**1/2 John Entwistle

THUNDERFINGERS: THE BEST OF JOHN ENTWISTLE

(Rhino)

Although largely (and frustratingly) marginalized in this year's touring version of the Who, the unflappable John Entwistle's thundering bass continues to propel the band's post-Moon era. Here, though, is a reminder of the five solo albums he released between Who albums and tours from 1971 to 1981 (selections from this year's The Rock are not included). This summation does show off his already familiar talents, but it's more than an all-out bass-guitar orgy; it showcases Entwistle's very real songwriting ability. His horn arrangements in particular are always interesting, just as they were on various Who records -- particularly on 1972's hook-laden "I Wonder" (which also features Peter Frampton on lead guitar.) And his famous black humor is here in abundance: auto-crash sound effects illustrate the tragedy befalling "Roller Skate Kate," and Boris the Spider gets his revenge in "My Size." But the more serious material (relatively speaking) is interesting too. Sure, Entwistle's no Townshend, but there's room for only one of those anyway.

-- Michael Piantigini