The Who - The Who: The Ultimate Collection
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Free Music Notes for The Who: The Ultimate Collection
Free Music Review: The best overview to The Who apart from Meaty Beaty Big and Bouncy
Hit: 5 Stars
The Who's 2-CD retrospective entitled The Ultimate Collection was released in June of 2002.
Many fans were complaining/p*ssing and moaning "yet another collection" but this time it's a Who compilation on 2 CDs and covered a great deal of The Who's classics and then some on this 2-CD set.
Also this collection, unlike 1996's My Generation - The Best of The Who, all of the tracks have their original mixes (and not the Jon Astley 1990s remixes which some griped at) and the tracks were all painstakingly REMASTERED from the original tapes (somewhat tasters of the eventually released remasters of the original mixes of Sell Out, Tommy and Who's Next).
The song selection represents the best of guitarist/songwriter Pete Townshend, lead singer Roger Daltrey and the late great bass player John Entwislte and the also sadly missed seemingly 4 armed and 4 legged drummer Keith Moon (two of the tracks feature his successor Kenney Jones).
The groups first two single A-sides "I Can't Explain' and "Anyway Anyhow Anywhere" from 1965 are included and are still classics 45 years on.
The Who's debut album My Generation is represented by three track which were the classic title cut, the UK hit "The Kids Are Alright" and the underrated "A Legal Matter".
The band's two 1966 monster hit singles "Substitute" (a UK Top 5) and "I'm A Boy" (one of the first songs to tackle on child abuse) are included proving why The Who were one of England's great singles bands in the 1960s although those 1965/66 initially tanked here Stateside.
The band's 1966/67 second effort A Quick One (titled Happy Jack in the US) is represented by The Ox's arguable classic "Boris The Spider" and "Happy Jack" (which was not on the original UK version of The Who's second album but became The Who's first Top 30 hit here in the States back in 1967).
Another 1967 single "Pictures Of Lily" is included here and is a classic rocker.
Then the group's 1967 effort The Who Sell Out is represented by the band's biggest US Top 10 hit "I Can See For Miles" which is still a great number today (although the song tanked in the band's native Europe).
Two songs from the 1968 US only release Magic Bus are represented by "Call Me Lightning" and its US hit title cut (here in the stereo mix, I do prefer the Mono Mix which is on The Kids Are Alright soundtrack).
The group's first US Top 5 album, the rock opera Tommy, is represented by the classics "Pinball Wizard" (the album's biggest hit), "I'm Free" and the finale to "We're Not Gonna Take It" called "See Me Feel Me" (which was another US hit).
The group's 1970 single "The Seeker" is also included and is a great rocker.
The classic live effort Live at Leeds (another US Top 5 effort from 1970) is represented by "Summertime Blues" (the band's classic rendition of the Eddie Cochran classic which they made their own).
Then over half of the band's best selling album, 1971's Who's Next (which reached #4 on the US charts) is represented by the Ox's classic rocker "My Wife", the rocking ode to Meher Baba and avant garde musician Terry Riley called "Baba O'Riley" (which was mistitled Teenage Wasteland but is a classic and features Dave Arbus on violin), the rocker "Bargain" (which ends disc one and got a new lease on life when used in a Nissan commercial in 2002), the US rock radio smash about vengeance called "Behind Blue Eyes" (which kicks off the second disc of this best of and this great track was unfortunately defacated by Limp Bizkit in 2003) and all eight and a half minutes of The Who's US Top 20 smash "Won't Get Fooled Again" (which is still a classic today).
The first of three Who's Next outtakes "Let's See Action (Nothing Is Everything)" is next and this track was not released on a US album until 1981's long out of print 2-disc Hooligans set.
Next is another outtake "Pure and Easy" which is a classic and was first released on The Who's 1974 rarities album entitled Odds and Sods (which reached #11 in 1974 in the US).
The US Top 20 single from 1972 "Join Together" is next and was another Who's Next leftover and is a classic. This song first appeared on a US album on the 2-record set Hooligans.
The track "Long Live Rock" is next and was intended for Quadrophenia but was left off and was first released on 1974's Odds and Sods.
The 1973 rock opera Quadrophenia (which reached #2 in the US) is represented by the tracks "The Real Me" (a great rocker), the classic "5:15" (a hit single from the album) and the classic finale "Love Reign O'er Me" (which was released as a single here in the US but flopped yet became a US rock radio staple and is one of The Who's best songs).
1975's The Who by Numbers (which peaked at #8 here Stateside) is represented by the Top 20 smash hit "Squeeze Box" which is the only rock song I know that had a banjo solo and still kicked *ss (some lament the absence of "Slip Kid" which was the other well known rock radio gem off this album).
1978's swan song with the band's classic lineup before the death of drummer Keith Moon, the #2 charting Who Are You album is represented by the classic Top 20 title cut and the attack on disco called "Sister Disco". If you got the UK issue of The Ultimate Collection, the John Entwistle penned rocker "Had Enough" is also included (that track was a US rock radio staple).
The Who's 1981 album Face Dances which reached #4 here in the US (kept out by fellow Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Steve Winwood's Arc Of a Diver at #3, REO Speedwagon's Hi Infidelity at #2 and Styx's classic Paradise Theatre was #1 here in the States whilst Adam Ant's Kings of the Wild Frontier was #1 in the UK) and was their first album with former Small Faces/Faces drummer Kenney Jones replacing Keith Moon and represented by the first song to ever top Billboard's Mainstream Rock Tracks chart called "You Better You Bet" (which was a great rocker which hit #18 on the Billboard Hot 100). If you buy the UK version, there are three more from this album which are "Don't Let Go the Coat", The Ox's "The Quiet One" and the other US rock radio smash "Another Tricky Day" (why this isn't on the US version I won't know).
Finally, we end with a track from 1982's It's Hard (which peaked at #9 in the US) which was the rock radio hit "Eminence Front" which was one of Pete Townshend's best tracks. On the UK version, the album's US Top 30 hit "Athena" is also included.
The Ultimate Collection did well upon release hitting the US Top 40 and went Gold quickly (very well for a 2-disc best of not released during Christmas time (like most 2-disc best ofs usually are)) but just two weeks after this compilation came out in the States, Who bass player John Entwistle passed away from a heart attack brought on by drug use. This compilation turns out to be a tribute to John.
However that aside, if you want a great start place with The Who, this is RECOMMENDED!!!
Free Music Review: This CD's A Bargain - The Best I've Ever Had!!
Hit: 5 Stars
Few bands have carved a greater place in rock history than the British quartet of Roger Daltrey (vocals, Pete Townshend (guitar), John Enthwistle (bass) and Keith Moon (drums), better known as simply The Who. From their classic albums and singles to their dynamic (and often destructive) stage shows, they remain one of the qunitessential rock and roll bands ever.
"The Who: The Ultimate Collection" contains 35 classic Who tracks from 1964 to 1982. Spanning two discs and key changeover in bandmembers (Kenny Jones joined after Keith Moon died). It is the most comprehensive Who collection to date.
Disc One is fromt he early years. The first few trackd capture the band in their early prime, with tracks like "I Can't Explain", "My Generation" and "The Kids Are Alright" (the latter definitely their most Beatles - sounding record). However, once they started recording songs like "Substitute" and "Pictures Of Lily", they proved they were more than just a flash in the pan. They had evolved into a mature, complex rock group.
The Who undoubtedly hit their zenith in 1969 with the release of the album "Tommy". The album was a landmark in the concept album genre (and later a really crappy movie), the story of a "deaf, dumb and blind kid who sure played a mean pinball". Buoyed by such now classic tracks as "I'm Free", "See Me, Feel Me" and of course, "Pinball Wizard", Tommy stands as The Who's masterpiece. Of course, theirr un of good luck continued well after "Tommy", as they recorded great tracks like "Baba O'Reilly" and "Bargain", as well as making the defining live album of the 1970s', "Live At The Leeds".
Disc Two picks up withb tracks from their second best album, "Who's Next", and both are instant fan favorites. "Behind Blue Eyes" is one of The Who's most poignant songs, absolutely beautiful. Then comes what may well be their best song ever. "Won't Get Fooled Again" stands as a defining roc anthem, from its echoing intro ti Daltrey's closing scream.
The years between 1973 and 1978 provided the bsnd with some difficult times. Their albums were not as big, and they had some trouble scoring massive hits. Still, that doesn't mean they didn't make great music. "The Real Me" and especially the epic "Love Reign O'er Me" rank among their finest songs ever, and "Join Together" and the novelty "Squeeze Box" were great singles (and top twenty hits in America).
In 1978, the band bounced back with the release of the smash album "Who Are You". Yielding the smash hit in the classic title track as well as songs like "Sister Disco". Howeve, the album proved to be The Who's last masterpiece and, more importantly, a sing of change. On September 7th, 1978, Keith Moon died of a drug overdose. The group's most recognized member and most outrageous was gone. Some say that when he died, the group's heart and soul went with him.
I disagree. I think that their two albums without Moon did yeild some excellent material. "You Better You Bet" from 1981's "Face Dances" may well be my favorite Who song ever, and one can only imagine if Moon were on it how it would have sounded like if he played on it. Then there's their last chart hit, 1982's "Eminence Front". Boy, what a great song and a great to way to bring everything full circle.
The booklet is excllent. The liner notes are informative and the oictures are really good. This is definitely recommendable.
Free Music Review: Worth your money
Hit: 5 Stars
One of the most influential groups to emerge out of the "Me Generation," The Who, has just released its most comprehensive and enjoyable greatest hits compilation to date, entitled "The Ultimate Collection." Unlike any greatest hits compilation to come before it, "Ultimate Collection" provides any Who or classic rock fan with a listening experience that is unmatched. Not only does "Ultimate" embrace the depth and brevity of the band's career but it further illustrates their contribution to rock n' roll which started in the early sixties and continues even today. "Ultimate Collection" consists of three discs, two which span the band's career and weave together hit singles, experimental tracks, and excerpts from both of the group's dramatic "rock operas" Tommy and Quadrophenia, and a bonus disc that includes four rare as well as live tracks that the band recorded. Opening disc one is "I Can't Explain," the powerfully catchy track recorded in 1964 that put The Who at the forefront of the burgeoning "Mod" scene that was gaining popularity at that time. Other tracks from this era are included and clearly illustrate the group's knack for skillful songwriting and brutally honest lyricism, which is found in "The Kid's Are Alright" and the timeless "My Generation." The group's evolution as songwriters and performers is evident in other songs like "Pictures of Lily" and "Happy Jack" where the content becomes even more daring and the sounds are more experimental. Since the songs are arranged in chronological order, it is easy for the listener to enjoy the band's progression from Mods producing catchy singles, to serious musicians concerned with every last detail of their music. From what instruments were used to achieve certain effects, to how their music was used to create a total theatrical experience, as in Tommy, The Who were a band in constant evolution, unwilling to compromise their sound and experiment with it, while maintaining the passion that fueled everything they accomplished.
Disc two provides the listener with several of the band's most notable hits outside of "My Generation," unmistakable tracks that defined the greater part of the band's career. These tracks include classic rock staples such as "You Better You Bet" and "Who Are You" along with "Behind Blue Eyes" and "Eminence Front." The group's unforgettable rendition of "Summertime Blues" at the legendary Leeds concert is included as well, further demonstrating the overall power and energy that the group possessed onstage and in the recording studio.
Whether it's powerhouse singer Roger Daltrey bellowing out the final refrain to "Baba O' Riley" or the distortion emanating from Pete Townshend's smashed guitar, the group's character and musical sensibility shines through all the tracks included in this amazing collection. "Ultimate" gives The Who the recognition so many long-time fans have desired and other best hits compilations have lacked. Moreover, the collection is a wonderful introduction to some of The Who's most prominent works, from their early years to their most recent. Whether the listener is a die-hard fan who's caught the band's legendary performances over twenty times, or someone's who's just curious as to what the band's about, "Ultimate" is sure to please everyone, even the simplest fan who just appreciates discovering and hearing quality music.
Free Music Review: The best of so many WHO compilations
Hit: 5 Stars
THE BAND: Roger Daltrey (lead vocals, guitar, harmonica), Pete Townshend (guitars, vocals), John Entwistle (bass, vocals), Keith Moon (drums), Kenney Jones (drums on the last 2 tracks on disc-2 only).
THE DISCS: (2002) Two discs containing 35 tracks clocking in at approximately 136 total minutes (Disc-1 at 67:22, Disc-2 at 68:51). There were 2 other releases of this "Ultimate" set - a limited edition 3-disc set with 4 bonus tracks, and a UK 3-disc version with 5 bonus tracks (both hard to find since only 150,000 were made of each). Included with the disc is a 28-page booklet containing 20 pages of history and band photos, song titles/credits/times, and the year each song was released. All but 3 of the tracks were written by Pete Townshend (John Entwistle wrote 2, and Eddie Cochran wrote "Summertime Blues"). This collection covers the band from 1965-1982. Digitally remastered sound. Labe - MCA Records / UTV.
COMMENTS: If you're just getting acquainted with The Who, this is THE place to start. While not perfect, this "Ultimate" collection of Who tunes is the best of a plethora to choose from (i.e. - "Then And Now", "Meaty Beaty Big & Bouncy", "Who's Greatest Hits", "Who's Better, Who's Best", "Millennium's 20th Century Masters", "My Generation - The Best of The Who", "The Kids Are Alright / Soundtrack", etc). 35 tracks giving you a wide taste of The Who from their early days in the 1960's, to their hard rocking long-haired days of the 70's and early 80's. The standards are all here - "I Can't Explain", "My Generation", "Pinball Wizard", "Baba O'Riley", "Behind Blue Eyes", "Wont Get Fooled Again","Join Tegether", "5:15", "Love Reign O'er Me", "Who Are You", "Eminence Front", etc. Disc -1 covers their early hits (the majority from the 60's), with the exception of the last 3 tracks from "Who's Next" (these 3 tracks seem oddly out of place on disc-1... they would have fit better with the tracks on disc-2). Disc-2 continues with 2 more tracks from "Who's Next" and moves onward post 1971. The Who have many albums to choose from, and the following are all represented here - "Quadrophenia", "Who Are You", "Who's Next", "Tommy", The Who By Numbers", "Odds & Sods", "Live At Leeds", "Face Dances", "The Who Sell Out", "It's Hard", "The Who Sings My Generation", "Quick One/Happy Jack", etc. I have two minor complaints about this "Ultimate" collection - 1. No listing of what songs came from which albums, and 2. though there are NO bad tracks here... there are a few well-known songs missing ("Going Mobile", "Athena", "Had Enough", "Slip Kid", "Trick Of The Light"). Outside of the first few tracks, the remastered sound is superb. As good as Daltrey's vocals are, Townshend's guitar, Moon's animalistic drumming... listen for Entwistle's amazing and original bass playing. If you're looking for one or two studio albums from The Who, start with "Who's Next" (1971), followed by "Quadrophenia" (1973). Otherwise trade in your other Who compilations for this one (5 stars).
Free Music Review: The Best of One of the Best Bands Ever!
Hit: 5 Stars
Of the 786 or so Who compilations, the Ultimate Collection is probably the best there is, therefore proving itself to be the "ultimate collection". Not only does it give the greatest songs and an overview of the band's entire career, it also comes at a great value for 35 songs. Any big Who fan probably already has this (unless they have most of the other greatest hits that came out), but anyone who is recently getting into this incredible band should definitely buy this. This compilation allows anyone to skip Who 101, and go straight to being a big fan. The Who is one of the greatest bands ever and anyone that appreciates good music will enjoy this.
For me, the standout disc is the first one. This has many of the early classics including the infamous "My Generation", probably the Who greatest song. However, the disc also includes many of the other great songs from The Who's mod period (for the definition of mod, refer to allmusic.com) that many see rivals "My Generation". These include "I Can't Explain", "The Kids Are Alright", "Substitute", and "Pictures of Lily". After creating these pop-rock masterpieces, The Who began making an even bigger name for themselves with the rock juggernaut "I Can See for Miles", and of course the ambitious Tommy, which included the songs "Pinball Wizard", "I'm Free", and "See me, Feel me", all incredible. Trying to top themselves, they released Live at Leeds, which had the amazing cover of "Summertime Blues", one of the greatest live performances ever. Disc one concludes with three songs from one of the greatest albums ever Who's Next. All three deserve their place on this collection. Disc two picks up where the former left off, with the astonishing ballad/rocker "Behind Blue Eyes", and The Who's masterpiece "Won't Get Fooled Again". This was the peak of The Who's greatness, and unfortunately, they could never match it. Yet there are still some great numbers left including "Long Live Rock", "The Real Me", "5:15", "Who are You", and the stunning "Love Reign O'er Me", which ranks as one of the Who's greatest.
The Who is one of the greatest and most influential bands ever (after hearing this you will know why Pete Townshend thought punk rock was one big homage to The Who). They are also THE greatest live band ever, mainly because of their talent and the excitement and energy they gave off. Every band member had something that put them above others in their genre. To see this I recommend The Kids are Alright dvd, but before that, I highly recommend this.