Who Came First

"Who Came First" is an intriguing album released by Pete Townshend in 1972. This was Townshend's first solo album, well-known for its blend of spirituality and rock, which stood out from his work with The Who. The album includes tracks that were mostly inspired by the teachings of Meher Baba, an Indian spiritual master whom Townshend admired deeply.

One fascinating aspect of this album is that it evolved from a series of tributes Townshend had recorded and compiled for Meher Baba's birthday, starting with a privately distributed album titled "Happy Birthday" in 1970. "Who Came First" features some of the tracks previously released in those private collections, such as "Parvardigar," which is an adaptation of Baba's universal prayer.

The album cover itself is quite iconic, featuring a photograph of a young Townshend alongside an image of Meher Baba. Townshend was meticulous about integrating his spiritual beliefs into his music, making "Who Came First" not just a musical endeavor but also a deeply personal project.

Musically, the album is a mix of demos and finished songs, including solo versions of songs that The Who had performed, like "Pure and Easy" and "Let's See Action." Its personal nature provides insight into Townshend's mindset and life during this period, showcasing his ability to blend introspection with rock music.

A trivia for fans: the track "Let's See Action" from this album was originally intended for the abandoned Lifehouse project, The Who's ambitious multimedia concept that eventually transformed into their acclaimed album "Who's Next." Overall, "Who Came First" is a significant exploration of Townshend's individual artistry and spiritual journey, distinct yet complementary to his work with The Who.