"Real Good Looking Boy" isn't a bad song -- lyrically it's fairly interesting and the chorus hook is decent -- but there's not a lot of melody in the spoken/sung verses and the arrangement doesn't breathe. It reminds me quite a bit of "Uneasy Street," the Psychoderelict outtake on the Townshend greatest hits that I refuse to type out the full name of. As an album track, it's fine -- as a much-hyped return to studio work, it's weak.
"Old Red Wine" is more melodic, more dynamic and more interesting. It's seems less fussed over than "Boy" and is the better for it. There's a bit in the second half where the band rocks out credibly. I knew they had it in them from live performances, but it's good to see they can do it in the studio. I haven't quite sussed out the lyrics quite yet. This isn't a killer track either, but it's good.
I'm really not expecting dynamite, classic singles out of Townshend and Daltrey at this stage, but these tracks aren't an embarrassment. Based on these, I'll definitely be getting the album when/if it shows up. Still, I wouldn't buy Then & Now just for these two when there's a $2 (or less
) online alternative.
Ryan
