Release Date: December 6, 2019
Label: Polydor
release, WHO feels like such a flash. It is a journey through the past, a reminder of their power and influence, and a defiant “Love, Reign O’er Me” cry from the front of the stage. No, The Who will not go gentle into that good night.
Pete Townsend has never been accused of holding back. Whether as
the deaf, dumb and blind, Tommy or the alienated mod Jimmy, Pete bares the soul
of the characters he’s created who are misunderstood and marginalized by
society. Pete invented not giving a fuck conveying to disaffected youth, that
not only is it okay to be true to yourself, but you will also suffer if you
don’t. The energy and aggression The Who as a band, bring to Pete’s songs,
amplify both the sound and the fury producing enduring and inspirational
anthems.
After hearing the first lyric on WHO, “I don’t care,
I know you’re gonna hate this song.” I pumped my fist with excitement and
defiance. It’s not exactly “I hope I die before I get old,” but 54-years later,
the attitude is the same. Who fanatics will agree that Pete’s lyrics can
contain not-so-subtle digs at Roger, and I can’t help think that this is one of
them? …
"that’s fair, we never really got along.” The union of Pete
and Roger has survived a half-century, and while oil and water don’t quite mix,
they look pretty cool when you shake them up.
While the surface of these songs is polished, the underlying
structure is diverse and complex. Supported by accomplished musicians such as
Benmont Tench (Tom Petty), Pino Palladino (The Who), and Joey Waronker (Beck,
REM), and at times a full-blown orchestra, the arrangements are multifaceted,
and the richness is palpable. It is apparent that perfectionist and original
studio gear-head Pete Townshend fussed and fine-tuned until he got it right.
Many of these tracks bring to the present, echoes of the past.
“All This Music Must Fade” unearths “The Music Must Change.” “I Don’t’ Wanna
Get Wise” resurrects “My Generation.” “Detour” is a nod to the original band
name and conjures the foot-stomping freestyling “Join Together.” “Rocking in
Rage” is a soul-bearing confession reminiscent of the driving introspection of
“The Real Me.”
These are all strong tracks, yet the real gems on WHO are
not those which give us a taste of what was, but those that give us a taste of
what might be. “Beads on One String” and “Street Song” are this reviewer’s
personal favorites.
Not all these tracks hit the famed red, white & blue mod
target, however. The Simon Townsend (Pete’s brother) penned “I’ll be Back” is
more of a love song that seems out of place and better suited for yacht rock
than classic rock. “She Rocked My World” has a sleepy Latin jazz vibe making it
feel tired and misplaced. Simon’s other song on WHO, “Break the
News” is far more upbeat and a catchy Mumford & Sons-type romp.
Worth noting is the deluxe version, which contains three bonus
tracks, two of which are forgettable. The third, however, “Got Nothing to
Prove” is a previously unreleased early-60’s gem. Re-orchestrated, it
exemplifies the ambition of the band at a young age and nothing short of
groovy, baby, groovy.
All in all, this is one impressive offering. The Who have tapped
into the well of ingenuity to create the most surprising album of the year. Now
in their mid-70’s, Pete and Roger have produced a collection as big and bold as
any fan could hope for. After all, old age should burn and rage at close of the
day, or as Roger sings in the closing track “Rocking in Rage,” “defying the
clock in one last rampage.”
Let’s hope this isn’t The Who’s life flashing before their eyes,
but an example of what groundbreaking (and guitar breaking) bands are capable
of in the twilight of their careers. This Who fanatic is thrilled they didn’t
die before they got old as this is where some of their best work has been born.
Tom Endyke - MuzikMan.net Staff
December 31, 2019
REVIEWS PROVIDED BY:
Rate the
Tracks
Tracks:
01. All This Music Must Fade
02. Ball and Chain
03. I Don’t Wanna Get Wise
04. Detour
05. Beads on One String
06. Hero Ground Zero
07. Street Song
08. I’ll Be Back
09. Break the News
10. Rockin’ in Rage
11. She Rocked My World
Deluxe Edition Bonus Tracks
12. This Gun Will Misfire
13. Got Nothing to Prove
14. Danny and My Ponies
Tracks:
01. All This Music Must Fade
02. Ball and Chain
03. I Don’t Wanna Get Wise
04. Detour
05. Beads on One String
06. Hero Ground Zero
07. Street Song
08. I’ll Be Back
09. Break the News
10. Rockin’ in Rage
11. She Rocked My World
Deluxe Edition Bonus Tracks
12. This Gun Will Misfire
13. Got Nothing to Prove
14. Danny and My Ponies
