Wire and Glass

On July 10th The Who released their new EP/mini-opera "Wire and Glass", the first new music under The Who banner since 1982's "It's Hard". My friend John was kind enough to send it my way and I heard it for the first time just yesterday. Upon first listening I couldn't believe just how much it sounds like "The Who"! I've listened to it a couple times since and I'm still marvelling at how much it sounds like "classic Who"! I assumed it was Ringo's son Zak Starkey, famous for his ability to channel the late great Keith Moon, handling the drums, but much to my surprise it's actually a chap by the name of Peter Huntington (Zak was on tour with Oasis during the recording sessions for the EP, but he's back behind the kit for the current Who tour). Longtime session whiz Pino Palladino is on bass and does a fine job of it. His playing may not be quite as adventurous as the late great John Entwistle, but then again who's is? One thing that struck me immediately is what fine form Roger Daltrey's voice is in. His singing is still as dynamic, as powerful, as it was in the sixties and seventies. Townshend has built a rich, multi-layered mix around Daltrey's vocals featuring his trademark blend of electric and acoustic guitars. The electric guitar sounds are cleaner than in the past, but his patented suspended chords ring out as majestically as ever! As far as I'm concerned, "Wire and Glass" is an absolute must have for any Who fan. The forthcoming full length LP (due to be released this October) will contain the full 30 minute version of this 11 minute mini-opera along with a handful of other new songs. Townshend has been juggling the final mixing with their current world tour. I recall reading that he released this EP to get some new music out there in time for the tour. By all accounts, their recent shows have been stellar. I await the release of the full length LP with bated breath.... For more info on the forthcoming LP and the current tour check out Pete Townshend's official website here.

Sonic Youth at Lollapalooza

Lollapalooza took place once again at Grant Park this year and featured 130 acts on 8 different stages spread over 69 acres. I arrived a little after three in the afternoon, grabbed a couple beers and made a beeline to the Bud Light stage where Sonic Youth was scheduled to perform at 4:30. When I arrived at the stage I was pleasantly surprised to find a relatively sparse crowd gathered. The reason for this, as I later found out, was because Gnarls Barkley, currently riding high on the charts with their smash hit "Crazy", were due to peform on another stage at the same time, thereby splitting the crowd. I quickly planted myself as close to the stage as possible and began downing my beers as I anxiously awaited Sonic Youth's appearance and the crowd began to fill up behind me. At approximately 4:30 they hit the stage to a rousing applause. We were greeted by a red hot burst of noise from Thurston Moore's guitar. He shouted "INCINERATE" into the mic and the band launched into said song, the catchy single from their new album, "Rather Ripped". What followed was an hour's worth of earnest, achingly beautiful, gloriously ragged, downright transcendent rock n' roll. In short, typical Sonic Youth! Most of the set was comprised of selections from "Rather Ripped" along with a handful of gems from their back catalogue. Highlights of the set included the chiming guitars and bittersweet beauty of "Schizophrenia" (the opening track from 1987's "Sister" and one of my all time favorite Sonic Youth songs) and an absolutely rauccous take on "Brother James" (from 1983's "Kill Yr. Idols"). Propelled by Steve Shelley's incessant drumming the band was in fine form throughout the hour long set. As always, Kim Gordon was often the center of attention as she oozed her trademark brand of impassioned cool and sex appeal. The band was joined by ex-Pavement member Mark Ibold on bass, enabling Kim to concentrate on her lead vocals and quirky dance moves. As can be seen from my pics I was standing on Thurston's side of the stage making it kinda hard to hear Lee Ranaldo's guitar at times. He took the lead vocal for two songs, a rip roarin' rendition of "Eric's Trip" (from 1988's "Daydream Nation") which he dedicated, with tongue planted firmly in cheek, "to all you Bud Light drinkers", and his "Rather Ripped" track, "Rats". After ending the set proper with "Brother James" the band returned minus Mark Ibold for one encore, the mezmorizing "Shaking Hell" (from 1983's "Confusion Is Sex").