QUADROPHENIA

After the amazing "Who's Next" THE WHO became very ambitious and delivered this double concept album back in 1973. First of all I have to admit that the first time I listened to this was about 30 years after it came out. I was never a big fan of THE WHO and anyone who knows me will tell you that concept albums usually do little for me. I just find that the focus is on the lyrics, the concept, so it's rare to find incredible music with it as a result. There are some exceptions but for me this isn't one of them.To make it worse this is a double album. I applaud the band though for all the thought and ideas that went into this. It's about a teenager named Jimmy growing up in London's early 60's Mod subculture.The same place the members of the band came out of. In fact the "Quadrophenia" title represents the four personalities that this young man exhibits on the four album sides. Each personality is also related to each band member. I do like how the final track's ("Love, Reign O'er Me") chorus pops up through this album at different times both instrumentally and vocally. Not a fan of the orchestration thoughout though.

Love the sound of the waves and the rain on the opening track "I Am Sea" and when he shouts "Love, reign o'er me". "The Real Me" is a good little rocker with horns, bass and drums standing out along with Roger's vocals of course. "Quadrophenia" sounds great to open, it has a classical flavour to it later. I like when the "Love, Reign O'er Me" comes up instrumentally before 5 minutes. Waves end it. The next three songs are all about the lyrics telling the story. "The Dirty Jobs" is better. I like how this sounds, it makes me feel good. Moon is prominant. "Is It In My Head?" is my favourite of the first disc. Great chorus. "I've Had Enough" is another good one. I like Moon early on. Daltrey sings "Love, Reign O'er me" after 1 1/2 minutes.

Disc two begins with "5:15" a song I know from the radio."Why should I care ?" then it kicks in with horns and piano. "Sea And Sand" sounds good with the sound of sea gulls and waves. Very personal lyrics as well. The next three tracks are ok but "Doctor Jimmy" is one I tired of quickly. "The Rock" is an interesting instrumental with the "Love, reign O'er me" chorus before 5 minutes. It ends with rain and thunder that blends into "Love, Reign O'er me" which is one of the best closing tracks ever. The meaningful lyrics along with the passion and emotion is all simply perfect.

Clearly i'm in the minority with my feelings towards this album, but i'd pick "Live At Leeds" or "Who's Next" before this one.