Crest of a Knave, Jethro Tull

Obvious Promo Sticker removed from Label

Jethro Tull – Crest of a Knave

Artist: Jethro Tull

Title: Crest of a Knave

Album Type: Sixteenth Studio Album

Original Release Date: September 11, 1987

Label: Chrysalis Records

Genre: Hard Rock / Progressive Rock / Folk Rock

Background & Production Crest of a Knave marked a triumphant return to form for Jethro Tull following a three-year hiatus caused by Ian Anderson’s throat infection. The album saw the band pivot toward a more contemporary, guitar-heavy hard rock sound while still maintaining their signature flute-led progressive roots. Recorded primarily at Ian Anderson’s home studio, the album featured the core duo of Anderson and guitarist Martin Barre, with Dave Pegg on bass. Because of the lack of a permanent drummer during parts of the session, the album famously utilized a drum machine on several tracks—a move that contributed to its sleek, late-80s production aesthetic.

Musical Composition & Style The album is often compared to the Dire Straits sound of the same era, characterized by Martin Barre’s polished, bluesy lead guitar and Ian Anderson’s more gravelly, matured vocal delivery.

• The Standout Tracks: Steel Monkey and Farm on the Freeway became major hits on rock radio, with the latter featuring a complex, shifting arrangement that satisfied long-time prog fans while appealing to the mainstream.

• The "Budapest" Epic: Budapest is widely considered the album’s masterpiece—a sprawling, 10-minute track that blends acoustic folk, intricate flute melodies, and hard rock bursts. It remains one of Ian Anderson’s favorite self-penned compositions.

• The Guitar Work: Martin Barre’s performance on this record is stellar, particularly on Jump Start, where his riffs provide a muscular energy that defined the band's late-80s identity.

• Controversial Legacy: The album famously won the first-ever Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance in 1989, beating out Metallica’s ...And Justice for All. While the win was controversial at the time, it underscored the album's massive impact on rock music during that year.

Legacy & Collector Notes Crest of a Knave was a commercial success, reaching Gold status in the US and UK and revitalizing the band's career for a new generation. For vinyl collectors, the original Chrysalis pressings are highly valued for their clean, punchy 80s production. The cover art—featuring a heraldic, medieval-inspired crest—is a perfect visual representation of the album’s blend of ancient themes and modern rock. It is an essential title for Shopify stores specializing in Progressive Rock history, 80s Hard Rock, or the extensive Jethro Tull discography.

• Keywords: Jethro Tull, Crest of a Knave, Ian Anderson, Martin Barre, 1987 Vinyl, Hard Rock, Progressive Rock, Steel Monkey, Budapest, Chrysalis Records.

• Collection Ideas: 80s Rock Masterpieces, Progressive Rock Evolution, Grammy Winning Albums, The Martin Barre Guitar Era.

• Related Artists: Dire Straits, Genesis, Marillion, Yes, The Moody Blues.

MINT - sealed

NM - likely never played - almost perfect

VG+ - light scuffs, light scratches wont effect play

VG -  signs of wear, light scratches you can feel

GOOD -  surface noise, visible groove wear

POOR / FAIR- some damage, causing issues like skipping & distorted audio

OIS - original inner sleeve