The first in a series of internet-only exclusive live albums from Mr Townshend, 'Sadlers Wells '00' features the first live staging of the 'Lifehouse' concept and as such is something of an historical artefact.
Backed by his band and the London Chamber Orchestra, Townshend runs through what amounts to a linear narrative, encompassing several tracks which will be familiar to Who fans from 'Who's Next' including classics 'Baba O'Riley' and 'Won't Get Fooled Again'.
However, these versions are often radically different to the Who originals, being stripped-down acoustic renditions. Sometimes, it serves them remarkably well ('Love Ain't For Keeping'), sometimes it almost stunts them ('Baba O'Riley').
Nonetheless, this should be celebrated as a triumph. Indeed, it demonstrates that really 'Lifehouse' was not a concept that could be readily adapted to The Who and it stands up better today as a Townshend solo project.
The inclusion of songs from other areas of his canon, like a poignant 'Greyhound Girl' and 'Who Are You', completes the cycle.
Sometimes, it seems, things are meant to be put on hold for 30 years.
You can buy this album from www.eelpie.com.
