Consumer Guide Album

Peter Townshend: Who Came First [Track, 1972]
Townshend sounds as relaxed in this rather folkish Meher Baba tribute cum "gynormouse ego trip" as Paul McCartney in his do-it-yourself studio, and a lot less self-absorbed--other musical gurumongers sound "Content" (title of worst song here), but Pete seems happy, too. So much so that some of this music is a little lightweight--expressing the kind of undiscriminating joy in the everyday one might expect from somebody who considers "You always were, you always are, and you always will be" both a profound sentiment and a snappy way to finish off a concept album. But I'm encouraged that Ronnie Lane (singer-songwriter on "Evolution") offers a drink (alcohol, get it?) to the Master and his Truth. And in the end the homely sweetness and frailty of his music prevails. A-