Search - Pete Townshend :: Scoop

Still a healthy "Scoop" of Pete's solo demos but could have

Wayne Klein | My Little Blue Window, USA | 11/11/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Very few artists rejected demos would be interesting. I can think of maybe a handful of artists -Andy Partridge, The Beatles, Ray Davies and Pete Townshend who create demos that are detailed and equal or nearly equal in stature to the stuff they released with their respective bands (or as solo artists). "Scoop" originally released in the 80's features a healthy 25 tracks of Who, solo and unreleased demos from throughout Pete's career. Keep in mind that the sound quality on this set varies depending upon how old the original demo is and how it was recorded so that means often some of this stuff might not measure up to the finished final versions but they have a charm all their own.



This remaster (sadly) doesn't feature any bonus tracks nor did anyone bother to add any special notes to the booklet beyond what was in the original vinyl release/CD release. That along with the fact that BOTH discs could have fit on a single CD (they come out to about 75 minutes total)suggests that this isn't really worth repurchasing if you got the first CD issue.



On the other hand if you don't own this set and are a Who/Townshend fan you're doing yourself a disservice. There's some terrific previously unreleased material contained on this set. As with later sets in his series "Scoop" (which probably inspired The Beatles to do the Anthology series)features some thrilling tracks that were surprisingly rejected for Who albums. Even the "rejects" prove Townshend's depth as a writer with fascinating melodies and thoughtful lyrics.



The sound quality is marginally better with Jon Astley doing a nice job of remastering the songs for CD. There is slightly better depth and clarity but that is all dependent upon how good the original demo sounded as well.



The songs cover Who releases (demos for "So Sad About", "Squeezebox" which has quite a bit of charm in Pete's solo version, "Bargain", "Behind Blue Eyes", "Magic Bus", "Cache, Cache" and "Love Reign O'er Me")and rejected demos for both Pete's solo albums ("You're So Clever", "Body Langauge") and The Who ("Popular" which when retooled provided the basis for "It's Hard", "Dirty Water" and "Zelda" demos for "Face Dances", "Mary" originally intended for the double "Lifehouse" album that turned into "Who's Next")as well as odd instrumentals and experiments. Most of it is tuneful and well worth listening to.



In many respects the "Scoop" series inspired other performers/writers to release their rarities/demos (Andy Partridge's "Fuzzy Warbles" series, The Beatles "Anthology" series which included band outtakes as well, Dave Davies' demo releases, etc.)and some of these releases certainly live up to the quality of Pete's first venture into the archives. If you don't have "Scoop" and are a Who/Townshend fan it's well worth picking up. If you have the previous CD edition I'd suggest spending your money on something new or with bonus tracks (or--radical thought--try and download the best songs here and save a bit of $$)."