The Who
★★★★
Who Are You
UNIVERSAL. CD/DL/LP
Moonie’s swan song. Now in two, four, and seven-disc editions.
Keith Moon’s death three weeks after its release added a tragic coda to The Who’s eighth album. In truth, Pete Townshend had threatened to sack Moon during the protracted sessions for Who Are You, the drummer’s booze-addled antics by then eclipsing his ability to do the job. Contemporary reviews bemoaned the guitarist’s infatuation with synthesizers, but on a record frequently concerned with slipping into irrelevance – New Song; the still barnstorming title track – it’s one of the most interesting elements, elevating what might otherwise have been stodgier rockers. Extras include Glyn Johns’ rejected mix (not enough Ox); 1979 live tracks with replacement Kenney Jones (not enough Moon); demos and rehearsals, including the drummer mugging through I Saw Her Standing There (possibly too much Moon); and his incendiary final live performance, recorded for 1978 film The Kids Are Alright.