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5.0 out of 5 stars
The Who Live Series -- Camden, New Jersey, December 8, 2008
This review is from: The Who Live: Camden New Jersey July 27, 2002 (Audio CD)
The Who Live: Camden New Jersey July 27,2002 is only one of several CD sets recorded from the soundboard during The Who's 2002 U.S. It's truly a shame that John Entwistle, bass player extraordinaire, died in Las Vegas the night before the tour began, as this was the first tour during which most of the concerts were recorded and made available online. It would've been good to hear how Entwistle undoubtedly would've changed his approach to the songs night after night during the tour, but it seems that fate had other ideas for him. Anyway, Pino Palladino, a veteran of several Pete Townshend/Roger Daltrey solo projects, was chosen as "The Ox's" replacement, and it's a role that he's been ably filling ever since. As far as the concerts themselves were concerned, they were uniformily excellent, and this Camden, New Jersey concert is no exception. The two surviving members and their band were in fine, fine form.
From "I Can't Explain" through to "See Me, Feel Me," The Who perform as if they actually had to prove themselves. Perhaps they regarded this first tour without Entwistle as an opportunity to show that the music itself transcended any individual members. Highlights include the three songs from Quadrophenia, the recording of which Townshend regards as The Who's "towering triumph." "5:15" and "Love Reign O'er Me" were slightly predictable, but "Sea and Sand" was a welcome and refreshing addition to the set list. "Who Are You" is searing, and the band's second single, "Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere" (the only song that Townshend and Daltrey co-wrote during The Who's 40+ years), still works as The Who's defiant statement of purpose. After all, what band would've chosen to carry on not only once (after Keith Moon, their original and absolutely unique drummer [maybe the most unique in all of rock music], died in 1978), but twice, in spite of critical and audience hammering for having "tarnished the legacy?" "Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere" gives a very firm reply.
The band, drummer Zak Starkey (Ringo Starr's son), keyboard player Rabbit, guitarist/vocalist Simon Townshend (Pete's brother), and the aformentioned Pino Palladino keep these songs fresh and vital with their stellar playing. Yes, it's difficult to miss Entwistle's bass solo during "My Generation," but Palladino kicks it hard and makes his own statement with it, about which I'm sure Entwistle is quite happy (from wherever he happens to be listening).
The price tag is justifiable, considering there are very few of these CD's in circulation. This being the case, if I were you, I'd snap it up quickly. If you choose to let it go, you'll be missing out on a valuable collector's item and a great, great concert.
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