Excluding the classic rock radio staple “Eminence Front” from 1982’s “It’s Hard,” the eighties weren’t terribly kind to The Who. At the time of “Face Dances” release, fans were still mourning the loss of Keith Moon while punk and emerging new wave were stealing press space and radio air-waves. It’s difficult to imagine now how proto-punkers like The Who couldn’t have easily coexisted alongside The Clash, but at the time they were considered almost polar opposites. (Long time Seattleites might remember both camp’s negative reaction at that disastrous double bill in the Kingdome in ’82). Listening now, though, and judged on it’s own merits, “Face Dances” is surprisingly enjoyable and this underdog of an LP finds its way onto my turntable and ipod more often than “Who’s Next.” “Face Dances” is definitely not in league with the aforementioned classic but neither has it been played to death for the last twenty-five years. Also, I now prefer a introspective Pete Townshend even if Roger Daltry still delivers his words with all the gusto of “Baba O’Riley.” For anyone who’s written this one off, pick up the next 99¢ copy you see and give it a fresh listen the way you might approach a Townshend or Entwistle LP. Not only does it contain some of Townshend’s finest (Don’t Let Go The Coat) and oddest lyrical moments (Did You Steal My Money, Cache Cache), it features the “quiet” Entwistle’s least quiet moment, “The Quiet One” along with everyone’s favorite guilty Who-pleasure, “You Better You Bet” and the album closer’s lost gem, “Another Tricky Day.” –David
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i think the first (and only?) time i tried to listen to this album i switched over to Quadrophenia after only a few songs. the empty space that Keith Moon left was just too obvious, and it was hard to listen to. (i don’t really remember, but i probably changed it over to “Bellboy” or “the Rock” to try and fill the gap that i had just created.) i haven’t attempted a listen since then.
but after reading your suggestion to approach it like Pete Townshend’s solo albums, i’m inclined to give it another try. it took me a little while to get used to hearing each of them without the three. (have you heard “Two Sides of the Moon”? it’s kind of strange, but quite lovely.)
i can’t recall ever really seeing any positive reviews of Face Dances, which made me want to listen to it even less, but knowing someone likes it might just be enough to persuade me.
but, even if i do find myself liking it, i still don’t think i would be able to call them The Who.
I love it actually. Just cause it aint “the who” you speak of doesnt mean it aint good. Why would you trust them in some way. Half of the songs are terrific… and theyre performed by 4 rock virtuosos. Tough times? Yes they were. But this is still a worthwhile record. I’d give it another look.