Jethro Tull

Thick as a Brick

First released1972

Thick as a Brick was recorded at various London studios including Rolling Stones Mobile Studio sessions and Island Records' facilities in 1971-1972. The album was produced by Jethro Tull's leader Ian Anderson along with engineer Eddie Offord, who brought innovative recording techniques to capture the band's complex arrangements. The recording featured extensive use of overdubbing and multi-track recording to layer the intricate flute, guitar, and keyboard parts that define the album's dense progressive rock sound. The project was notable for its conceptual ambition, with Anderson writing the album as a mock response to critical praise of their previous work, which influenced the experimental approach taken in the studio. Released in March 1972, the album's production represented a significant technical achievement in progressive rock recording for its era.