The Who The Ultimate Collection MCA/Universal By David Chiu

The timing of this particular release couldn't have been more prophetic or poignant given the recent passing of bassist John Entwistle on the eve of the Who's American tour. Though it's a sad fact that there are now only two remaining members of the band, their legacy hasn't diminished one iota after their formation almost forty years ago. The Ultimate Collection serves a heaping best of this band that launched a million power pop bands. The thrust, the fury, and the brilliance (not forget melodies) can still be heard on early tracks like "My Generation," "I Can't Explain," and "The Kids Are Alright." Pete Townshed's musical ambitions reached grandiose heights with the rock opera "Tommy" and the songs off of that such as "Pinball Wizard" and "See Me Feel Me" have been part of the art rock lexicon. The Who affirmed their stature with the album Who's Next that gave us "Bargain," "Baba O'Reilly," "Behind Blue Eyes," and the immortal "Won't Get Fooled Again" (which also marked the successful integration of synthesizers in rock). Even though dismissed by the punks as an institution in the late '70s, the Who still delivered the hits unflinchingly in "Who Are You," the quirky "You Better You Bet," and the driving "Eminence Front." This 2-CD is a great way to appreciate Roger Daltrey's emotive singing, Pete Townshend's power chords, the aforementioned Entwistle's steady, penetrating bass lines, and the late Keith Moon's explosive, shrapnel drumming. Whatever happens to the Who after this seems irrelevant-this music will not only outlive them but all of us.

http://www.universalchronicles.com