Selling Out

July 10, 2005

When I first heard Petra Haden’s acapella eight track recording of “The Who Sells Out,” I thought it was the greatest bedroom recording of all time. The prospect of a live rendering never really crossed my mind, since there was only one Petra Haden and the album was only achieved with the miracles of 1960’s technology. Fast forward a few months and numerous accolades later, Haden assembled an all-ladies choir to properly perform the record at the John Anson Ford Theater.

Haden nervously introduced the choir as “The Sellouts” and began with “Armenia City in the Sky.” There would be no setlist shenanigans, it was strictly performed in album order except for a few pauses for conversation. While Haden seemed out of sorts inbetween songs, speaking shakily and constantly fidgeting with the music sheets, she was confident and assured during the actual singing, frequently going into a bit of air guitar or drums while soloing.

Haden’s new arrangement reshapes the Who’s songs into something completely different. They lack punch without the benefit of Moon and Entwhistle, but the transformation accents Townshend’s original harmonic intents. Stripped down and reinterpreted into purely vocal form, the duo of “Our Love Was” and “I Can See For Miles” are completely transcendent. There’s also an added tinge of whimsy to the affairs, particularly on the ads where each of the ladies get to make funny noises and voices.

The combination of beautiful performance and an equally gorgeous summer night made for a pretty perfect evening. This was a rare opportunity, but there are a few more chances for people to catch the act. Petra Haden and the Sellouts will be opening for the Decemberists this fall at the San Francisco and Los Angeles dates.

Posted in From Blown Speakers