By far the best compilation of John “Ox” Entwistle to date, “So Who’s the Bass Player” – The Ox Anthology” sports 38 tracks across two discs.

The album showcases the best tracks from his late century classics “Smash Your Head Against the Wall,” “Whistle Rhymes” and “Rigor Mortis Sets In,” and then follows Ox into the new millenium with 2000’s “Music From Van-pires”

Known as the ‘quiet one,’ bassist John Alec Entwistle never really received his due credit as a valued songwriter for The Who, let alone his solo and side projects, although some say he was the first bassist to be recognized within the conventional four member group. In fact, of the 38 tracks, Pete Townsend only helps out twice (“When The Sun Comes Up” and “Don’t Be A Sucker”).

This album will be the jewel in the collection of any Ox fan. For those only familiar with The Who, you’ll be be surprised by the lack of standard Who riffs and athems. Intead you’ll find a creative, independent eclecticism that could afford to march to a non-commercial drummer.

As a whole, the album is a combination of rock standards, jazzy ballads and more than will be sure to please any level of fan.

Reason to buy and not cop a free download: deluxe packaging including sleeve notes by esteemed record Collector magazine journalist Andy Neill and Ed Hanel, amazing photos of Ox’s axes, plus selected live tracks from the King biscuit Flower Hour radio series.

Favorite tracks include: Lady Killer, Heaven and Hell, Too Late The Hero, and live versions of the Entwistle-penned Who classics Boris the Spider and Whiskey Man.

“So Who’s the Bass Player? - The Ox Anthology” is in stores now from Sanctuary Records.
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