The Definitive Version?
Edward B. Hanel Jr. | Kailua, HI USA | 12/28/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The reviews posted to the limited edition import release create some confusion as what the item actually is. Several reviews concern the US Sep 99 gold CD re-issue by Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab (MFSL). In fact, the limited edition import is part of a 12 CD re-issue by Polydor in Japan (POCP-9199).As with the rest of the series, this release comes in a cardboard sleeve that duplicates the original LP sleeve. The CD itself is the Nov 95 re-master version. The liner notes for that release are reproduced, along with a lyric booklet and a section from a Who discography. Since the original release had no special posters or enclosures, the limited edition import release adds little beyond the music itself.Despite being a LP cobbled together from Pete Townshend's original Lifehouse project, Who's Next is simply the best studio effort the band ever produced. Thank heaven for co-producer John Glyns. With the bonus of the extra track Pure And Easy, the listener can also try to appreciate what Pete was trying to do with Lifehouse. Without any weak tracks on the original LP, this deservedly earns a five-star rating and the unofficial title as the Who's best overall LP.So it is not hard to understand why MCA and Polydor have issued several different versions since 1995. There is MCA Gold Disc (MCAD-11312) from Aug/Sep 95 (original LP, original mix, no extra tracks), MCA Heavy Vinyl (MCA-11164, original LP) from Oct 95, the Jon Astley re-master, with extra tracks (MCA 11269 or Polydor 527760-2) from Nov 95, the MFSL Gold CD mentioned above, and a recent Polydor vinyl (SVLP-088, original LP) from Sep 99.The causal fan is well served with the 95 re-mastered version. The completist can scream along with me as we buy yet one more version to add to the collection."
Track Listings (16) - Disc #1