I think to be fair, those talking about it being equivalent to It's Hard are largely those who rather like It's Hard to begin with, so it's not intended as a slight on the new album at all. For those of us who ahhh, aren't big fans of the 1982 effort, well we'd be vaguely horrified if it was only up to that level, and I'm optimistic it won't be. But it's just coming from two different angles, I really don't think those saying it would be similar level mean that as a criticism, just the opposite.
Yeh, I don't know that there is any more news to be had other than we weirdly have to wait nearly three more weeks for something so done that many insiders seem to have it already---(Gary Kemp at least). I thought this was the age of the instant drop! And it should be. "Before Xmas" is before xmas---two months before probably BETTER for gift sales than just 2 and a half weeks.
Your enthusiasm (understatement of all time) throughout 2019 for this has ramped up mine considerably. I have deliberately resisted temptation to listen to a single note of what has been put out in advance so very excited to be hit with the whole thing very soon.
Only 16 days for you !...unless the Aussie release day is different. But no same day worldwide yes ? So it's leaked has it hmmmm? Not that I know. I think he/she is a journalist that has or heard a press copy. I tried to message Gary Kemp, To ask if he would review at least a few songs, here for us. But he's invisible to messenger here I guess. I so want to hear & talk & read about it here, but we can't !!!! YET In my head though, I heard enough of the DETOUR Roughs, to already embrace that the most of the 5 i've sort of heard. BUT...it does have a sort of breakdown-bridge in the middle, that Sardy & Zak were working to improve....to live up....because the boppy R&B early WHO groove just sort of disappeared in that section....but I'm confidant they found a way ....to not lose momentum there....breakdowns are ok...can be.....not necessarily during a 3 minute snappy R&B groove though....that's what a WHO coproducer is for...to examine things like that...I bet its great....
By the way.....Zak is credited drumming on 4 of the 11 songs on the regular version...but the deluxe has 14 songs, & Townshend clearly stated he, Pino & Zak knocked out 7 tracks during the initial sessions...So, wouldn't surprise me if Zak is on all 3 bonus tracks....possibly with his pops uncredited...per Richard Evans oblique comment about that....maybe it was a joke about genes, how well you know.. Wanna hear it !
With Daddy-o Ringo on 3 more, potentially? So that maybe accounts for 7 of the 11 songs on the standard album?
Awww, man. Zak is only on 4 of 11 on the base album? That was my main gripe with Endless Wire. Was under the impression that this was more of a genuine "band effort." That's too bad.
Good interview with Pete... Pete Townshend On Creativity, 'The Age Of Anxiety' And The Who's New Record
Presuming the rip off of Baba O'Riley bit was about One Direction's Best Song Ever. It was pretty blatant, but I suspect his response was the right one.
Yeah right on, most of us wanted that & thought that's what happened....BUT eventually we learned ( summarizing )....they cut 7 in a week-Pete, Zak & Pino...but just 4 appear on the regular 11 song version with Zak....some other high profile, contemporary drummers play most of the other 7....BUT...since they cut 7, imo----I believe it's likely Zak could well be on all 3....of the bonus tracks ...IF TRUE...he's on 7 out of 14...and on at least 1 or 2 tracks...Zak was very involved with Pete & producer Dave Sardy overdubbing additional Moonesque parts, including a kick drum overdub with soft hand mallets, like a WHO 66-68 poor man's tympani part...there is footage of that in the album Vlogs from Feb 2019. In a recent interview, posted or linked in this thread, Zak said he was very, very into it, but it began to drag on & take too long , so he went to Jamaica and cut some Ska music with colleagues. At about that same time ( as the Zak ) interview, Richard Evans the official WHO site webmaster, & designer of a lot of WHO ( & other bands ) artwork & lp covers...He ( Evans ) said Ringo plays uncredited on 3 tracks...but wouldn't elaborate or say if it was a joke or what...BUT there is a photo of Ringo & Pete from just recently...So ???? Your guess is as good as mine, But I'm thinking Zak does the 4 tracks PLUS+++ He & his dad perhaps play jointly or did a few overdubs on the 3 bonus tracks....I hope Zak is on 7 of the 14...would make me happy...incidentally the 2 released tracks DO feature Zak on drums... But either way...it's not a Peter Huntington type deal like Endless Wire, where basically Zak was touring, so Rachel Fuller's drummer sat in for 90% of the album...the 'other' drummers on the new album, are all high profile current drummers from big contemporary groups..BUT I AGREE WITH YOU...most of us were/are bummed to learn that the new album IS NOT...a more 'bandlike' organic recording, with Pete, Zak & Pino doing all or most of it...Maybe Pino plays on the bulk of them... But whatever, it's a brand new WHO album, 14 new tracks !!! & Pete & Bill Curbishley & others stated early on, some of it sounds like classic WHO, & some of it was more experimental or varied..There could well be 1 or 2 that don't really call for drums, like Purple Dress & a couple others from Endless Wire, we'll see.. Another thing, we were told Pete sings lead on just 1 of the basic 11 song album..a tune called I believe "I'll Be Back"..( great Beatle tune )...this is a new song, only same title...But i'm thinking maybe Pete sings at least 1 of the bonus tracks...we'll see....but of course Roger sings lead, but Pete also sings various parts on most WHO tunes....the new Music Must Fade is a great example !!! & textbook WHO vocals !!!! Ok deep breath Just over 2 weeks to go NEW WHO !!! WHO !!!
I read something today that seemed to suggest "I Don't Wanna Get Wise" was the next single to be released.
When would this happen ??? Where did you find it ? Link please !!! I found an article mentioning the song, but it says nothing about it being the new single.
Yet another special pressing - this time HMV in the U.K.: WHO (hmv Exclusive) 1921 Series 2LP | Vinyl 12" Album | Free shipping over £10 | HMV Store “hmv Exclusive 1921 Series Bonus disc featuring 8 of The Who's greatest hits on cream coloured vinyl Limited and numbered to 5,000 copies Faux Brown Bag Sleeve”
Ugh. Bummer. Some of the pre-album excitement optimism just went out of the balloon for me. Fingers crossed anyway...
How TF is that even possible? They did all the studio tracking in like three days. Did Pete want to switch things up in the studio? Did he feel Zak wasn't up to snuff? It's annoying on principle.
Minus the 1921 banner and the color viny, it’s the same content as the other indie exclusive LP: The Who - WHO (indie exclusive)
Just read that hmv sleeve posted by Sci-Flyer, and I'm annoyed all over again at the studio drummers listed. I like them all individually and on other projects, but, not for this record. Was kinda hoping this would finally be Zak and Pino's chance to shine on a Who studio album.