Description
Pete Townshend & Ronnie Lane – Rough Mix – 180 Gram Half Speed Master Vinyl Record
“Pete Townshend & Ronnie Lane – Rough Mix” is a captivating 1977 collaboration album that brought together two iconic figures of British rock—Pete Townshend of The Who and Ronnie Lane of Small Faces and Faces. Recorded between late 1976 and spring 1977 at Olympic Studios in London and produced by legendary engineer Glyn Johns, Rough Mix represents a unique meeting of Townshend’s intricate songwriting and Lane’s earthy, folk-rock sensibility . Released on September 16, 1977 (September 5 in the US), the album achieved respectable chart success, reaching No. 44 on the UK.
Stylistically, Rough Mix blends acoustic folk-rock with full-band pop-rock flourishes—featuring songs written separately by Townshend (“My Baby Gives It Away”, “Misunderstood”, “Keep Me Turning”) and Lane (“Nowhere To Run”, “April Fool”, “Annie”)—yet unified by their shared spiritual background as followers of Meher Baba. The album’s standout title instrumental, “Rough Mix”, is co-credited to both men and features a stellar cast of guest musicians, including Eric Clapton (lead guitar), Charlie Watts (drums), Boz Burrell (bass), John Entwistle (horn), Mel Collins (saxophone), and Ian “Rabbit” Bundrick (keyboards). Orchestral arrangements on “Street in the City” were provided by Townshend’s father-in-law, composer Edwin Astley, adding an evocative cinematic layer to the album.
Critics have since regarded Rough Mix as an underrated gem in both Townshend’s and Lane’s catalogs. The album’s narrative cohesiveness and emotional resonance earned praise from publications like Rolling Stone, noting the heartfelt fusion of folk intimacy with rock dynamism.
Rough Mix appeals to “Pete Townshend collaborations,” “Ronnie Lane albums,” “Olympic Studios 1977 rock albums,” and “Glyn Johns produced records.” The album’s narrative—rooted in friendship, spiritual affinity, and creative exploration—marks it as a standout within the late-1970s British folk-rock revival. Whether you’re building a collection of Townshend’s solo work, exploring Lane’s post-Faces era, or simply hunting for lush folk-rock with a rock ‘n’ roll pedigree, Rough Mix offers lyrical depth, melodic warmth, and boutique musical craftsmanship.
Packaged in original sleeve with obi strip and a certificate of authenticity.
Half-speed mastered.
Gatefold cover.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic sealed
Track Listing
My Baby Gives It Away
Nowhere To Run
Rough Mix
Annie
Keep Me Turning
Catmelody
Misunderstood
April Fool
Street In The City
Heart To Hang Onto
Till The Rivers All Run Dry
