Stand Up, from its wonderful cover art to the music in the grooves, is probably my favourite Tull album. One reason is that it sounds like a transitional album to me. It combines the remnants of the blues jams that they specialized in from the Mick Abrahams era, and their growing experimental side. It's kind of the best of both worlds, and it sounds great. Even better on this new remaster.
I think Stand Up is probably the best album for a new Tull fan to pick up first, particularly this edition. There are so many classics on here, and only Tull can make Bach swing like they do on "Bouree". From "Nothing is Easy" to the exotic "Fat Man", to me this album has it all.
This set contains a lot of great music. It has every bonus track from the previous 2001 remaster (the popular single "Living In The Past", "Driving Song", the powerful and awesome "Sweet Dream", and my favourite, "17"). It adds in some mono single mixes with some subtle differents, some BBC live sessions, and two amusing radio spots. And that's just the first disc. The second disc is an entire live show that has old hits and previews future classics like "My God". It is, of course, a great live show...it's Jethro Tull at their peak after all! I love hearing Ian Anderson go nuts on the flute solo.
Then, as if that wasn't enough, there is a bonus DVD which contains a DTS 5.1 mix of the whole concert. If you have the equipment to play it, then enjoy. Personally I will usually resort back to the stereo mix but the 5.1 mix offers some additional depth. The packaging is gorgeous, coming packed in a thick, sturdy digipack. I was really impressed with the packaging. Artwork like this deserves a proper showcase, and unless you buy an LP, this is about as good as it's going to get.
5 stars. Great fun.