Thirty Years Of Maximum R&B is a four disc, five hour, career spanning history of The Who. The musical journey begins in 1964 with tracks released when they were known as the High Numbers and finishes in 1991 with their recording of “Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting)” which was their contribution to the Elton John tribute album, Two Rooms.
This is probably not a box set for those who are unfamiliar with the group’s music. It would be best to start with a couple of their classic albums or a simple greatest hits release such as Meaty Beaty Big and Bouncy. If, however, you are a serious fan of The Who, this is an essential package that is full of classic moments with a number of surprises thrown in for good measure.
The enclosed booklet is spectacular as it is filled with rare photos and interesting commentary by Pete Townshend. Some of the tracks could have more clarity which is really inexcusable given that the producers has access to the original masters. This is especially apparent with some of their later material.
Disc one takes the group from their beginnings to the release of the single “Call Me Lightning.” The four songs by the High Numbers show a rawness and energy. Songs such as “Zoot Suit” and “I’m The Face” hint at what they would become in a very short time. “I Can’t Explain” kicks off the official Who career and “My Generation,” “Happy Jack,” “Boris The Spider,” and “Pictures Of Lily” quickly follow and form a catalog of some of the best rock ‘n’ roll to be issued in the mid-1960’s.
Disc two begins with the sophisticated rocker, “I Can See For Miles.” Classic tracks from Tommy make an appearance. “Overture,” “Acid Queen,” “Pinball Wizard,” “I’m Free” and a live version of “See Me, Feel Me” are all reminders of the brilliance of Pete Townshend’s groundbreaking rock opera. The only real mistake on this disc was to issue the shortened version of “Summertime Blues” instead of the original longer track from Live At Leeds which was one of the best concert performances ever put on tape.
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Article comments
1 - Wayne
The live Dreaming from the waist and Saturday nite's alright are the highwater marks from this collectionIf they could have included the remade songs from the Quadraphenia soundtrack, this could have been a great box set.
2 - Doug
Disc 3 also has the only American release of the studio version of Join Together, which makes it worth the cost for that track alone. It was on the long since out of print Wholigans, and has since come out on a Japanese best of, but 30 Yrs. is the easiest place to get a hold of it.
3 - Paul
I have to agree that this is a great box set, but not for the uninitiated. However, many of the rare tracks included in this box set have since been released elsewhere (mostly as bonus tracks on reissued albums). "Join Together" is readily available on The Ultimate Collection, which is essential for any fan of the Who or rock music in general.