Jethro Tull "Aqualung: 40th Anniversary Collectors' and Special Editions" (EMI)

Forty years old now, Jethro Tull's "Aqualung" is justly famous and justly notorious. It's famous for its ambition, its treetop playing, and for being one of the few early-'70s concept albums that (a) really did have a coherent, worthwhile concept, and (b) said profound things about it via pop music.

For many, though, it also marks the moment progressive rock jumped the shark. The title track, with its angular chording, sneering vocals, and too-clever breaks, is now rendered a permanent joke via radio overplay. "Aqualung" might be the one time pop touched the face of God — but snot is running down its nose. The sour smell of excess does not, however, overwhelm a headlong, flamboyant collection by a group of musicians ready to try anything. This package is worth having just for that.

"Aqualung" goes overboard and marks a turning point for a band that, with "Thick as a Brick" and "Passion Play," would soon ditch its hard-earned audience. These packages let us in on a terrific moment, and the extra features are fascinating. Aqualung is like a train without a brake — it won't stop going, no way to slow down.

— John Timpane, The Philadelphia Inquirer

Kenny Vaughan "V" (Sugar Hill)

Guitarist steps into the spotlight

Kenny Vaughan has been the guitar slinger in Marty Stuart's Fabulous Superlatives for 10 years, and the Colorado native has been an in-demand accompanist since he hit Nashville in the late 1980s.

"V" is Vaughan's first solo album, and it's superlative. A brisk and varied set of originals, it blends instrumental mastery with down-to-earth charm.

Backed by the Fabulous Superlatives, including Stuart, Vaughan starts off appropriately with the rollicking honky-tonk of "Country Music Got a Hold on Me." From there, he dives into Western swing with "Hot Like That," goes hangdog for the mandolin-accented lament "Lillie Mae," channels Buck Owens with the propulsive twang of "Stay Out of My Dreams," and closes with the driving gospel of "Don't Leave Home Without Jesus."

Interspersed among these numbers are three atmospheric instrumentals, which help round out the vibrant portrait of a sideman who has more than ably stepped to the front.

— Nick Cristiano, The Philadelphia Inquirer

Released this week: "Mylo Xyloto" special edition, Coldplay; "Hits and More," Martina McBride; "Voyageur," Kathleen Edwards; "Decades of Worship," Michael W. Smith; "Which Side Are You On," Ani DiFranco; "Let's Go Eat the Factory," Guided by Voices; "Ricochet Days," Modern English