REVIEWS

Pete Townshend Empty Glass Atco

Over the years, Peter Townshend has let us closer to his inner demons than has any other rock 'n' roll star.

"Empty Glass," like "Who By Numbers," finds Pete in a confessional mood. It is a mark of the man's artistry that Townshend's honesty is more touching, more fascinating and finally, more gutsy than are other artists' carefully maintained images. Townshend lets us know that he is a devoted husband and father, but he is also a famous rock 'n' roller who watches himself on television. He is deeply religious, but he is also a drunken punk. Because he does not seek to define himself by the image others have of him, Townshend is free to explore all these aspects of himself. Religion, rebellion, family and rock are all part of his life and he does not try to shove them into separate compartments. Diverse elements blend together into a portrait of a unique and total man.

In "Jools and Jim," Townshend goes from blasting rock writers for their treatment of Keith Moon's death, to admitting that, all invective aside, if he and his critics could sit down over a few drinks they'd probably like each other. Townshend sighs, "'Cos you're right: Hypocrisy will be the death of me," and then kicks into a verse about Krishna and Jesus. It's an amazing song, sung from the heart. Townshend addresses his listeners as equals, not as students, disciples or fans. Since Townshend

writes almost all the Who's material, his solo albums differ most from Who records in their arrangements. "Empty Glass" is Townshend's least acoustic non-Who project, and yet the album still has a shimmering sound. There are some great rockers here, and two terrific pop songs ("Let My Love Open the Door" and "A Little Is Enough") that would brighten any car radio.

Pete Townshend's "Empty Glass" is a wonderful album, certainly one of the best records of the year. It proves what Townshend's fans have long suspected but never quite dared say: Peter Townshend doesn't need the Who.

- Bill Flanagan