Ian Anderson – 8314 Boxed: The Definitive Vinyl Collection from Madfish Records
Hi, Phil Aston here from Now Spinning Magazine, and this time I’m unboxing something truly special for fans of Ian Anderson and Jethro Tull — the 8314 Boxed 10LP vinyl collection from Madfish Records.
This set brings together Anderson’s solo works spanning 1983 to 2014 — a fascinating musical journey that runs parallel to the Jethro Tull story. Presented in the classic Madfish deluxe style, this is a beautifully curated and lovingly assembled collection that does justice to every era it represents.
What’s Inside the Box
The 8314 Boxed set features ten LPs, all half-speed mastered at AIR Studios, pressed on immaculate vinyl, and housed in a robust slipcase — similar in style to the recent Wishbone Ash, Gentle Giant, and Caravan Madfish editions.
Each album comes in a high-quality single sleeve with poly-lined inner sleeves, and while there are no printed inner lyric sleeves, everything is gathered together in the stunning 96-page book that accompanies the set.
Albums included:
Walk Into Light (1983)
Divinities: Twelve Dances with God (1995)
The Secret Language of Birds (2000)
Rupi’s Dance (2003)
Thick as a Brick 2 (2012)
Homo Erraticus (2014)
Roaming in the Gloaming – a previously unreleased live compilation
Plus additional sides and etchings across the 10LPs.
Each record has been pressed with the kind of care and attention that makes you stop and appreciate the medium. They’re silent, perfectly flat, and sonically rich — among the best vinyl pressings I’ve heard from Madfish.
The Book
The accompanying softback book is a real highlight — 96 pages of essays, photography, press ads, single sleeves, and full commentary on each album. Ian Anderson himself provides an introduction, and the detail throughout makes it a joy to explore while listening.
Each section includes background stories, tour imagery, and insights into the creative process behind each album. It’s the kind of immersive reading experience that makes vinyl collecting so rewarding — something you can keep on your lap as the music plays, turning pages as you journey through Anderson’s solo catalogue.
The Music: From Synths to Symphonics
One of the joys of this collection is hearing Anderson’s progression as an artist outside the Tull framework.
Walk Into Light (1983) – very much of its time, with 80s synth textures, but still unmistakably Ian Anderson.
Divinities: Twelve Dances with God (1995) – a standout for me; a breathtaking classical crossover album that Sue absolutely loves too.
The Secret Language of Birds and Rupi’s Dance – richly melodic and deeply personal. Both albums sound incredible here, and their etched side fours are a lovely touch.
Thick as a Brick 2 and HomoErraticus – you can feel the spirit of Jethro Tull running through these; had they been released under the Tull name, no one would have blinked.
Roaming in the Gloaming – a live compilation covering performances from 1995 to 2004, full of rare and previously unheard material.
Every album has been half-speed mastered and the sound quality is pristine — quiet backgrounds, great depth, and warmth. As I mentioned in the video, playing these LPs feels like listening to a CD in terms of silence — but with all the analogue depth and texture vinyl brings.
Madfish have once again delivered something extraordinary. Their attention to detail, the quality of the pressings, and the care in presentation are all top-tier. I’ve said it before — they’ve never put a foot wrong — and 8314 Boxed continues that run of excellence.
For dedicated Ian Anderson fans, this is a 10/10 release. It’s not cheap, but it’s comprehensive, definitive, and beautifully made. If you already own the CDs, this set gives you the full vinyl experience with the artwork and book to match.
And for CD lovers — when I asked Madfish about a possible CD edition, their answer was “watch this space…” – which sounds promising!
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
