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| ROUGH MIX PETE TOWNSHEND-RONNIE LANE |
| When The Who's Pete Townshend and The Faces' Ronnie Lane joined forces in the winter of 1976, they set to work on an album that would embed itself in the hearts and minds of fans of both bands for years to come. Although unable to match the commercial success both Lane and Townshend had experienced in their earlier years, "Rough Mix" is truly a fans' album, cherished more than either of them actually realised. Vocal duties are handed back and forth throughout the album, and although both had come from bands which feature three of the best rock n roll voices we have ever heard, neither sounded out of place when they stepped up to the microphone. They were accompanied on the album by some rather famous friends, most notably Eric Clapton, John Entwistle and Charlie Watts. The record kicks off with Pete's "My Baby Gives It Away", which features some neat little guitar licks, and some fancy vocal work (you try singing "my baby" 10 times in a row as fast as Pete does!). Ronnie makes his first appearance with the delighful "Nowhere To Run". Throughout the album, Lane has the ability to make you fall in love with every word he sings, such is the sweetness of his soft little voice. The instrumental title track follows, and benefits from Clapton's fine touch. Lane's "Annie" woos you into a world long forgotten, a world of old oak trees losing their leaves in the winter. This is hands down one of the most georgous tracks I have heard in my life... similar in mood to The Kinks' "Oklahoma USA". Pete's "Keep Me Turning" and Ronnie's "Catmelody" pick the pace up again. Townshend's "Misunderstood" is a fascinating insight into the mind of one of the greatest songwriters we have known, and is a groovy little trip. Ronnie's "April Fool" is another showcase for his delicate, fragile vocals... they literally pull you in closer, then knock you out. Pete's "Street In The City" is a crazy, mixed up romp that almost defies description, so you'll have to check that out for yourself, 'cause I'm not sure what to say! The album climaxes when the two stars join forces for "Heart To Hang Onto", a song that Townshend still occassionally includes in live sets with The Who. It's beautiful, perfect, stunning. A cover of "Till The Rivers All Run Dry" closes proceedings, and lets you come back down to earth nice and easy. Speak to any fan of the Who, Small Faces or Faces, and they will tell you how special this underrated album is. For Christ's sake people, it's about $15 bucks at any decent record store. Grab it, dig it, then tell the world about it... |