The Who
Quadrophenia
Universal Records
www.umusic.com
By George W. Harris

The British rock group The Who is best known for its ground breaking
and seminal “rock opera” Tommy from 1969. For my money, though, their
follow up concept record from 1973, Quadrophenia, which has just been
reissued with a gazillion out takes and ditties, ages much better, and
deserves a second hearing. Maybe it’s the engineering, which on this
collection is simply superb and sophisticated, or that the band sounds
more “live” than its predecessor. Whatever the cause, songs like “5:15”
and “The Real Me” have an extra swing and punch that could easily be
covered by a hip jazz combo. The lyrics here, all dealing with personal
demons and psychological challenges, also keeps with the present time
period of personal angst and mis-identification. Modern indie singers
have a lot to learn from Roger Daltrey as well; none of this navel
gazing groaning for this bloke-check out his chops on “Love, Reign O’er
Me” and ask yourself whatever happened to the day when men sang like
men. Great disc to revisit.