Saturday, February 26, 2011

#73: The Who - Who's Next (1971)



Zack: The Who were punk rock back when the Ramones were gleams in their papa's eyes. They just bring that kind of anger and intensity to all of their work while still maintaining the focus expected from the other great bands of that generation. If you don't believe me, just listen to Won't Get Fooled Again. Sure, it may be about 5 times longer than the typical punk song and not quite as fast, but you could search your whole life and never find another song as rebellious as that one. From that first guitar riff to the final cymbal crash, it's just pure revolution. The inclusion of synthesizers also makes it more modern sounding to accompany the hard rock approach expected of The Who. As a whole, this album isn't as consistent as Tommy or The Who Sell Out, but I like it more that way. The fact that it isn't so structured allows their creativity to really burst forth. Every member of the band benefits from this approach, but most notably Keith Moon. Nobody beat their drum set the way Moon did, and the fact that this album was a little looser allowed him to really attack his kit.
Favorite Tracks: Won't Get Fooled Again; Baba O'Riley; Bargain

Emily: The Who are every teenage boy's favorite classic rock band. At least, it's true for a lot of the teenage boys I know. Why this is true I'm not really sure, but in any event it shows that The Who are truly a classic band. The combination of Pete Townshend's songwriting and crazy guitar prowess, Roger Daltrey's vocals, and Keith Moon's legendary drumming create a unique sound that is equal parts rebelliously punk and arena-ready rock.
Favorite Tracks: Won't Get Fooled Again; Baba O'Reilly; Behind Blue Eyes

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