Just when one of my favorite rock groups of the sixties was becoming a faded memory, they came back to life with a stunning new album. Endless Wire by The Who, a project begun in 2002 and finished in the summer of 2006, is every bit as good as anything they've ever done, and to my aging ear the very best.
The band is still led by two of its founding members, Pete Townshend (guitar) and Roger Daltrey (vocals), backed by newcomers Zak Starkey (drums), Pino Palladino (bass), John Bundrick (Hammond organ), and Simon Townshend (backing vocals). Their old star dummer Keith Moon of course perished of his own excesses in 1978, and John Entwistle (bass) died in 2002.
The original group (photo, right) was formed in 1964 and disbanded in 1983. Although they had separate careers after that, they did get together occasionally for concerts, including Live Aid in 1985, the Concert for New York City shortly after 9/11, and Live 8 in July, 2005. Their current works reflect their desire for social change, and much of their profits are given to charity.
The CD package includes a bonus DVD containing a half-hour segment of a July 2006 concert in Lyon, France. On it we can see that the two stars have clearly aged, but that the music remains every bit as powerful as ever.
Prior to this release, my favorite Who album was The Who Sell Out of 1968. I didn't much care for their 1969 opera Tommy, but their 1973 opera Quadrophenia is still golden.
CHECK IT OUT by clicking on Endless Wire in the box below, or purchase it at Amazon.com by clicking the Buy Button:
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I had heard about the collaboration years ago but I hadn't heard any more so it became forgotten until I read this. I'm so behind on the popular music scene but I'm definitely going to look into buying this album.
The most surprising aspect is the return of Roger Daltrey. I haven't heard his voice in years.
Thanks for the reminder!
All the best, Evelyn Wallace
The Castle Lady
Posted by: Evelyn | November 05, 2006 at 12:08 AM