While most of his peers have long since abandoned their creative impulses and risk-taking for comfortable complacency, Pete Townshend still dares to fail. THE IRON MAN, a song cycle adapted from a children's book, is ambitious in its scope as well as in its cast of characters. It is notable for a reunion of sorts with former Who members Roger Daltrey and John Entwhistle (on "Fire" and "Dig," the latter of which finds Daltrey in fine vocal form), as well as cameo growling from blues legend John Lee Hooker (on the menacing "I Eat Heavy Metal" and the strangely wistful "Over the Top"), and bizarre shrieking from jazz great Nina Simone. Townshend himself turns a stirring performance or two, reaching a pinnacle on the affirming "All Shall be Well." Though THE IRON MAN is a slightly bumpy ride, its turbulence is a testament to Townshend's creative ambition.