The live version of "My Generation" on the Live At Leeds album is one of the most intense and bombastic performances ever recorded. Every time the song seems to be calming down a bit, a few seconds later - the band kicks the door open and escalates the song to the next level of intensity. It's one of those songs which causes normally responsible drivers to go from driving 68mph or so to over 100mph whenever the song starts playing on the speakers in the car.
One of the best live albums ever. 'My Generation' is one of my personal all-time favorites. It has seven or eight different 'sections' to it. The Who is one of theose bands where seeing them play adds so much more to the experience. There's no live video of Leeds, there are some videos where they sync up the Leeds version of a song to footage from The Isle of Wight. If you want the full Who experience from that era you have to see the Woodstock stuff and The Isle of Wight. Their energy is amazing. There was no one else quite like them.
I can attest that it was indeed a phenomenal concert - I was there!!!! You can hear me clapping in the breaks. All four worked their ass****s off. I was on a buzz for many days. My copy of the vinyl has the University Union Shop stamp on the cover.
The 'My Generation' medley is one of the highlights of this album. Also, I think the reason that the banter before Substitute was not on the original album is because only Substitute was on the original record. On the extended version the other 2 songs mentioned (Happy Jack and I'm a Boy) were included. Also there is a 'Live at Leeds 40th Anniversary Super-Deluxe Collectors' edition which include the (almost complete) performance of Tommy (20 of 24 song).
I loved live albums in the 70s. Favourites were Live At Leeds and Made in Japan (Deep Purple). Two mega rock bands, both with their classic line-ups. Nothing better. Ever.
"Even today, Live at Leeds sounds so alive," remarked Rush bassist Geddy Lee. "It's a real piece of that period of rock. It's like a bootleg: the artwork, the tone… It was raw."
I love The Who! One aspect of their music is the ability to use spaces and quieter parts to contrast with the other super awesome parts. Yet they are so tight. Shit, this is creative magic!
Finally, there's a few reacting to my favorite album ever. Not sure why it's missed by so many. It was recorded at that perfect time when their youthful energy collided with musical genius, creating a raw and powerful sound that was unmatched. Like a runaway freight train, the bangin' riffs keep on coming.
You Really Must listen to the Entire Quadrophenia album. IMHO it is the absolute pinnacle of Pete Townsend's writing and of the Band's performances. You heard the finale "Love Reign O'er Me", but the full thematic impact of this epic piece can only be realized by listening to the entire album For my money it is the Greatest Rock and Roll Album ever Released...Bar None!
Entwistle's bass is just so, so good. I've listened to Who tracks on repeat just to try to focus on it. Moon on drums was if anything underrated, it's so sad his demons got to him so soon. And I love Townshend's solo work as much as his Who material. He gets left out of too many of the "great guitarist" discussions and he should be in there for great songwriting as well. Add in Daltrey, one of the greatest front men ever, what a voice. What a group! And here we get a recording of their early peak. I love this album.
The Who's Live at Leeds double CD I have has the mini-opera A Quick One (While He's Away), and every song from Tommy played straight through. It's one of the few times The Who played Tommy in its entirety live. Pete's five-minute banter before A Quick One is hilarious.
It's one of the best British Rock n Roll songs for sure , but not the starting point, there were plenty before that. As a Rock n Roll fan, there were loads of great British Rock n Roll artists and songs in the 50s, especially Move It by Cliff Richard and Brand New Cadillac by Taylor - both were before Shakin' All Over. Also as a Rock n Roll fan, I can't stand these Who covers of Summertime Blues and Shakin' All Over. Just awful.
@@birdman1112Back when they were still known as Chad Allan and the Expressions. Their record label released the single under the gag name “Guess Who?” as a publicity stunt, and the resulting confusion over the band’s name from DJs playing the record ultimately led to the Expressions officially changing their name to The Guess Who. 😆
Top of their game and the best rock band in the world at that point. Young man blues still blows me away as that amazing noise is just three musicians, all soloing at the same time but working together. Rodgers voice was so good and the constant tours had moulded them into something totally bombastic and unique. What it must have been like to see this
I saw them live at this time and they were untouchable.They were very ,very good and VERY loud!I saw Led Zeppelin around the same tome and they were good but not in the same league live as the Who.
OMG! The first time listening to Tommy? It’s an amazing treat. By the way, you have an album cover of Yes. Chris Squire was influenced by John Entwistle.
I was a student at Leeds University a few years after this was recorded and witnessed many fine gigs there. It was recorded in the huge dining hall and the sound in the refectory was never great but the atmosphere was always amazing. No seating, just hundreds of sweaty students rocking out. I was able to get into rock gigs free because I was running jazz gigs at the other end of the building. There would always be two headline acts per week so Robin Trower on a Wednesday followed by Ian Dury on Saturday. AND university education was free back in the day.
Live at Leeds was originally conceived to look like a bootleg with abrupt edits between the songs and flimsy, cardboard-looking album cover. The reissues are very much polished reimagining and a completely different experience.
Yes, together with "Made in Japan", "Rainbow On Stage", "Live & Dangerous", "Strangers In the Night", "Free Live", "Brussels Affair"", "Irish Tour", "The Jimi Hendrix Concerts", ... 😁
Perhaps the first real rock record I ever heard back in 1970. Changed my life it did as it became my rock n roll yardstick ever after. It really is the greatest live album ever and maybe The Who's real testament.
This was one of the formative record albums of my youth and I am thrilled to have it covered on your channel Doug. The original vinyl had the following printed on the record label: "CRACKLING NOISES OK - DO NOT CORRECT". This remixed digital version has nothing like that at all. The sound is pristine. This version of Young Man Blues even has around 11 seconds of guitar solo that was dropped from the original release. (Between 9:47 and 9:58 in this video.) This edit was done so deftly I never realized it until I bought this remaster for my own collection.
Great band, great album. Everyone aggressive, spectacular, great performers.Thank you for appreciating this. Never did get to see The Who in concert, only seen them on film. Keith brought so much character to them, John was a monster on that bass, Roger was a vocal acrobat, and Pete is completely brilliant, great player and great writer.
Dude! Listen to the full 33 track version. You get an entire live version or Tommy which people often consider to be the best version or it from the studio version. Its easily available on UA-cam! You will be even more stunned!
Doug, you absolutely must do a review of the entire Quadrophenia album. It was Pete's greatest accomplishment as a composer and the band is at the pinnacle of their abilities.
It was said that The Who consisted of four individuals, each of which completely demanded attention in his own way. With Moon's maniacal performance, Townshend's antics, and Daltrey's dancing and throwing his mic around, it seemed that the entire stage would take off into the stratosphere if it were not for Entwhistle's stock-still, stoic stand (all the time putting out more notes per second than anyone could possibly count). Neither Moon nor Entwhistle was content to just keep the beat, so that kind of fell to Townshend, who developed a style where he played rhythm and lead at the same time. As a side note, Entwhistle hated red spots. The lighting techs would sometimes use this to gradually move him completely off the stage. He once complained that every member of the band had his own fans, but while the others had screaming girls, he had van-dyked, cigarette-smoking men who sat back and said, "My, he's quite good, isn't he?" The expanded version of "Live at Leeds" is a much better experience, with a nearly-complete performance of "Tommy," plus all three of the singles Townshend mentioned in that bit of stage banter. And, no, the Who were not yet at the height of their powers: that would come in the early '70s, when they toured the "Who's Next" album. Bootlegs from that period are just insane. They have actually released two shows from then, but they are only on the huge, expensive "Who's Nex/Lifehouse" box set.
My favorite version of this album is the 1995 Deluxe version that begins with "Heaven and Hell". The later version that includes all of the Tommy songs is good too but a bit overwhelming. Greatest hard rock album ever for me.
Oh you don't even know what's coming for you with that version of My Generation. Mind blowing. It also addresses your comments about the challenges of performing Tommy live.
LOL!! The crappy sounding of the vinyl was accurate. Pete's sense of humor was in control here and he wanted Live to sound like a period bootleg version which was usually poorly pressed from a bad quality tape and have crackles and pops all over it, so these sounds were added to the recording to make it more 'realistic'. I have a vinyl copy and it has always sounded this way. Go listen to it. The banter was cut out because of the time limitations of LPs. The loudness of the bass restricted length. If longer, the bass might cause the needle to jump out of the groove. I was very fortunate to see The Who four times around this period. First when they were touring to promote "The Who Sell Out", opening for Herman's Hermit's (no joke), twice at the Guthrie Theater here (a 1500 seat theater in the round) in one night, one show after the other.The were promoting "Thomas" (as Pete would call it). When I got up after the second set, I found a battered drum stick under the seat and could only assume it was one of Keith's (still have it). The last time was a year later at the Minneapolis Auditorium around the time of LaL recording. All great shows. A small spoiler - one of the tracks you will visit later. Entwhistle said he hated playing one of those songs because, for him, it was 10+ minutes of playing "A". Fun to see your reactions. As I said I was lucky to be alive during these wonderful years when there was SO MUCH diversity in music available. And no auto tune or pitch correction.
John Entwistle once said it was his favourite Who album, mostly due to the fantastic up front bass sound. Throughout the album you hear snippets of Tommy, Shaking all over has a part during the guitar solo. Side 2 has even more. Looking forward to you hearing it.
Tommy was performed in full at this gig as well as the tracks on the original album. It is available on a 2cd edition released a few years ago. Worth hearing.
It frustrates me that the Deluxe Editions and later versions of this have the Tommy portion taken out of its spot after A Quick One, but it is definitely worth checking out the whole performance. On your own time moreso than a reaction, just to get the full onslaught of The Who at the peak of their powers, which is to say, the peak of live performance in that era. Two and half to three hour marathon sets that were just an explosion of musical fireworks, usually kicked off by John Entwistle's Heaven and Hell. Check out Live at the Isle of Wight from August 1970, you can watch The Who captivating 600,000 people at 3am. Amazing stuff. Also, the band's amps were used as the PA for the entire festival.
Meaty , Beaty big and Bouncy has all their sixties “hits” album or single and is an amazing record with a fantastic cover (on top 500 rolling stone list ).
It’s been forever since I listened to this album. I have the original, bought in the 70s, and have never heard that banter. It’s a treat hearing it now TY.
Hi Doug, I've been following your channel for about a year now, I love your analysis on vintage progressive rock stuff, but by the way I'm a die-hard fan of The Who and I'm glad you try that one, as to me it's the very best live album ever recorded in the history of rock and roll. It just has everything : energy, wit, insane musicianship, cheerfulness and loud volume ! It was recorded just a few months before my Dad was lucky enough to attend their show at the Isle Of Wight Festival, which happened to be one of the most memorable musical experiences he ever had. But however spectacular the IOW show was, and judging from the many bootleg recordings from the 1964-1973 period I've been collecting through the years, I think I've never ever heard a better concert by The Who than the one from Leeds. Some of the songs here (Summertime Blues, Magic Bus, Young Man Blues for instance) hardly got any better treatment, in my opinion. Have some more great fun next time with side two, it's awesome and even more amazing ! Best wishes from France and thank you so much for that fantastic job you do.
Roger Daltrey is touring the US this summer. I've already got my front row seats for the gig in Boston on June 20. BTW, in a recent interview, Pete said The Who will tour again in 2025.
Greetings again from Scotland. Thanks for doing this. I loved the original. Since then there have been extended versions. Your reaction has reminded me that the simplest version may still be the best. You also need to do Quadrophenia. Don't wait too long to do side two.
@@VX_XI Hull ‘70 was supposed to have been the original live album, but for four tracks, John’s bass was not audible. That’s why they went with the Leeds date. I still haven’t heard Quadrophenia in full. The Who Sell Out is a tribute to the pirate radio stations in The UK. Young Vic ‘71 was part of the super deluxe Who’s Next set. Has the full Isle Of Wight set ever been found? (I know that what Legacy Recordings issued in the early 2000’s CAN NOT be the complete set) And this is the first I’m hearing about the Civic Center ‘71 show.
@georgeprice4212 The Who Live At Hull has been available since 2012, The Whole Isle Of Wigth set has been out since 1996 and Civic Centre 1971 was part of Who's Next 2023 Deluxe Edition. You can easily find it on UA-cam.
I didn't realize Substitute was never released as a single in the U.S. I know I heard it in my youth. I guess FM AOR stations must have started playing it when the compilation album Meaty, Beaty, Big and Bouncy was released in 1971. Thank goodness for FM radio of the 70's.
Part of the soundtrack of my youth! Many nights of cruising with Live At Leeds blasting from the 8-track stereo in my car. This whole album should be played at rediculously LOUD! When this was recorded, PA systems were finally progressing to Not Terrible in both technique as well as technology.
For that era, the Grateful Dead were setting the standard as well as advancing the gear and methods of capturing live sound. Live At Leeds is a form of perfection in it's raw energy. I do enjoy the moments Roger steps back and it becomes Lead Guitar,Lead Bass and Lead Drums in unison.
They were absolutely at their pinnacle. about to reach the summit with Who's Next and Quadrophenia coming up in the next few years. Woodstock and Tommy in their rear view mirror.. Oh, and Yes, Keith and John were just cut loose to go crazy. Pete too! he never gets radical like he does on some of these songs.
wouldn't you like to play piano behind these guys, like Ian Stewart did with the Stones in the 60s, just filing the sound, adding accents to help enhance, provide another sound?
Doug I love your reviews, my first comment, now you'a'll a Who convert, welcome? This was considered the best live Album of its time, put out between Tommy and Pete's next project Lifehouse becoming Who's Next as a filler of their concert songs most played. The Hull concert was the one to be released but the first song had a channel drop out so they used Leeds, it was fixed much later and is now released as the full concert with Tommy between side 1 & 2 songs as how they would incorporated new material into concerts like a classical piece. They didn't want to release another double album for it's cost and just releasing Tommy the previous year and expecting a double with Lifehouse. This was their full tilt boogie hard rock live! I've seen every band iteration and the loss of John effected their sound the most. Only band to reproduce their sound live, as a kid they made music for us and our needs and todays kids, that's what Geddy meant, timeless music. Over countless concerts they never mailed it in always gave their best, Pete tore his hand through the wammy bar windmilling on Who Are You in 1979 at MSG, he came out 2 songs later with his whole hand bandaged, Roger's voice cracking at another show drinking Tea and both played on finishing the concerts! Also great contributors to charity others in need. Keep e'm coming!
"Shaking all over" is a classic. For a rock and roll song it's pretty much punk in its attitude. You should listen to the original, it's great! The three great live albums of the '70s are Who Live at Leeds (Pretty much an in your face album), Deep Purple Made in Japan (probably the greatest Live Album of all time), and Yessongs.
Doug, you could do an entire segment featuring Mose Allison originals and their covers from artists as diverse as The Yardbirds ("I'm Not Talking") to Bonnie Raitt ("Everybody Cryin' Mercy"), and for a span of years nearly everybody it seemed took a whack at his song "Parchman Farm". I don't recall Mose ever breaking into the Billboard charts, but he influenced a generation and more.
The studio version of Substitute has a bass solo after two verses and choruses, then goes back into part of a verse and then a chorus (if I remember right, haven't heard it in a while). For some reason when they did this they skipped everything after the 2nd chorus and just ended it there.
Fun fact: Shakin' All Over was covered in Canada by a band called Chad Allan & The Expressions in 1966. They would shortly thereafter become The Guess Who - arguably Canada's greatest band. The piano in the Chad Allan version always reminds me of the piano on Iggy & The Stooges' Now I Wanna Be Your Dog - an inspiration to the Stooges perhaps?. Also worth checking out for great 70s live efforts is The James Gang - Live At Carnegie Hall. To my mind the very epitome of 70s rock.
14:10 / 14:15 - I think you're right that Substitute was never on one of their main studio albums, but, per wiki, it "was later included on the compilation album Meaty Beaty Big and Bouncy in 1971"... so, the studio version did show up on an album that I remember having (granted, much later than 1971).
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The WHO in their prime. Live At Leeds, one of favorite live albums. Side one is great, side two is even better.
Totally agreed.
Extended My Generation us 🔥
At the time of this recording they were considered one of the loudest bands around as well as one of the best live acts.
I saw them back in 1971 in Birmingham. My ears are still ringing !
Greatest live album released by the greatest live rock band ever
I second that emotion. Saw them in '71 and they were mind blowing.
There’s no comparison
Their hardcore fans thought they had become Puffs so they had to prove themselves to their original fans
The live version of "My Generation" on the Live At Leeds album is one of the most intense and bombastic performances ever recorded. Every time the song seems to be calming down a bit, a few seconds later - the band kicks the door open and escalates the song to the next level of intensity. It's one of those songs which causes normally responsible drivers to go from driving 68mph or so to over 100mph whenever the song starts playing on the speakers in the car.
So true.
I've never been pulled over, though. Any self-respecting cop would understand.
I bought the box that contained both Leeds and Hull gigs. So, my favorite My Generation ... Hull. Many others come close, though.
This is The Who at their live peak. No other band at the time could touch them.
Agree, A show in December 1975 was also one of their best.
EVER!
Deep Purple could.
This is the Who at their live peak! Everyone is at the top of their game - especially Keith and John. I get goosebumps just thinking about it 🤘🤘🤘🤘
The Ox on lead bass guitar. Magnificent.
A true original. A ton of imitators afterward.
His loss effected the band the most.
One of the best live albums ever. 'My Generation' is one of my personal all-time favorites. It has seven or eight different 'sections' to it. The Who is one of theose bands where seeing them play adds so much more to the experience. There's no live video of Leeds, there are some videos where they sync up the Leeds version of a song to footage from The Isle of Wight. If you want the full Who experience from that era you have to see the Woodstock stuff and The Isle of Wight. Their energy is amazing. There was no one else quite like them.
This was done in stereo, I used to turn the balance on my speakers all the way to the bass side and just listen to Entwistle rip. Incredible.
I did the same thing! Wow, that’s awesome.
Live At Leeds sounds just as powerful to me today as it did 50-plus years ago.
Doug, you need to get the Deluxe Edition, they do all of Tommy live. The total performance is way more than 40 minutes
The songs from Tommy are incredible.
I think he said its the deluxe edition here but he only selected songs as they were listed on the original album
I can attest that it was indeed a phenomenal concert - I was there!!!! You can hear me clapping in the breaks. All four worked their ass****s off. I was on a buzz for many days. My copy of the vinyl has the University Union Shop stamp on the cover.
The 'My Generation' medley is one of the highlights of this album. Also, I think the reason that the banter before Substitute was not on the original album is because only Substitute was on the original record. On the extended version the other 2 songs mentioned (Happy Jack and I'm a Boy) were included. Also there is a 'Live at Leeds 40th Anniversary Super-Deluxe Collectors' edition which include the (almost complete) performance of Tommy (20 of 24 song).
Probably one of the greatest recorded guitar sounds. Everyone was brilliant but Townsend is on fire.
I loved live albums in the 70s. Favourites were Live At Leeds and Made in Japan (Deep Purple). Two mega rock bands, both with their classic line-ups. Nothing better. Ever.
"Even today, Live at Leeds sounds so alive," remarked Rush bassist Geddy Lee. "It's a real piece of that period of rock. It's like a bootleg: the artwork, the tone… It was raw."
I love The Who! One aspect of their music is the ability to use spaces and quieter parts to contrast with the other super awesome parts. Yet they are so tight. Shit, this is creative magic!
The expanded CD with the Tommy material is just fantastic. Would be great to hear a reaction to it.
Totally agree. Especially after listening the original album version.
Finally, there's a few reacting to my favorite album ever. Not sure why it's missed by so many. It was recorded at that perfect time when their youthful energy collided with musical genius, creating a raw and powerful sound that was unmatched. Like a runaway freight train, the bangin' riffs keep on coming.
You Really Must listen to the Entire Quadrophenia album. IMHO it is the absolute pinnacle of Pete Townsend's writing and of the Band's performances. You heard the finale "Love Reign O'er Me", but the full thematic impact of this epic piece can only be realized by listening to the entire album For my money it is the Greatest Rock and Roll Album ever Released...Bar None!
Such a great album, at their fullest empowerment! Growing into a man.
Keith’s drumming was controlled chaos
You're not wrong!
Entwistle's bass is just so, so good. I've listened to Who tracks on repeat just to try to focus on it. Moon on drums was if anything underrated, it's so sad his demons got to him so soon. And I love Townshend's solo work as much as his Who material. He gets left out of too many of the "great guitarist" discussions and he should be in there for great songwriting as well. Add in Daltrey, one of the greatest front men ever, what a voice. What a group! And here we get a recording of their early peak. I love this album.
Pete the kiddie fiddler
Agreeee! Part of youth growing up!
Lead vocal, lead bass, lead lead drums, lead guitar. Nobody like them. Unique!
The Who's Live at Leeds double CD I have has the mini-opera A Quick One (While He's Away), and every song from Tommy played straight through. It's one of the few times The Who played Tommy in its entirety live. Pete's five-minute banter before A Quick One is hilarious.
I used to brew my own beer in the early 70's and have lots of mates [suprise!]. We used to get absolutely wrecked listening to this album.
You really should check out the band UFO live album “Strangers in the Night”
The live footage of these are amazing to see them performing and playing off each other!
Shakin' All Over by Johnny Kidd & The Pirates in 1960 was considered to be a starting point for British Rock And Roll.
The Guess Who did a nice cover as well.
@@birdman1112 Agreed
It's one of the best British Rock n Roll songs for sure , but not the starting point, there were plenty before that. As a Rock n Roll fan, there were loads of great British Rock n Roll artists and songs in the 50s, especially Move It by Cliff Richard and Brand New Cadillac by Taylor - both were before Shakin' All Over.
Also as a Rock n Roll fan, I can't stand these Who covers of Summertime Blues and Shakin' All Over. Just awful.
@@birdman1112Back when they were still known as Chad Allan and the Expressions. Their record label released the single under the gag name “Guess Who?” as a publicity stunt, and the resulting confusion over the band’s name from DJs playing the record ultimately led to the Expressions officially changing their name to The Guess Who. 😆
@@gazzie12000 I said "A" not "The". Your entitled to your opinion. I do. I also like Blue Cheer's Cover of Summetime Blues.
Top of their game and the best rock band in the world at that point. Young man blues still blows me away as that amazing noise is just three musicians, all soloing at the same time but working together. Rodgers voice was so good and the constant tours had moulded them into something totally bombastic and unique. What it must have been like to see this
I saw them live at this time and they were untouchable.They were very ,very good and VERY loud!I saw Led Zeppelin around the same tome and they were good but not in the same league live as the Who.
OMG! The first time listening to Tommy? It’s an amazing treat.
By the way, you have an album cover of Yes. Chris Squire was influenced by John Entwistle.
Thank you. So was I.
I was a student at Leeds University a few years after this was recorded and witnessed many fine gigs there. It was recorded in the huge dining hall and the sound in the refectory was never great but the atmosphere was always amazing. No seating, just hundreds of sweaty students rocking out. I was able to get into rock gigs free because I was running jazz gigs at the other end of the building. There would always be two headline acts per week so Robin Trower on a Wednesday followed by Ian Dury on Saturday. AND university education was free back in the day.
One lucky guy, jealous.
Side 2 is so great. I can’t wait for it!
Ever done Who's Next - absolute classic album?
Live at Leeds was originally conceived to look like a bootleg with abrupt edits between the songs and flimsy, cardboard-looking album cover. The reissues are very much polished reimagining and a completely different experience.
The best live album in the history
Yes, together with "Made in Japan", "Rainbow On Stage", "Live & Dangerous", "Strangers In the Night", "Free Live", "Brussels Affair"", "Irish Tour", "The Jimi Hendrix Concerts", ... 😁
@@stefan_becker and Allman Brothers Live at Fillmore.
@@ralph0149 Oh Yes!!! 👍
Love the original but love the extended version even more. Funnily enough, the Allmans at The Fillmore also benefits from an extended version.
Agree!
Perhaps the first real rock record I ever heard back in 1970. Changed my life it did as it became my rock n roll yardstick ever after. It really is the greatest live album ever and maybe The Who's real testament.
Incredible performance. This is the Who at their finest.
I see Quadrophenia in the background, has that been done on this channel yet?
In my opinion not their greatest album (which is probably "Who's Next") but a very energetic live performance. Love it!
The Who Sell Out; Tommy; Live at Leeds; Quadrophenia; Who’s Next is my ranking
This was one of the formative record albums of my youth and I am thrilled to have it covered on your channel Doug. The original vinyl had the following printed on the record label: "CRACKLING NOISES OK - DO NOT CORRECT". This remixed digital version has nothing like that at all. The sound is pristine. This version of Young Man Blues even has around 11 seconds of guitar solo that was dropped from the original release. (Between 9:47 and 9:58 in this video.) This edit was done so deftly I never realized it until I bought this remaster for my own collection.
BEST LIVE ALBUM EVER RECORDED.
Millions would disagree!
@@redracer69 I'm sure. Just my opinion along with the NY Times.
Great band, great album. Everyone aggressive, spectacular, great performers.Thank you for appreciating this. Never did get to see The Who in concert, only seen them on film. Keith brought so much character to them, John was a monster on that bass, Roger was a vocal acrobat, and Pete is completely brilliant, great player and great writer.
Love this. The sense of discovery. Takes me back to 1982 when i first bought this album.
85’ for me!
Dude! Listen to the full 33 track version. You get an entire live version or Tommy which people often consider to be the best version or it from the studio version. Its easily available on UA-cam!
You will be even more stunned!
It’s still the best live rock album!😊
I was 12-13 when I first heard this album, and I thought they were GODS.
terrific band, one of the best to ever do it in any genre
Tremendous chemistry and on-stage repartee...
Doug, you absolutely must do a review of the entire Quadrophenia album. It was Pete's greatest accomplishment as a composer and the band is at the pinnacle of their abilities.
Very true. I’m surprised Townsend pulled off the masterpiece. It’s superhuman. He was never that ambitious again.
They were so damn tight as a band, it's unbelievable!!
It was said that The Who consisted of four individuals, each of which completely demanded attention in his own way. With Moon's maniacal performance, Townshend's antics, and Daltrey's dancing and throwing his mic around, it seemed that the entire stage would take off into the stratosphere if it were not for Entwhistle's stock-still, stoic stand (all the time putting out more notes per second than anyone could possibly count). Neither Moon nor Entwhistle was content to just keep the beat, so that kind of fell to Townshend, who developed a style where he played rhythm and lead at the same time.
As a side note, Entwhistle hated red spots. The lighting techs would sometimes use this to gradually move him completely off the stage. He once complained that every member of the band had his own fans, but while the others had screaming girls, he had van-dyked, cigarette-smoking men who sat back and said, "My, he's quite good, isn't he?"
The expanded version of "Live at Leeds" is a much better experience, with a nearly-complete performance of "Tommy," plus all three of the singles Townshend mentioned in that bit of stage banter.
And, no, the Who were not yet at the height of their powers: that would come in the early '70s, when they toured the "Who's Next" album. Bootlegs from that period are just insane. They have actually released two shows from then, but they are only on the huge, expensive "Who's Nex/Lifehouse" box set.
Yes. But: *Entwistle.
My favorite version of this album is the 1995 Deluxe version that begins with "Heaven and Hell". The later version that includes all of the Tommy songs is good too but a bit overwhelming. Greatest hard rock album ever for me.
A truly astounding album, live or studio. It will always be in my playlist (the expanded version, but not the one with Tommy).
Shaking all over.....the truck driver and his buddy...just killing it....(in no particular order)..Keith and John 😊
Oh you don't even know what's coming for you with that version of My Generation. Mind blowing. It also addresses your comments about the challenges of performing Tommy live.
Thanks Doug, for sharing your love of MUSIC… a worthwhile pursuit!
They have an expanded release with another two sides of vinyl
Yes I've got it. The Tommy section is amazing so clear and controlled
School/ pub friends presented me, in the pub of course, on my 18th , this album and John Mayalls Turning Point , two terrific live albums .
LOL!! The crappy sounding of the vinyl was accurate. Pete's sense of humor was in control here and he wanted Live to sound like a period bootleg version which was usually poorly pressed from a bad quality tape and have crackles and pops all over it, so these sounds were added to the recording to make it more 'realistic'. I have a vinyl copy and it has always sounded this way. Go listen to it. The banter was cut out because of the time limitations of LPs. The loudness of the bass restricted length. If longer, the bass might cause the needle to jump out of the groove. I was very fortunate to see The Who four times around this period. First when they were touring to promote "The Who Sell Out", opening for Herman's Hermit's (no joke), twice at the Guthrie Theater here (a 1500 seat theater in the round) in one night, one show after the other.The were promoting "Thomas" (as Pete would call it). When I got up after the second set, I found a battered drum stick under the seat and could only assume it was one of Keith's (still have it). The last time was a year later at the Minneapolis Auditorium around the time of LaL recording. All great shows. A small spoiler - one of the tracks you will visit later. Entwhistle said he hated playing one of those songs because, for him, it was 10+ minutes of playing "A". Fun to see your reactions. As I said I was lucky to be alive during these wonderful years when there was SO MUCH diversity in music available. And no auto tune or pitch correction.
John Entwistle once said it was his favourite Who album, mostly due to the fantastic up front bass sound. Throughout the album you hear snippets of Tommy, Shaking all over has a part during the guitar solo. Side 2 has even more. Looking forward to you hearing it.
We don't get live albums like this anymore because there aren't any bands like the Who.
You're correct, others are just a put on!
Tommy was performed in full at this gig as well as the tracks on the original album. It is available on a 2cd edition released a few years ago. Worth hearing.
Alright, I now did side a with you and realized you have the deluxe version. Super hearing your take. very enjoyable. Cheers.
This was the album that got me into The Who as a teenager. Still the most raw power I’ve heard from a rock band.
It frustrates me that the Deluxe Editions and later versions of this have the Tommy portion taken out of its spot after A Quick One, but it is definitely worth checking out the whole performance. On your own time moreso than a reaction, just to get the full onslaught of The Who at the peak of their powers, which is to say, the peak of live performance in that era. Two and half to three hour marathon sets that were just an explosion of musical fireworks, usually kicked off by John Entwistle's Heaven and Hell. Check out Live at the Isle of Wight from August 1970, you can watch The Who captivating 600,000 people at 3am. Amazing stuff. Also, the band's amps were used as the PA for the entire festival.
One of my favorite band and might be in my top 3 albums of all time. Such a fun band and sound
Meaty , Beaty big and Bouncy has all their sixties “hits” album or single and is an amazing record with a fantastic cover (on top 500 rolling stone list ).
Great record! I was still in High School when the LP was released. I wore the record out playing it so much!
It’s been forever since I listened to this album. I have the original, bought in the 70s, and have never heard that banter. It’s a treat hearing it now TY.
The Ox is one of the greatest bass players ever
One of the absolute greatest live albums !!!
40 years since I first heard it, and it still gives me chills.
They must have remastered this. Sounds better than my old album. Band is on fire!
Hi Doug, I've been following your channel for about a year now, I love your analysis on vintage progressive rock stuff, but by the way I'm a die-hard fan of The Who and I'm glad you try that one, as to me it's the very best live album ever recorded in the history of rock and roll. It just has everything : energy, wit, insane musicianship, cheerfulness and loud volume ! It was recorded just a few months before my Dad was lucky enough to attend their show at the Isle Of Wight Festival, which happened to be one of the most memorable musical experiences he ever had. But however spectacular the IOW show was, and judging from the many bootleg recordings from the 1964-1973 period I've been collecting through the years, I think I've never ever heard a better concert by The Who than the one from Leeds. Some of the songs here (Summertime Blues, Magic Bus, Young Man Blues for instance) hardly got any better treatment, in my opinion. Have some more great fun next time with side two, it's awesome and even more amazing ! Best wishes from France and thank you so much for that fantastic job you do.
Roger Daltrey is touring the US this summer. I've already got my front row seats for the gig in Boston on June 20. BTW, in a recent interview, Pete said The Who will tour again in 2025.
Too bad there was no video of this show.. a great live album and mix!
Greetings again from Scotland. Thanks for doing this. I loved the original. Since then there have been extended versions. Your reaction has reminded me that the simplest version may still be the best. You also need to do Quadrophenia. Don't wait too long to do side two.
Yes, it throws me to listen to the longer remixed versions. After you listened to the originals a few hundred times…..maybe a thousand times…. 😊
One of the greatest live rock albums. Probably one of the last live albums that was 100% live. Not long after, studio wizardry took over.
Made In Japan
One of my top 3 live albums of all time.
Doug, I actually rate this as the best rock album, ever. Not just live - ever.
This is one of The Who’s MUST OWN albums, along with Tommy, Who’s Next and The Who By Numbers.
And some of the stage banter was included on the original album (“put that cigarette out!”)
The Who Sell Out, Quadrophenia? Live At The Isle Of Wight 1970, Live At Hull 1970, Live At Young Vic 1971 and Civic Centre 1971?
@@VX_XI Hull ‘70 was supposed to have been the original live album, but for four tracks, John’s bass was not audible. That’s why they went with the Leeds date. I still haven’t heard Quadrophenia in full. The Who Sell Out is a tribute to the pirate radio stations in The UK. Young Vic ‘71 was part of the super deluxe Who’s Next set. Has the full Isle Of Wight set ever been found? (I know that what Legacy Recordings issued in the early 2000’s CAN NOT be the complete set) And this is the first I’m hearing about the Civic Center ‘71 show.
@georgeprice4212 The Who Live At Hull has been available since 2012, The Whole Isle Of Wigth set has been out since 1996 and Civic Centre 1971 was part of Who's Next 2023 Deluxe Edition. You can easily find it on UA-cam.
Check out the version of "Summertime Blues" by Blue Cheer.
Completely different and completely awesome.
I didn't realize Substitute was never released as a single in the U.S. I know I heard it in my youth. I guess FM AOR stations must have started playing it when the compilation album Meaty, Beaty, Big and Bouncy was released in 1971. Thank goodness for FM radio of the 70's.
Some of those songs were controlled by Shel Talmy and not wanting to release them until they had the rights.
Part of the soundtrack of my youth! Many nights of cruising with Live At Leeds blasting from the 8-track stereo in my car. This whole album should be played at rediculously LOUD!
When this was recorded, PA systems were finally progressing to Not Terrible in both technique as well as technology.
For that era, the Grateful Dead were setting the standard as well as advancing the gear and methods of capturing live sound. Live At Leeds is a form of perfection in it's raw energy. I do enjoy the moments Roger steps back and it becomes Lead Guitar,Lead Bass and Lead Drums in unison.
I do think you'll enjoy the ride that is Magic Bus.
They were absolutely at their pinnacle. about to reach the summit with Who's Next and Quadrophenia coming up in the next few years. Woodstock and Tommy in their rear view mirror.. Oh, and Yes, Keith and John were just cut loose to go crazy. Pete too! he never gets radical like he does on some of these songs.
Nice reaction video mate . I sill have my vinyl of Leeds. Ty man. Needed this today🏴☠️☘️🇺🇲
wouldn't you like to play piano behind these guys, like Ian Stewart did with the Stones in the 60s, just filing the sound, adding accents to help enhance, provide another sound?
Doug I love your reviews, my first comment, now you'a'll a Who convert, welcome? This was considered the best live Album of its time, put out between Tommy and Pete's next project Lifehouse becoming Who's Next as a filler of their concert songs most played. The Hull concert was the one to be released but the first song had a channel drop out so they used Leeds, it was fixed much later and is now released as the full concert with Tommy between side 1 & 2 songs as how they would incorporated new material into concerts like a classical piece. They didn't want to release another double album for it's cost and just releasing Tommy the previous year and expecting a double with Lifehouse. This was their full tilt boogie hard rock live! I've seen every band iteration and the loss of John effected their sound the most. Only band to reproduce their sound live, as a kid they made music for us and our needs and todays kids, that's what Geddy meant, timeless music. Over countless concerts they never mailed it in always gave their best, Pete tore his hand through the wammy bar windmilling on Who Are You in 1979 at MSG, he came out 2 songs later with his whole hand bandaged, Roger's voice cracking at another show drinking Tea and both played on finishing the concerts! Also great contributors to charity others in need. Keep e'm coming!
"Shaking all over" is a classic. For a rock and roll song it's pretty much punk in its attitude. You should listen to the original, it's great!
The three great live albums of the '70s are Who Live at Leeds (Pretty much an in your face album), Deep Purple Made in Japan (probably the greatest Live Album of all time), and Yessongs.
Doug, you could do an entire segment featuring Mose Allison originals and their covers from artists as diverse as The Yardbirds ("I'm Not Talking") to Bonnie Raitt ("Everybody Cryin' Mercy"), and for a span of years nearly everybody it seemed took a whack at his song "Parchman Farm". I don't recall Mose ever breaking into the Billboard charts, but he influenced a generation and more.
Damn. When I saw he was doing this I had to subscribe. Doug my man I hope you enjoy the album as much as we're going to love your reaction to it.
Same "Substitute" is on the original pressing!!!!
It makes more sense on the reissue as it is a medley. That was why they cut out the talking!
I listen to the original Live At Leeds on UA-cam all the time!! It is available.
The studio version of Substitute has a bass solo after two verses and choruses, then goes back into part of a verse and then a chorus (if I remember right, haven't heard it in a while). For some reason when they did this they skipped everything after the 2nd chorus and just ended it there.
Fun fact: Shakin' All Over was covered in Canada by a band called Chad Allan & The Expressions in 1966. They would shortly thereafter become The Guess Who - arguably Canada's greatest band. The piano in the Chad Allan version always reminds me of the piano on Iggy & The Stooges' Now I Wanna Be Your Dog - an inspiration to the Stooges perhaps?. Also worth checking out for great 70s live efforts is The James Gang - Live At Carnegie Hall. To my mind the very epitome of 70s rock.
14:10 / 14:15 - I think you're right that Substitute was never on one of their main studio albums, but, per wiki, it "was later included on the compilation album Meaty Beaty Big and Bouncy in 1971"... so, the studio version did show up on an album that I remember having (granted, much later than 1971).
There is an amazing 3 camera recording of "Young Man Blues" from the Isle of Wight festival. There you can see their amazing interplay.
I have a guitar pedal called “Leeds”, which mimics Pete Townsend’s distorted tone on this recording.