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What can you say that hasn't already been said about this album? It's a classic and it's filled with songs that even casual listeners associate with the very definition of Who music - or CSI series soundtracks.

Whatever one may think of the recordings themselves (I think they are VERY good if becoming a little dated sounding) the Classic 200g pressing of this LP offers one of the best possible listening experiences for fans of this music.

I'm sure there are those who would argue that an original Track pressing would mop the floor with this release -- but 35 years on who can find one in mint condition? I can say that I certainly haven't heard one. So for folks looking for the best of what's readily available, this seems like a great choice. For like 30 bucks, this edition comes on a fat slab of super quiet vinyl and offers outstanding sound on my modest system. It sounds better than the deluxe edition double CD that Geffen put out a couple of years ago and sounds better, I think, than the much heralded Steve Hoffman mastered MCA CD (still available as an import from Canada!) -- though some of that may have to do with the medium. For under ten bucks the MCA Canadian CD still remains a super bargain. But that super-bargain is bettered, at least in my opinion, by the warm, smooth sound of the Classic 200g vinyl. I can't speak for the lighter weight Classic release, but I would imagine the mastering is the same.

As with most Classic titles, the artwork replicates the original release even copying the black Track labels. However, that's a bit underwhelming -- no gatefold or artful inner sleeve with this one. Not much you can do about that, though. The release is, after all, copying what was pretty lame packaging even by 1971 standards. Still, it's what's inside that matters. Lifelike vocals, brilliant, dynamic, clean, explosive drumming --some of the best damn rock and roll you've ever heard.

If you're a fan, this will definitely put a smile on your face. If you're a Who fan with a turntable, this is a "can't miss" release.

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