Thick As A Brick Part 2 is the sequel to the classic concept album from 1972. Here is a short blurb from Steven Wilson (Porcupine Tree) who mixed the new album.

I recently had the pleasure of mixing the new Ian Anderson / Jethro Tull album, which is a follow up to the classic Thick as a Brick album from 1972. TAAB2 is very much in the tradition of the first album, a continuous 54 minute concept piece with a similar musical palette and style. It's just been officially announced for release in April as a CD/DVD (including a 5.1 mix and stereo in high res), more details on the Tull website. I also completed mixes for a 40th anniversary surround sound edition of the original Thick as a Brick, though not sure when that is coming out.

YAY! Not only do we get a new album, but another stellar remix/remaster of the original album by Steven Wilson. 2012 is going to be a good year for music!

Just saw this on Steven Wilson's facebook update. Normally I'd be skeptical about making a sequel to such a classic, but I trust SW's judgment and if he approves of it, I'm willing to give it the benefit of the doubt.

Ian Anderson is an incredible songwriter, one of my all-time favorites, I have confidence it will be an excellent album.

I am surprised by this, first of all Martin Barrer stated in a website that as far as he and Ian Anderson are concerned there will be no more Jethro Tull studio albums, personally I am glad both men changed their minds and I look forward to the disc.

Here is the link to the interview I am referring to:

http://www.classicrockrevisited.com/interviewmartinbarre2011.htm

I thought that they were done doing studio albums as well.

Eh, I may pick this up but to be honest, my interest in Tull began around Minstrel In The Gallery. The earlier stuff I've heard just doesn't do much for me outside of the "hits" like Bungle In The Jungle, Teacher and the edited version of Thick As A Brick. Aqualung being an early exception.

Ill get it. I pretty much like all the Tull I have heard...

BTW is this going to be released as a Jethro Tull album or Ian Anderson solo album? The reason I ask is the official Jethro Tull website looks like it is listing it as Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson, instead of just plain ole Jethro Tull, also is Martin Barre involved in these recordings?

It's a solo project and will be released as "Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson".

Barre is working on a solo album as well. Ian Anderson wrote the original story for Thick As A Brick as well as all the lyrics, thus I have no problem with him following up the story as a solo artist.

He stated in a recent interview that Tull has not broken up, but they are on hiatus for the next 18 months.

Marketing.

Anderson also releases solo albums under his own name, but stylistically very different than Tull (mostly orchestral). Thick As A Brick is so associated with the Jethro Tull name it makes sense to include that on this record. Marketing of course plays a part as well.

Of course I'd love it if Barre was involved, but I'm such a fan of Ian's I'm perfectly fine with him revisiting this material in a solo formant.

Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson sounds dumb and awkward.

I hope that the supporting tour in September isn't a political tour. I hate paying to go to concerts that are really political rallies, regardless of which side they are on.

By the way, I was watching Letterman the other night, and found this interesting.