It's been 24 years since their last effort and only half the band is alive, but The Who have returned with a new album, Endless Wire. They've managed to replicate the feel of their classic era: synths all around, complex and self-referential lyrics and a rock opera about music unifying the world. It's just like old times.
And it all works, pretty much. "Fragments" is an excellent remake of "Baba O'Riley," "Mike Post Theme" features Roger Daltrey in all his howling glory and "Tea and Theater" is one of the most resonant acoustic ballads in their repertoire. Even the "Wire and Glass" rock opera has enough great melodies to shine through its pretensions. Though not on par with their peak albums, Endless Wire is as befitting of a comeback as anyone could have hoped for.
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