267 - The Who - Quadrophenia

The Who is one of those bands that I have a lot of respect for but don't particularly care for their music. Quadrophenia has changed that opinion a little. One reason is because I've been listening to this album several times a week for nearly a month now (since my real life distractions have made my cobbling together a review a low priority). On the first few listens, my opinion remained the same. With more time, though, there were nuances that I came to notice and appreciate.

I like this album a lot more than Tommy. However, there is definitely a stretch in the second half of the album that never seemed to keep my interest while listening. The use of synthesizers maintain my long-standing dislike of the "squeakiness" of the sound Pete preferred (or was somehow limited to creating). What I've come to enjoy more about the synths is how well they support the rhythm section (despite the performance headaches of Keith having to duct tape headphones to ensure the taped synths and his drumming were in sync).

Sure, the narrative is quite disjointed, but I started to find that to be a strength. Quadrophenia is an excellent musical exploration of a teen mind. That mind is disjointed, temperamental, passionate then apathetic, and -above all- confused. I used to say that all teenagers should listen to Pink Floyd's The Wall before graduation because of its protagonist's search for himself (internally and concerning his relationship with others). I now will swap Quadrophenia as my recommended rock opera opus for teens.


Songs I knew I liked: "The Real Me"

Songs I didn't know but now like: "Quadrophenia," "Cut My Hair," "The Punk and the Godfather," "The Dirty Jobs," "Is It In My Head?," "I've Had Enough," "The Rock," and "Love, Reign O'er Me"

Songs I can go the rest of my life without hearing again: None