The Who by Numbers The Who

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CD - Remastered

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  • Release Date: 11/19/1996
  • Original Release: 1975
  • Sales Rank: 4,679
  • Label: MCA
  • UPC: 008811149321
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Vinyl LP$34.99
 
  • Overview
  • Tracks
  • Editorial Reviews
  • Customer Reviews
  • Details & Credits
Track List
Click on LISTEN or link to hear an audio clip.
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The Who by Numbers

1LISTENSlip Kid 4:31
2LISTENHowever Much I Booze 5:01
3LISTENSqueeze Box 2:43
4LISTENDreaming from the Waist 4:06
5LISTENImagine a Man 4:00
6LISTENSuccess Story 3:20
7LISTENThey Are All in Love 3:00
8LISTENBlue, Red and Grey 2:46
9LISTENHow Many Friends 4:05
10LISTENIn a Hand or a Face 3:24
11LISTENSqueeze Box Live / previously unreleased / Bonus Track 3:13
12LISTENBehind Blue Eyes Live / previously unreleased / Bonus Track 4:39
13LISTENDreaming from the Waist Live / Bonus Track 4:57

About this Artist

Editorial Reviews

The Who by Numbers functions as Pete Townshend's confessional singer/songwriter album, as he chronicles his problems with alcohol ("However Much I Booze"), women ("Dreaming From the Waist" and "They Are All in Love"), and life in general. However, his introspective musings are rendered ineffective by Roger Daltrey's bluster and the cloying, lightweight filler of "Squeeze Box." In addition, Townshend's songs tend to be underdeveloped, relying on verbosity instead of melodicism, with only the simple power of "Slip Kid," the grace of "Blue Red and Grey," and John Entwistle's heavy rocker "Success Story" making much of an impact. [The 1996 CD reissue adds three live tracks from a 1976 concert.] Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide

Customer Reviews

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  • Ratings: 2Reviews: 2

A true emotional masterpiece!by Anonymous

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February 05, 2006: Amazing! I absolutely love this album. First off, one must listen to the lyrics of this album to truly appreciate what it has to offer. That being "Honesty". On this album Pete Townsend bears his soul to the world through some beautifully written songs. Some might complain that this record lacks the electricity of past Who albums. That maybe true, but, one has to look deep into this album hole-heartedly to accept it for what it is. A blend of maturity and excellent song craftmanship. One of the most underrated and underappreciated Who albums.

Midlife Crisisby Anonymous

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May 19, 2004: In 1975, Pete Townshend moved away from the rock opera concept and bore his soul with The Who by Numbers. "Slip Kid" is a telling story of a man in midlife crisis (Roger Daltrey sings "I'm a soldier at 63," but neither he nor Pete have quite reached that age yet, Pete just turned 59 today!). "However Much I Booze" has the late great Keith Moon hammering away on the drums while Pete shares that while alcohol may be a release to his problems, it's not solving any of them. On "Squeeze Box", Roger isn't exactly singing about an accordian! "Dreaming From the Waist" features some fine bass playing from the late great John Entwistle (someone hand the boys some viagra, please). "Imagine a Man" is the ultimate utopian song. "Success Story" features John (the Ox) at his most hilarious and sardonic! Imagine Cinderella smashing her guitar just like Pete! "They're all in Love" is another biting song "Stay strong, all you punks." "Blue Red and Grey" shows Pete sounding relaxed, strumming a banjo and enjoying "every minute of the day." "How Many Friends" is one of the most poignant songs on here, which was later used in VH1's tribute to Keith Moon. "In a Hand or Face" shows Pete going "round and round" (going nowhere fast, I suppose). Plus, there are live versions of "Squeeze Box" (a little heavier sounding), "Dreaming From the Waist" and "Behind Blue Eyes" (which Keith wasn't allowed to sing, too bad!) taken from their 1976 tour.