Apart from Benefit and Aqualung, i don't think there were any flawed mixes on Jethro Tull albums. That said, i really like Steven Wilson's remixes.
Minstrel was pretty flawed. One could answer that Too Old was not optimal too. While the others weren't problematic, you could argue that the remixes improved them in many areas.
I never had any real problems with Minstrel, but in my opinion the new mix is a lot better. And yes, i forgot Too Old! I don't know why, but somehow the original mix sounded really unfocused.
The main issue I have with Stormwatch as it currently stands is that it's a very cold sounding album. I guess you could argue it goes with the theme, but personally I find it's an album that comes across as though it doesn't want to be loved, like it's holding you at arms length. The music is ever so slightly distant. The songs and performances are great. It's just that the ambiance is slightly off, with an industrial edge to it. It makes it less involving, imo.
Well, compared to Heavy Horses, which is so personal to Ian gem, it is a little downer. But still Jethro Tull!
It is a very cold sounding album, that's true. But so is the cover and the themes, as you said. It's a winter album.
a couple of questions: what is steve wilson's penchant for remixing jethro tull albums? is he ever going to do chicago I & III?
He's a fan and it's probably as much a hobby as anything else (and I'm sure he also get paid). And I'm sure it does his reputation no harm being associated to such a successful re-issue series covering the legacy of this great British band. I think only SW could say what projects he may or may not do in the future.
It's a 30 min suite when by Ian with David Palmer and Martin that includes Kelpie. It was performed a few times in 1979. The Water's Edge An except was used as the intro in the Stormwatch tour after the Warm Sporran taped intro so it could be what you've heard on the doc.
It's like fine wine, it ages better with each passing year, my favourite Tull album and a fine tribute to the classic line ups final hurrah.
I just checked out a Tull forum and the waters edge tracks were posted on the Stormwatch thread. Never heard these before. A bit like the Warchild orchestra stuff. The song on the doco I heard was different. It was backstage and the band was warming up for the concert