theater of "Young Man Blues" (particularly the band's astounding staccato convulsions in the midsection); the rare, live reading of Pete Townshend's wonderful hymn to self-doubt, "I Don't Even Know Myself"; and the raw, glowing power of "Naked Eye." As Townshend tartly remarks early in the set, "Smile, ya buggers. Pretend it's Christmas." And treat yourself.

Listening to The Rock & Roll Circus on CD spares you the pain of watching Mick Jagger prance around in ringmaster's gear and seeing the death-mask pallor of Brian Jones' face. But then you miss out on riveting eyefuls of Taj Mahal – a vision of blackoutlaw cool amid the lily-white parade of British rock royalty – and an early, surprisingly grungy Jethro Tull. There's a reason why the Rolling Stones stuffed this 1968 TV show into the can after filming: The Who blew 'em off the soundstage. Get the video and see for yourself. (RS 750/751)

DAVID FRICKE