The Who (Deluxe)

Nonsense. The fact that they are still producing original music at their age spits in the eye of your premise. I think that they have aged quite gracefully simply by the fact that they recognize their limitations. Roger Daltrey can't hit the high notes or belt out guttural screams like he did 50 years ago. That being said, he stays in his range and the signature sound of the Who is very much present in their new album. The Who's most recent tour included a string section. Is that because Pete can't do windm ill bashes on his guitar, play with feedback, or smash his instruments? Maybe it is because Pete doesn't want to get bored playing the same songs, the same way, with the same parlor tricks, simply to appeal to fans stuck in the 70's. The Who has evolved, maybe not to your taste, but I appreciate their originality and bands half their age dream of one day writing songs close to the caliber of what Pete creates in 2019.    

Now I am in a dilemma, I have the new Who vinyl under the Christmas tree waiting for me. While I agree they are not The Who of old, Roger Daltry said the new record is the best Who record since “The Who by Numbers” came out.  I hope I am not going to be disappointed.  

I am also of the opinion that The Who were over when Keith Moon died.  The Who are like The Beatles, replace a member and it's not the same group.

I understand that Townshend and Daltrey put out enjoyable albums and do good shows but they are not the Who.  They should perform as Townshend and Daltrey.  It's not like people wouldn't recognize their names.

I have listened to the new record a few times and really like it.  They're both in their mid 70's. I'm glad I'm not the same guy I was in my 20's and I'm OK with them maturing and not sticking to some formula to prove they're still "The Who".

Pete has severe tinnitus and hearing loss. I  give him a lot of credit that he is still recording and especially touring.