WORTH NOTING ON TV

August 19, 1994

* FRIDAY

In the Spotlight (PBS, 11:05 p.m.-12:05 a.m.; please check local listings, since schedules vary widely during pledge week):The title of this edition of the pop-music series - ``The Who: 30 Years of Maximum R&B'' - pretty much tells the tale of this documentary. It's a look at a band that all but defined hard-core rock-and-roll in the 1960s, and for years afterward. They did some of the first live spectaculars - dazzling lights, high decibels, and manic stage business that some people found objectionable but most fans loved.

This comprehensive examination of the full 30 years of The Who's impact assesses their place in the social and political context of the '60s. The production uses rare concert footage, interviews with surviving Who band members and people associated with them, and major musical stars.

It begins when The Who was playing to rival gangs in West London, deals with their reputation for assaulting audiences with deafening sound, and includes their production of influential albums like ``My Generation'' and ``I Can See for Miles,'' 1970s albums like ``Who's Next'' and ``Quadrophenia,'' and the band's rock opera ``Tommy.''

The show also looks at the many big names in music today who cite The Who as their greatest influence - like Keith Richards, Eric Clapton, Bono (of U2), Bryan Adams, and Eddie Veddar of Pearl Jam. * SUNDAY

Barbra Streisand: the Concert (HBO, 9-11 p.m.): Streisand's first concert tour in some 30 years, completed last month, drew critical raves from many quarters and was one of the most publicized events of its kind in recent years. The tour's huge success - every date was sold out - and the ballyhoo involved is expected to produce strong ratings for this special.

It was taped during her appearances in Anaheim, Calif., Las Vegas, Nev., and perhaps other stops (the content is in Streisand's hands and the final edit was not known at press time). Safe to say the concert will include such Streisand trademarks as ``The Way We Were,'' ``Evergreen,'' ``People,'' and ``Somewhere.''

Please check local listings for these programs.