The Who - "Endless Wire"

A year or so ago, I was active in an internet guitar forum. During my time there, I'd written a number of CD / album reviews, a few of which I though were very good. In an effort to bring our Tone Farm readership the best of music past and present, I thought I would post a few of them. Knowing fully that these were written in "present tense" back then, I will do my best to bring them into current day. Of course, there is the very real possibility that something might "slip through the cracks" from the standpoint of time relevancy, so I apologize in advance if this should happen. My only hope is that these reviews might entice you to explore some new listening material. Cheers - - J.

Hard to believe that (24) years had passed between The Who's last studio album (1982's It's Hard), and their most recent release Endless Wire. Certainly, a lot of history has passed since the band exploded onto the UK music scene back in the early 60's - and in many ways, their music provided a soundtrack to the turbulent times that changed the course of musical history. Yet, there is a note of irony in the fact that we are not too far removed from those same kinds of things here in present day. That very point is something that has always stood firm with me about The Who's music - it's relevance to to the time in which it was created. They are a band that that is cognizant of the world around them, and through their music, they offer solace, perspective, and hope. Their most recent release Endless Wire works along those same lines - only through a wiser, and more interpretive view. No longer do guitars need to be smashed, or revolutions stirred, to offer the listener a reason to listen. Call it street cred, or whatever you like. The Who are a force to be reckoned with, and should you seek to channel yourself inside their musical world, chances are good that you will emerge . . . wholly enlightened.

The new release is divided into two segments, the first being (9) songs that comprise Endless Wire. The second stanza is a mini-opera entitled "Wire & Glass", and I will offer no other insights to it other than to mention one word - Tommy. By mentioning that, I only imply that W & G has been created by the same basic nucleus that pushed outward the boundaries of the musical landscape with the "rock opera" concept. In short - The Who deliver the goods. They wrote the book. Everyone else is an imitator.

Included with the solid (21) song line-up is a DVD of a recent live performance (recorded in July 2006), featuring one of the new songs, and (4) all-time classics. For long-time fans who've pined to hear the band go into the studio to record some new material, it's an extra reward . All-in-all - a lot of music for $15. And it's The Who - - 'nuff said.

As I see it, the album is a refreshing, if somewhat economical performance from one of rock music's most legendary outfits. Caveats of brilliance are to be found amongst the songs featured Endless Wire, both in the now-grizzled glory of Daltrey's vocals, and shimmery brilliance of Townshend's electric and acoustic riffs. Overall, it's a rewarding listen for fans of all ages, although some of the material may be geared towards the more experienced Who listener.

The sands of time may have taken some of that original, chest-beating glory away from The Who . . . and begrudgingly I might add. But it brings a smile to my face to know that the fire still burns brightly inside of them.

Long live rock. - J.