Pete Townshend, "Drowned," 1979 Secret Policeman's Ball

If you've spent more than just a few minutes speaking to me ever in your entire life, you probably know that I love the Who. In fact, you probably know that I love Pete Townshend and really, really, really want to be him. Actually, I've blogged about this subject before, in reference to the Who's transcendent performance of "A Quick One While He's Away" at the Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus in 1968 (click here for that earlier post). Well, I'm back at it again, this time in response to a beautiful and spellbinding performance found on the ol' You Tube. "Drowned" is a wonderful, inspirational track found on the Who's mammoth double album Quadrophenia, but in the original studio recording it's done with the full band. In this stripped-down acoustic version, you can really hear the wonderful songwriting craft come out, as well as the manic fury of Townshend's playing, especially at the end. I mean, come on, this guy could freakin' rock even on an acoustic guitar. I've said before and I'll say again: Pete Townshend, you are my hero.