Well, Who Are You is the next album they recorded, and the last one they recorded with Keith. If I remember correctly, it hit Number 1, but that was partly because Keith passed so soon after its release. If you want to check out earlier stuff, The Who Sell Out is a groundbreaking album.
I'm puzzled why Tommy doesn't get a mention. For me, easily their greatest artistic statement, and song for song easily their best album - and by a long margin. Or, do the Tommy live performance from the Live at Leeds deluxe bonus disc.
To continue with the quartet: Pete, Roger, John and Keith, I suggest "Who are You" (the next and the last with Keith which is still so different from the other Who albums), there is also "Sell out" from 1967 (an excellent album that slowly prepares Tommy's project) or "Odds and Sods" from 1974 (a beautiful compilation made by John that covers the period 1964-1974).
First song, "They're all in Love" was Pete trying to understand and deal with Who fans that treated them like rock gods. From the start, Pete thought audiences should dictate to the bands on what they want to hear and bemoaned how it all reversed when they became successful. It brings to mind the story Pete told when he was approached by a teenager who said "Pete, you have no idea how much time I 've spent thinking about you." Pete replied, "No, YOU have no idea how much time I've spent thinking about you." Blue, Red and Gray is Pete realizing his continued going back and forth from the stay out all night party scene and tranquility of marriage and fatherhood was not going to last long term. He would often get bouts of insomnia and write songs all night long.
That's got to be one of the most underrated and underappreciated albums of all time. Even by some Who fans. I consider it a masterpiece. Townshend's writing was never more personal, the band's playing was arguably at their peak, Roger's voice was as good as at any other stage of their career, and they made the genius decision to replace - albeit temporarily - the synths with the great Nicky Hopkins on piano. The songs were stripped back, which shows exactly how high the musicianship is with The Who. They leave most other rock bands for dead in terms of sheer musical brilliance. Funnily enough, easily the weakest song on the album was the single, "Squeeze Box". Good song, but it's dwarfed in this company. I'm so pleased that you enjoyed this incredible album as much as you did. You get it. The song that stood out for me the most the first time I heard it was "How Many Friends". It gives me goosebumps. And the one that's proved to be the real sleeper is "They Are All In Love". And yes, John Entwistle is the greatest bassist in rock history. I don't think it's even close. He's the Hendrix of bass players. Thank you Lee, once again.
This was my favorite Who album as kid because without all the radio hits and critical acclaim it really felt like a personal discovery, like it was mine somehow. Blue, Red, and Grey touched me so unexpectedly. As a teen boy, it wasn’t the kind of song that made you feel cool. Rather it was a song that me feel, and since it was the Who, it felt safe and co-signed by the coolest guys around. I’m glad this record found you, Lee. Thanks for sharing.
"Ain't it funny that they all fire the pistol/At the wrong end of the race." Chilling line. I second the suggestion that you explore The Who Sell Out. A true underrated classic album. Keep up the good work, my friend!
Thanks brother I appreciate it. I love these guys. I feel like their old friends. It’s so strange. But I’m guessing that is where we are headed next. This album has been an unexpected delight and a great look behind the curtain
When I started HS in ‘76 this was my Who album. Of course I loved Who’s Next and Quadrophenia but this was fresh, different, and all mine. The older albums belonged to my older siblings. They introduced me to the genius of Pete, Roger, Ox and Keith. But I grew up with Who by Numbers and Who Are You. How Many Friends was always my favorite and Blue, Red and Gray so simple gave me goosebumps. I’m a lyric guy first and every song gave me something. “Hey, goodbye all you punks, Stay young and stay high. Hand me my checkbook and I’ll crawl out to die.” 62 now and I still wait for Roger to sing the lines of my youth. Thanks Pete. I’m still a punk waiting to say goodbye.
Instead of an album, you might do the entire "Kids are alright" movie. It is concert footage spanning their early career through 1978 and is a must see for The Who fan. There is also a double album of the same name and material.
It feels like much of "Who's Next" has still not been reacted to. We did the start of Side One ("Baba O'Riley"), but I don't recall doing "Bargain", "Love Ain't For Keeping", "My Wife" and "The Song is Over". Side One is really among the greatest Rock Album sides ever!!!! And the same for Side Two, but I think we are only missing "Going Mobile", (which is another awesome Who song).
Perhaps the most down-to-earth album ever by the Who. A great album. Notice the total lack of synths and sequencers. All guitars, bass, drums, piano, organ, voice.
For the favorite track of "By numbers", I am unable to give one. I love this album from start to finish. It's an album that can't be compared to the others. I bought this album in 1978: I never got tired of listening to it. If you can listen to a live version of "dreaming from the waist", you're going to discover fantastic bass playing, even more impressive than the studio version. My point of view as a bass player. Thank you for sharing the entire album from a particular period of Pete Townshend.
so many great songs on great albums, depending on my mood, I can find the perfect music. Odds and Sodds is great too, for some other different and great tunes. Pure and Easy, The Naked Eye, Put The Money Down.
This album demonstrates that Keith could be just as sensitive and "song serving" of a player as any other drummer but still with all his uniqueness on full display.
The song reminds me of Phish a little bit. The way Paige keeps the keyboard going in the background to keep the song going with the nice harmonies and chorus.
Such personal lyrics describing the human condition even rock gods experience. Great picks, great music, great to be alive. Hard to be an adult. still striving for that at my age, sigh. Blessings all.
Thanks for another great video. It will be interesting to see how you feel about this album in another 20 or so years. I've always loved this album. But it hits home harder the older I get. Keep up the great work!
When I was a teen in the 80s, I couldn’t get into this album. I liked Slip Kid and Squeezebox and that’s it. But when I turned 30 back in the late 90s, I suddenly got it. And for anyone who’s nervous about the prospect, life does go on afterwards.
Empty Glass - Pete's solo album. Who Are You is flawed but an interesting attempt to find their footing after their peak years. And it has some good tracks outside of the title track.
As John Entwistle would have been 80 years old today, I take the liberty of paying him a little tribute with a prog rock song written in 1981, here live in 1990: ua-cam.com/video/dbxtjUWX9zc/v-deo.htmlsi=DKFoVN2e0K_7JtK5
It was a grounded, introspective album unlike anything The Who had done. Not as "fun" to some as their early work nor owning the high art of the concepts around Tommy, Who's Next and Quadrophenia. But still a fantastic album. Who Are You came three years later and was the end of an era. Even if it had Keith, it isn't the same energy and the band isn't firing on all the cylinders they were even in '75. Keith had moved to L.A. and neglected his drumming, gained weight and had to face reality of his alcoholism so his work on Who Are You is a marked contrast where he sounds like he's hammering the drums with barbells. Not the same sort of speed and precision. Ox is in fine form but Pete was moving in a more prog direction that would show up on his solo work so there's more keyboard work than guitar. Even Roger sounds a lot hoarser on Who Are You. This one is the last LP we got while all four were in their prime.
What Who album should we tackle next? Let me know 😊
Well, Who Are You is the next album they recorded, and the last one they recorded with Keith. If I remember correctly, it hit Number 1, but that was partly because Keith passed so soon after its release. If you want to check out earlier stuff, The Who Sell Out is a groundbreaking album.
I think you should do their entire set at Isle of Wight, then we can enjoy watching them with you along with listening.
I'm puzzled why Tommy doesn't get a mention. For me, easily their greatest artistic statement, and song for song easily their best album - and by a long margin.
Or, do the Tommy live performance from the Live at Leeds deluxe bonus disc.
Pete was also thirty when he wrote this masterpiece. As you love his voice listen to "Sunrise" off Who Sell Out.
To continue with the quartet: Pete, Roger, John and Keith, I suggest "Who are You" (the next and the last with Keith which is still so different from the other Who albums), there is also "Sell out" from 1967 (an excellent album that slowly prepares Tommy's project) or "Odds and Sods" from 1974 (a beautiful compilation made by John that covers the period 1964-1974).
Well, l could listen to this endlessly. Nice 👍
Blue Red and Grey is an absolute masterpiece
What a great reaction 😍
Thank you I appreciate that. And yes I agree that is the prettiest who song I’ve heard yet. Pete really put himself out there with this album.
I tend to play this song a whole step Down on my Uke from the original. I lack the pipes of a Townsend
First song, "They're all in Love" was Pete trying to understand and deal with Who fans that treated them like rock gods. From the start, Pete thought audiences should dictate to the bands on what they want to hear and bemoaned how it all reversed when they became successful. It brings to mind the story Pete told when he was approached by a teenager who said "Pete, you have no idea how much time I 've spent thinking about you." Pete replied, "No, YOU have no idea how much time I've spent thinking about you."
Blue, Red and Gray is Pete realizing his continued going back and forth from the stay out all night party scene and tranquility of marriage and fatherhood was not going to last long term. He would often get bouts of insomnia and write songs all night long.
That's got to be one of the most underrated and underappreciated albums of all time. Even by some Who fans. I consider it a masterpiece. Townshend's writing was never more personal, the band's playing was arguably at their peak, Roger's voice was as good as at any other stage of their career, and they made the genius decision to replace - albeit temporarily - the synths with the great Nicky Hopkins on piano. The songs were stripped back, which shows exactly how high the musicianship is with The Who. They leave most other rock bands for dead in terms of sheer musical brilliance. Funnily enough, easily the weakest song on the album was the single, "Squeeze Box". Good song, but it's dwarfed in this company.
I'm so pleased that you enjoyed this incredible album as much as you did. You get it. The song that stood out for me the most the first time I heard it was "How Many Friends". It gives me goosebumps. And the one that's proved to be the real sleeper is "They Are All In Love".
And yes, John Entwistle is the greatest bassist in rock history. I don't think it's even close. He's the Hendrix of bass players.
Thank you Lee, once again.
This was my favorite Who album as kid because without all the radio hits and critical acclaim it really felt like a personal discovery, like it was mine somehow. Blue, Red, and Grey touched me so unexpectedly. As a teen boy, it wasn’t the kind of song that made you feel cool. Rather it was a song that me feel, and since it was the Who, it felt safe and co-signed by the coolest guys around. I’m glad this record found you, Lee. Thanks for sharing.
"Ain't it funny that they all fire the pistol/At the wrong end of the race." Chilling line.
I second the suggestion that you explore The Who Sell Out. A true underrated classic album.
Keep up the good work, my friend!
Thanks brother I appreciate it. I love these guys. I feel like their old friends. It’s so strange. But I’m guessing that is where we are headed next. This album has been an unexpected delight and a great look behind the curtain
Agreed. Is it just me or does In a Hand or a Face need one more verse? I feel like it’s too short.
Agreed on The Who Sell Out.
Good to hear the rest of this album. It's been many a year
Love Pete’s Blue, Red and Grey. As you say, the lyrics are gorgeous.
Very underrated album.
When I started HS in ‘76 this was my Who album. Of course I loved Who’s Next and Quadrophenia but this was fresh, different, and all mine. The older albums belonged to my older siblings. They introduced me to the genius of Pete, Roger, Ox and Keith. But I grew up with Who by Numbers and Who Are You. How Many Friends was always my favorite and Blue, Red and Gray so simple gave me goosebumps. I’m a lyric guy first and every song gave me something. “Hey, goodbye all you punks,
Stay young and stay high. Hand me my checkbook and I’ll crawl out to die.” 62 now and I still wait for Roger to sing the lines of my youth. Thanks Pete. I’m still a punk waiting to say goodbye.
Instead of an album, you might do the entire "Kids are alright" movie. It is concert footage spanning their early career through 1978 and is a must see for The Who fan. There is also a double album of the same name and material.
John as always played the horns on this, he would have been 80yrs old today.
Are you serious?? I had no idea man. That’s so weird how that works out. RIP ox. You were one of the good ones.
It feels like much of "Who's Next" has still not been reacted to. We did the start of Side One ("Baba O'Riley"), but I don't recall doing "Bargain", "Love Ain't For Keeping", "My Wife" and "The Song is Over". Side One is really among the greatest Rock Album sides ever!!!!
And the same for Side Two, but I think we are only missing "Going Mobile", (which is another awesome Who song).
Perhaps the most down-to-earth album ever by the Who. A great album. Notice the total lack of synths and sequencers. All guitars, bass, drums, piano, organ, voice.
Humble and real.
A ukulele?
Pete has a sweet voice.
It’s wonderful…
Thank you, Lee.
For the favorite track of "By numbers", I am unable to give one. I love this album from start to finish. It's an album that can't be compared to the others. I bought this album in 1978: I never got tired of listening to it. If you can listen to a live version of "dreaming from the waist", you're going to discover fantastic bass playing, even more impressive than the studio version. My point of view as a bass player. Thank you for sharing the entire album from a particular period of Pete Townshend.
so many great songs on great albums, depending on my mood, I can find the perfect music. Odds and Sodds is great too, for some other different and great tunes. Pure and Easy, The Naked Eye, Put The Money Down.
Your channel is getting really polished too.
This album demonstrates that Keith could be just as sensitive and "song serving" of a player as any other drummer but still with all his uniqueness on full display.
Nice job Lee! You are so correct in your conclusions. Life is a trip!
That first one is a beautiful song
My favorite album of theirs is "Sell Out" from 1967. I don't feel like it gets the love that it deserves.
God I love this album. I have an original printing, framed it, and now hangin' on my wall.
The song reminds me of Phish a little bit. The way Paige keeps the keyboard going in the background to keep the song going with the nice harmonies and chorus.
Such personal lyrics describing the human condition even rock gods experience. Great picks, great music, great to be alive. Hard to be an adult. still striving for that at my age, sigh. Blessings all.
Thanks for another great video. It will be interesting to see how you feel about this album in another 20 or so years. I've always loved this album. But it hits home harder the older I get. Keep up the great work!
Great review, definitely an underrated classic in the Who canon. Do the Who Are You album next.
When I was a teen in the 80s, I couldn’t get into this album. I liked Slip Kid and Squeezebox and that’s it. But when I turned 30 back in the late 90s, I suddenly got it.
And for anyone who’s nervous about the prospect, life does go on afterwards.
Empty Glass - Pete's solo album. Who Are You is flawed but an interesting attempt to find their footing after their peak years. And it has some good tracks outside of the title track.
As John Entwistle would have been 80 years old today, I take the liberty of paying him a little tribute with a prog rock song written in 1981, here live in 1990: ua-cam.com/video/dbxtjUWX9zc/v-deo.htmlsi=DKFoVN2e0K_7JtK5
Happy birthday Ox. He’s up there teaching god how to play.
Do "My Generation" next! You know, the first one.
🤘😎🤘
It was a grounded, introspective album unlike anything The Who had done. Not as "fun" to some as their early work nor owning the high art of the concepts around Tommy, Who's Next and Quadrophenia. But still a fantastic album. Who Are You came three years later and was the end of an era. Even if it had Keith, it isn't the same energy and the band isn't firing on all the cylinders they were even in '75. Keith had moved to L.A. and neglected his drumming, gained weight and had to face reality of his alcoholism so his work on Who Are You is a marked contrast where he sounds like he's hammering the drums with barbells. Not the same sort of speed and precision. Ox is in fine form but Pete was moving in a more prog direction that would show up on his solo work so there's more keyboard work than guitar. Even Roger sounds a lot hoarser on Who Are You. This one is the last LP we got while all four were in their prime.
It's John's bd today
The last great who album
Completely disagree.