Audio CD review:
Roger Daltrey - Celebration: The Music of the Who

Roger Daltrey - Celebration: The Music of the Who

Band: Roger Daltrey Title: Celebration: The Music of the Who Rating: Release Date: 1994-07-05 Media: Audio CD Tracks: 1: Overture 2: Pinball Wizard 3: Imagine a Man 4: Doctor Jimmy 5: Song Is Over 6: Real Me 7: Baba O'Riley 8: After the Fire 9: 5:15 10: Sea Refuses No River 11: Who Are You 12: Won't Get Fooled Again

Another Celebration? The concept of this is good. . Roger Daltrey traveling about to do Townshend's song, especially with orchestral backing, and some guest shots. This tour pretty much ground to a halt in the US due to low ticket sales, but when it was going had its moments. The arrangements for the symphonies are quite good, and you hear a very different quality from some of the Who's most powerful rockers. Also, hearing Daltrey do his version of "The Sea Refuses No River," a Townshend solo track was interesting. Pete shows up for "Who Are You," but he, Rog and Entwistle never actually get together on stage. Another rub: the best stuff was left to the TV show! Daltrey, joined by Entwistle and Chieftains, and John's thundering acoustic bass work. . . why was that not here?!? Linda Perry shows up to growl her way through "Dr. Jimmy," but that was kind of take it or leave it. In any case, a show that started with good intent and was ground down, perhaps under the grandiose planning. Michael Kamen is Awesome If you like orchestral arrangements,the Overture by Michael Kamen alone is worth the price. I bought the DVD, and the mix on the vocals are poor. The opening sends chills up your spine. He uses the classic Kamen overrun of trumpets at the end, and although I am now getting the audio CD,watching Michael conduct the orchestra, with Simon Phillips on Drums is an experience in itself. Kamen famous for his soundracks (Holland's Opus, X-Men, and Braveheart) are but a few of his credits. Astounding hidden gem Thanks to KCHO's news director Todd Thornton, i was steered to the source, and found a copy at Amazon. For a few years, our local NPR station has been playing a tantalizing snippet at 8AM, I was sure it was an orchestral arrangement of "Won't Get Fooled Again", and gradually edged closer to the truth. com And was stunned; the whole of the work is simply amazing. As another reviewer pointed out, "Baba O'Reilly" is truly outstanding. If you are in any way a Who fan, buy this immediately if you can, and do not have it already. Only for those who have everything else. The orchestra overpowers Daltrey's vocals, while Daltrey sounds as if he is suffering from a sore throat, as his voice is invariable gruff on all the selections. This is a recording I'd only recommend for those who have to have everything stamped either Daltrey or WHO. Guest Linda Perry sings DR. JIMMY, and she doesn't have much talent as a vocalist. Townshend himself sings lead on WHO ARE YOU, and he's a credible singer, but unfortunately he has both the advantage and disadvantage of compatriot Daltrey attaching his own (famed) signature vocal behind it. Daltrey sings lead on all the other selections. On the other hand, if you don't want to be wasting your time and money, the DVD is something I highly recommend and have written a postive review for. surprisingly good townshend and the ox make cameo appearances, as do linda perry, david sanborn, and the chieftains. this is a solid effort for a 50-year-old rocker! the band is excellent, w/ the outstanding simon phillips on drums, pino palladino on bass, and the julliard orchestra directed by michael kamen. the sound is carnegie hall golden, and roger sounds like he's still got some left. You can see a complete list of all Roger Daltrey discography, or go back to the Roger Daltrey tabs