The Who offers 'Ultimate' set

By JEFF DRUMHELLER

jeffdrumheller@standardspeaker.com

As if The Who needed another "greatest hits" package with "The Who's Greatest Hits," "The Millennium Collection" and "30 Years of Maximum R&B" already on the shelves!

But, that's exactly what I'm talking about, "The Who: The Ultimate Collection."

The two-disc set was released in mid-June, but deserves mention since the band will be headlining Monday night at Hersheypark Stadium with Robert Plant opening.

The album features the usual Who fare, with everything from "I Can't Explain" to "Eminence Front" in a neat package including the obligatory mini book of photos and information.

There are three songs each, "Pinball Wizard," "I'm Free," "See Me, Feel Me," "5:15," "The Real Me" and "Love Reign O'er Me," from "Tommy" and Quadrophenia; and a hard-to-find gem, "Call Me Lightning," contained herein.

The one thing I will say about the set is that the re-mix is outstanding. Everything is crystal clear with some songs getting a new spin here and there thanks to a mere turn of the dial.

Back to the concert, I was both angry and sad when I learned of the death of bassist John Entwistle.

I figured the band would either can the entire tour, or postpone some dates until a replacement could be found – I pictured everyone from John Paul Jones to Bill Wyman standing on stage right of Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey.

Eventually, Townshend chose Pino Palladino to man the bass and revive the tour less than a week after Entwistle's passing.

That was three weeks ago, and reviews of the shows played since have been mixed.

However, the band has mixed up the set list with old favorites like "Sea and Sand" and the aforementioned "Eminence Front."

It's my belief that economics played a major role in the band's decision to continue the tour despite how well Palladino would fit in.

I guess I'll find out Monday in Hershey.