WHO – BBC SESSIONS 1965-1971 (2 CD)

Description

Definitive collection of BBC recording sessions and live performances
UPGRADE

　Compared to their contemporaries, the Rolling Stones and the Kinks, The Who’s live BBC radio appearances were not as numerous, with the total volume fitting on two CDs. The official “BBC SESSIONS” compilation stripped down the material to include overlapping songs, interviews, and even karaoke recordings from around 1969 (with live vocals on the album version). Even the official release knew that this wouldn’t be comprehensive enough, so a limited edition with an extra disc was released overseas.

　As such, it seems that the Who’s BBC recordings were satisfied with the official release in 2000, and since then, there has been no item that covers all of their BBC recordings. This is a serious situation in a different sense from the Stones, whose official release was finally realized in 2017. So, “Prof. Stoned” also stepped up to provide a collection of the Who’s BBC recordings.

　Like the Stones release, Prof. Stoned thoroughly examined existing broadcast discs and tapes, creating a stunning new-generation Who BBC live compilation that sweeps away past material in every sense, not just in terms of content.

　Now that it’s been over 20 years since the 2000 release, there are plenty of things to criticize, but first of all, there’s the incompleteness of some of the tracks. For example, the cover of “Good Lovin'” starts straight away, but there’s actually a proper intro. This was done because the narration overlapped with the intro, and they didn’t want that to happen. However, this wasn’t just a problem with the official release; it was a dilemma that had existed since Hiwatt (aka Scorpio)’s “MAXIMUM BBC,” which was considered a masterpiece that culminated the Who’s BBC work.

　However, this time, by re-recording from the original broadcast disc, it was finally possible to completely record from the original intro. What was strange about all the past items was that “Pictures Of Lily”, which had been recorded with the intro cut even though the narration was not overlapping, was finally completely recorded. Let’s assert that this version alone can revamp the best of the BBC compilation.

　And above all, the sound quality. The official release was in 2000, when the CD mastering battle was in full swing, so it’s hard to deny that it sounds a bit overbearing now. “Prof. Stoned” has a much more natural and clear sound quality thanks to its straightforward recording from the broadcast disc. For example, the difference is clear when comparing “Substitute.” Not only was the intro problem mentioned earlier addressed, but the sound quality was also recorded in the original BBC quality.

　In addition to these obvious differences, “Prof. Stoned”‘s attention to detail is also evident in the recording content. The 1965 tracks “Baby Don’t You Do It” and “You Rang?”, for which the BBC does not have a master, were recorded from air check recordings circulating among enthusiasts. The sound quality is not good, as if the broadcasts from that time were picked up from a radio speaker, but these are extremely valuable, first-time recordings that cannot be ignored.

　It also includes two mixes of “Pictures Of Lily,” which differ in the volume of John Entwistle’s bass. It’s compiled with content and sound quality that’s incomparable to the 2000 release, and it’s finally a true compilation that will satisfy enthusiasts about The Who’s BBC live performance.

　The editing, which fits neatly onto two discs, is also impressive. Disc 1 essentially features early The Who, primarily R&B covers, while Disc 2 covers the group’s golden age, when they finally reached their peak. This separation is also a testament to the skill of “Prof. Stoned.” Above all, the sound quality of each performance is truly excellent, thanks to thorough re-recording of the original recordings. This is the undisputed culmination of The Who’s BBC live performances!

★The original release is July 2024. This hit title sold out 300 sets in one year. This is the first and last time it will be restocked!

Disc:1 (60:31)
01. GOOD LOVIN’
02. PETE INTERVIEW #1
03. ANYWAY, ANYHOW, ANYWHERE
04. LEAVING HERE
05. JUST YOU AND ME, DARLING
06. PETE INTERVIEW #2
Recorded: Aeolian Hall studio 2, London, UK 24th & 25th May 1965
Broadcast: BBC Radio “Saturday Club” 29th May 1965
Producers: Jimmy Grant / Brian Willey

07. THE GOOD’S GONE
08. PETE INTERVIEW
09. MY GENERATION
10. LA LA LA LIES
11. BABY DON’T YOU DO IT
Recorded: Aeolian Hall studio 1, London, UK 22nd November 1965
Broadcast: BBC Radio “Saturday Club” 27th November 1965
Producers: Jimmy Grant / Brian Willey

12. MAN WITH MONEY
13. PETE INTERVIEW
14. SUBSTITUTE
15. DANCING IN THE STREET
16. YOU RANG?
Recorded: Aeolian Hall studio 1, London, UK 15th March 1966
Broadcast: BBC Radio “Saturday Club” 19th March 1966
Producers: Jimmy Grant / Brian Willey

17. INTRO.
18. DISGUISES
19. PETE INTERVIEW
20. I’M A BOY
21. SO SAD ABOUT US
Recorded: Playhouse Theatre, London UK 13th September 1966
Broadcast: BBC Radio “Saturday Club” 17th September 1966
Producers: Jimmy Grant / Brian Willey

22. RUN RUN RUN
23. BORIS THE SPIDER
24. PETE INTERVIEW
25. HAPPY JACK
26. SEE MY WAY
Recorded: Playhouse Theatre, London, UK 17th January 1967
Broadcast: BBC Radio “Saturday Club” 21st January 1967
Producers: Jimmy Grant / Bill Bebb

Disc:2 (68:41)
1. INTRO.
2. I CAN SEE FOR MILES
3. PICTURES OF LILY
4. SUMMERTIME BLUES
5. I CAN’T REACH YOU
6. OUR LOVE WAS
7. A QUICK ONE (WHILE HE’S AWAY)
8. RELAX
9. JINGLES: MY GENERATION / BORIS THE SPIDER / HAPPY JACK (stereo) / MY GENERATION (stereo)

Bonus:
10. PICTURES OF LILY (Alternate Mono Mix)
Recording & Broadcast Production: De Lane Lea Studio, London, UK 10th October 1967
Broadcast: BBC Radio “Top Gear” 15th October 1967
Producers: Bernie Andrews / Bev Philips

11. PETE INTERVIEW
12. PINBALL WIZARD
Broadcast: BBC TV “Top of the Pops” 27th March 1969

13. DAVID WIGG INTERVIEWS PETE TOWNSHEND
14. THE SEEKER
Recorded: IBC Studios, London UK 19th February 1970 & BBC Television Centre, London, UK 9th March 1970
Broadcast: BBC TV “Top of the Pops” 19th March 1970

15. I’M FREE
16. THE SEEKER
17. HEAVEN AND HELL
18. SHAKIN’ ALL OVER / SPOONFUL (Medley)
19. SUBSTITUTE
20. PINBALL WIZARD
Recorded: IBC Studios, London, UK 3rd April 1970
Broadcast: BBC Radio “Dave Lee Travis” 19th April 1970
Producer: Paul Williams

21. KEITH ALTHAM TALKS TO PETE TOWNSHEND
22. I DON’T EVEN KNOW MYSELF
Recorded: Olympic Studio, London UK 1971