WHO I AM

As the guiding force of the Who, the second longest-lived British band of all time—taking a backseat only to the Rolling Stones—Pete Townshend has always been more than a musical leader. He’s been a teacher and philosopher as well. From the first rock opera, “Tommy,” to his introspective work in the seventies, Townshend has always had confessional tendencies—sometimes to the point of self-loathing—but in his new autobiography he combines personal reflection with wry humor, and, contrary to some of his past recordings or interviews, avoids being preachy. As a narrator, Townshend has a distinctive voice with a kind of goofy profundity. It’s a true gift, especially when laced with the same droll English wit that has always inhabited his lyrics. Worth the wait. J.S.H. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2012]