Back in 1971, when I was 5, The Who released their fifth album simply titled ‘Who’s Next’. That album was so much a commercial success that it continued the ascent of the English Rock band to heights few other bands have attained. Currently ranked at the 13th best -selling album of all time, it is no wonder that it was chosen to be replicated by Classics Albums Live.
To understand the true musician-ship of the 1990 Rock N Roll Hall of Fame Inductees, consider that a quick glimpse of the Wolf Den’s stage showed 8 members of Classics Album Live group were needed to recreate the music of Daltry, Townsend, Moon and Entwistle. While I really don’t care if it took twenty musicians, the idea is to nail the album note-for-note. They did just that.
The show began with a spot-on version of “Baba O’Riley” – the anticipation of how well the lead singer would hit Roger Daltry’s voice was quickly answered with “We’re all wasted!” It included a very good violin solo by a young lady who surprisingly looked disinterested at being there. No emotion in her at all. Highlights from the album portion of the show included “Bargain”, “Going Mobile”, “Behind Blue Eyes” and the eight minute long crowd favorite “Won’t Get Fooled Again” in which the Daltry screams were timed right and hit to perfection.
Once the fifty minute album portion was over, they stayed and played several more Who classics such as “Pinball Wizard”, “I Can’t Explain”, “My Generation”, “Happy Jack”, “Tommy”, and “Substitute”. Two omissions I was hoping but didn’t see were “Squeeze Box” & “I Can See for Miles”.
Usually overlooked in our Rock ‘n Roll adventures is the work of the drummer. Aside from Vick’s love affair with Tom Scheckel, few drummers have made mention in our reviews. While I have no idea who the drummer was by name last night, I will say he did a great job in the unenviable task of keeping up with Keith Moon. His speed and precision were fun to watch. Keeping up with Townsend is no smart feat in itself, so much so that this group had two guitarists handle the duty. They did it well but again – it’s a tip of the hat to the artistry of Townsend. The bassist was a non-entity in my opinion. He was a pillar standing downstage by the drum set.
The group featured two lead singers, one for Daltry the other for Townsend and Entwistle. First the Daltry guy...nothing but praise...his voice was clear, strong and timely in every song. Now the other guy. To visualize this guy imagine Colin Blunstone of The Zombies fame (Rock Log 091110) at age forty. A shuffler to and from the mic all dressed in black. Aside from his appearance and annoying stage presence he did a good job with Entwistle’s “My Wife” and as Townsend’s voice.
The biggest issue I had with this group is the seventh-grade music stands that they had on stage and kept reading the music from. Please – you are a Classics Album Live group...do away with sheet music – There’s nine songs on the album which has been around for 41 years – For the love of God - learn the words and music from memory!
Randall
Dedicated to our dear friend....Pray, Hope, Don’t Worry.
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