Petra Haden – Petra Haden Sings: The Who Sell Out

Creative Integrity: Priceless

Cover albums have a new gem among their midst with the release of Petra Haden Sings: The Who Sell Out, a beautiful re-envisioning of The Who’s original album done completely a cappella. Every bit of instrumentation on this album was created with Haden’s vocals.Even diehard fans who resist change should give the album a spin, but the disc will appeal to more than just fans of The Who. Haden’s voice is lovely, and her interpretation of The Who Sell Out is an example of an artist truly stretching herself creatively. “Armenia City In The Sky” is a highlight, as is “Our Love Was.” Not all the notes are exactly alike, and some tracks are left off. But Haden’s work plays better because of it.

ame The album seems especially timely considering the trend in pop music these days. Selling out has become a career step: Britney Spears and Beyonce dance for Pepsi Cola, while everyone from 50 Cent to Pharrell Williams pimps their own shoe style. No doubt a little Crunk Juice helps them keep up their energy through all these endorsements.

ame When The Who Sell Out was released this product peddling from rock stars was not commonplace. The jingles that linked each song, and even the album cover, were having fun with such ideas at the expense of advertisers. Haden retains this spirit, thanks in part to another fan of The Who – Mike Watt, of Minutemen fame. Watt originally suggested this new project (he contributes the liner notes) and his friend Haden sees it to completion expertly.