Search - Pete Townshend :: Rachel Fuller Presents in the Attic (W/Dvd)

For All The Right Reasons

PHILIP S WOLF | SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CA. USA | 07/04/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"At first: "In The Attic" was a series of webcam performances by Rachel Fuller to promote her album, "Cigarettes and Housework." Pete Townshend, was drafted into the show to serve up the tea. Before long Pete, was in front of the camera, and performing some of his music as well. The whole affair was informal, and very spontaneous and for everyone involved, heaps of fun.



The: "In The Attic" show was a part of The Who's 2006/2007 world tour. The webcast was set up inside a Airstream trailer, backstage behind the massive Who stages. Rachel, would invite other artists on the bill with The Who, to have a cup of tea at the Attic, talk music and play an improptu acoustic song or two. With the tension of the massive Who Concerts, The Attic provided a place for musicans to relax and play some music for the fun of it, everything remained low-key at The Attic.



When The Who was touring the USA in 2007, Rachel arranged for Pete and herself, to be booked into very small clubs and invited their friends to join the Attic on stage infront of the small intimate audiences. These two CD's and one DVD are spotlighting two shows from the American tour. One show is from Joe's Pub in New York City and the other is from The Hotel Cafe In Los Angeles. Guests in California,include: Tenacious D, Joe & Dave Purdy, Alexi Murdoch and Ben Harper. Guests to the New York show include: Amos Lee, Rachael Yamagata, Jimmy Fallon & Lou Reed. Rachel and Pete, play at both shows.



This show is in the spirit of an early sixties: "Hootenanny" where the artists are invited up onstage to play one of their songs or one of Pete's. Pete, is shown on the DVD adjusting microphones and helping out everybody with some fantastic acoustic guitar. He is clearly loving every moment of The Attic. Here, he can help and sing and play with Ben Harper: {"Diamonds on the Inside" "I'm One"} Joe Purdy: {the traditional tune: "Talk About Suffering"} and Alexi Murdoch {"Orange Sky.} Rachel, is a wonderful performer {a cross between Tori Amos and Joni Mitchell} and for a launchpad to introduce the world to her music, The Attic is a great Vehicle to do so. She shall find her place in popular music, as she is too good to be ignored.



As For Pete Townshend, he has become about the finest player of acoustic guitar on this planet. Anybody that wants to knock Pete as a guitarist, needs to watch this DVD, and give their skulls a whack. He has gotten better & better, yep he is grey and without some hair...BUT he has that twinkle in those blue eyes, just like a little kid, he is older, but he ain't gonna fade away of rust anytime soon!



From Tenacious D, and their nutty "Tommy" medley right through Rachel's amazing rendition of: "Cigarettes and Housework" to the acoustic and stompin' version of solo Pete attacking: "Won't Get Fooled Again" and helping Lou Reed {he smiled} on "White Light/White Heat" & "Pale Blue Eyes." There is a spirit in the music, that shines right through these performances. Remember, this is 2009, and this kind of music should not be even mentioned today, let alone featured in this great little box for all the world to see and hear. There is one surpise, right after another on these CD's, and this fantastic DVD. I went into this knowing squat, zip, nada....And I got a Christmas present in June, with these excellent discs of superb music.

My Highest Recommendation....

FIVE STARS !!!"