Pete Townshend - Empty Glass
On this week's episode, we dig into Pete Townshend's official debut solo LP, 1980's Empty Glass. As the main songwriter for The Who, Pete Townshend crafted songs that let singer Roger Daultrey flex his powerful voice and lets the rhythm section stretch out and indulge their bombastic sides. But on Empty Glass, Townshend is able to show that he can write songs that require a softer, perhaps more nimble, touch. His voice is sweet, almost delicate in places, but its the musicianship where Townshend really shows that he is capable of nuance and subtlety. The songs are tight, precise (very much the opposite of the Who), and deftly straddle the the old-guard rock world of the 1970's and the bright, synth heavy world of a still burgeoning post-punk/new wave movement.
THINGS WE DISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODE
Prior to recording Empty Glass, Townshend released a couple of “solo” albums that were really collaborations with other artists. The first of these was Who Came First, a compilation of song from two prior tribute albums to Meher Baba, Townsheds spiritual guru. One of the songs was an extended instrumental version of “Baba O’Riley.”
Townshend’s second “solo” LP was Rough Mix, which was a joint effort with Small Faces/Faces bassist Ronnie Lane (pictured).
Here is an interview with Pete Townshend and Keith Moon on Good Morning America from August 7, 1978, one week before the release of Who Are You and exactly one month before Moon’s death.
Around the time of recording Empty Glass, Townshend joined the Clash onstage in Brighton, England, at Joe Strummer’s invitation. He played “Garageland,” “Bankrobber” and “Louie Louie” with the band.
Watch the video for “Rough Boys” below. It was one of the first videos played during the first days of MTV.
Upon its release, the song was controversial due to its homoerotic connotations. Townshend initially called the song “innocuous” but later stated it was was “almost a coming out, an acknowledgment of the fact that [he’d] had a gay life.”
Watch Townshend perform “Let My Love Open The Door”at the 1982 Prince Charles cherity event, the Trust Rock Gala. On stage with Townshend is Mick Karn , Midge Ure, and Phil Collins
Watch the very odd promotional video for “Keep on Working” below.
