Blogcritics: Comments on Petra Haden - Petra Haden Sings: The Who Sell Out

Comment by Hagrinas

Mon, 14 Mar 2005 13:24:20 EST

Although I haven't gotten the CD yet, I'm already blown away by the reviews. As a long time non-obsessive fan (I've been a Who fan since the 60s) I might not treat the original with the same reverence as those who are obsessed, but given that the Who had huge mainstream success, I don't think that the typical Who fan will have a problem either. The original has an important place in rock history, but the production values of its day were showing, at least on my vintage cassette copy. While Townsend had a brewing talent, and a great band to go with it, he did was not free of the constraints that were thrust upon him by the industry, nor did he have today's technology. Although Petra didn't use it either, I'm sure that if it were possible for the Who to record this today, it would be very different. That being said Petra Haden's, brand recognition is not entirely lacking. To be honest, I had no clue who she was. But she has an impressive resume, and is the daughter of a music legend. Given the material she grew up with, I expected something intriguing by that alone. So I'm buying the well recognized Haden brand, and that suits me fine. As if that were not enough, Townsend's comments about the CD (here and elsewhere) were enough to make me order it before I even finished reading my first review of this.

Comment by Temple Stark

Tue, 15 Feb 2005 15:48:58 EST

Cover versions are some of the most interesting music. It's rare that it can be done well or is worthwhile on an extended basis - so I'm fairly intrigued here as well. By the way, since I have neglected to say so, this went up on Advance.net Sunday night. So if this album does well it's because of that and this review ;-) - Thanks.

Comment by vincent cannata

Tue, 15 Feb 2005 15:40:44 EST

I personally have to thank the good people at mojo magazine for tipping me off to this cd. I have never heard of petra before but I love Sell Out and I love people who take famous peoples 'less-famous' stuff and take a swing at it. Mojo just had a picture of the 'beans shot' and told people to brace themselves for this album. That was enough for me. I'm sold, and I hope it's as grest as I can imagine!

Comment by Aaman

Fri, 4 Feb 2005 20:33:21 EST

Karaoke is not bad - some very talented people out there - with training, they can find an original voice. What is VFC?

Comment by Caryn Rose

Fri, 4 Feb 2005 20:24:39 EST

This is so far beyond karaoke - I tried to make the point in the review that she enhances it and takes it to a next level. IMHO, I see what you're saying, but it can't even compare to Phish's Halloween efforts. That is a karaoke effort - a massive, talented and noble one, but it was very much about playing it straight, and they were still using traditional instrumentation. I'd love to see this on the road, somehow. p.s. thank you. p.p.s. not so much. there's a review on my blog from the VFC tour...

Comment by Thrasher

Fri, 4 Feb 2005 18:15:12 EST

Caryn - This sounds like a big expansion on Phish's concept of performing albums in concert. Like in 1995 when Phish performed The Who's Quadrophenia. Now can Petra Haden take "The Who Sell Out " concept on the road? Thrasher ps - I really like your Jukebox Grad blog. pss - still into PJ? ;)

Comment by godoggo

Fri, 4 Feb 2005 17:32:53 EST

As I said elsewhere, I heard Miles and Miles on the radio, and I concur.

Comment by Mark Saleski

Fri, 4 Feb 2005 15:41:36 EST

plus, anything that Watt is involved in has to at the very least be mildly interesting.

Comment by Tom Johnson

Fri, 4 Feb 2005 15:39:53 EST

Aaman, in response to your question about whether this is "originality or karaoke-style talent," I can't speak for this specific album, but Petra Haden's a very gifted vocalist, both original and possessed of a beautiful, clear voice.

Comment by mike hollihan

Fri, 4 Feb 2005 13:36:57 EST

I should point out that Todd Rundgren did an all-vocals cover of a Beach Boys album back in the late 70's or early 80's. Can't remember the name at the moment, but he did "Good Vibrations."

Comment by Mark Saleski

Fri, 4 Feb 2005 13:31:57 EST

fantastic. february 22 cannot come early enough. pretty good for "just a record review".

Comment by Tom Johnson

Fri, 4 Feb 2005 12:55:17 EST

I am very intrigued by this, especially after hearing Petra's gorgeous voice in her album with Bill Frisell (which came out in the US a couple weeks back.) Sell Out is one of my favorite Who albums and it's easily the most "fun" album by the band. And this sounds a lot more fun than the other "big" all-vocal album, Bjork's Medulla.

Comment by Aaman

Fri, 4 Feb 2005 12:34:50 EST

This is very interesting - one must check this out. Are there other examples of tonal colors being created only through the voice? Also, would this be considered originality or karoake-style talent, as Simon put it on American Idol last night - Freddie Mercury clones abound in karaoke bars around the world