The Who - The Who by Numbers: Deluxe Edition (180g Vinyl 3LP Box Set) * * *

The Who The Who by Numbers: Deluxe Edition on 180g 3LP: Features the Original Album Newly Remastered and Expanded with Who Put the Boot In, a Classic Live Performance Recorded in 1976; Also Includes a Booklet Featuring Rare Photographs and Memorabilia

The Who by Numbers, released in early October 1975, is the seventh studio album by The Who and marked a watershed moment for the band, as its songs were, for the most part, more introspective and personal than those they had released previously. The record was a commercial success, peaking at #8 on the US Billboard chart and #7 in the UK, partly due to the success of one of the album’s lighter moments, "Squeeze Box," which became an international hit, reaching the top ten in the UK, top 20 in the US and #1 in Canada.

The Who played three British football grounds under the banner Who Put the Boot In. The first of these, at The Valley, the home of Charlton Athletic, was recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s loudest rock concert. The third show at Swansea FC’s Vetch Field was recorded for a proposed live album, and over the years, songs from the Swansea concert have appeared on official Who releases. Now, the available original mix tapes have been remastered and returned to their original order. The show was Keith Moon’s last proper show before a British audience, capturing the level of performance power The Who attained over the year-long tour.

This deluxe 3LP set features the original album newly remastered and expanded with Who Put the Boot In - a classic live performance recorded at Swansea’s Vetch Field in 1976. Presented on heavyweight vinyl and includes a booklet featuring rare photographs and memorabilia from the era.

“The Who by Numbers is a tricky album to talk about. It’s the only one where I allowed songs that were so personal to be used by The Who” - Pete Townshend

“In some ways, The Who by Numbers is my favorite [Who] album. For me, songs like "Imagine a Man," "How Many Friends" and "However Much I Booze" expose our vulnerabilities, and the album is wonderful for that” - Roger Daltrey