(MADISON, Wis.) – The Who’s new album “Endless Wire” raises the inevitable question of whether a band missing key members is still really the same band. The album certainly sounds like a Who album of old, but with half the original band six feet under, one can easily wonder if Keith Moon is turning in his grave.

Rather than being released as an official Who album, “Endless Wire” should have been put out as a Pete Townshend-Roger Daltry collaboration, or probably more accurately, a Pete Townshend album featuring Roger Daltry on lead vocals. Yet when looking back, that is really how most Who records were anyway.

Regardless of who is credited with what, this incarnation of the Who sounds a lot like the Who of the early 70s, and no one can complain about that. With Zak (Ringo Starr’s son) Starkey sitting in for Keith Moon behind the drum set and Pino Palladino stepping in on bass for the late, great John Entwistle, the Who’s first new album in 24 years sounds like it could have been recorded in 1970.

The album opens with a raucous song called “Fragments,” which features a synth part so similar to the one in their monster hit “Baba O’Riley” that if any other band had used it, they would be in court quicker than you can say “Happy Jack.” Listening to Pete Townshend hammer away at the guitar, it is impossible not to picture him doing his classic windmill strum, but then quickly realize that if the 61-year-old were to try that today he would probably throw his arm out of its socket.

Like most Who albums, the weakest points come in the mellower tunes, and the age in Daltry’s voice doesn’t help matters. Yet when they plug in and turn up the distortion, they demonstrate rock ‘n’ roll at its best. Having pioneered the rock opera with “A Quick One While He’s Away,” and to greater lengths with Tommy, the second half of “Endless Wire” is made up of mini opera “Wire & Glass,” and it is here where they hit full stride.

Recognizing that their live shows have always been their strongest suit, a bonus DVD featuring them on stage in Lyon, France, is included with the disc, and features both new and old tunes.

Had “Endless Wire” been released in the Who’s heyday, it undoubtedly would be considered a classic today. But with no clear single, and the music scene dominated by the under 30 crowd, it would not be surprising if it fades into the shadows of the band’s extensive back catalogue. Yet whether a long-time fan or newcomer to their material, all will be happy that these guys didn’t die before they got old.