airtaco Posted September 20, 2006 Share Posted September 20, 2006 I've never been a big Who fan, but I told a friend I'd give these two rock operas a fair listen. What is the current opinion on these two works, with people who grew up with them or younger people? Just curious. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
bobfrombob Posted September 20, 2006 Share Posted September 20, 2006 Quadrophenia is genius. That simple. I would say Quadrophenia is more of a "theme album" than a rock opera. So although they are all linked around the story of Jimmy, the songs are strong and can stand on their own. One of my favorite records of all time. Tommy is more of a true "rock opera", what ever that means. So there are songs on there that to my mind are only there to move the story along and are pretty weak on their own - in fact, I would say some of them are weak even in the context of the album. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Analogman Posted September 20, 2006 Share Posted September 20, 2006 Get them all, Johnny. And make sure you get the re-masters. Of course, I have been listening to those albums since 1977 or so - I may be biased. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
OOO Posted September 20, 2006 Share Posted September 20, 2006 Both of these albums are much older than I am, but they are both genius to my ear. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
bobbob1313 Posted September 20, 2006 Share Posted September 20, 2006 I say go with Who's Next or Meaty Beaty Big and Bouncy. I prefer Tommy of the two, although it does have some weak songs. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Binaural Posted September 20, 2006 Share Posted September 20, 2006 been a fan for a while .. cant wait to see them live for the first time this year.. but ill admit i dont have the highest of expectations from what ive been hearing about the new tour same setlist every night is one thing that bugs me and a lot of fans sitting they will never be the same live but hopefully it will be good what are people's thoughts on the new stuff? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Pocahontas Posted September 20, 2006 Share Posted September 20, 2006 Saw the Who in 1997, they did Quadrophenia in its entirety, it was a great show. My mother-in-law and brother-in-law went with me, it was a great time even though the temp. that day was 103 F., I did I mention it was outside so you could imagine, but the show rocked. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
awatt Posted September 20, 2006 Share Posted September 20, 2006 Get em both. Sometimes I catch cuts from Quad on the radio and am reminded how brilliant it is. Tommy is just a masterpiece in its own right though not sure how dated it would sound listening to it today. Also, don't forget another favorite Who mini-opera, A Quick One, While He's Away. The end of the song, with Pete singing, "you are forgiven, forgiven..." is sublime. I. Her Man's Been Gone Her man's been goneFor nearly a yearHe was due home yesterdayBut he ain't here Her man's been goneFor nigh on a yearHe was due home yesterdayBut he ain't here II. Crying Town Down your street your crying is a well-known soundYour street is very well known, right here in townYour town is very famous for the little girlWhose cries can be heard all around the world III. We Have A Remedy Fa la la la la laFa la la la laFa la la la la laFa la la la la We have a remedyYou'll appreciateNo need to be so sadHe's only late We'll bring you flowers and thingsHelp pass your timeWe'll give him eagle's wingsThen he can fly to you Fa la la la la laFa la la la laFa la la la la laFa la la la laFa la la la la laFa la la la la la We have a remedyFa la la la la la laWe have a remedyFa la la la la la laWe have a remedyFa la la la la la laWe have a remedyFa la la la la la la (spoken)We have a remedy.We have! Little girl guide, why don't you stop your crying?Here comes Ivor the engine driver to make you feel much better IV. Ivor The Engine Driver My name is IvorI'm an engine driver I know him wellI know why you feel blueJust 'cause he's lateDon't mean he'll never get through He told me he loves youHe ain't no liar, I ain't eitherSo let's have a smile for an old engine driverSo let's have a smile for an old engine driver Please take a sweetCome take a walk with meWe'll sort it outBack at my place, maybe It'll come rightYou ain't no fool, I ain't eitherSo why not be nice to an old engine driver?Better be nice to an old engine driverBetter be nice to an old engine driver V. Soon Be Home We'll soon be homeWe'll soon be homeWe'll soonWe'll soon, soon, soon be home We'll soon be homeWe'll soon be homeWe'll soonWe'll soon, soon, soon be home Come on, old horse Soon be homeSoon be homeSoonWe'll soon, soon, soon be home We'll soonWe'll soon, soon, soon be home We'll soon be homeSoon be home ... VI. You Are Forgiven Dang, dang, dang, dang, dang, dang, dang, dang, dang Cello, cello, cello, cello, cello, celloCello, cello, cello, cello, cello, celloCello, cello, cello, cello, cello, celloCello, cello, cello, cello, cello, cello I can't believe itDo my eyes deceive me?Am I back in your arms?Away from all harm? It's like a dream to be with you againCan't believe that I'm with you again I missed you and I must admitI kissed a few and once did sitOn Ivor the Engine Driver's lapAnd later with him, had a nap You are forgiven, you are forgiven, you are forgiven ... (ad lib) You are forgiven Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mountain bed Posted September 20, 2006 Share Posted September 20, 2006 Although I can see their LPs as hit-or-miss,there is absolutely no question that The Who are one of best live acts ever to grace a RXR stage.You MUST get the Live at Leeds.Don't hesitate. I saw them on their first "farewell tour" in '82 (sadly I never saw Moonie)and when they kicked down with the Tommy mini-set part it still,12 years after it's conception, just blew me away.One of those moments where EVERYONE in the room is EXACTLY right where they want to be...the energy was just overwhelming. I love Tommy for the 'anthemic' quality of many of the songs.Underture in particular still gives me chills.Maybe one of the best riffs ever (all the hyperbole here is completely justified).A number of Tommy songs are mediocre,but they serve an otherwise fairly incomprehensible story. Quadrophenia is much stronger construction-wise & recording-wise,imo.Fantastic individual songs,as well.Much more mature than Tommy.The guys are really at the top of their game here..professional.Maybe the last really great record they made. All that nonsense aside...get em both,& I give the small nod to Tommy Quote Link to post Share on other sites
wheelco Posted September 20, 2006 Share Posted September 20, 2006 Tommy's got the anthemic Overture instrumental plus Sparks and a few good rock songs but Quadrophenia seems better to me as a whole I've probably listened to each 25x, I'd guess . . . Quote Link to post Share on other sites
LouieB Posted September 20, 2006 Share Posted September 20, 2006 I've never been a big Who fan, but I told a friend I'd give these two rock operas a fair listen. What is the current opinion on these two works, with people who grew up with them or younger people? Just curious.Both great. I would start with Tommy and go to Quadraphenia. I remember listening to Quadraphenia for the first time with my old friend Joe sometime in the 70s. Been listening to Tommy since it came out as well. There are still points in both (both songs and intrumentals) that are some of the best stuff ever done.Saw the Who in 1997, they did Quadrophenia in its entirety, it was a great show.I saw this tour too and it was fun. Both had movies made of them which are fun to see also. LouieB Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mr. Heartbreak Posted September 20, 2006 Share Posted September 20, 2006 I'd have to say get both, too. Yes, they both have some weak moments, but both are loaded with excellent stuff: Pinball Wizard, The Acid Queen, 5:15, The Real Me, and the sublime Love Reign O'er Me. Both are essential.And I agree with mountainbed about Live At Leeds. That kicks ass all day and night.Saw 'em in '79, and they were unbelievable. I'll never forget the way John Entwistle's bass sounded in My Generation. Wow. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
airtaco Posted September 20, 2006 Author Share Posted September 20, 2006 I listened to Quad twice last night. It's pretty amazing. It's too long, but there aren't any bad songs. I'd get to Tommy soon. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Analogman Posted September 20, 2006 Share Posted September 20, 2006 People had longer attention spans back then. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
LouieB Posted September 20, 2006 Share Posted September 20, 2006 People had longer attention spans back then.Yea....this is true....for multiple reasons... Also these albums had four sides so you could break up listening to it pretty easily. LouieB Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Prose Posted September 21, 2006 Share Posted September 21, 2006 Quadrophenia is arguably the Who's masterwork. It must be pointed out tho that Who's Next was at one point the Lifehouse "Rock Opera" and that never gelled but became quite a recording as well. For me Tommy is weak. At the time(1968-69)it was recorded and released I think the whole messiah theme was abit played out and wasn't really an original theme, besides that has been doone throughout literature and classical music for cneturies. Now, a 'rock opera" about a mod facing his own maturity and/or crack up that to me is brilliance. The follow up isn't too shabby either, Who By Numbers showcases what a great songwriter Townshend is. Its not a an attempt at making a grand statement just two sides of classic Who(although it does have an underlying hangover atmosphere that might be considered themelike). This si the who album I go back to time and again. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
rghammo Posted September 21, 2006 Share Posted September 21, 2006 For me, Quadrophenia lacks something. I don't know what it is exactly, but I will also reach for Tommy or Who's Next over it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mchchef1 Posted September 21, 2006 Share Posted September 21, 2006 (edited) Does anyone else remember WASP covering "The Real Me" Genius "The Girl I Used To LoveLives In This Yellow HouseYesterday She Passed Me ByShe Would Not Want to Know Me Now" Quadrophenia hands down! Edited September 21, 2006 by mchchef1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
suites Posted September 21, 2006 Share Posted September 21, 2006 I just got my Who tickets....I am bring my 14 year old......should be cool Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mchchef1 Posted September 21, 2006 Share Posted September 21, 2006 P.S. My X-wife does indeed live in a yellow house Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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