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The Who - Roger Daltrey Solo Albums - Page 3 (1985 - Current):
UNDER A RAGING MOON
Album: Under A Raging Moon
LPs (vinyl) Sampled: 10 Records (UK, Germany, Israel, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Philippines, Portugal, South Africa), Atlantic (USA, Canada), Virgin (Brazil, Zimbabwe), ST (Korea)
CDs Sampled: 10 Records (UK, Japan), Atlantic (USA)
Non-album Tracks: "It Don't Satisfy Me" (extended version on 12" EP versions of "After The Fire"), "Love Me Like You Do" (on 12" EP versions of "After The Fire" and CD version of album), "Behind Blue Eyes/5:15" (live medley version on 12" 10 Records (UK) "Under A Raging Moon" EP and double 7" version of the same), "Won't Get Fooled Again" (live version on double 7" of 10 Records (UK) "Under A Raging Moon"), "Breakout" (on double 7" of 10 Records (UK) "The Pride You Hide"), "Don't Talk To Strangers", "Pictures Of Lily" (both are live versions included on double 7" of 10 Records (UK) "The Pride You Hide")
LP Comments: This album was recorded at the beginning of the "digital age". The Atlantic (USA) is too bright and harsh sounding. However, the 10 Records (UK) is a little smoother around the edges, making listening tolerable, but not ideal. Lastly, the 10 Records (Japan) is a little warmer than the (UK) version, making this version the LP of choice.
CD Comments: Both the USA and UK CD versions are too bright and harsh (but the 10 Records (UK) is a tad smoother). The Japan CD seems a bit warmer, more vinyl-like.
Compare for yourself!
Below are 30 second WAV samples of Under A Raging Moon from various pressings of "Under A Raging Moon" as described above.
1985 UK LP 1985 USA LP 1985 Argentina LP 1985 Brazil LP 1985 Canada LP 1985 Germany LP 1985 Israel LP 1985 Japan LP 1985 Korea LP 1985 Mexico LP 1985 New Zealand LP 1985 Philippines LP 1985 Portugal LP 1985 South Africa LP 1985 Zimbabwe LP 1985 UK CD 1985 USA CD 1985 Japan CD
Bonus Tracks:
"Under A Raging Moon" (Original Writer Version) vs. Roger Daltrey (Live Version) vs. John Entwistle Band (Live Version):
2011 USA CD (John Parr) vs. 1985 USA LP (Promo) vs. 2002 USA CD (John Entwistle Band)
"After The Fire" (Pete Townshend Demo Version) vs. Roger Daltrey (Album Version) vs. Roger Daltrey (Live Version) vs. Pete Townshend (Live Version)
1985 UK Demo (Pete Townshend) vs. 1985 Japan CD (Roger Daltrey) vs. 1985 USA LP (Roger Daltrey Live) vs. 1986 USA Master Tape Reel (Pete Townshend Live)
"Breakout" (Non-Album Track From UK Single "b" Side):
1986 UK 45
Note: Sound comparisons are only as good as your ears and the equipment you are listening to the music with.Summary: The 10 Records (Japan) LP or CD are the best pressings.
Other Comments: This album could really be significantly improved by remixing and remastering.
About: Under A Raging Moon
I think at the time of its release Roger described this album as his "Who album" - I think perhaps in terms of rock music and singing style (perhaps) but in terms of content, well...
This album has 2 really great songs:
* After The Fire - the song that Pete Townshend wrote for Live Aid, but didn't have it quite ready on time (Pete ended up giving it to Roger and Roger made it to the top 40)
* Under A Raging Moon - this was written by John Parr (from St Elmo's Fire fame) about... Keith Moon. A truly great song which featured (8 ?) different drummers each giving their own tribute to Keith. This is a song worthy of being a Who song.
In 1989 I had made several suggestions to Pete before the tour:
1) Include solo music - the solo catalogues were bigger than The Who's catalogue at that point - why ignore all that great music
2) Instead of closing with "Won't Get Fooled Again" - close with "Under A Raging Moon"
(Well... Not all good ideas get used)
Fast forward to 1995...
When I was working with The John Entwistle Band, I sent John a proposed set list - most of which was adopted (several songs like "When I Was A Boy" or "One At A Time" John said would be too difficult to play live) but what he REALLY liked was my suggestion of "Under A Raging Moon". John constantly talked about Keith and I thought he would eat this up - thankfully he did and the band did a great version of this with Godfrey Townsend on lead vocals. Wow!
Getting back to Roger's album...
I recall them touting this as "recorded all digital" - a big deal then with the new CD age - but to the average music fan - who cares? How was the music? How is the quality of the song writing? How are the performances??? Nah... It's digital!!!
Unfortunately the early digital age was a mess. The earliest of CDs were either revelations (i.e. wow!) or horror stories (what the <Riker> did they do here???)
This album was sort of in the middle.
Even the LP (which came out first) was touted as digital. And it sounded that way - bad. Too bright, thin sounding and a bit on the harsh side. After some worldwide purchases - I found the Japan LP & CD to sound the best (but not by much). I tend to not want to play music that doesn't sound very good.
I looked at the credits - who mastered it? The famous Bob Ludwig (you might recall him from the digital pops in Tommy or the repeat glitch on Face Dances - "It's In You"). I guess he was experimenting too. It doesn't sound very good and would be a great candidate for remixing and remastering.
In 1985 Roger did a mini tour in support of the album and did a nice job with these songs live...
The other song I really like on the album is "Move Better In The Night" - its a "fun" song (whatever that means).
Roger had songs written for him by Russ Ballard and Bryan Adams for this album - but they weren't that memorable...Track Listing:
LP: After The Fire, Don't Talk To Strangers, Breaking Down Paradise, The Pride You Hide, Move Better In The Night, Let Me Down Easy, Fallen Angel, It Don't Satisfy Me, Rebel, Under A Raging Moon
CD: After The Fire, Don't Talk To Strangers, Breaking Down Paradise, The Pride You Hide, Move Better In The Night, Love Me Like You Do, Let Me Down Easy, Fallen Angel, It Don't Satisfy Me, Rebel, Under A Raging Moon
CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THE MOVIE
Album: Can't Wait To See The Movie
LPs (vinyl) Sampled: 10 Records (Greece, Israel, Japan), Specialty (USA-test pressing), Atlantic (USA), Virgin (Argentina)
CDs Sampled: 10 Records (UK, Japan), Atlantic (USA, Russia), EMI (NL), Wounded Bird (USA)
Non-album Tracks: Hearts Of Fire (extended version on 10 Records (UK) 12"), Quicksilver Lightning (b side of 10 Records (UK) "Hearts Of Fire", Quick Silver sound track album Atlantic (USA) CD & LP and Atlantic (USA) "Quick Silver Lightning 7"), "Take Me Home" (extended dance mix version & instrumental version available on same titled Atlantic (USA) 12")
An "honorable mention" belongs to Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me (a cover of the Elton John song) because the "b" side(s) to the single versions of the song were taken from the <above> album. This song can be found on the Lost Boys soundtrack, Atlantic (USA) CD and LP, 10 Records (UK) single, 12" & 7".
LP Comments: The Atlantic (USA) seems to be better than the rest.
CD Comments: All of the CD versions sound identical.
Other Comments: This album doesn't seem to have a big following among Who fans, but I've always liked it. Songs like "Hearts Of Fire" (from a reworked Russ Ballard solo song, "Dream On" from his 1985 "The Fire Still Burns" album) and "Balance On Wires" are my favorites. The album version of "Take Me Home" doesn't do the song justice compared to the extended dance mix version (this version throws just about everything at you, except for the kitchen sink).
"When The Thunder Comes" features a different mix between the CD and LP versions.
Compare for yourself!
Below are 30 second WAV samples of "Balance On Wires" from various pressings of "Can't Wait To See The Movie" as described above.
1987 UK CD 1987 USA LP (Test Pressing) 1987 USA LP 1987 USA CD 1987 Argentina LP 1987 Greece LP 1987 Israel LP 1987 Japan LP 1987 Japan CD 1987 Russia CD 2001 Holland CD 2004 USA CD
Bonus Tracks:
"Dream On" (1985 Russ Ballard Song Which "Hearts Of Fire" Is Based On) vs. "Hearts Of Fire"
2012 Japan CD (Russ Ballard) vs. 1987 UK CD (Roger Daltrey)
"When The Thunder Comes"- LP Version vs. CD Version
1987 USA LP vs. 1987 UK CD
"Take Me Home" - Album Version vs. Extended Dance Mix 12" vs. Extended Instrumental 12"
1987 UK CD (Album Version) vs. 1987 USA 12" (Extended Dance Mix Version) vs. 1987 USA 12" (Extended Instrumental Version)
Note: Sound comparisons are only as good as your ears and the equipment you are listening to the music with.Summary: In terms of sound quality, the CDs all sound good and pretty much about the same. The LPs have deeper bass. Take your pick...
About: Can't Wait To See The Movie
This album has some really good songs, but as I was listening to the whole album - I thought to myself - what was Roger trying to do here?
Did Roger really want to "make it" in a new direction by singing sappy love songs??? Or, was this the album designed to sell its parts and pieces to Movie Soundtracks - hence the title?
(I guess we might have to wait for Roger's autobiography for the answers...)
The album starts off with a familiar sound - "Hearts Of Fire" - a really good song written by Russ Ballard (who has written many songs for Roger over the years - this may have actually been the last one!) Russ has a rework of this song "Dream On" from his "The Fire Still Burns" LP (similar music, slightly different arraignment and different lyrics).
For some reason, the 2nd song on the album, "When The Thunder Comes" was mixed one way for LP and another way for CD. So, in essence you need both versions if you are a "completist". I liked the LP version a little better. It's a decent song...
As you get to the middle/end of the album, it becomes filled with songs titled:
Ready For Love, Miracle Of Love, Price Of Love, Heart Has Its Reasons, Alone In The Night, Lover's Storm
All of these are... (love songs! - and varying degrees of sappiness)
They range from pretty good to... "Alone In The Night" - this one just goes off the deep end and probably is a little too sappy for this album - definitely belongs on a soundtrack of "something"....
Speaking of which, "Price Of Love" is probably the most familiar tune on the album as it was featured prominently in the Michael J. Fox movie hit, The Secret Of My Success.
My favorite songs on the album are:
* Hearts Of Fire (see above)
* Balance On Wires - This is a REALLY good song. Its recurring lines:
"It's not something you wear on your sleeve No tears for people to see The hurt that comes from inside is damaging me"
In a way it's like a Roger version of "Behind Blue Eyes" - whereas it goes along its merry way, then just explodes. Great song!
* Take Me Home" - This song pulls out the kitchen sink - instruments flying out of every part of your speakers. The only disappointing facet of this, is that there's a MUCH better version of the song on the USA only 12" Single - That version is just unbelievable and highly recommended! - BTW - the extended version of the song is NOT on the promo 12" - only on the stock copy version.
That's it. Nothing more to say about the album. A decent, "casual listening" album with several really good songs...Track Listing (LP): Hearts Of Fire, When The Thunder Comes, Ready For Love, Balance On Wires, Miracle Of Love, Price Of Love, Heart Has Its Reasons, Lover's Storm, Take Me Home
Track Listing (CD): Hearts Of Fire, When The Thunder Comes, Ready For Love, Balance On Wires, Miracle Of Love, Price Of Love, Heart Has Its Reasons, Alone In The Night, Lover's Storm, Take Me Home
ROCKS IN THE HEAD
Album: Rocks In The Head
CDs Sampled: Atlantic (USA), Wounded Bird (USA), Castle Music (UK)
CD Comments: This is a well-recorded album and the CDs sounds good. A slight edge in sound quality to the Atlantic (USA) version. The Castle (UK) version boosts the audio volume somewhat.
Other Comments: None.
Compare for yourself!
Below are 30 second WAV samples of "Days Of Light" from various pressings of "Rocks In The Head" as described above.
1992 USA CD 2004 USA CD 2005 UK CD
Bonus Tracks:
"Times Changed" (1992 Studio CD Version) vs. (Live 1992 Rockline Version):
1992 USA CD vs. 1992 USA RL
"Days Of Light" (Live 1992 Television Version):
1992 USA TV
Note: Sound comparisons are only as good as your ears and the equipment you are listening to the music with.
About: Rocks In The Head
This was Roger's last studio album of new material (released originally only in the USA in 1992).
I sort of held off on this one - and I haven't listened to it in years. I recalled having a hard time finding any song I really liked. Fast forward about 6 (or more) years and the same is true today.
Great singing, well-recorded music, good band performances, but the writing is terribly weak. Most of these songs are very repetitious. (i.e. not very interesting.)
I absolutely hate writing reviews like this. In my mind, everything The Who or its members (as solo artists) should do, should be special. The good news is, most of it is!
The one song I kinda like is "Days Of Light". It has a sort of "Magic Bus" type beat to it, but it's all about someone who "can't wait for the weekend" to get to the "days of light" (for their "48 hours of fun"). OK, so it's a light ditty, that probably belongs better in a Bruce Springsteen catalog than Roger's Daltrey's. (But I'll give it a thumbs up...)
After that? "Love Is" This one is "OK". More detailed lyric wise than most of the album. Lastly, "Unforgettable Opera". It's OK too.
What I find fascinating about this album is that it actually has a somewhat strong following. Ask Who fans what their favorite Roger Daltrey solo album is and this comes up often. From my point of view, it's hard to go from the best song-writing (Pete Townshend's) to anything less than that.
The album was reissued in the USA in 2004 on the obscure, "Wounded Bird" label (yes, a legitimate record company) and for the first time in the UK, in 2005 on the Castle label...Track Listing: Who's Gonna Walk on Water, Before My Time Is Up, Times Changed, You Can't Call It Love, Mirror Mirror, Perfect World, Love Is, Blues Man's Road, Everything a Heart Could Ever Want, Days of Light, Unforgettable Opera
A CELEBRATION: THE MUSIC OF PETE TOWNSHEND AND THE WHO
Album: A Celebration: The Music Of Pete Townshend And The Who
CDs Sampled: Continuum (USA), House Of Blues (USA) (Only known releases) (See also: "Daltrey Sings Townshend" 2009 Holland CD Below)
CD Comments: Both CD versions sound great. (Compare with "Daltrey Sings Townshend" for sound quality and track listing differences)
Other Comments: This CD features also features guest performances by Pete Townshend and John Entwistle. The video version and 2009 Holland CD (below) contains additional songs not released on this CD.
Compare for yourself!
Below are 30 second WAV samples from various pressings of "A Celebration" as described above. * From "Daltrey Sings Townshend" (2009 Holland CD Below)
Imagine A Man:
1994 USA CD 1998 USA CD 2009 Holland CD *
The Real Me:
1994 USA CD 1998 USA CD 2009 Holland CD *
Baba O'Riley:
1994 USA CD 1998 USA CD 2009 Holland CD *
Bonus Track (And I Moved):
1994 USA PPV TV
Note: Sound comparisons are only as good as your ears and the equipment you are listening to the music with.
About: A Celebration: The Music of Pete Townshend and The Who
This is a really good CD in so many different ways.
The set list
The arraignments
The performances
Guest appearances from John and Pete
From the beginning to the end, audiophile candy - a really well recorded live performance (except for the drums at times).
In 1994 I was on the fence about going to this show in NY. Tickets were close to $400 and I was never a believer in pissing $$$ away for 1 time events/experiences.
The show was being broadcast on pay per view and I thought that was probably good enough. However, while still in the fence about going on the way home from Tower Records (to buy tapes to record the PPV) I cratered my BMW in a massive pothole and took out 2 wheels and tires! So... I figured I spent enough needless $ and stayed home (probably a mistake).
Later on I found out that Roger took his show on the road, downsized it and was getting rave reviews. Since I never bothered to travel for concerts - I missed all that too (almost).
The PPV concert was great. I thought the "guest bands" were a waste - Who/Roger fans want to hear Roger sing these songs - not some band who is about to break up and never be heard from again.
The CD is an edit from the concert - the only non-Who guest on it is Linda Perry singing "Dr Jimmy" (a strange song for a woman to sing) and the moment Roger announces her name, I hit "next".
My favorite songs from the CD are:
* Overture (a hint at what could have been)
* Imagine A Man (great job Roger)
* The Song Is Over (really nice performance)
* The Real Me (with John Entwistle)
* Baba O'Riley and After The Fire (these are done with The Chieftains and are extra ordinary - wow!)
* The Sea Refuses No River (imagine if Roger did a solo album covering Pete's solo work? What a great version of the song - Roger just brings it to life here!)
* Who Are You (sung by Pete - and a real wow)
Missing from my favorites but sang by Pete, is "And I Moved". I remember Pete playing this and thinking to myself "holy <Picard> - I can't believe he's playing this." It really doesn't get any better.
In 2009 an expanded version of the CD (and DVD) was released in Holland (now titled "Daltrey Sings Townshend"). I seem to recall the sound quality being not as good (dubbed from the video?)
What's interesting about this show, the tour that followed and the plans thereafter is that it all led back to London Hyde Park and the coming together of The Who again.
As the 1994 tour progressed, Roger had evolved this into a "new Who" band with Simon Townshend in Pete's roll, John on bass and Zack Starkey replacing Simon Philips. Along with a few others - this was the "new band".
Plans were made to tour Europe and it was being debates if this band should call itself "The Who", "The New Who", etc and the kickoff of the tour was the 1995 Who Convention.
Apparently the day before the Convention, Roger got word how much money he lost on this tour (over $1M) and ended up canceling the Euro tour and firing the band in the eve of The Who Convention. Somehow the band was still committed to play - even though their lives were now upside down and they ended up playing one of the best concerts I ever saw! Simon opened (made me a fan for life) and then rejoined the band. Wow! The version of "Relay" was unbelievable.
Fast forward several months later. Pete now wants to do "Quadrophenia" for the Princes Trust and needs Roger's help. Somehow Roger was able to work things out with his band to join them and the rest is history. A pretty interesting transformation with lots of ups and downs...Track Listing: Overture, Pinball Wizard, Imagine a Man, Doctor Jimmy, The Song Is Over, The Real Me, Baba O'Riley, After the Fire, 5.15, The Sea Refuses No River, Who Are You, Won't Get Fooled Again (Compare with "Daltrey Sings Townshend" below)
MOONLIGHTING
Album: Moonlighting
CDs Sampled: Sanctuary (UK) Promo
CD Comments: Great sounding CD set. It appears that the mastering is "fresh" and not from any previously released source.
Other Comments: This CD contains a previously unreleased studio song called, "A Second Out". Also previously unreleased is a live version of "Born To Run"... Musically, it's performed very close to Bruce Springsteen's version. However, Roger seems a little uncomfortable with the lyrics as if he needed to rehearse them a few more times (i.e. there's a false start in the beginning because Roger didn't know the first lines of the song, and needed someone to give them to him). However, even with some of the songs issues, it's still a welcome (and cool) addition to the Who catalog.
Another interesting note about this track listing, is that some actual thought went into it. Unlike previous "best of" releases, this one includes some obscure rarities (studio and live) that normally get overlooked.
About: Moonlighting
My first inclination is to come right out and say, "I don't like these CD".
It came close, but failed.
It was mastered by The Townhouse (also known as "Townhouse Studios" and room number 3 was previously known as Ramport Studios).
The problem with the mastering (which is actually inconsistent - parts of disc 2 sound better than disc 1) is that there's too much compression (for the umpteenth time - I hate compression) and it's too bright (and harsh on the ears).
If you can't comfortably listen to a CD, you end up with a nicely packaged "coaster". What's the point of that???
That being said, what's unfortunate about the above is this... while the early (1973-1977) tracks are pretty harsh, there's a lot of clarity around the drums and other instruments - which if remastered properly would reveal a big improvement of sound from the original vinyl releases.
I'll say this again too - Roger Daltrey's solo catalog is in desperate need of an overhaul - this CD teases you with some really great stuff, but like the carrot dangled in front of the donkey, keeps it out of reach...
How does one pick the track listing for a release like this? There's always great stuff left off. I may have swapped some of the more obscure live tracks (i.e. the Mick Ronson tribute songs of "Baba O'Riley" and "Pinball Wizard" for something else) - but that's my taste vs. someone else's. Is there a "right or wrong" here? Nope.
The highlight of the album to me is the live version of "Born To Run". It demonstrates what Roger can do to improve an already "monster hit" from another artist and in my mind, the kind of stuff he should have been releasing on his solo albums all along. This is really great.
The other song I really like is "A Second Out". It has elements of Simon Townshend's "Time The Healer" - but differentiates itself and is a really nice song onto itself. It's unique to this CD and "Roger Daltrey Gold" (the USA, different track listing, version of this CD). [I should probably play "Gold" to see if the mastering works any better or worse on that CD vs. this one.]Track Listing: One Man Band, The Way Of The World, Thinking, There Is Love, Giving It All Away, Get Your Love, World Over, Proud, Dear John, Avenging Annie, One Of The Boys, Martyrs And Madmen, Say It Ain't So, Joe, Bitter And Twisted, Free Me, Without Your Love, Waiting For A Friend, Parting Would Be Painless, After The Fire, Under A Raging Moon (edit version), Behind Blue Eyes (live), Won't Get Fooled Again (live), Quicksilver Lightning, Lover's Storm, Mack The Knife, The Pig Must Die, Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me, Rock And Roll, Who's Gonna Walk On Water?, Love Is, Blues Man Road, Baba O'Riley (live), Pinball Wizard (live), The Real Me (live), Child O Mine, Born To Run (live), A Second Out
Note: The promo CDs include "Stuck In The Middle" (between "The Real Me" and "Child O Mine") and do not include "A Second Out".
ROGER DALTREY GOLD
Album: Roger Daltrey Gold
CDs Sampled: Hip-O (USA)
CD Comments: n/a
Other Comments: Compare track listing with "Moonlighting" above.
Track Listing: One Man Band, The Way Of The World, Thinking, There Is Love, Giving It All Away, Come And Get Your Love, World Over, Proud, Dear John, Avenging Annie, One Of The Boys, Martyrs And Madmen, Say It Ain't So, Joe, Bitter And Twisted, Free Me, Without Your Love, Waiting For A Friend, Parting Would Be Painless, After The Fire, Under A Raging Moon (edit version), The Pride You Hide, Behind Blue Eyes (live), Won't Get Fooled Again (live), Lover's Storm, The Pig Must Die, Who's Gonna Walk On Water?, Love Is, Blues Man Road, Baba O'Riley (live), Pinball Wizard (live), The Real Me (live), Child O Mine, Born To Run (live), A Second Out
DALTREY SINGS TOWNSEND
Album: Daltrey Sings Townshend
CDs Sampled: n/a
CD Comments: n/a
Other Comments: Compare track listing to "A Celebration: The Music Of Pete Townshend And The Who" (See Above)
[See "A Celebration: The Music Of Pete Townshend And The Who" to hear sound samples above.]
About: Daltrey Sings Townshend
This CD was issued in 2009 and released only in Holland.
While it draws from the same 1994 concert at Carnegie Hall, it differs from the original "A Celebration" CD in that this is a 2 CD set, with an expanded (and somewhat different track) listing. Further, while it has excellent sound quality, the quality on the "A Celebration" CD is better. This CD has a "flatter" sound to it, which actually improves as you turn the volume up...
In comparing the track listings of "A Celebration" vs. "Daltrey Sings Townshend"
"A Celebration" has:
Overture, Pinball Wizard, Imagine a Man, Doctor Jimmy, The Song Is Over, The Real Me, Baba O'Riley, After the Fire, 5.15, The Sea Refuses No River, Who Are You, Won't Get Fooled Again
"Daltrey Sings Townshend" has:
Overture, You Better You Bet, I Can See For Miles, 5:15, Imagine a Man, The Song Is Over, Love Reign O'er Me, Baba O'Riley, After the Fire, Behind Blue Eyes, Amazing Journey, Pinball Wizard, I'm Free, The Real Me, Who Are You, Won't Get Fooled Again, Happy Birthday
A quick comparison has unique tracks on "A Celebration" with:
Doctor Jimmy, The Sea Refuses No River
And "Daltrey Sings Townshend" with:
You Better You Bet, I Can See For Miles, Love Reign O'er Me, Behind Blue Eyes, Amazing Journey, I'm Free, Happy Birthday
I can do without the Linda Perry guest singing on "Doctor Jimmy" and "I'm Free", but "The Sea Refuses No River" is just outstanding as are these other tracks, including the odd, jazzy version of "I Can See For Miles"...
These are really good performances. I recall watching the show on PPV - not being impressed with the guest performers (i.e. The Spin Doctors' performing "Substitute"), but Roger's stuff was just great...
What's also missing from both of these CD's is Pete's performance of "And I Moved" which was also outstanding...
What would be great is a complete version of this show (sans the guest singers), remixed and remastered...Track Listing: Overture, You Better You Bet, I Can See For Miles, 5:15, Imagine a Man,The Song Is Over, Love Reign O'er Me, Baba O'Riley, After the Fire, Behind Blue Eyes, Amazing Journey, Pinball Wizard, I'm Free, The Real Me, Who Are You, Won't Get Fooled Again, Happy Birthday
ROGER DALTREY: THE WHO'S TOMMY
Album: Roger Daltrey: The Who's Tommy
CDs Sampled: n/a
CD Comments: Soundboard audio
Other Comments: Live from the Prudential Center - September 18, 2011
Track Listing: Introduction, Overture, It's A Boy, 1921, Amazing Journey, Sparks, Eyesight To The Blind, Christmas, Cousin Kevin, The Acid Queen, Fiddle About, Pinball Wizard, There's A Doctor, Go To The Mirror, Tommy Can You Hear Me?, Smash The Mirror, Sensation, I'm Free, Miracle Cure, Sally Simpson, Welcome, Tommy's Holiday Camp, We're Not Gonna Take It, I Can See For Miles, Behind Blue Eyes, Gimme A Stone, Days Of Light, Pictures Of Lily Giving It All Away, Johnny Cash Medley, Who Are You My Generation, Young Man Blues, Baba O'Riley, Without Your Love, Blue, Red And Grey, Naked Eye
GOING BACK HOME
Album: Going Back Home
CDs Sampled: Chess (UK, Holland, Japan), Chess (UK - Deluxe Edition), EMI (USA), Universal (USA)
LPs Sampled: Chess (Germany)
Other Sampled: Universal (USA) MP3 DownloadCD Comments: Unfortunately, Roger's vocals are too low in the mix and this is further exacerbated by an overly compressed mastering which blurs Roger's vocals with the drums and the bass. Overly harsh sound due to the compression. Negligible sound quality difference between the various CDs pressed in different countries.
LP Comments: Same comments as the CD. Overly compressed sound, but lower fidelity. Sounds like it is being played on an old, AM radio.Other Comments: This album could really be significantly improved by remixing and remastering. I'm not one for "downloading" anything (I'm old school - I like to buy records and CDs) - but out of desperation to try anything, I downloaded the MP3 version of the album to see if there was any "relief" to this harsh sound. Unfortunately, the MP3 version didn't sound any better.
Compare for yourself!
Below are 30 second WAV samples of I Keep It To Myself from various pressings of "Going Back Home" as described above.
2014 UK CD 2014 UK CD (Promo 1) 2014 UK CD (Promo 2) 2014 UK CD (Deluxe Edition) 2014 USA CD (Promo) 2014 USA MP3 (Download) 2014 Germany LP 2014 Holland CD (Promo) 2014 Japan CD
Bonus Tracks:
"I Keep It To Myself" (Original Wilko Johnson vs. Roger Daltrey - Live Version):
1988 UK CD (Wilko Johnson) vs. 2014 UK CD (Deluxe Edition)
"Ice On The Motorway" (Original Wilko Johnson vs. Roger Daltrey):
2017/1980 UK CD (Wilko Johnson) vs. 2014 UK CD (Deluxe Edition)
Note: Sound comparisons are only as good as your ears and the equipment you are listening to the music with.
Summary: All of the digital versions are the same or extremely similar. The Deluxe Edition has an additional studio track ("Muskrat") and several live tracks that fans might be interested in. The LP version is somewhat softer to listen to and might be your best choice.
About: Going Back Home
This single, "I Keep It To Myself" was released a few weeks before the album. The sound quality wasn't very good. I recall playing it several times and thinking the lyrics were just "too simple" and hoped the rest of the songs on the album would be better and the sound would be improved. Well...This album is basically a "Best Of Wilko Johnson", with Roger Daltrey singing lead vocals. Unfortunately, the songs aren't very memorable and the sound quality is pretty bad.
I was so disturbed by the sound quality, I contacted the mastering engineer and asked him what he was thinking. His response was:
"They wanted a live sound."
You cannot create a "live sound" via mastering.
The song contents of any album are a matter of taste. What I think is not a good song, someone else may think is a great song. However, if the sound quality is poor, nobody should have to struggle to try and hear the music due to poor post production. It robs the fan of the "listening experience" and most likely causes them not to play the album again.Track Listing: Going Back Home, Ice On The Motorway, I Keep It To Myself, Can You Please Crawl Out Your Window, Turned 21, Keep On Loving You, Some Kind Of Hero, Sneaking Suspicion, Keep It Out Of Sight, Everybody's Carrying A Gun, All Through The City
Track Listing (Deluxe Edition): Going Back Home, Ice On The Motorway, I Keep It To Myself, Can You Please Crawl Out Your Window, Turned 21, Keep On Loving You, Some Kind Of Hero, Sneaking Suspicion, Keep It Out Of Sight, Everybody's Carrying A Gun, All Through The City, Muskrat (previously unreleased from original sessions), Some Kind Of Hero (Wilko Studio), Keep On Loving You (Wilko Studio), Turned 21 (Wilko Studio), Going Back Home (Radio Edit Version), All Right (Live Wilko), Barbed Wire Blues (Live Wilko), The More I Give (Live Wilko), Dr. Dupree (Live Wilko), When I’m Gone (Live Wilko), Roxette (Live Wilko), Going Back Home (Live Roger/Wilko), I Keep It To Myself (Live Roger/Wilko), Keep On Loving You (Live Roger/Wilko), Sneaking Suspicion (Live Roger/Wilko), All Through The City (Live Roger/Wilko), Everybody’s Carrying A Gun (Live Roger/Wilko), Some Kind Of Hero (Live Roger/Wilko)
AS LONG AS I HAVE YOU
Album: As Long As I Have You
CDs Sampled: Polydor (UK, Brazil, Japan), Republic (USA), Universal (France, Hungary)
LPs Sampled: Polydor (UK)Other Sampled: Polydor (UK) Download (Note: Download version retained mastering code in the metadata.)
CD Comments: Appears to be minor distortion in the title track, balance of album suffers from too much compression and harsh sound. The Japan (Universal) bonus track ("How Far" - Acoustic version) seems to sound "smoother" than the other tracks.
LP Comments: Same sound quality issues as the CD (and download) versions. (The problem appears to be in the mastering.)
Other Comments: Pete Townshend plays guitar on 7 tracks. The Japan pressing has an acoustic version of "How Far" as a bonus track. LP copies issued in blue vinyl and limited edition red vinyl. Autographed CD copies come with an extra booklet, which Roger Daltrey autographed.
Compare for yourself!
Below are 30 second WAV samples of How Far from various pressings of "As Long As I Have You" as described above.
2018 UK CD 2018 UK LP 2018 UK (Download) 2018 USA CD 2018 Brazil CD 2018 France CD (Promo) 2018 Hungary CD (Promo) 2018 Japan CD
Bonus Tracks:
"How Far" (Japan Only Acoustic Bonus Version vs. UK TV Live Version):
2018 Japan CD (Bonus Track) vs. 2018 UK Video (Live)
"As Long As I Have You" (Japan CD Version vs. UK TV Live Version):
2018 Japan CD vs. 2018 UK CD (Live)
Note: Sound comparisons are only as good as your ears and the equipment you are listening to the music with.Summary: This album needs to be remastered. There is too much compression and elements of distortion. All of the versions sound about the same. The acoustic version of "How Far" is only available on the Japan CD.
Track Listing: As Long As I Have You, How Far, Where Is A Man To Go?, Get On Out of the Rain, I've Got Your Love, Into My Arms, You Haven't Done Nothing, Out of Sight, Out of Mind, Certified Rose, The Love You Save, Always Heading Home
Track Listing (Japan): As Long As I Have You, How Far, Where Is A Man To Go?, Get On Out of the Rain, I've Got Your Love, Into My Arms, You Haven't Done Nothing, Out of Sight, Out of Mind, Certified Rose, The Love You Save, Always Heading Home, How Far (Acoustic Version)
THE WHO'S TOMMY ORCHESTRAL
Album: The Who's Tommy Orchestral
LPs Sampled: Polydor (UK/CZ, USA)
CDs Sampled: Polydor (UK - Promo, USA, Germany, Japan), Universal (Canada - Promo)
LP Comments: Listening to the UK LP (which is actually manufactured in the Czech Republic) was a pleasant surprise. The LP is less compressed and more dynamic, allowing the performances to breathe. I thought this was much better than the CDs. The very next day I played the USA LP. Unfortunately the level of compression difference between the two LPs made a huge difference. The USA version seems to have more compression than the UK/CZ version and I was "less than happy" with the results.
CD Comments: Overall, it has the sound and feel of The Who's 1989 Radio City FM Radio broadcast. This is due to the mastering which added too much compression, making it sound literally like a radio broadcast (vs. a CD). The mix... It’s easy to forget there’s an orchestra playing (Hence the comparison to Radio City). You sorta get the impression that there are pieces of the orchestra but they take a back seat to the “rock band”. If you compare this to the London Symphony Orchestra Tommy or even Roger’s 1994 Carnegie Hall “A Celebration” (see above) - you can make a clear distinction. The orchestra is too set back in the mix (noticeably the horns in “Overture” - which should be upfront like Radio City). These issues lie with the producer. Instead of having one engineer mix everything - the mixing engineers were spit between orchestra and (everything else). This gives the final mix engineer less to work with. The mastering makes it worse, as the over use of compression takes away from everything that should pop out at you (but doesn’t). The comparison of the various <non-Japan> CDs reveals a metallic edge (which shouldn’t be there). The Japan CD has the typical “value added bass” - which has a positive effect and the metallic sound goes away! (However - the bass on “Amazing Journey” becomes a little excessive.) So, a wasted opportunity that is still a decent album (due to performance) and if you actually want to listen to it - buy the Japan Version.Other Comments: I was always a huge fan of the orchestrated "Tommy". Seeing it live was just fabulous. The post-production was off on this album as it didn't fully capture the live feel. Having one engineer mix this album and backing off the compression would have <potentially> made this a much better album. That being said, I really enjoyed the LP version...
Compare for yourself!
Below are 30 second WAV samples from various pressings of "The Who's Tommy Orchestral" as described above.
Overture:
2019 UK/CZ LP 2019 USA LP 2019 UK CD (Promo) 2019 USA CD 2019 Canada CD (Promo) 2019 Germany CD 2019 Japan CD
Captain Walker:
2019 UK/CZ LP 2019 USA LP 2019 UK CD (Promo) 2019 USA CD 2019 Canada CD (Promo) 2019 Germany CD 2019 Japan CD
1921:
2019 UK/CZ LP 2019 USA LP 2019 UK CD (Promo) 2019 USA CD 2019 Canada CD (Promo) 2019 Germany CD 2019 Japan CD
Amazing Journey:
2019 UK/CZ LP 2019 USA LP 2019 UK CD (Promo) 2019 USA CD 2019 Canada CD (Promo) 2019 Germany CD 2019 Japan CD
Sparks:
2019 UK/CZ LP 2019 USA LP 2019 UK CD (Promo) 2019 USA CD 2019 Canada CD (Promo) 2019 Germany CD 2019 Japan CD
Bonus (Tommy With The London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) vs. The Who At The Radio City Music Hall 1989 (RCMH) ):
Overture:
1990 USA CD (LSO) 1989 USA LP (RCMH - Promo)
Captain Walker:
1990 USA CD (LSO) 1989 USA LP (RCMH - Promo)
1921:
1990 USA CD (LSO) 1989 USA LP (RCMH - Promo)
Amazing Journey:
1990 USA CD (LSO) 1989 USA LP (RCMH - Promo)
Sparks:
1990 USA CD (LSO) 1989 USA LP (RCMH - Promo)
Note: Sound comparisons are only as good as your ears and the equipment you are listening to the music with.Summary: The actual orchestrated performances had a BIG sound to them due to the large orchestra. This album sounds more like a rock band, with an orchestra supporting it. I really prefer the (UK/CZ) LP version over the various CDs and the USA LP.
Track Listing: Overture, It's A Boy, 1921, Amazing Journey, Sparks, Eyesight To The Blind, Christmas, Cousin Kevin, The Acid Queen, Do You Think It's Alright?, Fiddle About, Pinball Wizard, There's A Doctor, Go To The Mirror, Tommy Can You Hear Me?, Smash The Mirror, Refrain - It's A Boy, I'm Free, Miracle Cure, Sensation, Sally Simpson / Gospel Piano Interlude, Welcome, Tommy's Holiday Camp, We're Not Gonna Take It
ORCHESTRAL TOMMY SUPER DELUXE EDITION
Note: So you are not misled in anyway, this release is a fraud. Directly below is the description from the label's website:
Specifically to the last paragraph: "...features both the studio recording and the legendary 1972 radio broadcast..." (which is referred to in the first paragraph as "Previously UNRELEASED". This is not what's included.
The music (CD) contents are Roger's 2019 "Tommy Orchestral" (which is not the 1972 studio London Symphony Orchestra "Tommy") and a direct dub off of the 1996 Japan Orchestral Tommy CD. The box does contain all kinds of duplicated collectable papers, but this release ("Limited to 100 Only") isn't what its advertised to be.
Album: Orchestral Tommy Super Deluxe Edition
LPs Sampled: n/a
CDs Sampled: "Tommy Orchestral" Polydor (Germany), "Tommy Radio Broadcast" Bespoke (UK)
LP Comments: n/a
CD Comments: The "Tommy Orchestral" CD is the same as the official 2019 release. The "Tommy Radio Broadcast" is a dub off of a "fair" sounding bootleg.Other Comments: Unless you want the packaging, papers and a dub from a bootleg, avoid...
Track Listing (Tommy Orchestral): Overture, It's A Boy, 1921, Amazing Journey, Sparks, Eyesight To The Blind, Christmas, Cousin Kevin, The Acid Queen, Do You Think It's Alright?, Fiddle About, Pinball Wizard, There's A Doctor, Go To The Mirror, Tommy Can You Hear Me?, Smash The Mirror, Refrain - It's A Boy, I'm Free, Miracle Cure, Sensation, Sally Simpson / Gospel Piano Interlude, Welcome, Tommy's Holiday Camp, We're Not Gonna Take It
Track Listing (Tommy Radio Broadcast): Overture, It's A Boy, 1921, Amazing Journey, Sparks, Eyesight To The Blind, Christmas, Cousin Kevin, The Acid Queen, Underture, Do You Think It's Alright?, Fiddle About, Pinball Wizard, There's A Doctor I've Found (sic There's A Doctor), Go To The Mirror, Tommy Can You Hear Me?, Smash The Mirror, I'm Free, Miracle Cure, Sensation, Sally Simpson, Welcome, Tommy's Holiday Camp, We're Not Gonna Take It (See Me, Feel Me is cut off)
Sound Samples of "Radio Broadcast" (Compression Added):
Overture Sparks I'm Free Sensation Welcome Tommy's Holiday Camp We're Not Gonna Take It
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