06/05/2004

Two new Who releases

This week sees reissues of the Who's '60s legacy in two different formats. The band's key 45s are packaged together as The Who - 1st Singles Box, with 12 discs; similar era material is also being re-released as a single CD compilation album, The Who - Then and Now.

So, what's new?

The singles box is the more interesting release: it has some elusive B sides, two new recordings, and some nice packaging. It's the first release of the material as CD singles.

The new compilation album's a neat summary of the band's high points, though most tracks are widely available elsewhere. The "Now" claim is met by the addition of two new Pete Townshend songs to the classic material. The CD must be aimed at Who collectors, and to mop up those customers who didn't shell out on the excellent last Who compilation, released only a couple of years ago.

The revival of the musical careers of the surviving half of The Who - these releases presage increased concert activity - will appeal mainly to pop nostalgics, Baby Boomers looking way, way back. The band were important in the 1960s - they were the third arm of the British Invasion, after (but well behind) the Beatles and the Stones. But they've done little to excite me since the release of their last notable album, 1971's Who's Next?

The Who - 1st Singles Box
Disc One: 1. I Can't Explain, 2. Bald Headed Woman
Disc Two: 1. My Generation, 2. Shout And Shimmy
Disc Three: 1. Substitute, 2. Circles
Disc Four: 1. I'm A Boy, 2. In The City
Disc Five: 1. Happy Jack, 2. I've Been Away
Disc Six: 1. Pictures Of Lily, 2. Doctor Doctor
Disc Seven: 1. I Can See For Miles, 2. Someone's Coming
Disc Eight: 1. Pinball Wizard, 2. Dogs Part II
Disc Nine: 1. Won't Get Fooled Again, 2. Don't Know Myself
Disc Ten: 1. 5:15, 2. Water
Disc Eleven: 1. Who Are You, 2. Had Enough
Disc Twelve: 1. Real Good Looking Boy, 2. Old Red Wine

The Who - Then and Now (limited edition version)
1. I Can't Explain
2. My Generation
3. The Kids Are Alright
4. Substitute
5. I'm A Boy
6. Happy Jack
7. I Can See For Miles
8. Magic Bus
9. Pinball Wizard
10. See Me, Feel Me
11. Summertime Blues [Live]
12. Behind Blue Eyes
13. Won't Get Fooled Again
14. 5:15
15. Love, Reign Over Me
16. Squeeze Box
17. Who Are You
18. You Better You Bet
19. Real Good Looking Boy
20. Old Red Wine

Music for Grown-Ups star rating (/10): singles box 6; album 3

Gerry Smith

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