The Who — Quadrophenia
This is The Who’s best album, and one of the greatest rock records of all time.
London based quartet, The Who, formed in 1962. From 1965 to 1971 they released five albums (two of which we will talk about in the coming days). 1972 was an inactive year for the band. Finishing touring for their fifth album and Roger Daltrey and John Enwistle off working on solo albums, Pete Townshend took to writing a second full album rock opera (following Tommy). The sole album composed in its entirety by Townshend, Quadrophenia tells the story of a mod (Modernist) named Jimmy in 1965. Released in the autumn of 1973, the album was met with positive reviews and peaked at no. 2 in the UK. Townshend considers Quadrophenia to be the last great album by The Who.
This album fucking kicks ass. It is my favorite rock opera ever composed and while some of the lyrics have aged not so well, it stands the test of time in every other conceivable fashion. “I Am The Sea” sets up the motifs of the album with four distinct call outs to the songs to follow. From this overture we understand Jimmy will question his sense of self, have his idols challenged, and decide whether he is a lover or a fighter. “The Real Me” expounds on the idea of a split Jimmy. Entwistle’s bass is some of the best I’ve ever heard as it sways between complex arrangements and simple rhythm sections, again showing the dichotomy of the fighter/lover complex. “Cut My Hair” tells of the turmoil of fitting in with the mod culture of the ’60s. “I’m One” kicks off Side B of this x2 LP. This simple song reinforces Jimmy’s beliefs, he may be a failure in most of his life… but at least he’s a mod. “The Dirty Jobs” tells of the lowly everyman and the jobs he must do to survive, with Jimmy taking on one such job himself to make ends meet. “I’ve Had Enough” ends the first half of the album with Jimmy quitting his job and the mod scene and retreating from friends and family. “5:15” features Jimmy journeying to Brighton Beach while high on amphetamines. A hotel on the beach features a certain bell boy who Jimmy recognizes. “Bell Boy” tells of a former rock idol having left the scene for a menial job. Mirroring Jimmy’s own life he leaves in a great depression. “Doctor Jimmy” reflects the Jekyll & Hyde aspect of Jimmy’s personality. He is a fractured being who can neither be a true lover or a true fighter, he is nothing. In the end Jimmy finds acceptance in himself in “Love Reign O’er Me.” Free from the shackles of society he can see he is a full person, and he can accept the love of the world without fear of his image.
Must Listen To: Doctor Jimmy
“Doctor Jimmy and Mister Jim / When I’m pilled, you don’t notice him.”
