The Definitive Version?
Edward B. Hanel Jr. | Kailua, HI USA | 12/28/1999
(3 out of 5 stars)
"The limited edition import By Numbers is part of the 12 CD Who series from Polydor in Japan (POCP-9203). The release includes a miniture cardboard LP cover, including a serial number on the back as was the case for the original UK LP. The CD is the remastered version originally released in Nov 96.One of the most introspective Who releases, many critics wondered if it was really a Townshend solo effort for which the other members just happend to be around. Squeeze Box seemed a throw away, but Slip Kid and Entwistle's Success Story match up with most Who efforts. Imagine A Man, Blue, Red And Grey, and How Many Friends, however, all signaled a maturation that left My Generation and Substitute far behind. It was always interesting to see where Townshend would go; but for the first time, the trip was not going to be a rush. Perhaps However Much I Booze was a bit too auto-biographical. In any event, By Numbers became the first Who LP that took some time and effort before it worked its way into the listener's mind. In hindsight, storm clouds were brewing for a rocky trip into the darkness of Townshend's (and our own) soul. This was not a teenage party album."
The Definitive Version?
Edward B. Hanel Jr. | Kailua, HI USA | 12/29/1999
(3 out of 5 stars)
"The limited edition import Who Are You is part of the 12 CD Who series from Polydor in Japan (POCP 9204). It includes a miniture cardboard copy of the original LP cover and the Nov 96 re-mastered CD. This release will be primarily of interest to hard-core collectors who want a complete set of the Japanese series.Only 3 stars for Keith Moon's last official album? That's because, outside of the title track, there is little that compels the listener to focus on the band and shut out the rest of the world. Perhaps it was the time: by Aug 78 rock bands were supposed to have figured out that the old ways were under seige. Who Are You was not a bad effort, but despite the story behind Pete's encounter with a couple of Sex Pistols and titles like Music Must Change, The Who's music no longer seemd to be in the vanguard of rock. Yet younger fans have often written to say this is one of their favorite Who albums. Rock on, dudes!"