The Who Album: “Live at the Royal Albert Hall”

This is an excellent performance by the best live band of all time. Unfortunatly poor sound limits its sonic impact on the listener. There is way too much compression and the result is a rather dull, muddy sound. The audio on the dvd version is far superior. The only saving grace of the cd set is the inclusion of a couple of songs left off the dvd, as well as a bonus disc containing 4 tracks from John Entwistle's last concert with the Who. While I recommend both, if you have to choose one go with the dvd.

I don't care what anyone says. This is the best live show the Who ever played. Keith Moon is gone, but Zak Starkey is a great replacement, and they can still rock just as hard. The improvisational jams plus the loose atmosphere of the show, not to mention some superb guitar playing by Pete and John. Roger's voice sounds great. Among the great songs here are "Bargain," "I Can't Explain," "Magic Bus," "My Generation," "Who Are You," and "Won't Get Fooled Again." Also included in this 3 CD package are 4 songs from their February 8, 2002 show, the last with John Entwhistle. That's the real treat for any Who fan. The 2000 show too was really cool, and the Who will never play a show like this again.

This album was amazing! They included all the songs from the great DVD, but they add two more that did not appear. Mary Anne with the Shaky Hand was excellent and Getting In Tune was nicely done. But the bonus disc was my favorite. I'm Free was great, I Don't Even Know Myself had great harp work from Roger, Summertime Blues featured John Entwistle as the low-voiced boss man. But Young Man Blues absolutely blew me away!! Pete definitely owned the song, firing off insane solos and riffs. I read somewhere that Pete fell off the stage during the song, but I could never tell. If he did fall off, he did not miss a beat. One of the greatest live performances out there! RIP John and Keith!!

I purchased the DVD of this concert as soon as it was released two years ago. I saw the Who both on the 2000 and 2002 tours and I met John Entwistle several years before. The DVD of this concert is nothing short of pure excitement as anyone who has seen it will attest. The audio was specifically arranged by Bobby Pridden (The Who's roadie for several decades) and it is full of life and energy. This CD is good but when compared to the DVD it just doesn't stand up as well. The CD suffers from too much compression or other audio problems that make it sound audience friendly instead of show The Who for what they are: The best live rock and roll band in the world. Get the cd anyway though--all the money goes to charity (as does the money from the DVD)--but if you want to know why the Who were on fire in 2000 then get the DVD.

I was Absolutely Amazed with this CD. I Highly recomend this CD for any WHO fan, also for new WHO fans it is a must have live performance. This is probably the last time you will ever see/hear John "Thunderfingers" Entwistle. The Guest appearences are great, especially by Eddie Vedder, and Noel(oasis).