Roger Daltrey Moonlighting: The Anthology CD

Import exclusive compilation for the Who frontman features 38 tracks.Highlights include 'One Man Band', 'Way Of The World', 'Thinking', 'There Is Love', 'Giving It All Away', '(Come &) Get Your Love', & 'World Over'. Sanctuary. 2004.

In 2005, the good folks at Sanctuary compiled a pair of double-disc sets that spotlighted the solo works of Who members John Entwistle (So Who's the Bass Player: The Ox Anthology) and Roger Daltrey (Moonlighting: The Anthology). Since Pete Townshend wrote the majority of the Who's material, Entwistle's songs were usually delegated to only one or two per album (or B-sides), while Daltrey was usually left completely in the cold. But while Entwistle wrote his own songs, Daltrey did not, as he relies on the help of outside writers throughout Moonlighting. That said, Daltrey's "helpers" include quite a few renowned names in the rock world, as he tackles songs penned by the likes of Leo Sayer, Giorgio Moroder, Elton John/Bernie Taupin, Led Zeppelin, and, of course, his old pal Townshend, among others. Since the Who made their name as a hard rockin' band, it's understandable to assume that the same voice that belted out "My Generation" and "Won't Get Fooled Again" would be utilized similarly here. Disappointingly, it's usually not, as evidenced by such laid-back early tracks as "The Way of the World" and "Giving It All Away." Daltrey does, however, return to his rock roots later in the set, including the Who-like "Free Me" (which would have improved such early-'80s era Who releases as Face Dances), while another ballad, "After the Fire" -- a Townshend-penned track that is rumored to be about Keith Moon -- is another standout. And like the Entwistle compilation, you get a healthy helping of Who compositions performed by Daltrey on-stage -- "Behind Blue Eyes," "Won't Get Fooled Again," "The Real Me," etc. And where else can you find Daltrey covering such rock classics as "Don't Let the Sun Go Down On Me," "Rock and Roll," and "Born to Run"? ~ Greg Prato