The Who working on new studio album

The Who are said to be working on their first new studio album for more than 20 years.

News of a possible follow-up to 1982's It's Hard follows the announcement that two new songs will appear on a forthcoming compilation album.

Rolling Stone says Pete Townsend has finished five backing tracks and will soon hook up with Daltrey to lay down some vocals.

His friend Eddie Vedder told the magazine that he heard a couple of rough demos.

"They were transcendent," he said. "It was just a live take and a practice session of a song Pete wrote, and one that Roger wrote. It was two-tenths of a great record."

Townshend and Daltrey have been saying that the Who would at least attempt to make another record ever since they launched their summer 2000 tour.

Vedder added: "You've got to give the band the benefit of the doubt that, if they've been doing it that long, they can do anything.

"And you're going to give it all you've got as a listener, too. In this case, it's one of the best things I've ever heard."