The Who’s early career-defining song spoke for and to a generation of disaffected youths. Townshend was crushed when this fantastic single stalled at No 10, but perhaps this rare excursion into psychedelia, with its themes of deceit and paranoia had too ominous a vibe for the trippy scene of 1967.Ģ) “My Generation” ( My Generation, 1965) The huge production with thundering Keith Moon drums and Townshend’s jagged riffs is the key to what Pete Townshend has described as the “ultimate Who record”. Daltrey’s essential vocal is the icing on the cake.ģ) “I Can See for Miles” ( The Who Sell Out, 1967) The “Teenage Wasteland” lyric reflected Townshend’s observations of drug-addled fans at rock festivals, and the music is simply sensational, from the hypnotic synthesiser intro all the way through to the memorable electric fiddle climax. The anthemic opening track from The Who’s greatest album demonstrated how far Townshend’s song craft had progressed, even from the triumphant Tommy. Power pop at its finest with the opening acoustic guitar chords and bass-driven solo etched on the memory, “Substitute” is perhaps The Who’s most-loved single. Townshend was moving on apace as a songwriter with some wonderful imagery here (“I see right through your plastic mac”). However, “Love Reign o’er Me” is Roger Daltrey’s song, and his stunning, soaring vocal over the heartbreaking melody provides the majesty it deserves.Īn intricate study of confused identity with the self-deprecating lyrics masterfully delivered by Daltrey. The instrumentation is world class, with Moon’s thunderous drums, Entwistle’s driving basslines and Townshend’s whiplash guitar and synthesised strings, vital components. The epic and hugely emotional conclusion to Quadrophenia is almost classical in its conception and execution.
Lyrics like “No one knows what it’s like/to be the sad man/behind blue eyes”, seem like a twist on “Tracks of My Tears”, however by any standards, “Behind Blue Eyes” is a Who classic.Ħ) “Love, Reign o’er Me” ( Quadrophenia, 1973) This is the best of them, although it still rocks out. Who’s Next’s reputation rests not only on its power chord numbers, but the glorious ballads too. Perhaps that’s down to the power of 18-year-old Keith Moon or the garage rock/power pop fusion fuelled by the Kinks influence, in particular “You Really Got Me”, but as an opening statement, “I Can’t Explain” is pretty much unbeatable.ħ) “Behind Blue Eyes” ( Who’s Next, 1971) The first of a run of classic three-minute hit singles has an edginess underneath the innocent charm. The band gave an ill-advised but memorable performance of “5.15” on Top of the Pops and, predictably enough, they destroyed their equipment and ran riot afterwards. And it was all possible because of Pete Townshend’s wonderful songs, celebrated here on this list of the 20 greatest Who tracks.ĭocumenting a drug fuelled train journey, this tremendous brass-driven single from Quadrophenia offers sweet and sour vocals, thumping percussion and blistering Townshend riffs, and culminates in the heartbreaking “why should I care?” coda. Meanwhile, laid-back bassist John Entwistle just stood and yawned while anchoring the overall sound. Roger Daltrey was the charismatic front man, the manic Keith Moon – dwarfed by his massive drum kit – assailed his instrument, and Pete Townshend’s flailing whirlwind guitar action provided a strong visual focus. The third part of the great triumvirate of English bands of the Sixties (with due respect to The Kinks), The Who were a force of nature both on stage and in the studio. Now in their fifth decade as a recording act, the original quartet remain the quintessential drums, bass, guitar and vocalist rock band.
Instead, the band have become one of the many acts who have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic. This week should have witnessed the start of The Who’s UK tour.
0 kommentar(er)
