THE MAGIC BUS, The Who (Decca)

Despite many criticisms leveled upon their stage act and lyric content, The Who remain one of the most consistent hitmakers in modern rock. Pop historians will remember them as the group that controlled and employed screeching feedback, mind-throbbing volume and instrument demolition.

But they must be given their just artistic due. They are all good musicians and performers, and Pete Townshend leader and guitarist is also among the cleverest and most prolific pop songwriters. His lyrics cover every segment of life from love to revolution.

Their latest album is a very interesting collection of material containing three of their last hit singles “Call Me Lightning,” “Pictures of Lily,” and “Magic Bus.” The production lacks vocal presence - you may have to strain to hear Townshend's lyric ramblings, but the LP contains feeling and a lot of good rock material.

SIGNALS THROUGH THE GLASS; (Capitol), John Stewart and Buffy Ford

John Stewart and Buffy Ford are excellent contemporary folk singers. They perform their own material and some of it is surprisingly beautiful. Most of their material is Western oriented. They sing about prairies and stars. Before you dismiss this as redundant Country and Western hogwash and corniness, remember Bob Dylan’s first and most sensitive recordings were along the same line. Although there are several tracks that are noteworthy; “Holly On My Mind” is fabulous.

ALADDIN; The Rotary Connection (Cadet Concept)-

Rotary Connection’s album is slick. They term their soul psychedelic and they lash into the important topics of today such as people being nasty to long hairs and the usual lack of love and understanding. They remind me of the Fifth Dimension vocally but they retain few of the qualities that make the Fifth Dimension great. Taking them literally, they sing adequately and their arrangements are well done. But they are a grotesque parody of a movement termed as hip and involved. So-called underground music once appealed to a certain mind — as an example young pop followers that preferred lyrics to say something important.

When “underground” pop became an institution all of the record companies resources were channeled into exploiting this phenomena. What once was honest became corrupt. From this sprang Rotary Connection and countless other company concoctions. But everything must be taken for what it is worth and the sweat involved in a recording of this size is to be considered but the honesty and true commitment of the involved must remain foremost.