Pete Townshend - White City
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Free Music Notes for White City
Free Music Review: A focused masterpiece from Pete bonus tracks are nice but remaster sounds harsh
Hit: 5 Stars
Reissues are only as good as their remasters/bonus tracks. This has two terrific bonus tracks and a remix from the 12 inch single of the time. The remaster is louder, compressed and harsh sounding compare to the terrific CD mastered by Barry Diament. Go for the first CD issue which has great dynamic range, sounds warm and buy the bonus tracks as downloads. The production by Chris Thomas once again demonstrates that Townshend and Thomas were made for each other. He brings out the best in Townshend and captures it perfectly on tape.
Along with "Empty Glass" "White City" stands among Pete Townshend's best solo albums. From the rumbling, atmospheric opening of "Give Blood" (with nice guitar work by guest David Gilmour)this "novel" which was written to go along with the TV film that Townshend wrote (it was directed by Richard Lowenstein)the album stands on its own perfectly. Townshend's (as someone else pointed out here)ability as a vocalist has always been underestimated. Sure he doesn't quite have the power of Daltry but he is an emotional singer able to highlight the given dominant feeling from the point of view of the character of the song.
The original CD had the lyrics and there aren't any notes on the making of the lbum (unlike "Who Came First")but that's made up for by the inclusion of two strong bonus tracks "Night School" written by Townshend and a cover of the English Beat's "Save It For Later" (which also appears on live album "Pete Townshend's Deep End-Live"). Although "Night School" doesn't hold it's own with the best songs on here it's a solid song worth having for Townshend fans. "Save It For Later" features Townshend alone on acoustic guitar singing the song. The bonus 12inch version of "Hiding Out" is a nice addition for fans but doesn't compare to the album version which is more succint and direct.
I do wish that Hip-O had included notes on the making of the album. To the best of my knowledge the Japanese pressing is the same as the U.S. except that it is a replica of the original vinyl album sleeve. So unless you want it for the collectible cover, I'd go for the original CD issue since it sounds better.
Album-5 stars
Bonus tracks-3 stars
Remaster Sound-3 stars (compared to 5 for the original)
Free Music Review: Perfect album - more annoying industry gimmicks
Hit: 5 Stars
For me personally, not only is this album Pete Townshend's masterpiece, but alongside Jeff Buckley's "Grace", Seal's "Human Being", and Elton John's "Captain Fantastic", this is definitely one of my all time favorite albums period.
Everyone always talks about Pete Townshend the guitar player, and Pete Townshend the tunesmith. And don't get me wrong, he is an absolute master craftsman at both. But his ability to deliver an emotional vocal performance is so overlooked, it's nearly criminal.
Personal preferences and comparisons aside, this album is a monster. From the opening surge of rhythm in Give Blood to the furious driving end of Come To Mama, this album just does not let up. Each song is a unique vehicle containing both power and beauty.
This release contains three bonus tracks, two previously unreleased songs, and an extended version (remix) of my absolute favorite song on the album, Hiding Out. The two bonus cuts are good songs. I'm glad I have them and listen to them along with the rest of the album.
But the joy of having the 12" version of Hiding Out is just too much. Even though this is more or less an extended remix, and not a true pure extension of the song, there are moments of isolation where the acoustic guitars and drums are much more prevalent here. This is an album I can not recommend more highly.
The sole complaint I have is that there are very expensive Japanese import releases of all Pete Townshend's albums that contain a few additional bonus live cuts. Why do we ALWAYS have to be subjected to record company gimmicks at every turn on these "special edition" re-releases? There is ample room at the end of this CD to put those tracks on here. So why not include them? (Yes I already know the answer).
This quirk aside, for me, this album is about as good as it gets....
Free Music Review: Pete's Best (with note on "Night School")
Hit: 5 Stars
My favorite Pete Townshend solo album is 1985's "White City," a magnificent record with what is arguably Townshend's best collection of solo songs ever. Of course I love his other solo work, but for me, "White City" is Pete's crowning achievement outside of the Who. Thrilling rockers include "Give Blood," "Face The Face" (a Top 40 hit), "Secondhand Love," and "White City Fighting" (co-written with Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour, who also plays on the album), and great pop songs like "Brilliant Blues," "Hiding Out," and "Crashing By Design." Also, this new remaster of "White City" contains three excellent bonus tracks: "Night School" (previously only heard on the "White City" videocassette, currently out-of-print), Pete's cover of the English Beat's "Save It For Later," and an extended mix of "Hiding Out." However, I must say something about "Night School"---this is NOT the version heard on the "White City" video! I've always loved the original version of this song, as it's one of Pete's grooviest tunes ever (it even has a cool disco beat to it), with great vocals & lyrics from Pete. I remained puzzled for years why Pete never properly released the song, so naturally I was thrilled to see it listed as a bonus track on this remastered "White City" CD, and I promptly bought the disc. To my disappointment, this is an *alternate* version of "Night School." It's still very good---the song still rocks---but this version is a bit slower than the one on the "White City" video, with most of Pete's original vocals & lyrics removed. So, what happened to the original version of "Night School", Pete? That's the version I wanted! Oh well...perhaps Pete can correct this problem at a later date. And it takes nothing away at all from the "White City" album itself, which remains Pete Townshend's solo masterpiece. It's an outstanding album. Buy it!Free Music Review: Calling all fans of Pete Townshend
Hit: 5 Stars
There is now a petition going on for Pete to re-open his old website, PETETOWNSHEND.COM
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The aim of the petition is not to force Pete to do anything (if that is even possible), but simply to show how important the website was for the fans and the support they would give for its reopening. Also, there is the very concrete purpose of showing that there are quite a lot of people who would use the website - not an insignificant consideration and not necessarily self-evident as things are now. The decision is, as always, his and depends on his wishes and motivations.
The petition opened on 14 September and is currently at 289 signatures. Information about it was sent to Pete a week ago on monday and he IS aware of it. However, the petition remains open and signable. An update will be sent to Pete in a week or two, so it's very much worth signing (and posting a comment if you want to).
Free Music Review: Born in the wrong era
Hit: 5 Stars
At 26, friends, college instructors, family, and even strangers are often surprised to discover my love for classic rock. Zeppelin, Hendrix, The Who, Morrison, the list goes on. Pete Townshend has a special place in my musical heart, especially with this album.
I remember it being in my dad's vinyl collection when I was little. When I recently asked him what he thought of it, he couldn't remember anything except "Give Blood". He thought that song was exceptional, and the rest was just so-so. I highly respect my dad's musical tastes, so I ordered the album without expecting much. I was VERY pleasantly surprised.
Give it a listen. Some of my favorite tracks are Give Blood, White City Fighting, Secondhand Love, Night School, and Townshend's excellent rendering of Save It For Later.