Was listening to the only CD that I have by this great band in "Who's Next" yesterday. It is amazing how many great songs are on that CD. The Who, IMO, is one of the 5 greatest rock bands ever. I need to get some more stuff by them but I have been undecided on what should be my next album - "Quadrophenia" or "Tommy". Or maybe I should get something else. Anyway, feel free to discuss your knowledge and love for this band. It will definitely prove to be useful to me. Thanks.
"Quadrophenia" is my favorite, by far. I'm not saying it's their 'best,' and the mix leaves a lot to be desired, but that album really gets to me. Picture yourself at a show, preferably a loud stadium show, when the band is just knocking out the anthems at a fevered pace, song after song, and you can't even hear yourself scream. The WHOLE ALBUM is like that to me. 'Live at Leeds' will also pin your ears back, both the expanded version and the original. 'Tommy' is great, I remember saving up to buy a used CD of that the summer before 6th grade, but it's a little dated. Still top-five Who. Also check into acquiring a copy of the movie "The Kids Are Alright," which is just chock full of live brilliance. Goose-bump stuff. I have to admit, it's odd writing a post about a balls-out band like the Who while listening to Nellie McKay.
I'd go with Quadrophenia. My first CD that has since been lost. That is the one I miss the most. My first album was Hair by the Cowsills - how sad is that?
I love the Who. I've seen them three times - 1980 at the Summit, 1982 at the Astrodome, and 2000 at Woodlands Pavilion. Also saw Pete Townshend solo at the Wiltern in LA in 1993. I would recommend the following Who CDs, in order: 1. Quadrophenia - truly the Who lover's Who album. 2. Tommy - the one that got them out of debt and on the map 3. Live at Leeds - one of the most searing live albums ever...get the enhanced version with extra tunes 4. Meaty Beaty Big and Bouncy - a collection of their early singles
The order of my favorite Who albums Live at Leeds Who’s Next The Who Sell Out Tommy The Who Sings My Generation The Kids Are Alright Quadrophenia Manny you should also check out their set that they did for the Rolling Stones' movie that was released a few years ago. "The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus." One of the many theories as to why the Stones never released the movie when it was done (I believe it was 1969, was finally released in 1996) was because the Who basically blew the Stones out of their own movie! It's an amazing set!
Ah, but for the good news....my first 45 was "The Ballad of John & Yoko" b/w "Old Brown Shoe" by the Beatles, on Apple records, purchased at Macy's in New York City in 1969.
First 45 was "Pulling Mussels From the Shell" by Squeeze, I'm a little prouder of that one than the Boy George album. The next LP I was given was Michael Jackson's "Thriller," with the inscription, "To Kelly, best wishes, Michael Jackson." It, of course, was autographed by my father. I think that was the last time in recorded history that a father wanted his young son to believe that Michael Jackson knew him.
All these first album list's and not one KISS album??? My first album (not counting the 45 single of the Houston Oiler fight song) was Double Platinum by KISS. As far as The Who, they were the worlds first punk band IMO. Keith Moon....come on. A moment of silence, please...
It's Quadrophenia, Manny. That's the one. Then go for the old stuff : Meaty Beaty My Generation Sell Out Tommy is last and least.
Thriller. AND to top it all off, in MEXICO. ("Espeluznante" was the title across the cardboard cover of the LP in my home country.)
Quadrophenia is the one to get. "The Punk Meets The Godfather" Quadrophenia demos recorded at Pete Townshend’s home in 1973 is out there in bit torrent-land right now as well, for anyone that collects that kind of stuff. My first album was a cassette. Men at Work "Business as Usual"
Hey at least you had more than 1 song to listen to. Why I didn't get the 45 still baffles me. And I didn't learn my lesson and went out and bought the album Hawaii 5-0 by The Ventures a month later. I guess I couldn't hear it enough every week on TV - and again why couldn't I just spend a buck and get the 45. Sorry to sidetrack the thread - again go Quad.
not to derail the thread, but isnt that a great album? easily my favorite of 2004. cant go wrong with a cute 19 year old who has prince-like musical virtuosity, beck-like genre-jumping ability and great song-writing skillz!
Quadrophenia is incredible, I'd go with that first. Pop it in and go from beginning to end, then do it again. And again. Doesn't each song on this album speak to a singular personality (of the four) of Jimmy, each personality representing a member of the band? Anybody know more about this? Live at Leeds deluxe edition I'd recommend next. The Kids Are Alright is great. Then I'd go with Tommy. Meaty Beaty Big and Bouncy after that for the early singles from the studio. They're my favorite band, I keep going back to their CDs on my MP3 player. oomp, please email me. Thanks.
"By Numbers" hasnt been mentioned yet, "It's the Who's singer-songwriter record. By Numbers is such a cohesive collection that they're less welcome extras than annoying distractions. Still, By Numbers now stands as one of the linchpins in a great band's catalog."
