Various Artists - Electric Ladyland (Redux) (Various Artists) - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Japanese reissue. Universal. 2021.

The latest volume in Magnetic Eye's Redux Series revisits one of the milestones of the grunge era, in which an array of artists from across the doom and stoner metal underground re-imagine Alice in Chains' nightmare of drug-seeking impulses and inner darkness, Dirt. Comparisons between grunge and the development of sludgy stoner metal can be traced most clearly to this album, a milestone that cemented the cultural shift from vapid early 90s hair metal into something more raw, grimey and real as the preeminent style of popular heavy music. Dirt Redux features the entirety of the classic album covered and reinvigorated from end-to-end by scene heavyweights and rising stars, including Khemmis, Thou, -(16)-, Howling Giant, Forming the Void, The Otolith (ex-SubRosa) and more.

JETHRO TULL are musical giants with a unique sound - or rather sounds that have remained singular in the canon of rock music. Founded in Blackpool, Lancashire, in 1967 by the Scotsman Ian Anderson, the band has undergone several stylistic shifts and changes of image during their still ongoing career of many decades. Yet largely due to the characteristic voice of their frontman and the inclusion of a flute as an essential instrument, JETHRO TULL have always had an inimitable and easily recognisable trademark sonic fingerprint. InchAqualung ReduxInch presents new takes on all eleven tracks from JETHRO TULL's best-selling 1971 album that has by now sold more than 7 million copies worldwide. InchAqualungInch achieved their breakthrough as a rock band on radio and tv shows, and on tour. The lyrics of InchAqualungInch primarily revolve around religion and faith but also tackle other subjects such as homelessness. Although it is often described as a concept album, InchAqualungInch was never intended as such according to mastermind Ian Anderson. While the band continued to use elements of blues, hard rock, and psychedelia, it also added more folk style acoustic moments. The single track 'Locomotive Breath', taken from InchAqualungInch, is probably the best known and most covered tune of JETHRO TULL. Along with InchAqualung ReduxInch, we also present our InchBest of Jethro Tull ReduxInch companion album, which offers more classics and deep cuts from across the rest of the British rock legends' extensive and unique catalogue. The Magnetic Eye Redux Series features hand-picked classic albums from across the history of rock and metal re-imagined in their entirety from start to finish. Artists we love from within and outside the heavy rock landscape choose tracks to make their own, bringing these milestone records into the new millennium with crushing heaviness and searing energy.