I may or may not have mentioned it before but for I while I played Pete in a tribute outfit. Like full on.
Because I only knew a couple of the tunes beforehand (and because it was before my "great awakening" as far as theory) I opted to go the "note for note" recreation of everything as much as possible (like Live at Leeds which was the bulk of the set was a bear to learn but there is only one guit part throughout whereas selections from Who's Next, Quadrophenia and other studio works I had to pluck out the most relevant/distinct guit parts and play those often referring to live vids which, because of Pete's randomness was not always helpful).
Anyhoo... (anywho? Knyuck knyuck) I disliked the Quadrophenia tunes. Especially this particular song however we only did a few from that album. IIRC they were Love Reign (hated it), Bellboy (dumb), Punk Meets the Godfather (liked that one) and Real Me (really liked that one but disliked it because it required a capo which I never use and although heavy is a pretty simplistic guit part).
So obviously I spent a LOOOOOOT of time listening, analyzing, learning, performing tons of Pete parts (giggety) and this song was definitely one of the ones that I just simply hated the most probably tied with Magic Bus (Leeds version) and Squeezebox... but they were hits so they had to be played.
Listening to this, although I like the live orchestra, I gotta say (with all love and respect for Mr. Townsend) that it's even worse. The two best elements of the song have been stripped from it. The sweet downward guit scale during the chorus (why the guit player from the Roots did not bother learning that simple part is beyond me) and Roger's booming screams.
But I've come to expect that from ole Pete. Brilliant songwriter, totally whacko/revolutionary guit player but a hopelessly self indulgent navel gazing weirdo. I really think Keef kept him from getting too froo froo with this type of silliness via mockery and general harassment.
I don't know who this Alfie fellow is but I'm guessing a classical singer. He's definitely good but damn... he's singing it WAY too clean and "proper" and without that sweet guitar lick all you got is a schlocky cheese fest.
I kind of expect that from Pete but buddy dude from The Roots definitely should have known better. You can hear him playing but he ain't covering what Petey would be doing if he didn't have an acoustic strapped to him (which is an important part of the song and he's a great acoustic player too but I couldn't hear even that which might have made it better).
Meh... I think Townsend actually hates the songs he created that I like and has an obsession with the stuff I hate.
Weird guy (but then again I suppose I'm a little odd meself).
/Who nerd rant