BY NUMBERS

I guess that it is normal that after such a creative period (69 - 73) full of endless touring The Who could not be on par with their previous albums. No great anthems here. Just a bunch of good rock songs, without any great moments. Somewhat a disillusion of course. This album is definitely not a must have in your Who discography (but the same remark applies to their "sixties" work (with the exception of "Tommy" of course). In these days, Pete has drowned into alcoholism. It is also a return to the roots : more straight-forward compositions. The first five songs of the album are not bad at all, although I do not like "Squeeze Box" that much. Too childish. It sounds as the early Who. But "Slip Kid" and "Dreaming From the Waist" are very pleasant (especially the latter which is my fave here).

During "However Much I Booze" Daltrey leaves the vocals to Pete. He found that the lyrics were referring too much to Pete to sing it himself : "I see myself on T.V., I'm a faker, a paper clown. It's clear to all my friends that I habitually lie, I just bring them down. I claim proneness to exaggeration, But the truth lies in my frustration. The children of the night, they all pass me by. Have to drench myself in brandy, In sleep I'll hide. But however much I booze, There ain't no way out".

The album weakens somewhat with "Success Story" which is just another rock song like there are thousands out there. Only lyrics are rather funny (and even autobiographic when one can hear : "I may go far if I smash my guitar"). It is the story of young guy dreaming of becoming a rock star. The whole of the story is really interesting (you can easily get the lyrics out there on the Internet. It is really worth) but what a pity that the music is not as strong as the lyrics. It is the only song written by Entwistle.

The next two songs are really not worth and are absolutely not on par with Who classics. Both are dull rock ballads. Press next to reach "How Many Friends" which is again a good Who ... number.

"In a Hand Or a Face" is again on par with the first part of the album. Above average, I would say. There are three bonus live tracks on the remastered edition, which makes it a bit more interesting. They were recorded at the Swansea Football Stadium (June 16th, 1976). Like usual an average studio number ("Squeeze Box"), gets another dimension while played live. "Behind Blue Eyes" also gets a special treatment (especially the second part featuring a great Keith on drums).

Even if this album is not great, The Who were able to chart with it (number 7 in the UK and number 8 in the US). The sleeve was designed by John Entwistle.

Three stars for the remastered edition. If you want to get the essence of their work, just grab a "Best Of". For maniacs, "Tommy", "Live At Leeds", "Who's Next" and "Quadrophenia" are of course essential.