ROGER DALTREY/RIDING A ROCK HORSE 2442-135 (-75) UK

His second solo album, recorded at the same time he was taking part in Ken Russel's filming of "Lisztomania" and released a couple of months before "The Who By Numbers". As the debute "Daltrey" product of a close collaboration with Russ Ballard - at the time just out of Argent - who produced, wrote three of the songs and played on all but one. I like this a little better than "Daltrey". It's an on all levels well made soulish album and his voice sounds great. Though to my ears it would have been even better with a less perfect finish. Now very smooth and radio friendy, but without any real edge of the kind you always got from Who LP:s up to this point. It may be unfair to compare since he obviously tried to go his own way with a different sound. Still you can't blame an old fan of one of the all time classic rock bands for doing it anyway...can't help it. Only cut that goes to my gut for now is the Ballard-penned "Proud" - at the same time both cool and taut with very good vocals. The rest OK I guess, just not enough to make me jump up and down and scream with joy. Neveretheless an ought-to-have in any Who collection worth the name and sure a keeper for mine. Issued and reissued on every possible format all over the world through the years. First US on MCA (MCA-2147). US 2006 CD on UMe (B0006652-02) came with two bonus tracks. Premiere UK had label as shown here and fully laminated cover with credit inner. (WÖH*)