Lifehouse Elements

Pete Townshend

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 23, 2000)
• Original Release Date: May 23, 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Redline Ent
• ASIN: B00004TCGE
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (31 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #41,183 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Track Listings

1. One Note (Prologue)

2. Baba O'Riley [Orchestral Version] - London Chamber Orchestra, Pete Townshend

3. Pure and Easy

4. New Song

5. Getting in Tune

6. Behind Blue Eyes [New Version]

7. Let's See Action (Nothing Is Everything)

8. Who Are You [Gateway Remix]

9. Won't Get Fooled Again

10. Baba M1

11. Song Is Over

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The story behind Lifehouse is so protracted and convoluted that the shelved Who project has taken on a mythic stature that rivals that of the great, lost Beach Boys' magnum opus, Smile. Suffice to say, Pete Townshend's brainchild was conceived as an ultra-ambitious post-Tommy/pre-Quadrophenia concept album, but was shelved in the early '70s. Some of its songs turned up in Who's Next ("Baba O'Riley," "Getting in Tune," "Won't Get Fooled Again," "Behind Blue Eyes," "Song is Over"); others surfaced in Townshend's 1972 solo debut, Who Came Fist ("Pure and Easy," "Let's See Action"). Meanwhile, Townshend continued to expand and fine-tune his rock opera, a sci-fi saga about music's ability to unify... or something like that. Finally, 30 years after its conception, Lifehouse resurfaces, spread over six discs (available only through Townshend's Web site) or in an abridged form here as Lifehouse Elements.

Containing all the aforementioned tunes ("Baba O'Riley" is given orchestral and ambient treatments) plus Who Are You's title track and "New Song," Elements is rife with classic-rock touchstones, albeit with alien arrangements. But Elements may prove problematic for more casual listeners. Townshend strains vocally; one can't help but recall the power of the Who's Next songs and find these wanting. Finally, Elements really sounds like a collection of songs--an acute flaw in a concept album. Ah, but what songs. It all makes one ponder how rock history would be different if Townshend had pulled his pet project together in the heyday of the Who. --Steven Stolder

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Mixed Blessing but Worth Purchasing, January 25, 2002

By	JD Cetola (Omaha, NE USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Pete Townshend's "Lifehouse Elements" is a collection of songs from the 6-cd boxed set "Lifehouse Chronicles" available on his website. As many fans are aware, Townshend's delayed Lifehouse project (ultimately finished in 1999) figured prominently in the Who's masterful "Who's Next" album and several of these terrific songs are performed entirely by Townshend on this release. As is often the case with demo versions and remixes, "Elements'" enigmatic 11-track selection scores (as does the boxed set) more than a few hits and several misses.

The 65+ minute disc opens with the short, spoken word prologue to 'One Note' and is followed by a nearly 10-minute orchestral version of 'Baba O'Riley' performed by the London Chamber Orchestra. Both of these tracks, in addition to a somewhat irritating "Gateway Remix" of 'Who Are You' recently recorded live by Townshend's band and "enhanced" by freestyle rapper Hame, and a grating instrumental entitled 'Baba M1', form the low points of this cd. The remainder of the disc, performed solely by Townshend, is nothing short of delightful.

And there's plenty to enjoy: 'New Song' (not available on the boxed set), 'Getting in Tune', 'Let's See Action', and 'Song is Over' all sound terrific in demo form and are well-recorded. However, the real highlights of this disc (and these three tracks alone make the disc worth purchasing) are a moving and powerful version of 'Pure and Easy', a slightly restrained 'Won't Get Fooled Again', and a brilliant new acoustic version of 'Behind Blue Eyes'.

Overall, a bit of a mixed bag, but the good far outweighs the bad and this disc is an excellent sample to prepare you for the boxed set. Highly Recommended.

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Complete Work of Art, December 7, 2000

By	Alexandra G. Brownrigg (Gainesville, FL United States) - See all my reviews

OK. I understand why some people might not like this album. It is very progressive, artsy and bridges techno music with classic rock. BUT, it is incredible. If you are a TRUE Who fan, have an open mind and dig Pete Townshend, you will love this album. I also understand that some people don't think it does the original music any justice. Personally, I think that Pete Townshend's lyrics and tunes are brilliant in any shape and form. "Baba O'Riley" orchestrated makes me want to fly... it literally takes my breath away. "Who Are You (gateway remix)" shows what a timeless songwriter Townshend really is. The rapping in this specific song is ENTIRELY necessary, and if you understand Pete Townshend, then you will understand his motivations as an artist. Put your trust in his genius, pop in Lifehouse, and open your mind. Music is changing... but The Who's brilliance never wanes.

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars STOP SLAMMING THIS COLLECTION!, November 28, 2000

By	"kitmidi" (Aiea, HI United States) - See all my reviews

sometimes i wonder if the people who review these CDs have actually heard them! i'll admit, i don't own this CD, but i have purchased the complete set, the Lifehouse Chronicles, from Pete's site.

if you're expecting a remade "Who's Next" or even a full "Lifehouse" from this CD, OF COURSE YOU'RE GOING TO BE DISAPPOINTED! what this is, is a sampler of the Lifehouse Chronicles. these are mostly demos, remember that.

if you want something more digestable, an album, buy "Who's Next". if you want to fully experience Lifehouse (i don't want to review it here, but it's a real masterpiece), get the Lifehouse Chronicles. if you want to get a view into how Lifehouse came about, but don't want to shell out £40, buy Lifehouse Elements.