Jethro Tull: Living In The Past

While there are probably others, I can only think of two Top 40 hits that were in 5/4 time: Dave Brubeck’s “Take Five” and Jethro Tull’s “Living in the Past.” Recorded during the same session as Jethro Tull’s “Stand Up” album, “Living in the Past” was originally issued as a non-album single in 1969 with “Driving Song” as its flip. The single’s original release on Reprise failed to chart.

In 1972, Chrysalis Records released the quasi compilation album “Living in the Past” that included non-album singles and outtakes from previous album releases. To promote this album, the title track was released as the single with “Christmas Song” as its flip.

The repeat issue of “Living in the Past” was prime for American audiences as it ended up being the band’s highest charting single. It peaked on the Hot 100 at #11. In addition to being rereleased, the original version was in mono and Chrysalis remixed the song in stereo.