This is a gem of an album. Released in 1977 it is a collection of songs, some by Ronnie Lane, some by Pete Townshend. That the 2 styles of music merge so well is truly amazing. Recorded in the winter and spring of 1976-77 this album is one of my all time favorites. It doesn't age with time, it is still as musically valid as the day it was released.
Opening with the solid bass driven sound and stinging guitar of Pete Townshend on "My Baby Gives It Away", the album moves on to the plaintive ballad by Ronnie Lane, "Nowhere to Run". Mr. Lane, who passed away in the 1990's, is in great form both vocally and lyrically on this one. It is a song of desperation and hope.
"Rough Mix", the title track of the album, is an instrumental featuring a dueling Eric Clapton and Pete Townshend. It has all the rough edginess of real rock and roll.
"Annie" is a soulful ballad written by Eric Clapton and Kit Lambert along with Ronnie Lane. The singing is soulful and Benny Gallagher lends a beautiful nuance to the song with his accordion.
Moving on to Townshend's "Keep Me Turning" tweaks things up a bit as he explores the feelings of life spiraling out of control and pleads with his Higher Power to "keep me turning". A very introspective song.
"Catmelody" is a raucous affair in which Ronnie Lane gets to wail away like a cat on a backyard fence. The skiffle like arrangment gives this one the real feel of out and out rock and roll. Clearly, Mr. Lane is enjoying himself on this number.
"Misunderstood" opens the second side of the original vinyl album. It is a tongue in cheek appeal by Pete Townshend to be "mysterious and bleak." He wants to be "misunderstood". A great song with a beautifully understated harmonica.
"April Fool" is probably the most lyrical and beautiful song on the album. A surprisingly easy song to play, it features Eric Clapton on Dobro. The lyrics and music by Ronnie Lane, along with his plaintive singing make this one outstanding. I'm a sucker for ballads.
"Street In The City" is undoubtedly the most ambitious song on the album. Mr. Townshend does a superb job of blending his acoustic guitar with a full orchestra resulting in a musical portrait of a "street in the city on a working day."
"Heart to Hang Onto" is an insistent song in which Mr. Townshend laments the lack of something, or someone, that he can count on, someone "true".
Closing out the album is a cover of Don Williams' country hit "Till The Rivers All Run Dry". It is at once a love song and a prayer. Beautifully done it reinforces my assertation that no one appreciates, or does more justice to, country music than our English cousins.
The album was re-released a few years ago with 3 added bonus tracks which I have not reviewed here. This album is very special to me and so I suppose I want to remember it as it was originally released. Perfection seldom needs an added incentive.
The cover photo says so much about the recording of this album. Much of it was recorded in the middle of the night with copious amounts of booze as a lubricant. The photo shows a very tired but content looking duo at about 7:30 in the morning after an all night session.
When the album was released the credits included this line, "Pete Townshend and Ronnie Lane - various acoustic and electric guitars, mandolins and bass guitars, ukuleles & very involved mind games." It's really not that complicated at all, just 2 great musicians and some of their freinds making great music.
