The Who: 'See Them, Feel Them'

The Who hold a very special place in my heart. Their 1971 masterpiece, Who's Next, was the first pre-Dookie disc I ever purchased. This compilation, the fifth or sixth of its kind, showcases one of the most dominant bands in rock history. Roger Daltrey was the swaggering frontman long before Robert Plant. Pete Townshend is the soul. His guitar was less instrument and more spiritual conduit. John Entwistle and Keith Moon brought everything back down to Earth with the most frantic and explosive rhythm section imaginable.\nThe Who's two primary strengths were their powerful live performances (they are often cited as the greatest live band of their era) and crafting heady concept records (Tommy, Quadrophenia, The Who By Numbers). However, they certainly had their share of stunning singles, most of which are included in this set.\nOther than the two new recordings included here, which would still hold up well on a Pete Townshend solo album, all 18 tracks on this disc are revelatory. Starting with their mod beginnings, careening through their reign as rock royalty and coming to a halt as they became elder statesmen, this set, thankfully presented in chronological order, resembles getting caught up in a tornado, riding it out and being let down to the ground softly.\nIf you've never discovered the sheer force which is The Who, Then and Now! 1964-2004 is a solid starting point. Just as Roger and Pete are still rocking out, there's no doubt in my mind that John and Keith are headlining their own great gig in the sky.