Page 8
Conceptual
showcases
talent of Pete
By Robb Frederick
Entertainment Editor
Throughout his prosperous
musical career, Pete Townshend
has repeatedly returned to the
concept of the "rock opera" as a
vehicle for his lyrical genius.
As guitarist and chief
songwriter for the Who,
Townshend conveyed his ideas and
principles to millions. His
operatic tendencies were showcased
on the conceptual Quadrophenia
and 1969's Tommy which remains
as one of the Who's most
celebrated works.
The Iron Man, Townshend's
latest solo offering, exemplifies
the songwriter's continued writing
excellence, while providing a
much-needed boost to an otherwise
stagnaht solo career.
Based upon the 1968 children's
story by Ted Hughes, The Iron
Man invites listeners on a fantasy
journey led by a ten-year-old boy
named Hogarth, played by
Townshend.
The storyline is fairly simple:
the Iron Man is a giant machine
designed to "protect man from his
own inventions." Local townfolk,
led by Hogarth's father', begin to
feel threatened by the Iron Man
and decide to topple and bury the
giant, much to the anguish of
Hogarth. The boy saves and
befriends the robot, which returns
the favor by vanquishing a fierce
space dragon who is fond of
devouring the area's children.
To represent the many
characters included in The Iron
Man, Townshend has assembled a
suberb roster of supporting
musicians. Although many of
these contributors are not well
known, each donates a distinct
performance that allows The Iron
Man to become a diverse,
interesting musical.
The most heralded support
comes from the other members of
the Who, who have forgotten past
differences and combined their
talents for two tracks: As the
recent Who tour has proven, the
band's members have lost none of
the magic which catapulted them
- IVEY ALL CLA
714EYKE GOIN
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"Iron Man"
songwriting
Townshend
to one of rock music's highest
thrones. On the song "Dig,"
Roger Daltrey, acting as Hogarth's
father, forcibly directs his fellow
townfolk as they overwhelm the
Iron Man. On the driving cover
version of "Fire" the band
performs with an intensity rarely
seen in a group of this age.
The character of the Iron Man
is portrayed by blues legend John
Lee Hooker, whose deep, gut
wrenching vocals vividly depict
the robot's pain of betrayal as he
is attacked by his creators. On "I
Eat Heavy Metal," Hooker
breathes life into his mechanical
character by detailing the cravings
and needs of Hogarth's rejuvinated
Iron Man. •
The Space Dragon, the Iron
Man's collossal antagonist, is
superbly played by Nina Simone,
whose soulfull sound can be
compared to no other. On "Fast
Food," Simone laces her lines
with hints of demonic possession,
and the results are haunting.
The varying styles and the
resulting versatility present on
this release enable The Iron Man
to become an enthralling musical
opera. As the unusual
characteristics emerge, the listener
is drawn further into the web of
Townshend's story.
Although the diverse guest
appearances highlight The Iron
Man, Townshend's prescence is
dominating, and rightfully so. His
lyrics are presented in a simple and
direct fashion which enables
listeners to follow the story's plot
with ease. And Townshend's vocal
ability, when demonstrated, is
respectable, particularly on the
release's first single "A Friend is a
Friend."
Unlike much of Townshend's
Tommy, this conceptual work lies
far from the mainstream. The
music, however, is fresh
stimulating, and the interesting
plot ties the music together with
ease. This release is a welcome
addition to Townshend's solo
repertoire, and it again proves that
Pete Townshend has found life
after the Who.
Entertainment Briefs
Ono announces environmental project
Yoko Ono has announced a $lOO million environmental fund-raising project. The effort will focus on
the preservation of the environment, through the provision of scholarships and the promotion of
cultural exchanges. Other artists pledging support include Michael Jackson, David Bowie and Billy
Joel.
Crue vocalist punches Gunner
Motley Crue vocalist Vince Neil punched Guns N' Roses guitarist Izzy Stradlin after the recent Video
Music Awards show. Neil justified his actions by citing a 1988 incident involving Stradlin and Neil's
wife, a mud-wrestler named Sharise.
Stone to tribute Morrison ..
Filmmaker Oliver Stone has two Jim Morrison-related films in the works. The acadamy award-winner
has expressed interest in the movie rights to Woderland Avenue, and he plans to write and direct an
authorized film account of the Doors titled Riders on the Storm.
Howie you going to do it?
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IBM, Personal System/2 and PS/2 are registered trademarks, and Reprinter and Micro Channel are trademarks, of International Business Machines Corporation. Microsoft is a
registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. PRODIGY is a registered trademark of Prodigy Services Company, a partnership of IBM and Sears. hDC Windows Express.
hDC Windows Manager and hDC Windows Color are trademarks of hDC Computer Corporation. 803865 X and 80386 are trademarks of Intel Corporation. © IBM C0rp.1989
The Collegian Wednesday, October 4, 1989
To Order Call: The Microcomputer Order Center
Penn State-University Park State College, PA
(814) 865-2100
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My English lit. paper is due Tuesday.
My economics paper is due on Wednesday.
And the big game's tomorrow."
PS/2 it!