the key difference between Thick as a Brick and Aqualung35:05 Steve talks about some music that he appreciates as a listener (as opposed to as a drummer)43:11 Steve discusses a couple more standout sections of the album47:24 Would Steve rather listen to a remixed version of this album?49:34 Steve talks about current projects, including the John Entwistle rarities albumsSupport the show