Pete Townsend and Ronnie Lane Rough Mix 1977

Here's one that deserves to be ranked among the better rock records of it's day, and certainly more revered than it seems to be. Townsend was asked to produce a solo record for Lane, and instead it became this lovely duo recording. The record, other than the recognizable voices, mostly bears little resemblance to The Who or Faces records, and stands as a singular recording in either artists oeuvre.

Songwriting is shared democratically, and Lane comes through with several excellent examples of his work. Nowhere To Run is a great lyric and vocal, Annie is sweet melancholy, Catmelody is a fine old time rocker, and April Fool is the English folk music that features in much of Lane's solo work. 

Townsend contributes Keep Me Turning, which sounds like one from Who Came First, Misunderstood, a great ode to being the mystery man, Heart To Hang On To which features the two stars alternating lead vocals, the magnificent, observational Street In The City, which has a grand string orchestra arrangement by Pete's father-in-law, and My Baby Gives It Away, a spritely appreciation of a, shall we say, generous lover. It rocks.

They are both credited with writing the rocking jam title track with Eric Clapton adding hot lead guitar. Clapton plays dobro on a couple others, Pete Evans adds harmonica to a couple, Mel Collins plays sax on Catmelody, Henry Spinetti's drums and Rabbit Bundrick's keyboards feature on most of the record. 

The heartfelt Don Williams cover Till The Rivers All Run Dry closes the record on a sentimental note.

There's nothing quite like it in either artist's other work by The Who, Faces, or their solo outings. Two great songwriters that clearly enjoy each other produce an exceptional work of understated elegance.