The Who have announced the forthcoming release of a vivid new compilation titled Who’s Next/Life House, slated to hit the shelves on Sept. 15. A colossal undertaking, this multifaceted collection boasts a staggering 155 tracks, comprising 89 never-before-heard treasures, 57 fresh remixes and a 100-page hardback book titled Life House – The Graphic Novel.
A press release from the band’s camp touts the project as a “complete picture” of Pete Townshend’s songwriting brilliance, offering an enticing promise to captivate a new wave of enthusiasts with its visionary depiction of a future that has, astonishingly, manifested in many aspects. The anthology chronicles the metamorphosis of The Who’s musical journey, encapsulating tunes from the elusive Life House project, originally conceived in 1969 as a follow-up to their seminal album, Tommy. Eventually, these creative seeds flourished into the iconic rock classic known today as Who’s Next, firmly establishing its place as the band’s fifth studio album.
Life House, described by Townshend as a science fiction rock drama, unfolds a compelling narrative centered around a nation grappling with climate crises and pollution, while an opportunistic and autocratic government subjects its populace to a widespread lockdown, immersing them in an all-encompassing entertainment grid.
The allure of the abandoned Life House project has persisted over the years, fueled by the discovery of “some wonderful music” within its archives and an uncanny resemblance of its fictional elements to real-world events that have unfolded over recent years.
The ambitious Who’s Next/Life House collection spans an impressive 10-CD set and several vinyl editions, meticulously remastered from the original tapes under the expertise of longtime Who engineer, Jon Astley. Fans will be treated to an unparalleled sonic expedition, charting the evolutionary path of the Life House concept, culminating in the birth of Who’s Next – an album widely regarded as one of The Who’s most celebrated and iconic works.
The 155-track opus will encompass Townshend’s intimate demos for Life House, enthralling session recordings from New York’s Record Plant dating back to 1971, and invaluable studio sessions conducted at southwest London’s Olympic Studios spanning 1970 to 1972. Among this treasure trove of musical gems, the set will include timeless classics such as “Baba O’Riley,” “Behind Blue Eyes,” and “Won’t Get Fooled Again.”
Offering unique experiences, the Who’s Next/Life House project will be available in limited edition 4-LP and 3-LP sets. The 4-LP edition will encompass the complete release of a legendary 1971 San Francisco concert, while the 3-LP set will include vinyl replicas of Townshend’s original Life House recordings. Notably, 1,000 units of the project will include the graphic novel signed by Townshend and Daltrey.
Pre-order the project via Tower Records here. See illustrations from the graphic novel below.
