This guy is one of the absolute best reactors out there. Really listens and takes in the songs more than any other channel that i’ve seen. Deserves way more subscribers than he has atm. I’m sure the channel will grow a lot soon though. It would be crazy if it didn’t.
@@loosilu Andy and Alex are great. I’m subscribed to their Patreon even. Them and Syed(whom i found two days ago) are easily my top two. They really add something that makes it worth watching. Most reactors watch, say they like it and then end the video and have no idea what happened. Meanwhile Syed brings up Jung while interpreting ”Sympathy For The Devil”, he’s on a completely different level compared to many others.
It's funny that Townsend was disappointed with Who's Next because it is by far their best album and really one of the best of all time. Every track is gold and it totally showcases the band's strengths. 10/10 IMO.
He was disappointed in the fact that he couldn't pull off this "Lifehouse" concept, which he had in his mind. He has admitted to basically having a nervous breakdown because of this and the fact that despite his efforts, he couldn't even get his own bandmates to understand what "Lifehouse" was all about, let alone how to even pull it off.
It was so far ahead of it's time, encompassing elements like the internet and virtual reality that hadn't even been created yet, maybe some creative movie director could take it on.
As great as the song writing "Who's Next" is, "Quadrophenia" is Pete's songwriting masterpiece. Many Who fans have claimed Quadrophenia saved their lives when they were teenagers. In the 3 songs prior to the finale which is "Love Reign O'er Me", the main character named Jimmy was contemplating and very close to committing suicide. To me, Love Reign O'er Me isn't just the greatest song by The Who, it is the greatest song of all time.
"Behind Blue Eyes" is, more than anything, the lead in to "Won't Get Fooled Again" - like pb&j, the songs work best together. And the world wasn't ready for _Lifehouse_ - Townshend was decades ahead of his time, there.
The Who have put out a lot of great music, but my favorite album is Live at Leeds. No band at that time played with such raw power and force. Young Man Blues, My Generation, Amazing Journey/Sparks, and Magic Bus are all incredible tracks.
It's regularly voted the greatest live album of all time, for good reason. As a band, their playing is out of this world, every single member. And the sound quality is INSANE. They were famous for having the best sound system in the business. When they played Isle of Wight, the venue's sound system wasn't enough so they had to borrow the Who sound system for the entire festival two years in a row. When the Who weren't touring they rented the system out to other bands. I actually remember hearing 30 second radio adverts for upcoming rock shows, and they said in the ad, they had the Who's sound system.
Easily my favorite Who track. This one just moves through you. Edit: having the context is interesting; never thought of this as a "villain" song - it's extremely sympathetic, even relatable - it's all about having to repress your feelings and being unable (not permitted?) to expose your true self, and the resentment that breeds. Edit: Also, I'll second the comments advising you to check out Love Reign o'er Me if you haven't already.
The Who came to fame in the mid-60s at a point in Britain when two "lifestyles" for teens had been hardened into two camps -- "mods" and "rockers". These were essentially street gangs with members who were nearly as fanatic to their tribe as later motorcycle or drug trafficking gangs have proven to be. In 65, Pete wrote My Generation as a reflection of being in that late teen / early 20s mindset that no one outside the tribe (adults...) mattered. By the time he wrote Quadrophenia in 72/73, he was looking back on all of that as an adult seeing how silly it all was. Behind Blue Eyes written about 2 years before Quadrophenia reflects Pete reaching that wake-up point where he realizes all of that teenage rage wasn't necessarily focused where it needed to be while also realizing when SO many people felt the exact same way, there must be something else afoot causing so many to feel that angst. BBE is written from the perspective of someone waking up and realizing their behavior up until then has tagged them as a bad person but they knew they really weren't and had their work cut out changing their life as they grew out of that teenage angst. One of the absolute best songs of all time.
In 1985, Pete released a solo album called "White City" which is another concept album. Many consider the concept to be Jimmy from Quadrophenia as a married adult. BTW, in "White City", the main character's life is still pretty much a mess.
@@bostonwhofan And White City is an album I still listen to from start to finish regularly. One of the best albums of the 80s. Brilliant Blues, Crashing by Design, Give Blood, Hiding Out, White City, Come to Mama.... One of the best recorded and mixed albums as well. Nothing on it sounds dated.
You're right - seeing the villain from his side gives you a whole new perspective. And this is very cinematic - I can see heroes, villains, and anti-heroes from movies to it - everyone from Terence Hill's spaghetti westerns to Rutger Hauer in Bladerunner. A fantastic song.
If Townshend had been content to merely make another concept album like Tommy, he probably could have pulled Lifehouse off, because the music itself, the songs, are incredible. But Townshend got sidetracked by the idea of simultaneously making it a movie, and tried to film the Who at the Roundhouse theater with a constantly-returning audience. He wanted to do astrological info and biorhythm charts for all these people, create music for each individual and then add it all up to the final, single note of the story's penultimate concert, in which the audience, all dancing in a frenzy, simply disappear. He went a little around the bend, you might say! He's tried several times to land this concept in different ways and it's never really come off. If it had really been a scripted movie, with the Who providing the sound track, it might have actually worked. Pete's called "the one that got away."
When the movie isn't working, and things aren't coming together the way you want, turn it into the movie about the movie. Would have loved to see a non-documentary movie about how a band tried to implement some grand grand concept and failed. Lots of ambitious ideas in this one.
Back in 1980s I was visiting someone in a mental hospital when a very average young man began a conversation with me. He was very young I guess 16 or 17. He seemed so ordinary I asked him why he was there. He told me he and his best friend were listening to this song when his friend pulled out a gun and shot himself In the head In front of him and he was having difficulty dealing with that. Everytime I hear this song I remember him. I hope wherever he is he's okay and doing well.
Glad you're catching up on the backstory for Who's Next and Lifehouse!! The ideas around Meher Baba and Lifehouse were a big driver of Pete's writing between about 1970 and 1973 or so. It's quite helpful to know the background to understand the songs.
I'll br honest had this track and love reign on me as my favorites. Well finally went to see them live at The Coliseum L A , was end of October or early November 82 . The Clash open that great evening , set me in the perfect mood . My girl and I were so happy having so much fun , stage lights went off and on really bright . The Who was on and start with sn old hit don't remember which , after two or three was on . Pete guitar with the riff and that solo guitar , I was hooked and he start singing . Eminence Front went by like a flash and today is the song from them I always listen .
Right up there with “Gimmie Shelter” as one of the best rock and roll albums of all time. Each track. Unstoppable like a freight train full of “f_ ck yeah.
Great commentary and insight - I continue to learn something new about these songs that I have listen to for years. We all love to learn the stories, meaning and concepts behind each of these songs that we thought we knew. If you are looking for another good songwriter check our Aqualung by Jethro Tull. At first glance you might write off Ian Andersons appearance and the theatrics that was part of the show but the songs on that and many other albums will make you think. Thanks again.
For my money, "The Song Is Over" is the best track on Who's Next, with "Getting In Tune" coming in a close second. But they're all so good that I can't fault anyone for having a different ranking. If you want a taste of what Lifehouse could have been, then you need to sit down with all of Quadrophenia. It's not a sci-fi story, but it *is* a story, and one that will stay with you. (I don't think it would exist without Tommy and Who's Next laying the groundwork.) "Love, Reign O'er Me" will be recommended on its own quite a bit, and it is very good... but it's best in context, as the closer track to Quadrophenia. Ditto "The Real Me" (THAT BASSLINE), but as the opener.
What a great reaction!! You do your research before you hear the song and that really gives you an understanding while listening. Awesome!! Great job!!
SyedBhai once again your very impressive, I can give you some insight to the types of young people who listen to these artist you are taking a musical journey on and who related to them. The Who, Yes and Rush, Were bands my more musically intellectual friends listen to. Led Zeppelin, Arrow Smith would be more of my stoner friends...no shade lol. Rolling stones, Bruce Springsteen was your standard house party fare. Pink Floyd were totally on thier own leven. I had a 12th grade modern cultural arts teacher who's class semester was to explore Pink Floyd's Dark side of the moon ! Great class he was the first person who encouraged us to consider what the artist was trying to relay but also how we interpreted the lyrics. For me John Lennon explained what his music meant to him, also how he felt about the way we should feel about his music. Basically Lennon said he felt he did not write his music hoping you understood what he wanted you to think...he want you to have a understanding all your own ! Stay curious my friend!
Funny you should say it seems part of a play or opera -- that's what Tommy (1969) was! The first Rock Opera. You ought to check that entire record out, even if it's off-channel.
As others have mentioned this is not only one of their best albums, but one of the best Rock albums of all-time! It shows off the breadth of their talents from their musicianship to Pete Townsend's writing. This was The Who at the top of their game, it has everything from ballads (Love Ain't for Keeping) to their trademark hard driving maximum R&B (Bargain,Won't Get Fooled Again, Baba O'Riley). Now that you've begun to experience The Who, may I suggest you delve into their second Rock opera, Quadrophenia, beginning with the album's second track, "The Real Me." It is one of the most intense rockers anyone has ever put out on vinyl, from the grove of Entwistle's hard driving bass, to Moon's insane chaotic, yet precise drumming, to Townsend's power cords, to Daltrey's screaming... an amazing track you'll not soon forget! That said, get the remixed remastered original album version, not the soundtrack from the movie by the same name.
Showcase songs for Roger's voice were regular features of their albums. Love Reign O'er Me from the close of Quadrophenia is possibly rocks greatest solo
Fun fact. Did you know that the band held mid show auditions for a drummer. Show was at the cow palace in San Francisco. Keith had passed out behind his drums. Had to be taken to the back and Pete being notoriously cheap did not want to cancel the show and refund everyone's money.
Keith Moon was one of the great drummers of all time, for many, it is down to him or John Bonham as the best. But let me tempt you with an entirely different kind of greatness on the drums, that coming from Stuart Copeland of The Police. Check out "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic", "Every Breath You Take", "Roxanne", "Walking on the Moon", "Don't Stand So Close to Me", "Message in a Bottle", "King of Pain", and "Wrapped Around Your Finger" if you want a good start into one of the great bands of the 1980s. They come from Reggae and Ska roots.
Keith Moon died before his 30th Birthday. Entwistle died some Year's later. I read Pete Townsend's book "Somebody Saved Me" If you're a Who Fan or a Pete Townshend fan it's a Great Read. I've gone to Who Concerts in the late 70s and early 80s. They were louder than AC/DC. The Who had Tower Speakers in the rear as in front. QUADROPENIA NOTHING LIKE A LITTLE L.S.D. TO ENHANCE THE ATMOSPHERE. AND BEFORE YOU JUDGE. BACK THEN THERE WASN'T ANYONE TELLING US THAT IT WAS BAD. IT WAS THE VIBE THEN.
You really like the operatic in Townshend's writing. 👍Consider reacting to sides of Tommy or Quadraphenia, you'll get a lot more. 😉 Btw, I 2nd (or 3rd, etc) for a react to Bargain.
Watch alot of reaction videos .. u sir take it to another level 👍 .. I think amazing 😊 .. particularly from a supposed lover of rap ?? 🤔 .. after 60 plus years on this planet?? .. I'm still learning something new from you youngsters .. 😂 .. u r terrific in your analysis.. enjoying every video so far .. now I just need to learn the technology to properly support your efforts $$ .. excellent ☺️ .. keep it rock and Rollin my friend 😉
The Who. Pretty much influenced every form of hard rock that came after them. Their 1971 masterpiece WHO'S NEXT is about as perfect a rock album as there is. And for a different perspective, you might like to check out their intense, relentless, brutal live album from 1970, LIVE AT LEEDS. The enormous sound that the quartet (one guitar, bass, drums, vocals/harmonica) create is something to behold. It sounds like metal with a punk intensity.
It took several decades but in 2000 Pete Townshend released a box set called "Lifehouse Chronicles". It contains 6 CD's of many Pete demos from his time in his home studio recording songs for the Lifehouse concept album. He also performed Lifehouse live on stage a few times with his solo band and an orchestra. Even some diehard Who fans have never heard a song on the album called "Teenage Wasteland". Some of the lyrics are similar to Baba O'Riley, but it is a completely different song. Here's a link to "Teenage Wasteland" ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-tmbaWtQoLM0.html
Dude, you totally have to react to going mobile now. It's off that same album and it's fantastic but not only that, that thumbnail for that video or at least what you were showing up there is the sleeve for the 45 RPM single, with Behind Blue Eyes on side a, and going Mobile on side b. And man going mobile is one of my all-time absolute favorite The Who songs.
This song is actually about Keith. The 'Blue Eyes' refer to Roger and Pete being the 2 men standing in front of Moonies drum Kit. Anyway, Both Keith and John are both sorely missed.
I always loved Townsend's lyrics, very literate. And Keith Moon had such an exuberant style of drumming. Syed I like your thoughtful analysis - were you an English major? Rock on dude!
Yes Ironic how a perceived failure is in fact an album where every track is a complete gem. I also think that Quadrophenia is as good , and better , in some ways. Those two are my favorite Who Albums. Tommy was the previous "rock opera" , and before Tommy a mini rock opera song called "A quick One ....While he's away". Quadrophenia is the third rock opera and IMHO is , more realistic, in -depth, and relatable than the others. The arrangement and production on Quadrophenia is fantastic, and it's one of those albums that never gets old even with repetitive play.
Just came from watching your metallica videos. For other metal content you should listen to throne of thorns by testament it is a really powerful song and has very good riffs
Pete had a concept for his plot of a device that the teens could use to communicate with each other and so defeat the power of the Big Brother like dictatorship over them Pete Townshead has gone mad declared the music press Upon this Pete shelved the project. The device was something remarkably similar to the Internet. Pete was more prescient than his nay sayers !
I used to think it was a song about Keith - though wrong eye colour. I think a lot of it is about Townshend himself - he was constantly very harsh on himself in his l yrics.
How about All of the songs on Who's Next are great, not just the 3 you have heard, you have such a treat ahead of you! , A top 10 Rock Album ever for sure. Amazing playing by everyone and stellar songwriting and production from Pete Townsend. For the Who at their most furious live, try the My Generation jam off Live at Leeds. Top 10 live album ever, that jam is as good a live performance that you will hear, the whole band is on fire in.15+ minutes of rock at its very best. Highly recommend this, it is a needed step in your music education. Enjoy! 🎵🎸🎹🎤🎶
Sad, you never mention John, the bass player, who has to provide some sort of stability and narrative line, through a marrass of individualism. John does this, almost unnoticed, but with an honesty and rich musical talent that underpins the playing and singing, of the other band members, while still offering remarkable melodic moments...
It is an awesome album even if not what Pete wanted to achieve. However the two greatest album as in rock history are Tommy and Quadrophonic by the Who, which should not be done piecemeal. Keep up the great reviews.
It's insane to me that what is widely regarded as a masterpiece of a rock album was considered a failure by the artist who conceived it. Also Limp Bizkit's cover of this classic can go suck it. They totally miss the transition from contemplative and reflective to anger and spite that the Who brilliantly capture in that one change.
Like most reactors, Syed makes assumptions about a band based on one or two songs about a band that is still performing, fifty some years later. I always suggest that reactors listen to the work of bands in their evolution from the beginning. If you heard My Generation in the 60s, you would hardly recognize the rock opera QUADROPHENIA. I understand the temptation to immediately react to the huge bestsellers later in their career, but to do so is to kneecap reactions to their early work. Just the change in technology of recording is comparing apples to oranges.
