QUADROPHENIA

Though I do not consider myself a fan of The Who, their music has definitely enriched my life. Reviewing 2012's Death Defying Unicorn by MOTORPSYCHO I was reminded frequently of Quadrophenia--which has prompted this review. I actually became a fan of this album after the film came out. This and the irrepressible pull of my favorite Who/Roger Daltry song, the heavily-played "Love, Reign O'er Me," led me to finally buy a copy of the original album from a cut-out bin in the early 80s. I have to admit, I fell in love. A brand new, never before-felt appreciation for the song-writing, story-telling and guitar playing of Pete Townsend was born. (Pete was never much of a soloist; I had never tuned into him because I was all about guitar soli, speed and technique--Howe, Akkerman, McLaughlin, DiMeola--it took me a while--some jazz training--to appreciate the skill of strumming, chord construction, and the art of accompaniment.) This was an album in which the overbearing frenetic drumming of Keith Moon did not distract or deter me from enjoying the highly skilled musicianship of the other band members. But the songs, the story, also felt 'different' to me. There was coherence and follow through, masterful melodies and amazing performances. And then there was something about Side 3--"5:15," "Sea and Sand," "Drowned," and "Bell Boy"-- that sucked me in for weeks of repeated play. My memories of discovery of Quadrophenia remain very positive--more than any other Who or "classic rock" album (except for perhaps Boston's debut album). To me this is the pinnacle of The Who's discography--and certainly the closest they came to what we now call "progressive rock."

5 stars for a classic masterpiece.