Endless Wire by The Who
The Who have released their first studio album in 24 years - "Endless Wire", a record with enough musical and lyrical strength to satisfy diehard Who fans.
The record opens with "Fragments" - sounding eerily similar to The Who classic song "Baba O'Reilly" (it is hard not to compare the new songs with their old ones) - but then moves in a different direction. This cut draws the listener in with a hypnotic array of synthesizer, guitar and vocals. Townsends questions about who we are and how we fit into the universe around us, providing a voice that others on a spiritual quest can identify with (Townsend, in remarking on one of his earlier projects said, "...what's important is that music reflects its audience as absolutely and completely as possible.")
The first single from the record, "Its Not Enough" - is a classic Who hit complete with Pete Townsend signature guitar chords combined w/ the easily identifiable voice of lead singer Roger Daltry. The message of the song, about giving too much - and it never being enough - should resonate with those who have poured out their lives in relationships, careers and aspirations - and many still don't feel appreciated - and are not truly satisfied.
Other stand-out tracks include "A Man In A Purple Dress" (Townsend's pointed criticism of religious leaders - including priests, rabbis, the Pope, and even the mention of a Mullah), "Mike Post Theme", "Black Widow's Eyes" (as strong as many of their older classics - complete w/ current tour member Zak Starkey, son of Ringo Starr, on the drums) and "Mirror Door" (a song that begs the question as to what life may like after death).
Townsend's choice to include a total of 21 songs (2 of which are extended versions of songs) on this record was, in my opinion, too much of a stretch. Included in the set is a 10 song mini rock opera - entitled "Wire & Glass", including many good songs and thought provoking lyrics - that get lost in the sheer length of the album. I think that this material should be further developed and presented as a full length rock opera album (check out The Who's 1969 "Tommy" record, or their 1974 "Quadrophenia" set).
Much of the material on this record centers around spiritual themes - and showcases the struggles that many have with understanding and questioning if we can really know God in the midst of this "brave new world". Townsend seems to question God in the song "Two Thousand Years" - wondering if mankind has loved, served, and obeyed - and even betrayed the one who suffered and died (maybe I am reading too much into the lyrics - but who else died 2000 years ago and still has people asking questions of this magnitude?).
Townsend, when asked in a recent Pitchfork interview (www.pitchfork.com) about the records fragrant religious imagery - answers, "I respect those who follow religious routes only if they seem to me to be morally proper and in accord with the modern world." This is a very prophetic statement, given recent news events that have unmasked a well known evangelical representative, adding to the suspicions of an already skeptical and cautious world.
"Tea and Theatre", is a bare bones number allowing the listener to hear two old friends at work. This tune reminds listeners of Townsends skilled song writing craft and Daltry's ability to understand Townsend, and then pour out the intended message of the song with incredible passion and intensity (a talent that Daltry has long been known for).
The final song, "We Got A Hit" (Extended Version) is classic Who at their best - makes me flash back to the basic early rock sound put forth by the Who of yesteryear. Good sounds with strong up front guitar and vocals - with the energy of the early days.... which leads me to conclude that this record has many of the strong features of the Who, and at the same time lacks a bit of consistency (read: make a shorter, more concise record - maybe 10 or 12 songs max, thereby letting the world know that The Who is still making music that stands the test of time).
Amidst the many strong and standout tracks lie some songs that never get off the ground: "In The Ether" (Townsend tries to emulate Tom Waits), "Trilby's Piano" (the song may make more sense if I had read all of Townsend's "The Boy Who Heard Music" web based 23 chapter novella). Not bad to only have 2 weak tracks on such a far reaching and ambitious record - a remarkable feat for a pair of musical artists that began their recording career over 42 years ago.
Throughout this record there is ample evidence that Townsend has not lost his ability to write thought provoking songs and produce classic true to form Who electric in-your-face-guitar chords (and some nice acoustic guitar as well).
Roger Daltry's voice lacks some of the range of yesteryear (check out his work on "Who's Next" & "Quadrophenia"), but this is totally understandable - as he is a full quarter of a century older now than he was when the Who recorded their last studio record.
Evidence of this is painfully clear on "Mirror Door", as Daltry's vocals are stretched thin. Conversely, Daltry's strong vocal performances on both "Black Widow" and "Its Not Enough" stand up well beside Townsend's guitar- and make me want to catch one of the bands live shows (they are currently on tour in the United States, and recent performances have received strong praise from both fans and critics).
If pressed, I would have to rate this record as better than their 1975 "Who By Numbers" or their 1982 "It's Hard" (which included original Who member & bassist John Entwistle) - but not as good as their classic 1971 "Who's Next" record. I continue to wonder what the final product would have been like had drummer Keith Moon and bassist John Entwistle had still been around to add their talents to the mix.
I am glad that The Who has chosen to record and tour again - as is offers fans another "Who-fix" - and also introduces new audiences to rock legends of the first degree (I rate them right up there with The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin and Bob Dylan). I hope that we have not heard the last from The Who - as I believe that they have proved that they still have the good old rock spark and fire burning - demonstrated by their ability to make good records and provide memorable performances (not just an oldies set - but new & fresh material).
Bands like The Who don't exist much anywhere in modern music. This current Who configuration, built on the lyrical and guitar strengths of Townsend in tandem with the gut level honest song interpretive vocal power of Daltry (and the help of other talented musicians) satisfies much of the time.
Townsend's lyrics provide ample food for thought in regard to spirituality, God and relationships in general. God has asked that mankind would come to Him to "reason together" - and promises more than just dialog or discussion - as He offers us the ability for our sins, though scarlet, to be cleansed - so that they will be as white as snow. Quite a promise - providing hope for mankind at a time when hope seems to be in such short supply.
1. Fragments 3:57
2. A Man In a Purple Dress 4:15
3. Mike Post Theme 4:28
4. In the Ether 3:35 5. Black Widow's Eyes 3:07
6. Two Thousand Years 2:50
7. God Speaks, of Marty Robbins 3:26
8. It's Not Enough 4:02
9. You Stand By Me 1:36
10. Sound Round 1:21
11. Pick Up the Peace 1:28 12. Unholy Trinity 2:07
13. Trilby's Piano 2:05
14. Endless Wire 1:51
15. Fragments of Fragments 2:23
16. We Got a Hit 1:18
17. They Make My Dream Come True 1:13
18. Mirror Door 4:14 19. Tea & Theatre 3:23
20. We Got a Hit (Extended Version) 3:04
21. Endless Wire (Extended Version) 3:05
The record opens with "Fragments" - sounding eerily similar to The Who classic song "Baba O'Reilly" (it is hard not to compare the new songs with their old ones) - but then moves in a different direction. This cut draws the listener in with a hypnotic array of synthesizer, guitar and vocals. Townsends questions about who we are and how we fit into the universe around us, providing a voice that others on a spiritual quest can identify with (Townsend, in remarking on one of his earlier projects said, "...what's important is that music reflects its audience as absolutely and completely as possible.")
The first single from the record, "Its Not Enough" - is a classic Who hit complete with Pete Townsend signature guitar chords combined w/ the easily identifiable voice of lead singer Roger Daltry. The message of the song, about giving too much - and it never being enough - should resonate with those who have poured out their lives in relationships, careers and aspirations - and many still don't feel appreciated - and are not truly satisfied.
Other stand-out tracks include "A Man In A Purple Dress" (Townsend's pointed criticism of religious leaders - including priests, rabbis, the Pope, and even the mention of a Mullah), "Mike Post Theme", "Black Widow's Eyes" (as strong as many of their older classics - complete w/ current tour member Zak Starkey, son of Ringo Starr, on the drums) and "Mirror Door" (a song that begs the question as to what life may like after death).
Townsend's choice to include a total of 21 songs (2 of which are extended versions of songs) on this record was, in my opinion, too much of a stretch. Included in the set is a 10 song mini rock opera - entitled "Wire & Glass", including many good songs and thought provoking lyrics - that get lost in the sheer length of the album. I think that this material should be further developed and presented as a full length rock opera album (check out The Who's 1969 "Tommy" record, or their 1974 "Quadrophenia" set).
Much of the material on this record centers around spiritual themes - and showcases the struggles that many have with understanding and questioning if we can really know God in the midst of this "brave new world". Townsend seems to question God in the song "Two Thousand Years" - wondering if mankind has loved, served, and obeyed - and even betrayed the one who suffered and died (maybe I am reading too much into the lyrics - but who else died 2000 years ago and still has people asking questions of this magnitude?).
Townsend, when asked in a recent Pitchfork interview (www.pitchfork.com) about the records fragrant religious imagery - answers, "I respect those who follow religious routes only if they seem to me to be morally proper and in accord with the modern world." This is a very prophetic statement, given recent news events that have unmasked a well known evangelical representative, adding to the suspicions of an already skeptical and cautious world.
"Tea and Theatre", is a bare bones number allowing the listener to hear two old friends at work. This tune reminds listeners of Townsends skilled song writing craft and Daltry's ability to understand Townsend, and then pour out the intended message of the song with incredible passion and intensity (a talent that Daltry has long been known for).
The final song, "We Got A Hit" (Extended Version) is classic Who at their best - makes me flash back to the basic early rock sound put forth by the Who of yesteryear. Good sounds with strong up front guitar and vocals - with the energy of the early days.... which leads me to conclude that this record has many of the strong features of the Who, and at the same time lacks a bit of consistency (read: make a shorter, more concise record - maybe 10 or 12 songs max, thereby letting the world know that The Who is still making music that stands the test of time).
Amidst the many strong and standout tracks lie some songs that never get off the ground: "In The Ether" (Townsend tries to emulate Tom Waits), "Trilby's Piano" (the song may make more sense if I had read all of Townsend's "The Boy Who Heard Music" web based 23 chapter novella). Not bad to only have 2 weak tracks on such a far reaching and ambitious record - a remarkable feat for a pair of musical artists that began their recording career over 42 years ago.
Throughout this record there is ample evidence that Townsend has not lost his ability to write thought provoking songs and produce classic true to form Who electric in-your-face-guitar chords (and some nice acoustic guitar as well).
Roger Daltry's voice lacks some of the range of yesteryear (check out his work on "Who's Next" & "Quadrophenia"), but this is totally understandable - as he is a full quarter of a century older now than he was when the Who recorded their last studio record.
Evidence of this is painfully clear on "Mirror Door", as Daltry's vocals are stretched thin. Conversely, Daltry's strong vocal performances on both "Black Widow" and "Its Not Enough" stand up well beside Townsend's guitar- and make me want to catch one of the bands live shows (they are currently on tour in the United States, and recent performances have received strong praise from both fans and critics).
If pressed, I would have to rate this record as better than their 1975 "Who By Numbers" or their 1982 "It's Hard" (which included original Who member & bassist John Entwistle) - but not as good as their classic 1971 "Who's Next" record. I continue to wonder what the final product would have been like had drummer Keith Moon and bassist John Entwistle had still been around to add their talents to the mix.
I am glad that The Who has chosen to record and tour again - as is offers fans another "Who-fix" - and also introduces new audiences to rock legends of the first degree (I rate them right up there with The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin and Bob Dylan). I hope that we have not heard the last from The Who - as I believe that they have proved that they still have the good old rock spark and fire burning - demonstrated by their ability to make good records and provide memorable performances (not just an oldies set - but new & fresh material).
Bands like The Who don't exist much anywhere in modern music. This current Who configuration, built on the lyrical and guitar strengths of Townsend in tandem with the gut level honest song interpretive vocal power of Daltry (and the help of other talented musicians) satisfies much of the time.
Townsend's lyrics provide ample food for thought in regard to spirituality, God and relationships in general. God has asked that mankind would come to Him to "reason together" - and promises more than just dialog or discussion - as He offers us the ability for our sins, though scarlet, to be cleansed - so that they will be as white as snow. Quite a promise - providing hope for mankind at a time when hope seems to be in such short supply.
1. Fragments 3:57
2. A Man In a Purple Dress 4:15
3. Mike Post Theme 4:28
4. In the Ether 3:35 5. Black Widow's Eyes 3:07
6. Two Thousand Years 2:50
7. God Speaks, of Marty Robbins 3:26
8. It's Not Enough 4:02
9. You Stand By Me 1:36
10. Sound Round 1:21
11. Pick Up the Peace 1:28 12. Unholy Trinity 2:07
13. Trilby's Piano 2:05
14. Endless Wire 1:51
15. Fragments of Fragments 2:23
16. We Got a Hit 1:18
17. They Make My Dream Come True 1:13
18. Mirror Door 4:14 19. Tea & Theatre 3:23
20. We Got a Hit (Extended Version) 3:04
21. Endless Wire (Extended Version) 3:05
