The Who "The Kids Are Alright" rec.1965-1978 (comp)1979****

For a band so celebrated (or, if you prefer, notorious) for its powerful live performances, there was precious little documentation of that side of the band during their first 15 years: the 6-song LP "Live At Leeds" from 1970 and a few spots on the Monterey Pop and Woodstock festival films. Rockumentary film "The Kids Are Alright" and its accompanying soundtrack was their (or their record company's) attempt to fix it. As it transpired, it also marked the ending of a chapter and served as an epitaph for drummer Keith Moon, who died of an accidental overdose of prescription pills and booze at the age of 32. Some of his last performances were recorded for this film, which gathers rarities, concert and TV performances, spanning 14 years (1965-1978). The oldest of those "I Can't Explain" and "Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere" (1965 TV performances) are fine but lacking in recording quality. From their 1967 appearance at The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, we get an explosive performance of "My Generation". The presenter makes a poor attempt at a humorous presentation, immediately forgotten when the band kicks in with their cataclysmic drums, trademark stutter and thundering bass solo. A great take on rocker "I Can See for Miles" from the same show is also included here. From 1968 and the German TV show "Beat Club" there's a terrific call-and-response "Magic Bus". "Long Live Rock" is an anthemic 1972 studio rocker and "Young Man Blues" a raucous Mose Allison cover that's long been a staple of The Who's live shows. "A Quick One While He's Away" is a cut from the (then still unreleased) TV program "Rolling Stones' Rock And Roll Circus" and it's possibly the definitive performance of this so-called mini rock opera. Supposedly the Stones opted not to release the show when they realized that guest stars The Who had actually outperformed them. Tracks 12-15 ("Tommy Can You Hear Me?"/"Sparks"/"Pinball Wizard"/"See Me, Feel Me") are excerpts from their rock opera "Tommy", mostly recorded during their legendary 1969 Woodstock performance. Moving on to the 70's, there's an energetic medley from '75 ("Join Together/Road Runner/My Generation Blues") and a rare lead vocal spot by John Entwistle in his own song "My Wife", which was included in the soundtrack but eventually left out of the film. Filmed in the Shepperton Film Studios shortly before the drummer's death in 1978, are two of The Who's greatest classics, "Baba O'Riley" and "Won't Get Fooled Again", both originally from "Who's Next".  Daltrey and Townsend are on top form. Mooney is just plain good instead of his usual amazing, but still it makes a great case for The Who as one of the best live bands ever. I saw them (well, Daltrey and Townsend at least) live recently and, despite being almost 70, they could put many younger bands to shame...

***** for My Generation, Magic Bus, Long Live Rock, Baba O'Riley, A Quick One While He's Away, Won't Get Fooled Again

**** for Happy Jack, I Can See for Miles, My Wife, Sparks, Pinball Wizard, See Me Feel Me, 

*** for I Can't Explain, Anyway Anyhow Anywhere, Young Man Blues,Tommy Can You Hear Me?, Join Together/Road Runner/My Generation Blues (Medley)