Endless Wire [Limited] [CD & DVD] by Who (The) (CD, Oct-2006, Universal Republic)

The Who triumph again with their latest CD Endless Wire. The band continues to grow and expand its reach with a powerful new musical suite reminiscent of their revolutionary rock opera TOMMY. People complain that Pete & Roger don't deliver the wallop of years past, but it is very unrealistic and naive to expect as much - would you compare the game of a 60-year old baseball player with his former 20-something self? The triumph of this album is in the writing, performance, and delivery of a mature group of musical artists that continues to cover new ground and expand their musical mastery. These are teenagers grown up, with the experience and wisdom that comes from maturing as the fine craftmen they are. The band goes from powerhouse rock to sensual ballad with effortless skill and command, while giving nods to its past (in a modernized reminder of a Baba O'Reilly-like intro). Roger Daltry's voice may not be able to scream through the speakers as he once did, but his vocal stylings contain nuances and power comparable to a seasoned jazz vocalist. Here's an artist still in control of a masterful voice, still able to venture into new arenas of vocal explorations, from sounding like a raspy young Tom Waits, to a soulful romantic crooner. Townsend's writing has never been better, and the band shows command of its material on every level. This album is a joy and a definite must for any Who fan.

With half of the original band The Who now dead,I wasn't sure what to expect from this album. I should have known better. Roger Daltry's vocals are not as powerful as they once were,but hey,he's an old guy now,and they are still pretty darn good! The real magic in this album however,is the contributions of Pete Townshend as the songwriter and multiple instrument player. Pete Townshend is one of those very special musicians that turns out consistently strong work,both as a writer and a player. He has been one of my favorites for many,many years,and I will continue to buy anything that he has anything to do with. A highly recommended cd.

I'm a fan of The Who, so when this CD came out I pretty much had to buy it to see what it was like. Compared to their heyday, the instrumental work on this album is very good, but Roger's voice is seeing the ravages of time. He cannot get that same defiant sound that we are all so familiar with. This is not an issue on the quieter tracks, but is very noticable when he is trying to belt out a loud vocal. This is most evident when watching "Won't Get Fooled Again" on the accompanying DVD. It is not as noticable on "Mike Post's Theme" which I think was recorded a couple of years before the actual release of this disc. Some tracks have a feel similar to Baba O'Riley with the use of synthesizers and overall I am glad I got this disc, but Who purists (those who don't like anything after Keith Moon's death) may want to pass on this one.

As a longtime Who fan, I thought I would be disappointed by this album, seeing as how two original member are now gone. But, I was happily surprised. I find the chorus of certain numbers like 'Two Thousand Years'and 'We Got a Hit' (almost sounds like The Who from the 60's) sometimes stick in my brain. 'Sound Round' really rocks. It's been 24 years since we last heard new Who music. Hope we don't have to wait as long for another batch.