Who's Next / Life House Deluxe Boxset Review

[@ronalaurence4105]

Forget about a master’s degree. Your no-stone-unturned review of the “Who’s Next”/“Life House” Deluxe Box Set earns you a Ph.D. You couldn’t know more about it if you were connected to Pete Townshend’s brain cells. The great review is befitting of the magnificent box set, which continues The Who’s track record of pulling out all the stops to release spectacular mega box sets. I really enjoyed your telling of the “Life House” story and its connection to “Pure and Easy,” one of my favorite songs (by any band) from an album that is still on occasional rotation in my home. Even though The Who is probably my second or third favorite rock band, I’m not prepared to devote the time required to go through every aspect of the “Who’s Next”/“Life House” Deluxe Box Set. So, thank you so much, Alan, for your extraordinarily deep dive - and your sharing of what you found below the surface.

[@TheAlanRosenbergShow]

Thanks do much. I really enjoyed the deep dive. It’s great hearing the formation of the album from demo through the different versions through the finished work. But typically when it’s done it’s pretty much done so in the future when I want to hear it I’ll probably go with the finished official album that most people have and listen to.

[@BUCKLEKNUCKLE62]

Hi Alan. Me from the Uk again. Another Band from here who were hugely underrated were a band called 'Dare'. They were formed by Darren Wharton who was the keyboard player for former Thin Lizzy and Prof Brian Cox who a television scientist. Their music is absolutely epic with so many great songs. If you don't know them but would like to start on their discography you must start with their debut album 'Out of the silence'. Just as an idea as they have a distinctive sound with Darren's vocals. Cheers.

[@TheAlanRosenbergShow]

Thanks for the recommendation - I've never even heard of Dare. Just looked them up - started in late 80's . Pretty substantial discography - "reminiscent of Guiffria" - I actually have a bunch of Angel albums. Will check it out . Thanks.

[@michael1415]

Hi Alan, I got the 2003 2-CD set"Who's Next (Deluxe Edition)", which suited me fine at the time. I was going to skip this new "Who's Next/Life House Deluxe Boxset", mainly because of the cost and the fear of listening to it once and simpy reverting back to the original set. I love the original album and all the assorted songs from these sessions that found themselves on other, subsequent albums. I absolutely commend you for putting together an extraordinay video reviewing this set as well as your backround information on previous major boxset releases by the Who. I admire your passion and dedication, and the time you had to put in to adequately review such a sprawling set. I am now tempted, as a result of watching your video, to get this set. You've piqued my interest. It's so strange, for those of us who purchased the original vinyl release of this album in the early 70's, to think that there was such a massive background story (Life House) which I knew nothing about back then. I just thought "Who's Next", as released, was a fantastic album. As you said, this boxset shows how incredible the Who, particularly Pete Townshend, were as artists, constantly trying to fine-tune their material to get the best possible versions. I am truly curious to hear discs 4 and 5 (NY record Plant and Olympic Studios). Your descriptions have really got me thinking. As for the live tracks from the Young Vic Theatre, I've got 14 of them from the 2003 release (disc 2 of that release). It looks like this boxset has more, and the concert is great, as you said. Thank you, Alan, really great, enthusiastic, video on your part, top notch presentation as usual, with a wealth of information. I learned a lot from you.

[@TheAlanRosenbergShow]

Wow what an amazing comments - thanks so much I really appreciate it. Just note...I LOVE the Who boxsets - I really take a deep dive into them - like going to school in a way and it's a great journey. With that said. Once I'm done with them (like most big boxsets), they pretty much sit on the shelves and when I want to listen to the Who - I typically go back to the original album or in this case - the 2 CD Who's Next set that you mentioned which is also fabulous. The boxsets are expensive and as a collector of them, I'm glad to have them, but.....I just wanted to mention that to you, because they are expensive.

[@markspooner1224]

That looks absolutely amazing especially compared to the 4LP box that I bought, advertised as Who's Next: Life House which just contains Who's Next and the San Francisco live stuff with no extras at all.

[@TheAlanRosenbergShow]

Wow Mark - I wasn't aware of that version. Probably was expensive too. Personally I wasn't overly impressed with the San Francisco live show. I mean I liked it, of course, they're always really good live, but I much prefer the Young Vic show. I hate to try to compare LP vs CD boxsets, but seems like you get so much more with the CD boxsets. Anyway, thanks as always.

[@douglasweston126]

Hi Alan - WOW, thats amazing. I have Who's Next Deluxe 2CD edition and that will do me. Am a big Who fan but I thought in the main that their albums were patchy. Not all of course. My fav by a mile Quadrophenia. Its head and shoulders above everything else they did. These Super Deluxe multiple CD Box Sets are amazing, I only have about 6 of them - 4 of them The Beatles. The one I really want is The Beatles White Album, but it is out of print and doesnt look like being reissued any time soon and its mega expensive, so am not going there !! I mean as far as Lighthouse goes - is there a finished album ? or are they still all demo's at the moment. I mean why hasnt he just finished it off on his own - job done??? Cya Doug

[@TheAlanRosenbergShow]

Many of the songs for Lifehouse did show up on a odds and Sods and other scattered places. But yea even in this box set not a complete beginning to end and would’ve been interesting.

[@thomaswery3087]

What can I say Alan.We both know how great these box sets are especially Who's Next.Great review

[@wizardwandmusic6457]

Really enjoyed the Review, I saw the Who at the Houston Astrodome but Kieth Moon wasn't the Drummer. I don't who I saw drumming, it was around 89 or 90 I think, (hard to remember). ✌️🎶🎸

[@TheAlanRosenbergShow]

Thanks my friend - was an undertaking to get through it thoroughly, but well worth it.

[@TheAlanRosenbergShow]

Thanks again - I responded elsewhere but it was Simon Phillips - The Who "big band" period with Townshend on acoustic - check out Join Together live boxset.

[@anthonyaswe4174]

Great review Alan....yes 'Lifehouse' seems to be Townshend's preferred albatross--that was even more apparent reading his autobiography Who I Am...but him and these massive concepts! Honestly, I don't have the patience for these blockbuster box sets anymore, or the time to really listen to them, save for one artist, and that would be the Stones. (However, we have nothing to worry about there since their box sets are, for the most part, very slim on the content side...more on that at another time.) I mean, I gave up on pretty much any type of mega deluxe edition during Dylan's 'bootleg' series, which continues to this end, and has morphed into sprawling library pieces that I cannot get my hands around. I pretty much put up the white flag with both the deluxe edition of The Basement Tapes and The "Cutting Edge" (in fact, the Basement Tapes was a gorgeous box--six CDs with long, detailed hardcover book...after it sat on my shelf for five years, untouched, I sold it--and the Cutting Edge as well--sticking with the condensed two CD version). I also thought the Trouble No More release was great--but that was 9 disc, including a DVD documentary...again, off it went to auction. As much as I loved the Who's Next album, I cannot see getting knee deep in this tome, though much of the unreleased music sounds excellent. It does look awfully impressive--and more comprehensive than even Bob's Basement Tapes (although the graphic novel and various swag bits seem a bit much to me).

[@TheAlanRosenbergShow]

I agree with the Stones super deluxe box sets. I’ve mentioned it many times. I call them more sizzle than streak. Very disappointing compared to Dylan The Who Springsteen and Tull deluxe boxes. I usually stick with the Dylan 2cd bootleg sets but I have a few of the big box sets. The Basement Tapes is a tough one. I agree the 2 cd is preferable. I do love the mega Saved tour one especially the documentary. But yea the box sets take up so much time. My backlog is crazy with them. I get it. Sell em. Lol.

[@STEVEHEROLD]

cool overview dude. those box sets look really awesome. that graphic novel based on your take reminds me of when i read that graphic novel based on George Lucas’ original Star Wars script, the one where Han Solo was like a lizard. It was really hard to get through. Anyway, i can’t wait for the Face Dances deluxe box set…. i’m only half kidding.

[@TheAlanRosenbergShow]

I can see that actually. The live 1979 shows were awesome. Of course before Face dances but would still work as part of a boxset with it. I’d get it it.

[@carltweed942]

Hi Alan. I had decided against getting the 'Who's Next' box set - mainly due to price - but I eventually got it when it was reduced by about £100. Personally I could do without the graphic novel and the bits and pieces of memorabilia. But the rest is top-notch - especially the main book.

[@TheAlanRosenbergShow]

Yea - the bits and pieces are fun, but I agree - at the end of the day, I file it away and never look at them again. The graphic novel I thought was a really interesting idea - to show the plot, really for the first time. Beautifully produced book, but the story....well, didn't do much for me.

[@wizardwandmusic6457]

I enjoyed the Review, got to see them once at the Houston Astrodome but Kieth Moon wasn't the Drummer. I don't know who was drumming, it was around 89 or 90 (Hard to Rember). ✌️🎶🎸

[@TheAlanRosenbergShow]

Thanks - that would've been the Who "big band" with Simon Phillips on drums. Townshend stuck to acoustic guitar on that tour. It's documented on the Join Together live boxset. Simon Phillips is a fantastic drummer - played with solo Townshend and many others. Didn't really work for the Who in my opinion though. You may want to check out that Join Together live set...though not a favorite of mine. Thanks.

[@SpenceCurry]

Once again roger daltreys vocals getbin the way. Love townsends lifehouse demos

[@TheAlanRosenbergShow]

I also LOVE Townshends vocals - always have.

[@jimmymelendez1836]

Box sets like this one reminds me of what Darren Lock had talked about in one of his videos. He was saying that he would rather have the music and not the useless tat.

[@TheAlanRosenbergShow]

There is a lot of useless tat in so many box sets. I call it sizzle not steak. But the Who boxes are loaded with lots of music. Thanks.

[@tarrtruck2869]

There's so many Rock Opera's, Musicals and Concept albums from Pete Townshend and The Who it's mind-numbing. Tommy, Lifehouse, The Iron Man even Pshycoderelict ( I saw Pete Townshend perform Pshycoderelict at the Wiltern in LA in 1993. The show was great but I haven't listened to the CD in years). I've heard most of the Lifehouse recordings, but for my money Quadrophinia is the best of them all. Hands down still the best record ever made in my opinion.

[@TheAlanRosenbergShow]

Quadrophenia is by far my favorite Who album and amongst my very favorite albums of all time. Even the Quadrophenia movie is amongst my all time favorites. I like the music on Psychoderelict. Had on VHS back in the day a live production of it. Thought it was pretty good, but a bit sketchy. Still very cool that you saw that live. Iron Man one of my least favorite Townshend albums, been a long time since I heard that one.

[@davidkunzli680]

The music in this box is great. I'm still not over the shitty packaging.....I can't believe those damn pins were packed to damage the photograph. They should have done a better price. I hope the Jewish Easter Bunny visits your house with some goodies.

[@TheAlanRosenbergShow]

Happy Easter my friend. Thanks.

[@anthonyferguson4102]

You forgot the live at Leeds 4 disc Cd box set this would be the 6 th deluxe cd box set --- Anthony

[@TheAlanRosenbergShow]

I have other Who boxes as well - the 4 CD Live At Leeds anniversary edition is not part of this series and not in the same league as these 5 mega boxes. It was another re-release of Live At Leeds which included the already released Live Hull album with it.

[@MortenAastad]

Great look at the beautiful Box Alan. Did they skip A Quick One or are we going to get one later? I «only» have two of those anyhow. And those videoes you’ve allready seen 😊

[@TheAlanRosenbergShow]

@@MortenAastadYea, as you know, they skipped A Quick One. Don't know if they really could do one for that - kind of a put together album as it is . Perhaps the later day albums...maybe a face dances / it's hard combo? Could be interesting.

[@MortenAastad]

@@TheAlanRosenbergShow I’m hoping for something fpr Who By Numbers. Love that one.

[@TheAlanRosenbergShow]

@@MortenAastad I'm a fan of that album as well. Never know. Townshend seems to have endless demos and vault material.