If you heard that intro, it's probably because three songs by The Who were used as theme music for the various CSI series. "Baba O'Riley" was used for CSI New York; "Won't Get Fooled Again" was used for CSI Miami; and "Who Are You" was famously used for the original CSI show (Vegas). So a lot of people have heard selected bits of these songs, possibly without knowing where they came from.
Baba O'Riley is all over pop culture, CSI:NY is just one of a ton of places people might have heard it. It's in TV shows/teasers from Miami Vice to Stranger Things, from House to Family Guy, and in movies or their trailers from A Bug's Life and American Beauty to Free Guy. It's the intro song for the Lakers, a halftime song for the Patriots, and a UFC staple. The wiki page for the song lists another dozen movies, films, and shows that used it.
@@sumnerhayes3411 - I have to admit, I haven't watched TV regularly in several years (I tend to stream instead), so I could easily have missed a lot of that.
the same way the intro of led zeplin's "kashmere" gets thrown around a lot.... there was a time when I watched a lot of CSI ... and it felt like an epiphany when I could tell my mum that all the intros where from the who, after having listened to her "the who best of collectoin". like the moment when "the exorcist" came on tv and I rushed to the CDs to listen to that one Mike Oldfield album to find that the song was "tubular bells". I love and hate when these moments happen. I love the moment of recognising, the epiphany.... but I hate that it doesn't let me go until I have identified the song.... it's like an itch.
"Behind Blue Eyes" is great, but "Love Reign O'er Me" is on another plane entirely, IMO. It baffles me how he manages to get through that song without collapsing in a heap.
The Who song "Love Reign O'er Me." Roger Daltrey's singing of that song is one of the ultimate vocal performances of rock. It's (dare I say) almost Operatic. You will lose your mind.
Musically (meaning vocals AND instrumentals), Love Reign ranks among the best songs of all time in my book. Though I’d associate it more with having classical elements than operatic ones.
@@VivaLaDnDLogs yes definitely the studio version is the one to go for, the band is on fire, Daltrey’s vocals are astounding, one of the most dynamic pieces of rock music you will ever hear.
You are spot on with the minimalism influence. The title of the song is a reference to Terry Riley, a super-influential innovator in that movement, though less famous than Reich and Glass. Also, because the original recording was released in 1971, your idea that this was both avant-garde and trendy is spot on. When the album “Who’s Next” came out, it was mind-blowing. Love your channel.
It's pretty reminiscent of Riley's *A Rainbow In Curved Air* (also where that band took their name). The Baba bit was a reference to Pete's guru at the time, Meyer Baba.
The synth line was created by transcribing the biorhythms of Meher Baba, then programming it into a synthesizer. Pete not only was an art geek, but a pioneer in electronic music.
Those of us once adrift in the undertow of Teenage Wasteland, played these records over and over and over and... Here I am some 50 plus years later watching a young classically trained, operatic expert, in a passionate exploratory deep dive into one of the lost treasures of a bygone era. I don't know you Elizabeth but watching you with the over and over, countless stops & starts, and your genuine joy and appreciation for the soundtrack of my life... warms my heart.
Another song by The Who that you absolutely MUST give a listen is "Love Reign O'er Me." Roger Daltrey's singing on that song is one of the greatest vocal performances in the history or rock.
Pete Townshend was, is, and forever will remain a musical genius. Much of Who's Next was made from bits and bobs of Lifehouse, that unfinished and shelved science fiction rock opera that was intended as a follow-up to rock opera Tommy, hence the line "Sally, take my hand" referring to "Sally Simpson" one of the followers of Tommy's cult "I'm free." Though it was later revisited by various the Who albums (Who Are You.), as well as Pete Townshend's solo albums (Lifehouse Chronicles and Lifehouse Elements). The unmistakable sounds of his Gretsch 6120, the crisp timed drone effects by the Lowrey Berkshire Deluxe TBO-1 organ sound, giving that "galactic" atmosphere, the opera-long tracks that showcased a band of virtuosos rhapsodizing soundscapes and pause-giving lyrics impromptu. A true masterpiece. A classic already for TCV's roster of reactions ruling up top.
The studio version has a heavily mike and amped violin that brings a feel of the late 60s Indian influence. Also, for fun, listen/view the Blue Man Group stage show cover.
The inspiration for Baba O'Riley was taken from The Who's performance at Woodstock. While the performers onstage sang about peace, love, and harmony Townshend was already too jaded for it all. He looked out into the audience and saw a "teenage wasteland." Townshend's cynicism would be on full display in Baba O'Riley and especially in Won't Get Fooled Again: "The party on the left, is now the party on the right, and the beards have all grown longer overnight."
Roger Daltrey is one of the most powerful voices in rock history. Also, this is one of those beyond 10 out of 10 songs. It's a timeless masterpiece and it's illegal to dislike it.
Roger Daltrey just had a short American tour in June 2024. He sang this song, in this same key, at 80 years old. Unlike some other classic bands, he wasn’t lip synching to a recorded track. An amazing singer. Especially when you realize he is now deaf from all the loud concerts. He now tells his audience to wear ear protection at concerts.
I saw them at MSG in 2004(?). The top section, but next to the front of the stage. They were indeed loud AF. I think I was hearing funny for a day or two after. 😮😅
my older brother loved the Who, always get teary eyed when I hear and see anyone talk about them...I lost my brother in 2000 to cancer, was only 32....
❣️ I too shared much music tastes with my older brother. I lost him in 2013. We shared most of our music choices, so I'm constantly listening to music that makes me think of him. 😊❤
"Thunderfingers" John Entwhistle absolutely defined the bass for the entire rock genre. Pete Townshend used to say that it would take four people to replace him, and sure enough, when he passed, they brought in a bassist, and guutarist, and several other players to fill the musical space that Entwhistle filled by himself for decades. Keith Moonn was also impossible to replace, although Simon Phillips and Zac Starkey have done rather well. Sadly, Kenny Jones just couldn't carry the water, but nobody really could either. The Who is unique and should be appreciated as such. Nicely done, Elizabeth!
It is oft forgotten today that, in their day, The Who were on the same level as Led Zep, the Stones, or almost any band of their era. They were once the loudest band ever. Groundbreaking and genre defining in many ways. Every member was brilliant in their own right, and together they are eternal.
The Who came out in the era that gave us The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, etc. Pete Townsend said that others may put out a better album, but no one beats us live ....
I love watching John Entwistle play bass. He is so chill compared to the rest of the band, almost like he doesn't care but he's so good that you know he does.
Ah! I've found another source for the inspiration of the performances of the characters in the rock mockumentary, Spinal Tap. Derek Smalls, played by Harry Shearer, definitely incorporates some of Entwistle's statuesque pose and stoicism found in this video.
"Elder Brother" John's bass lines through this (and "Won't Get Fooled Again") have been isolated and analyzed and even today, knowledgeable people of the instrument and musical stylings are still being amazed at how good and how intricate his playing really was. The story is told (possibly apocryphal?) that after John's death, Roger and Pete had to hire TWO bassists for their concerts. Entwistle routinely shows up on "GOAT Bassist" lists, usually in the top two or three. John was known for not moving around much on stage so that he shifted from his position here a couple of times is notable. Another possibly apocryphal story goes that some critic was lambasting the group's latest concert, that Pete was such and so, and Roger's voice wasn't what we had come to expect, Moon The Loon couldn't keep a beat, yadda yadda yadda.....and finishes up with, "But even with all that, I have to call the concert a complete success as a party: I saw John Entwistle tapping his foot."
Like Watts on drums for the Stones. JUST kinda hanging out. Having fun. Might have better things to do. Always made me chuckle compared to the rest of the insanity usually occurring.
I have to say that your mention of starting a TH-cam channel or just focusing on your confidence in general hits really hard, especially in this moment in my time as a creator. Here I am, two years and 44 episodes in to a horror film podcast and I have all the familiar problems of imposter syndrome and the like... as the saying goes, the horrors persist, but so do I. I just need to keep the guests and topics coming. Thank you!
I just freaking love your transition from analytical to pure enjoyment. You can analyse this as much as you want but ultimately it taps right into your base human emotions to experience the sheer joy of the music. It’s so motivating.
I’ve had a love affair with the Who since "Tommy" (I was in the 9th grade). Many decades later, in the Summer of 2002, they had a reunion tour and I learned from a friend (a "reseller" who happened to have 2 tickets) that they were appearing at MSG that very night. I bought both tickets off of him, came home and told my 14 year-old son we’re going to NYC to see one of the best bands ever. (My wife and daughter were out of town visiting family). So we drove the 3 hours from northern PA, booked a room at a Holiday Inn and then went to the best concert of my life. The opener was an unexpected surprise: Robert Plant! (Front man for Led Zeppelin, for the 1 or 2 people reading this who didn’t know that). The concert was 3 hours. The encore was an awesome set, all from Tommy! My son and I were on our feet for the whole show, just rocking it. What a terrific memory. My son is now grown, married and a new dad. But I will never, ever forget that night. The look on his face! Could you imagine a better father-son evening! Sorry for the stream of consciousness. TL;DR: my teenage son and I bonding over the Who at the Garden. The best.
Who's Next was recorded May-June 1971.The organ sound from "Baba O’Riley" was not a loop. It was actually played! Pete Townshend came up with the ostinato or the repeating set of notes that opens and underlies the song and was played on a Lowrey Berkshire Deluxe TBO-1 organ using its marimba repeat feature to generate them. He stated that he used a gated Lowrey organ via EMS VCS3 gated filter. No sequencer. He just bought one of the first synthesizers available, the enormous ARP 2500 system and after recording the first few demos for Who’s Next. Baba O’Riley came out wrong as he couldn’t get the sequencers and mix-sequencers on the ARP under his fingers fast enough so he emulated sequencing and tape delays using the Marimba Arpeggiator effect on his Lowrey Berkshire.
I think I was reading a Mad magazine while he was sequencing and pushing state of the art equipment to the limits. The genius gene distribution, in life, makes it all hilarious. I guess somebody has to be left behind to be the amazed ones.
That organ part is Minimalist/Steve Reich influenced. Hardly anyone mentions that or how surprising it was that The Who were obviously aware of developments in Classical Music that were happening at the same time. Well done Elizabeth - you’re the first to spot that.
Pete Townshend smashed a Rickenbacker at the Railway Tavern in Harrow and Wealdstone in September of 1964 and that moment remains one of the most iconic in rock history making him the original guitar destroyer in music history. During that performance by The Who (at the time known as The High Numbers) at London's Railway Hotel, Pete Townshend accidentally breaks the neck of his guitar on the club's low ceiling, then proceeds to shatter the instrument. He would repeat the act innumerable times through the years. Note: While the venue is known, the exact date is not. The band played each Tuesday at the Railway that month (September 8, 15, 22 and 29) Townshend destroyed more than 35 guitars in 1967, alone. HOWEVER, to make it easier to repair and glue his broken guitars, he went to great lengths to smash them up as carefully as possible, according to his bandmate Roger Daltrey, who even revealed the careful process behind Townshend's destruction.
What was the point of smashing instruments again? A flashy show biz gimmick? The Who were one of the best live bands ever(at least in their era), not really sure they needed to resort to such tomfoolery...
@@friedemannkemm63 Well, they didn't record it in the studio, and it's not on "Live At Leeds" to my knowledge, so I think maybe he was talking out his arse just a bit, but I could always be wrong...
Although I like the Who's music, I never considered them one of my favorite bands. Maybe one reason is because smashing a guitar is a really fucked up thing to do. I can remember wishing I had enough money to buy a guitar and here's a guy destroying them for fun. Imagine how you'd feel if you made one of the guitars he smashed.
Townshend once said about the Gibson SG, the model he destroyed the most, that it was so lightweight, that when he was tuning the strings, he pulled so strong, that the neck was often bending and would break very quickly. Later on, when Gibson didn't produce that specific SG model anymore, he switched to the Les Paul, sturdier and less breakable. It lasted longer and the numbers per year went down a lot.
This was Keith Moon's last live gig with The Who. This concert was in May 1978, and he died in September 1978 after overdosing on a medication he was taking for alcohol withdrawal. He died in the same bedroom as Cass Elliot had in 1974, Flat 12, 9 Curzon Place, Shepherd Market, Mayfair, London, an apartment owned by singer Harry Nilsson. Reportedly, Nilsson didn't want to rent the place out because he felt it was cursed after Elliot's death, but Pete Townshend assured him that "Lightning wouldn't strike the same place twice."
Actually, it wasn’t an overdose of the medication. It was an extremely rare side effect. He had a seizure and died from that side effect. Very sad for someone trying to get off the booze.
If you watch any of the CSI TV shows you'll know at least some part of 4 The Who songs. Baba O'Riley was used in CSI New York. The name of the song is a combination of Meher Baba - an Indian guru who kept silent from 1935 until his death in 1969 and inspired Townshend spiritually, and Terry Riley - a musician and classical composer who also inspired him. The title doesn't appear in the lyrics so the song is often incorrectly referred to as "Teenage Wasteland"
I studied minimalism at college and was lucky enough to find a copy of Riley's In C / Poppy Nogood's Phantom Band. Great album, there may have been some psychedelics involved!
@@trentpmcd the Kronos Quartet comment on this when introducing their cover of Baba O'Riley (which you can find pretty easily on yt) - I discovered their Baba O'Riley cover when re(re(re))listening to their Purple Haze cover, at which point yt recommended Kronos-does-The-Who (thankyou yt)
I'm about at the 16:00 mark, you've just mentioned how people criticize you for never having sang a note in your life. This is the ONLY reaction channel I watch BECAUSE you delve into the anatomy of the human voice, and that was before I saw you sing in a competition. You clearly know what you're talking about and have a very good understanding of the mechanism of the voice and I'm glad to hear that your self confidence is such that someone's ignorant statements will not cause you to doubt yourself.
stopped this song way too many times, save it all for end of this song, it annoys me stopping it every few seconds, makes the reaction video unwatchable
@@anthonysmith-uw9is I understand your frustration with the number of stop / analyze / rewind, however, this is such an important song in rock history and her comments are spot on. The video pauses are much less after the 20 minute mark.
@62 , I am referring to harmonic resolution and needed that to not feel like I am left hanging. Or maybe better explained by it being seriously climactic and constantly be cut short just before the climax. Just the anticipation and being thoroughly ready to hear Townshend let it rip.
I love that you were an opera singer. I was born in 83, grew up in a small town listening to 60s and early 70s music because it was my parents favs. Still my fav music. But one day around 2000 Pavarotti was on tv and I had never heard opera, I had no idea what he was singing about but he made me cry, my mom too, I asked her what was that?! I was hooked on him and opera even though I have never really seen an entire opera show in person or other wise, just on tv and YT and I have some performances on dvd.
I'm still the most amazed by the sheer energy of "Young Man Blues" from 1970's Live at Isle of Wight and would be so happy to have the Charismatic Voice watch and listen to it with us.
Another incredible job, Elizabeth! Just FYI, the harmonica solo is even more amazing when you realize that the solo on the studio version was played on violin and Roger is reproducing that on harmonica. I love violin--this was one of the first rock songs that I heard to employ one and is one reason this song is a favorite of mine, but I play harmonica as well, so I appreciate both versions.
I've always loved hearing him do that solo on his blues harp, but I love watching the live versions of Baba, too. They seem to find an attractive lady violinist who wants to rock out. And Roger often gets a kiss at the end, so I'd bet he doesn't mind leaving his harp in his pocket on those occasions.
This is something never touched on in Dan Vasc’s Amazing Grace. He’s not playing that bit on the harmonica, he’s playing that bit on the bagpipes, on a harmonica.
Oh, my darling Elizabeth! You’re now two Who’s in. Don’t you think it’s time you experience their live mini rock opera, A Quick One? You will have a field day and giggles will abound! They did this performance of epic proportions on the Rolling Stones’ Rock & Roll Circus and blew them out of the water! In fact, The Rolling Stones wouldn’t let the Who’s performance air for a while because of their sour grapes (it wasn’t such a good day for the Stones to perform). Really hope you do this soon, because you’ll love it, and we’ll love it with you! Cheers! 🎉
I want her to watch one of their 60's videos to see Keith Moon and his happy antics while playing the drums. A year ago, I saw a documentary about them and couldn't keep my eyes off of Keith. He would sing the main lyrics as he played. He had as much fun on the drums as Pete did playing guitar.
You can see how Roger Daltrey loves to perform so much. I remember he was on Letterman, and they were transitioning to a commercial break with Paul doing the keyboard part to "Baba O'Riley" - Roger's face lit up and like a kid he leaned over to David to ask for permission to join the band and sing it. Their audience got a full performance of this song!
I love seeing Keith Moon "air" drumming at the beginning. A "rest" was never a rest for him. He was always playing... whether he was hitting the drums or not.
And yes, he had to tape the headphones onto his head because he shook his head so hard as he played that they wouldn't stay on otherwise. The headphones were for a timing track so he would sync to the synthesizer. They did that for two songs, and it's amazing that Keith Moon put up with it. He was really an improvising musician who fed off live performances with the others, and some say that his unhappiness with this slavery to pre-recorded soundtracks contributed to the substance abuse that ultimately killed him. But really, he was not controlled or mellow in good times or in bad.
@@kenmayerrocksKeith could compromise for the good of the band. He'd be an unbelievable pain in the ass, but he'd do it. He could recognize some things were bigger than him.
@kenmayerrocks drummer for Slade, whose name I can't remember, had to have a teeth guard made because he was grinding and clacking his teeth while drumming lol
The title "Baba O'Riley" is a dedication to two people who greatly influenced Pete Townshend at the time: Meher Baba, whose teachings can be heard in the lyrics (and was probably the originator of "Don't worry, be happy"), and composer Terry Riley where you heard the minimalist structure throughout. Hence, no doubt the title, rather than the obvious "Teenage Wasteland", which many people assume is the name.
Spent many nights at the Baba Center in South Carolina and grew to appreciate Meyer Baba's open mindedness as an enlightened being and an "ocean of love." He did originate the phrase "don't worry be happy." What has been omitted is his next line, "I will help you." Pete's also a hero of mine as a life-long musician. When they ask Frank Zappa who was one of his favorite guitar players, he included Pete. I'm sure a great part of his appreciation was Pete's ability as a truly wonderful composer. Peace & love, y'all, Uncle Brother
That kind of confidence is well deserved. I love opera and what I will generically call "classical" music (obviously, I'm lumping Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Impressionist, Expressionist, etc together) so I actually saw a clip from a performance of yours. It was absolutely masterful and clearly the result of great talent and years of discipline and hard work. Do not doubt Ms. Elizabeth's skill and mastery of vocal performance. For real, real.
There was just a peek at the relationship between John and Keith during the harmonica solo. Keith doing his best to get a reaction John, John finally giving in with half a smile. The chemistry of the original members was the key to their success IMO.
Keith was always looking to get a raise from John. King of mischief. He reminds me of how Peter Cooke was always trying to get Dudley Moore to crack up.
Glad you dared to come back to them. Kudos! To hear Roger let it out, listen to the studio version of 'Love, Reign O'er Me'. And for a cool peek into the band, "Who Are You", from their documentary "The Kids Are Alright". And there's so much more. Just a tremendous gathering of talents.
"Most people would rather tear down, than to seek to understand" Wow. Of all your great takes on things, and insane analysis of music, and specifically vocal technique (of which you've taught me a great deal) this is the best thing I've heard you say, and it was so natural and off the cuff, but it rings SO TRUE 👏❤
Pete has some solo albums. Empty Glass has his two biggest hits, Rough Boys and Let My Love Open The Door. Also, I've seen lots of people recommend Love Reign O're Me, and I completely agree. Daltry's vocals are just amazing. The power, the emotion that he puts into that song is incredible.
“The bass was like the older sibling.” With Roger swinging that microphone, Pete bouncing all over and doing windmills, and Keith just being Keith, John Entwistle said that the only thing he could do on stage that would stand out was nothing at all.
Off Topic: Elizabeth, I NEED you to take a deep dive into the greatness that is Linda Ronstadt!! She has a biopic coming out this year and one of the most varied careers along with being one of the greatest voices of the last century. She influenced so many and was integral in forming The Eagles. What she did for women in music is unmatched. It would be very smart to get on this early before the movie comes out!!
Fun fact, the instrument in the intro isn't actually a synthesizer, it's an electric home organ with Marimba Repeat turned all the way up. The key strokes are 1:4 per beat. VERY cool concept for 1971.
Yep. A Lowrey Berkshire Deluxe TBO-1 to be precise. The Who did use synths on Who’s Next of course. “Won’t Get Fooled Again” features the ARP 2500, and The Who used that model for years, as did Townshend on solo projects.
Just recently discovered your videos -- So much fun! Thank you for these. As has been mentioned by other folks here, yes, the title is a play on the philosophy of Pete's teacher, Meher Baba, "a la" the minimalism of Terry Riley (like his 1964 piece, "In C" -- around the time Pete was in art school). But the structure of the synthesizer here was also key to the narrative behind the music: The songs from the album "Who's Next" were to have been part of an ambitious rock opera called "Lifehouse." In the story, society was essentially locked down after wide scale environmental disaster, and most people were connected to each other virtually, via what Pete called "the Grid." Yes, in 1970-1971 Pete was writing about, in essence, the internet. Government powers held strict control over what content people could share, but some characters tried to connect everyone on a higher level via a huge, unauthorized concert. The layered arpeggiations represented everyone in the audience being invited to send in their own biometric data (brain waves, heart rhythms, what you will), and it was incorporated into the music, which would become a profound unifying experience for all in attendance. It all got a bit heady and unwieldy, of course. This was following the time of Woodstock, and all. Ultimately, Pete was unable to tie this together into a practical, marketable album package, and the label was demanding something to release, pronto. So the single album "Who's Next" was released, and for years Pete was dissatisfied that his original vision was not brought to fruition. More recently the opera was produced, with a script, and had some updated stage performances; I think it may have also been braodcast in some form on BBC radio, maybe? And a few more complete versions were released on album, both as Pete Townshend and as The Who. Most recently, a massive boxed set has been released. 10 CD's, 2 books -- including a new graphic novel presentation of the story... The Works. shop.thewho.com/products/whos-next-life-house-super-deluxe-edition-10cd-blu-ray
I can hardly wait for this reaction tomorrow. I'm still hoping Elizabeth can react to their performance at the Rolling Stones' Rock and Roll Circus of 'A Quick One (While He's Away)' from 1968. It was so good that they shamed their hosts into shelving the project for 27 years. Good harmonies in that one too.
@@edanderson8274 such a great DVD and show. Early Jethro Tull with a young Tony Iommi (his one and only performance with them I believe, he quit right after) and the Dirty Mac, greatest supergroup EVER!
Elizabeth nailed it. Pete was influenced by Terry Reilly’s minimalist compositions. Using a VCS3 synth run through a Lowry organ , Pete created that hypnotic ostinato.. Thank you Mr. Townshend!
I find it amazing that he was able to create the synth track, for the entire song, then layer the band over the top of it. Genious. I really don't think, personally, it's a great idea to listen to 'live' versions first. There are a very few exceptions, but usually the first version released is the best to encapsulate what the band were trying to convey - so, though Roger is a great harmonica player, the violin on the original is really special.
Liz, you don't need to prove anything to us ! The reason we return is because we trust your expertise and opinion. I'm from a rocker background so this opera insight is fascinating to me. Keep on keeping on. N
John Entwistle also sang lead on some of the songs he wrote. One such song, "The Quiet One," has a line, "I ain't quiet, everybody else is too loud." It doesn't necessarily merit a reaction video, but the Who song, "Boris the Spider," composed and sung by John is short and fun.
The Ox shows his vocal chops on "My Wife" also off "Who's,Next". The studio version is superior to the live version where you can tell he is unaccustomed to singing and playing bass at the same time
I've heard that once the Who started playing large auditoriums, Townshend decided to write songs specifically for those big arenas. This song is definitely one of them with the huge guitar power chords in the intro.
Was Woodstock#1 in 1969 with 460k attendees over three days big enough to trigger said shift? Festivals still don't get much bigger than that. They certainly had some belting tracks in the years after, but maybe part of a shift from Mod-rock to the heavier guitar rock of the early 70s?
@@phoenixw2 I was about to say the same. In fact The Who were the headliners of the festival. Plus 150,000 crowd at the Isle of Wight, etc. They were playing huge crowds from fairly early in their career, actual auditoriums and stadiums were smaller venues at their peak, usually requiring multi-day sold out engagements.
John Entwhistle. I was 17 the first time I saw JE live. I'd seen a lot of bands, so I've watched a lot of bass players. And then there was John Entwhistle. He played soooooooooo fast, so elegantly. A calm and stately demeanor, except for his fingers. They're just flying around doing magical things. Changed my perspective for life. JE is the greatest rock bassist from a technical musicianship perspective ever. Doubt he'll ever have a challenger.
Don't get me wrong, there are tons of superb bassists. Geddy Lee, Tal Wilkenfeld, other's mentioned. I'm just saying JE is in his own category. Species unique.
Your personality alone is so intriguing to watch, your understanding of music and vocal ability is so enjoyable to listen to. I truly enjoy seeing your passion of music and performers. You are a person I wish I knew.
Elizabeth, you’ve got to see them doing young man’s blues from I think the Isle of Wight 1970/71?? It’s absolute madness, but perfect. In fact every reactor on TH-cam should see that performance! Great stuff from you as always 😁
In 2008 Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey were honored at the Kennedy Center. Bettye LaVette honored them by singing Love Reign O'er Me. Barbra Streisand, also being honored, leaned over to Townshend snd asked "you wrote this?" "Fantastic". Barbra couldn't believe a noisy rock n roller could compose such a song. You should check out the Who doing that song and Bette LaVette doing it at the Kennedy Center.
Fabulous review, as always. Your level of understanding is amazing. For more Who essentials I recommend listening to the beginning (I am the sea/The Real Me) and the final song(Love Reign Over Me) from Quadrophenia. I think this album was the pinnacle of their talents. On The Real Me, the "older sibling" absolutely steals the show, between his bass and his horn playing. Daltrey's voice on Love Reign O'er Me is incredible. That album is a ust for Who fans.
Another great reaction ! The Who are all-time faves ! And you sang in Ahkhenaten ? ! WOW ! You are sooo cool ! ... Most of these british Rockstars were very avantgarde- informed and classical , too ... so ... you're right !
I am gleeful that you did this version. I was going to suggest this exact song on Discord because Roger uses a harmonica here to replace the violin in the studio version. I’ll save my suggestions for another time except to add my voice to the others asking for the studio version of Love Reign O’er Me.
Over the years, been great to see the mutual admiration between Pete Townshend and Paul Weller (The Jam, Style Council, solo career), "Mods" from different generations. th-cam.com/video/Yp2MggNlv5A/w-d-xo.html
There’s a lot of reaction videos out there. Yours are more worthwhile simply because of whom you are. You are a good person, and you champion kindness every video. That sharing of you is every bit as good as your analysis.
Was looking for this comment. Thank you! People should definitely check out A Rainbow In Curved Air by Terry Riley. It's astonishing, and was also used as incidental music on the original radio series of The Hitch-Hiker's Guide To The Galaxy.
Wonderful appreciation of one of the greatest bands in history. Many have cited 'Love reign o'er me' as one of Townshends greatest, although, I cant find mention that it is the last track on side one of QUADROPHENIA, one of two rock opera's written by PT. Tommy is the first, and both works are iconic and brilliant. Thank you Elizabeth. Much love from Wales UK.
He wrote more than two. He eventually completed Lifehouse, but he also did The Iron Man. I think he had one more too that The Who released recently, but I can’t quite remember the details on that one.
Elizabeth you need to listen to the Who's live performance of Quick One While He's Away from the '69 Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus. It's such a great song and it really showcases all the members of the band wonderfully and has amazing harmony
Yeah, this is probably the most fun live performance they put to film. Right in the era in which they were all coming into their own, especially Pete as an ambitious songwriter.
I watched last night and was not disappointed. This is my favourite of yours, not only for your expert analysis or your excitement watching the performance, but when you took time to share how the lyrics connected with you. That shivered me. Stand strong, Elizabeth. Stand strong.
For the studio version the harmonica part is done on a violin. It is basically a rock and roll adaptation of an Irish jig. And yes, Keith Moon was such an animated drummer the only way he could keep headphones on his head was to duct tape them on.
Keith Moon usually had his headphones taped on with gaffer tape, because they would fly off during his more energetic segments (he was nicknamed "the Wild Man"). Jim Henson has said that Animal, the Muppets Band drummer was based on Keith Moon
I was at this tour show in Dallas and they lived up to their reputation as one of the loudest bands in history. In the early days the amps and speakers on the stage had to fill the entire venue. Entwistle's bass has 24 12" woofers in a folded horn enclosure but he also has 6 more 18" subwoofers at the base of the stack. Townsend had I believe 7 Hiwatt 4x12" speakers in stacks and several amps in a side stack. As an audience member the sound didn't appear to be in the ears but rather heard about 1 foot above and behind the head. Extreme volume. The surviving members of the band all live with hearing aids now as stage monitoring was in its absolute infancy and in ear monitoring was still a long time off. I played bass in bands and also did sound work for friends bands back then and I used to wear in ear plugs from gun shops which helped but I also suffer from some damage as well. (of course I'm a man and most women will tell you men can't hear anything anyway....).
Re: I don't need to fight... This was indeed very personal to Roger, even tough it was Pete's lyrics. As a young man he had a violent streak and would regularly start fights post gigs. It came to the point were he was given the choice of stop fighting or quitting the band! As he told himself in an interview, the band was his life and quitting wasn't an option. So I think that's why the delivery is so powerful. As a long time Who fan, The first time saw them live was in 1966 and they're the main reason I became a musician, I've got so many comments on this video. But I'd better stop here or it will turn into a short story. So I'll just recommend the Classic Albums video on "The Who's Next" and Polyphonic's excellent YT video on their rock opera Tommy (and Pink Floyds The Wall) Thank you for sharing this video. It evoked such strong feelings in me. And brought back so many pleasant memories. You're a true star. ✌𝄆❤❤❤𝄇 ✌
There's a track on the Tommy album. Called see me feel me touch me heal me. Which shows the emotion he is capable of singing with. It's an integral part of the Tommy album. And you need to know the story behind it to really appreciate the feeling in it. Tommy's deaf dumb & blind. And when he singing the song it's what's going on in his head. He's really crying out to be loved & heard. It's actually very moving. When you understand why he became deaf dumb & blind. The movie made of Tommy was good I think. With various stars playing the roles. Tina Turner was a stand out as the acid queen.
My parents took me to see Tommy at a theater in Scranton, PA when I was 8 because I was such a fanatic for Elton John. I’m 56 now and still remember the exciting atmosphere in the theater, all these wild teenaged rock fans having a blast. My parents aren’t with us anymore, but I was lucky, they were very cool.
I love your passion and enthusiasm for music. You have one of the most inspiring and expressive personalities. It's a joyful experience to listen to you even if i don't like the song. Music has been so important to me, throughout my 54 years, that i wanted to share my love for this newer band which seems to have been overlooked. TH-cam title is Lake Street Dive - "You Go Down Smooth" (Live at WFUV)
Yes! I have been requesting some Lake Street Dive and that video in particular. Another one to check out is (Lake Street Dive in the Studio: Rachael Price Sings "What I'm Doing Here" In One Complete Take). Great story behind the band and Rachael would be a fantastic tea time guest.
Don't know how much video of it is out there, but IMO one of the greatest live albums in history is The Who's "Live at Leeds". Vocals, music, energy - unparalleled.
I've been lucky enough to see the who live a few times. The few repeated keyboard notes of the intro to this can make an entire stadium erupt. Awesome!
Your commentary on minimalism in the context of The Who brings to mind the 1957 song Rumble by Link Wray. It's an instrumental, so not necessarily for your channel, but a foundational song for Pete's chord playing. Also you might enjoy versions of this song where the harmonica part is played on fiddle.
The Who made a movie that every rock fan should watch at least one time.. TOMMY .. The movie was out in 1975.. I still remember it today. What a crazy story it was. The movie had Tina Turner, Elton John, the Who, Eric Clapton, Jack Nickolson, Oliver Reed, Ann margret..
So true as you can see them just having fun and it's really why they are are just up there and in some ways beyond some other legendary bands. Enjoyment in what you love doing.
That entire album is amazing. I remember listening to it at my brother's because he had a better stereo system. I saw the live in Austin, front row, center stage. Thank you.
Love the information you impart for those of us not having any raw talent in a vocal instrument to develop. Greatly enhances appreciation in music and those creating it through variety of anatomical structures to sing. Must pray for people so insecure in themselves they can't appreciate the talent, skills and gifts blessing other people; how they're demeaning and isolating from THAT MAKING OUR LIVES ON EARTH A THRILLING AND ENDLESSLY INTRIGUING JOURNEY. Am enjoying your gifts and expertise gained in your adventure you're willing to share immensely. THANK-YOU.
What a fantastic analysis of one of my favourite songs by one of the best bands in the world. And, following your comments about you having sung for decades , I’ve now looked you up on Spotify and Apple Music and I am now one of your followers on there as well as this TH-cam channel.
In the Keith Moon biography written by Peter Dougal Butler describes Roger as being very protective of his voice. He would retire after the concerts with tea while the rest of the band committed complete mayhem.
Yet another great reaction/break down. Can't wait till you get to experience The Warning live. It'll happen and you'll love it I know. Especially a song with Pau singing lead.
We are both patreons for The Charismatic Voice and The Warning. The Warning are 3 sisters from Monterrey, Mexico, currently ages 24, 22 and 19 and been performing as a band for 10 years!! They just keep getting better. As patreons for this awesome channel, we will be voting for Elizabeth to review their song "23" with Paulina, the drummer, singing lead.
Now I'm really excited for Friday! Daltrey's voice is showcased quite well during this performance. For pure shock value, and because it's a legendary piece of rock history, I'd also highly recommend The Who's Smothers Brothers performance of "My Generation."
This was part of the documentary 'The Kids Are Alright' . This session included a studio recording of 'Who Are You' followed by this video of 'Baba O'Reily' and concluding with 'Won't Get Fooled Again'.(where they destroyed the instruments) Sadly that was the last performance of drummer Keith Moon who died just weeks later. Coincidently all the CSI tv series use Who Songs as their themes.
This is my dad's favorite song and I'm going to share this with him. I've been contemplating starting content creation via TH-cam lately and you've inspired me to give it a go very soon. I've been worried about trolls, but I'm not going to let them win. On another note, I've just picked up harmonica again after a hiatus, so give it a go, too, Elizabeth! Maybe I won't be the only one fun having with reeds and my voice.
I've always loved this song, but somehow a man named Joe Pera gave me even greater appreciation for it. To anyone else who loves this song, check out a show called Joe Pera Talks With You - specifically the episode called "Joe Pera Reads You the Church Announcements". Pure joy. For another strong example of Townshend's writing, listen to "Behind Blue Eyes". I always liked the big transition in the song, from ballad to heavy rock, which I've heard was born of the fact that Pete couldn't write a sad song without eventually getting pissed off. Always felt very real to me because of that.
John Entwistle: the ultimate chill bass player. Pete looked like he was pounding someone's face in with the tambourine. I would love to see you review the movie of The Who's Tommy
Please do A-ha's "Living a boys adventure tale", or any A-ha song really, but theres a couple where his voice really shine. I suggest "Hunting Hight and Low" "Take On Me" "Scoundrel Days" "The Swing Of Things" "Theres Never A Forever Thing". His voice is too good to be ignored for this channel. Very elegant and powerful, but also fragile and on point across all registers. I hope more people will upvote this, its that good really!
Thank you for this! I have heard “Take on Me” millions of times but I just listened to “Living a Boys Adventure Tale” for the first time. I was born in 1983, but 80s music(especially early and mid) is pretty much my favorite time period. I try to check out as much as I can. That was incredible! I love “Baba O’ Riley” and “Eminence Front” obviously. Where else can I find out about new songs? I will certain listen to the others you have recommended.
Welcome to the club Elizabeth. The Who have the most amazing combination of outstanding creative characters. I wrote 2 college papers on these guys. What a trip that was! A great song to hear that is somewhat overlooked in their rep is Pure And Easy. There are a couple of different version but the song wins every time. It has helped me come to my philosophical center as a music therapist and musician in general. Check it out. I am thoroughly enjoying your enthusiasm with The Who and their music.
I have watched several of your reaction videos and never questioned your expertise. You always seemed legitimate to me. Plus i was curious if you liked it as much as me
Great job as usual Elizabeth! Regarding Pete’s vocals, his lead vocals in the The Who’s “Going Mobile” and “Eminence Front” or solo work “Let My Love Open The Door” are worth checking out. Also, on the studio version of this track, the harmonica situation was a violin situation. If I recall correctly, Roger learned the harmonica to perform this song live.
If you heard that intro, it's probably because three songs by The Who were used as theme music for the various CSI series. "Baba O'Riley" was used for CSI New York; "Won't Get Fooled Again" was used for CSI Miami; and "Who Are You" was famously used for the original CSI show (Vegas). So a lot of people have heard selected bits of these songs, possibly without knowing where they came from.
Eminence Front was the music to several car commercials as well
Baba O'Reilly was also used in an episode of House.
Baba O'Riley is all over pop culture, CSI:NY is just one of a ton of places people might have heard it. It's in TV shows/teasers from Miami Vice to Stranger Things, from House to Family Guy, and in movies or their trailers from A Bug's Life and American Beauty to Free Guy. It's the intro song for the Lakers, a halftime song for the Patriots, and a UFC staple. The wiki page for the song lists another dozen movies, films, and shows that used it.
@@sumnerhayes3411 - I have to admit, I haven't watched TV regularly in several years (I tend to stream instead), so I could easily have missed a lot of that.
the same way the intro of led zeplin's "kashmere" gets thrown around a lot....
there was a time when I watched a lot of CSI ... and it felt like an epiphany when I could tell my mum that all the intros where from the who, after having listened to her "the who best of collectoin". like the moment when "the exorcist" came on tv and I rushed to the CDs to listen to that one Mike Oldfield album to find that the song was "tubular bells". I love and hate when these moments happen. I love the moment of recognising, the epiphany.... but I hate that it doesn't let me go until I have identified the song.... it's like an itch.
Ok, not sure if there's a best live performance to hit, but for Roger's voice I would pick two: "Love Reign O'er Me" and "Behind Blue Eyes".
"Behind Blue Eyes" is great, but "Love Reign O'er Me" is on another plane entirely, IMO. It baffles me how he manages to get through that song without collapsing in a heap.
The version of Love Reign O’er Me by Bettye Lavette is beautiful too.
Excellent suggestions.
For a more subtle vocal, listen to “Tattoo” on “The Who Sell Out.”
"5 15" is another tune I would add 👍
The Who song "Love Reign O'er Me." Roger Daltrey's singing of that song is one of the ultimate vocal performances of rock. It's (dare I say) almost Operatic. You will lose your mind.
True story
Musically (meaning vocals AND instrumentals), Love Reign ranks among the best songs of all time in my book. Though I’d associate it more with having classical elements than operatic ones.
The album version is unbelievable. Unfortunately, I don't think he's ever been able to replicate it. No one has.
@@VivaLaDnDLogs yes definitely the studio version is the one to go for, the band is on fire, Daltrey’s vocals are astounding, one of the most dynamic pieces of rock music you will ever hear.
Album version for sure 👍🏻👍🏻
You are spot on with the minimalism influence. The title of the song is a reference to Terry Riley, a super-influential innovator in that movement, though less famous than Reich and Glass. Also, because the original recording was released in 1971, your idea that this was both avant-garde and trendy is spot on. When the album “Who’s Next” came out, it was mind-blowing.
Love your channel.
I'm impressed they were into Terry Riley.
Nice, I didnt know that.
So many of those 60's Brits were art school guys before they got into music.@@EdDunkle
It's pretty reminiscent of Riley's *A Rainbow In Curved Air* (also where that band took their name). The Baba bit was a reference to Pete's guru at the time, Meyer Baba.
The synth line was created by transcribing the biorhythms of Meher Baba, then programming it into a synthesizer. Pete not only was an art geek, but a pioneer in electronic music.
Those of us once adrift in the undertow of Teenage Wasteland, played these records over and over and over and... Here I am some 50 plus years later watching a young classically trained, operatic expert, in a passionate exploratory deep dive into one of the lost treasures of a bygone era. I don't know you Elizabeth but watching you with the over and over, countless stops & starts, and your genuine joy and appreciation for the soundtrack of my life... warms my heart.
I really like this. Isn't she great at breaking down all of the nuances that make up what it is to sing/perform?
Perfect response! The reason us old-timers love her analyses is in a word... VALIDATION! She validates what we all knew!
Perfect comment.
She is very interesting, buuut...I wanna hear daltrey sing uninterrupted now.😁
Another song by The Who that you absolutely MUST give a listen is "Love Reign O'er Me." Roger Daltrey's singing on that song is one of the greatest vocal performances in the history or rock.
1000 thumbs up on your suggestion.
100%!!
Absolutely!
Just be sure to use the version of the song that comes to an end, not the one that fades out.
Pearl Jam's version too.
Pete Townshend was, is, and forever will remain a musical genius. Much of Who's Next was made from bits and bobs of Lifehouse, that unfinished and shelved science fiction rock opera that was intended as a follow-up to rock opera Tommy, hence the line "Sally, take my hand" referring to "Sally Simpson" one of the followers of Tommy's cult "I'm free." Though it was later revisited by various the Who albums (Who Are You.), as well as Pete Townshend's solo albums (Lifehouse Chronicles and Lifehouse Elements). The unmistakable sounds of his Gretsch 6120, the crisp timed drone effects by the Lowrey Berkshire Deluxe TBO-1 organ sound, giving that "galactic" atmosphere, the opera-long tracks that showcased a band of virtuosos rhapsodizing soundscapes and pause-giving lyrics impromptu. A true masterpiece. A classic already for TCV's roster of reactions ruling up top.
This is such an amazing comment, and deep dive into Townshend's process. Thank you!!!
N not no
The studio version has a heavily mike and amped violin that brings a feel of the late 60s Indian influence. Also, for fun, listen/view the Blue Man Group stage show cover.
Lifehouse where Pete Townsend was one of the people that predicted the Internet and its ubiquity.
The inspiration for Baba O'Riley was taken from The Who's performance at Woodstock. While the performers onstage sang about peace, love, and harmony Townshend was already too jaded for it all. He looked out into the audience and saw a "teenage wasteland." Townshend's cynicism would be on full display in Baba O'Riley and especially in Won't Get Fooled Again: "The party on the left, is now the party on the right, and the beards have all grown longer overnight."
Roger Daltrey is one of the most powerful voices in rock history.
Also, this is one of those beyond 10 out of 10 songs. It's a timeless masterpiece and it's illegal to dislike it.
a masterpiece that transcends time. Daltrey was a great anchor in the chaos of drugs, alcohol and general mayhem.
I loved his work with The Chieftains
Roger Daltrey just had a short American tour in June 2024. He sang this song, in this same key, at 80 years old. Unlike some other classic bands, he wasn’t lip synching to a recorded track. An amazing singer. Especially when you realize he is now deaf from all the loud concerts. He now tells his audience to wear ear protection at concerts.
I saw them at MSG in 2004(?). The top section, but next to the front of the stage. They were indeed loud AF. I think I was hearing funny for a day or two after. 😮😅
Ther exploding drum played a big portion in the deafness tbh lol.
my older brother loved the Who, always get teary eyed when I hear and see anyone talk about them...I lost my brother in 2000 to cancer, was only 32....
What a great way to connect with your brother. Sorry for your loss.
💔
he's with Kieth and john!
❣️ I too shared much music tastes with my older brother. I lost him in 2013. We shared most of our music choices, so I'm constantly listening to music that makes me think of him. 😊❤
"Thunderfingers" John Entwhistle absolutely defined the bass for the entire rock genre. Pete Townshend used to say that it would take four people to replace him, and sure enough, when he passed, they brought in a bassist, and guutarist, and several other players to fill the musical space that Entwhistle filled by himself for decades. Keith Moonn was also impossible to replace, although Simon Phillips and Zac Starkey have done rather well. Sadly, Kenny Jones just couldn't carry the water, but nobody really could either. The Who is unique and should be appreciated as such. Nicely done, Elizabeth!
someone had to be a grown up! The Ox is the greatest
Boris the Spider. I got to watch him front row. Amazing...😢
And Entwhistle's horn playing and arrangements were superb
If you think Ox was the "grown-up," you don't know about him off stage!@@jmazoso
Love the Ox-Cam option on the DVD where you get to hear just the bass. It sounds huge and his timing is incredible.
It is oft forgotten today that, in their day, The Who were on the same level as Led Zep, the Stones, or almost any band of their era. They were once the loudest band ever. Groundbreaking and genre defining in many ways. Every member was brilliant in their own right, and together they are eternal.
The Who came out in the era that gave us The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, etc. Pete Townsend said that others may put out a better album, but no one beats us live ....
@@cyranoboughton874EXCEPT PINK FLOYD!
@@Michael-sm2pe Pink Floyd never did a "A Quick One."
“What???” - Pete Townshend.
Better live than any of them.
I love watching John Entwistle play bass. He is so chill compared to the rest of the band, almost like he doesn't care but he's so good that you know he does.
His bass line on The Real Me gives me life
I got lucky and got to meet John. I have al picture shaking his hand at a small coffee shop in E. Hartford, CT.
Ah! I've found another source for the inspiration of the performances of the characters in the rock mockumentary, Spinal Tap. Derek Smalls, played by Harry Shearer, definitely incorporates some of Entwistle's statuesque pose and stoicism found in this video.
"Elder Brother" John's bass lines through this (and "Won't Get Fooled Again") have been isolated and analyzed and even today, knowledgeable people of the instrument and musical stylings are still being amazed at how good and how intricate his playing really was. The story is told (possibly apocryphal?) that after John's death, Roger and Pete had to hire TWO bassists for their concerts. Entwistle routinely shows up on "GOAT Bassist" lists, usually in the top two or three.
John was known for not moving around much on stage so that he shifted from his position here a couple of times is notable. Another possibly apocryphal story goes that some critic was lambasting the group's latest concert, that Pete was such and so, and Roger's voice wasn't what we had come to expect, Moon The Loon couldn't keep a beat, yadda yadda yadda.....and finishes up with, "But even with all that, I have to call the concert a complete success as a party: I saw John Entwistle tapping his foot."
Like Watts on drums for the Stones. JUST kinda hanging out. Having fun. Might have better things to do. Always made me chuckle compared to the rest of the insanity usually occurring.
I have to say that your mention of starting a TH-cam channel or just focusing on your confidence in general hits really hard, especially in this moment in my time as a creator. Here I am, two years and 44 episodes in to a horror film podcast and I have all the familiar problems of imposter syndrome and the like... as the saying goes, the horrors persist, but so do I. I just need to keep the guests and topics coming. Thank you!
I just freaking love your transition from analytical to pure enjoyment. You can analyse this as much as you want but ultimately it taps right into your base human emotions to experience the sheer joy of the music. It’s so motivating.
I’ve had a love affair with the Who since "Tommy" (I was in the 9th grade). Many decades later, in the Summer of 2002, they had a reunion tour and I learned from a friend (a "reseller" who happened to have 2 tickets) that they were appearing at MSG that very night. I bought both tickets off of him, came home and told my 14 year-old son we’re going to NYC to see one of the best bands ever. (My wife and daughter were out of town visiting family). So we drove the 3 hours from northern PA, booked a room at a Holiday Inn and then went to the best concert of my life. The opener was an unexpected surprise: Robert Plant! (Front man for Led Zeppelin, for the 1 or 2 people reading this who didn’t know that). The concert was 3 hours. The encore was an awesome set, all from Tommy! My son and I were on our feet for the whole show, just rocking it. What a terrific memory. My son is now grown, married and a new dad. But I will never, ever forget that night. The look on his face! Could you imagine a better father-son evening!
Sorry for the stream of consciousness. TL;DR: my teenage son and I bonding over the Who at the Garden. The best.
That sounds amazing! Robert Plant opened?! It sounds like pure bliss.
Wonderful story! I too had a bonding moment with my kid at a Jethro Tull concert many moons ago! Love shared is never wasted. 😊
@@FloridaRocks ok, I'm jealous of both of you!
@@FloridaRocks My oldest son and I saw Rush twice together: the first time was their R30 tour, and the second was Clockwork Angels.
What a fantastic memory for you both!
Who's Next was recorded May-June 1971.The organ sound from "Baba O’Riley" was not a loop. It was actually played!
Pete Townshend came up with the ostinato or the repeating set of notes that opens and underlies the song and was played on a Lowrey Berkshire Deluxe TBO-1 organ using its marimba repeat feature to generate them. He stated that he used a gated Lowrey organ via EMS VCS3 gated filter. No sequencer. He just bought one of the first synthesizers available, the enormous ARP 2500 system and after recording the first few demos for Who’s Next. Baba O’Riley came out wrong as he couldn’t get the sequencers and mix-sequencers on the ARP under his fingers fast enough so he emulated sequencing and tape delays using the Marimba Arpeggiator effect on his Lowrey Berkshire.
Do you have the sheet music to the syth parts to "Baba Oreilly" and "Won't Get Fooled Again"?
Yeah but Entwistle and Moon makes the music come alive like no other musicians
I think I was reading a Mad magazine while he was sequencing and pushing state of the art equipment to the limits. The genius gene distribution, in life, makes it all hilarious. I guess somebody has to be left behind to be the amazed ones.
That organ part is Minimalist/Steve Reich influenced. Hardly anyone mentions that or how surprising it was that The Who were obviously aware of developments in Classical Music that were happening at the same time. Well done Elizabeth - you’re the first to spot that.
I don’t know what songs but I know Pete Townshend did use tape loops of guitar and organ parts
Pete Townshend smashed a Rickenbacker at the Railway Tavern in Harrow and Wealdstone in September of 1964 and that moment remains one of the most iconic in rock history making him the original guitar destroyer in music history. During that performance by The Who (at the time known as The High Numbers) at London's Railway Hotel, Pete Townshend accidentally breaks the neck of his guitar on the club's low ceiling, then proceeds to shatter the instrument. He would repeat the act innumerable times through the years. Note: While the venue is known, the exact date is not. The band played each Tuesday at the Railway that month (September 8, 15, 22 and 29) Townshend destroyed more than 35 guitars in 1967, alone.
HOWEVER, to make it easier to repair and glue his broken guitars, he went to great lengths to smash them up as carefully as possible, according to his bandmate Roger Daltrey, who even revealed the careful process behind Townshend's destruction.
What was the point of smashing instruments again? A flashy show biz gimmick? The Who were one of the best live bands ever(at least in their era), not really sure they needed to resort to such tomfoolery...
@@pulsarlights2825According to Rogers Daltrey, it was the sound, not the fact of the destruction.
@@friedemannkemm63 Well, they didn't record it in the studio, and it's not on "Live At Leeds" to my knowledge, so I think maybe he was talking out his arse just a bit, but I could always be wrong...
Although I like the Who's music, I never considered them one of my favorite bands. Maybe one reason is because smashing a guitar is a really fucked up thing to do. I can remember wishing I had enough money to buy a guitar and here's a guy destroying them for fun. Imagine how you'd feel if you made one of the guitars he smashed.
Townshend once said about the Gibson SG, the model he destroyed the most, that it was so lightweight, that when he was tuning the strings, he pulled so strong, that the neck was often bending and would break very quickly. Later on, when Gibson didn't produce that specific SG model anymore, he switched to the Les Paul, sturdier and less breakable. It lasted longer and the numbers per year went down a lot.
This was Keith Moon's last live gig with The Who. This concert was in May 1978, and he died in September 1978 after overdosing on a medication he was taking for alcohol withdrawal. He died in the same bedroom as Cass Elliot had in 1974, Flat 12, 9 Curzon Place, Shepherd Market, Mayfair, London, an apartment owned by singer Harry Nilsson. Reportedly, Nilsson didn't want to rent the place out because he felt it was cursed after Elliot's death, but Pete Townshend assured him that "Lightning wouldn't strike the same place twice."
Actually, it wasn’t an overdose of the medication. It was an extremely rare side effect. He had a seizure and died from that side effect. Very sad for someone trying to get off the booze.
Many cite the Beatles & the Stones for all time Rock 'n Roll bands. For many, however, the Who top them all. Incredible writing & musicianship.
If you watch any of the CSI TV shows you'll know at least some part of 4 The Who songs. Baba O'Riley was used in CSI New York.
The name of the song is a combination of Meher Baba - an Indian guru who kept silent from 1935 until his death in 1969 and inspired Townshend spiritually, and Terry Riley - a musician and classical composer who also inspired him.
The title doesn't appear in the lyrics so the song is often incorrectly referred to as "Teenage Wasteland"
Yeah i was about to say the same thing, the sound familiar because they were atrached to some very popular shows
The mention of Meher Baba reminds me of "Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)" by Melanie. Would love for Elizabeth to tackle that song and Melanie's voice.
I studied minimalism at college and was lucky enough to find a copy of Riley's In C / Poppy Nogood's Phantom Band. Great album, there may have been some psychedelics involved!
"A Rainbow in Curved Air" by Terry Riley is a great piece of music and an obvious inspiration for the organ part in this song.
@@trentpmcd the Kronos Quartet comment on this when introducing their cover of Baba O'Riley (which you can find pretty easily on yt) - I discovered their Baba O'Riley cover when re(re(re))listening to their Purple Haze cover, at which point yt recommended Kronos-does-The-Who (thankyou yt)
I'm about at the 16:00 mark, you've just mentioned how people criticize you for never having sang a note in your life. This is the ONLY reaction channel I watch BECAUSE you delve into the anatomy of the human voice, and that was before I saw you sing in a competition. You clearly know what you're talking about and have a very good understanding of the mechanism of the voice and I'm glad to hear that your self confidence is such that someone's ignorant statements will not cause you to doubt yourself.
Well said!
Plus the fact of the message. That should be said over and over again, for everyone. You never know when you need to hear that message. Thank you!
Omg. You kept stopping right before Pete hit that strum! Killing me
stopped this song way too many times, save it all for end of this song, it annoys me stopping it every few seconds, makes the reaction video unwatchable
@@anthonysmith-uw9is I understand your frustration with the number of stop / analyze / rewind, however, this is such an important song in rock history and her comments are spot on. The video pauses are much less after the 20 minute mark.
ME TOO!!
Me too !
@62 , I am referring to harmonic resolution and needed that to not feel like I am left hanging. Or maybe better explained by it being seriously climactic and constantly be cut short just before the climax. Just the anticipation and being thoroughly ready to hear Townshend let it rip.
I love that you were an opera singer. I was born in 83, grew up in a small town listening to 60s and early 70s music because it was my parents favs. Still my fav music. But one day around 2000 Pavarotti was on tv and I had never heard opera, I had no idea what he was singing about but he made me cry, my mom too, I asked her what was that?! I was hooked on him and opera even though I have never really seen an entire opera show in person or other wise, just on tv and YT and I have some performances on dvd.
I just listened to some of your opera singing for the first time (for some reason).
It was stunningly awesome. Damn girl!
"Love Reign o'er Me," is one of Daltry's best vocals. I think you'd like it very much.
Agree
I'm still the most amazed by the sheer energy of "Young Man Blues" from 1970's Live at Isle of Wight and would be so happy to have the Charismatic Voice watch and listen to it with us.
Yes! Another outstanding live performance by The Who.
@gliebzeit I Totally agree. Drove ma and pa nuts with The Who. I'm not sorry. Never will be all these decades later! Long Live Rock!❤❤👍👍🤘🤘
I agree totally. I saw the movie in NY when it was first released. I practically jumped out of my seat! 😂
Another incredible job, Elizabeth! Just FYI, the harmonica solo is even more amazing when you realize that the solo on the studio version was played on violin and Roger is reproducing that on harmonica. I love violin--this was one of the first rock songs that I heard to employ one and is one reason this song is a favorite of mine, but I play harmonica as well, so I appreciate both versions.
I've always loved hearing him do that solo on his blues harp, but I love watching the live versions of Baba, too. They seem to find an attractive lady violinist who wants to rock out. And Roger often gets a kiss at the end, so I'd bet he doesn't mind leaving his harp in his pocket on those occasions.
Is that a harp in your pocket...
This is something never touched on in Dan Vasc’s Amazing Grace. He’s not playing that bit on the harmonica, he’s playing that bit on the bagpipes, on a harmonica.
You should see them live. They performed truly amazing shows. The energy that flowed from the stage was something!
Oh, my darling Elizabeth! You’re now two Who’s in. Don’t you think it’s time you experience their live mini rock opera, A Quick One? You will have a field day and giggles will abound! They did this performance of epic proportions on the Rolling Stones’ Rock & Roll Circus and blew them out of the water! In fact, The Rolling Stones wouldn’t let the Who’s performance air for a while because of their sour grapes (it wasn’t such a good day for the Stones to perform). Really hope you do this soon, because you’ll love it, and we’ll love it with you! Cheers! 🎉
I want her to watch one of their 60's videos to see Keith Moon and his happy antics while playing the drums. A year ago, I saw a documentary about them and couldn't keep my eyes off of Keith. He would sing the main lyrics as he played. He had as much fun on the drums as Pete did playing guitar.
@@novusmundi Yes, his energy is infectious and magnetic. That’s one of the great things about the live A Quick One, too!
You can see how Roger Daltrey loves to perform so much. I remember he was on Letterman, and they were transitioning to a commercial break with Paul doing the keyboard part to "Baba O'Riley" - Roger's face lit up and like a kid he leaned over to David to ask for permission to join the band and sing it. Their audience got a full performance of this song!
I love seeing Keith Moon "air" drumming at the beginning.
A "rest" was never a rest for him. He was always playing... whether he was hitting the drums or not.
And yes, he had to tape the headphones onto his head because he shook his head so hard as he played that they wouldn't stay on otherwise. The headphones were for a timing track so he would sync to the synthesizer. They did that for two songs, and it's amazing that Keith Moon put up with it. He was really an improvising musician who fed off live performances with the others, and some say that his unhappiness with this slavery to pre-recorded soundtracks contributed to the substance abuse that ultimately killed him. But really, he was not controlled or mellow in good times or in bad.
@@kenmayerrocksKeith could compromise for the good of the band. He'd be an unbelievable pain in the ass, but he'd do it. He could recognize some things were bigger than him.
@kenmayerrocks drummer for Slade, whose name I can't remember, had to have a teeth guard made because he was grinding and clacking his teeth while drumming lol
Pete's not high at all!
Quadraphenia remains one favourite movies ever. Teenage Wasteland.
The title "Baba O'Riley" is a dedication to two people who greatly influenced Pete Townshend at the time: Meher Baba, whose teachings can be heard in the lyrics (and was probably the originator of "Don't worry, be happy"), and composer Terry Riley where you heard the minimalist structure throughout. Hence, no doubt the title, rather than the obvious "Teenage Wasteland", which many people assume is the name.
Thank you! I knew this but was pulling a blank on the rest of "Meher Baba."
Spent many nights at the Baba Center in South Carolina and grew to appreciate Meyer Baba's open mindedness as an enlightened being and an "ocean of love." He did originate the phrase "don't worry be happy." What has been omitted is his next line, "I will help you." Pete's also a hero of mine as a life-long musician. When they ask Frank Zappa who was one of his favorite guitar players, he included Pete. I'm sure a great part of his appreciation was Pete's ability as a truly wonderful composer. Peace & love, y'all, Uncle Brother
Thank you so much for covering the Who, one of the greats of the late '60s & early '70s, and probably the most unpredictable and entertaining.
That kind of confidence is well deserved. I love opera and what I will generically call "classical" music (obviously, I'm lumping Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Impressionist, Expressionist, etc together) so I actually saw a clip from a performance of yours. It was absolutely masterful and clearly the result of great talent and years of discipline and hard work.
Do not doubt Ms. Elizabeth's skill and mastery of vocal performance. For real, real.
There was just a peek at the relationship between John and Keith during the harmonica solo. Keith doing his best to get a reaction John, John finally giving in with half a smile. The chemistry of the original members was the key to their success IMO.
Nailed it my friend!👍
Keith was always looking to get a raise from John. King of mischief. He reminds me of how Peter Cooke was always trying to get Dudley Moore to crack up.
Glad you dared to come back to them. Kudos! To hear Roger let it out, listen to the studio version of 'Love, Reign O'er Me'. And for a cool peek into the band, "Who Are You", from their documentary "The Kids Are Alright". And there's so much more. Just a tremendous gathering of talents.
I would love to see an analysis on Paul Rodgers sometime. With his bands Bad Company, or Free. He is one of rocks greatest vocalist in my opinion
"Most people would rather tear down, than to seek to understand" Wow. Of all your great takes on things, and insane analysis of music, and specifically vocal technique (of which you've taught me a great deal) this is the best thing I've heard you say, and it was so natural and off the cuff, but it rings SO TRUE 👏❤
Pete has some solo albums. Empty Glass has his two biggest hits, Rough Boys and Let My Love Open The Door.
Also, I've seen lots of people recommend Love Reign O're Me, and I completely agree. Daltry's vocals are just amazing. The power, the emotion that he puts into that song is incredible.
“The bass was like the older sibling.”
With Roger swinging that microphone, Pete bouncing all over and doing windmills, and Keith just being Keith, John Entwistle said that the only thing he could do on stage that would stand out was nothing at all.
He's The Who's version of Charlie Watts 😂
Off Topic: Elizabeth, I NEED you to take a deep dive into the greatness that is Linda Ronstadt!!
She has a biopic coming out this year and one of the most varied careers along with being one of the greatest voices of the last century. She influenced so many and was integral in forming The Eagles. What she did for women in music is unmatched. It would be very smart to get on this early before the movie comes out!!
Andrew Gold-Guitar/Kenny Edwards-Bass/Richie Hayward-Drums/Jeff Baxter-Congas/Don Grolnick-Keyboards/Shirley and the Woman of my dreams Clydie.
Fun fact, the instrument in the intro isn't actually a synthesizer, it's an electric home organ with Marimba Repeat turned all the way up. The key strokes are 1:4 per beat. VERY cool concept for 1971.
Yep. A Lowrey Berkshire Deluxe TBO-1 to be precise. The Who did use synths on Who’s Next of course. “Won’t Get Fooled Again” features the ARP 2500, and The Who used that model for years, as did Townshend on solo projects.
Just recently discovered your videos -- So much fun! Thank you for these.
As has been mentioned by other folks here, yes, the title is a play on the philosophy of Pete's teacher, Meher Baba, "a la" the minimalism of Terry Riley (like his 1964 piece, "In C" -- around the time Pete was in art school).
But the structure of the synthesizer here was also key to the narrative behind the music: The songs from the album "Who's Next" were to have been part of an ambitious rock opera called "Lifehouse." In the story, society was essentially locked down after wide scale environmental disaster, and most people were connected to each other virtually, via what Pete called "the Grid." Yes, in 1970-1971 Pete was writing about, in essence, the internet. Government powers held strict control over what content people could share, but some characters tried to connect everyone on a higher level via a huge, unauthorized concert.
The layered arpeggiations represented everyone in the audience being invited to send in their own biometric data (brain waves, heart rhythms, what you will), and it was incorporated into the music, which would become a profound unifying experience for all in attendance.
It all got a bit heady and unwieldy, of course. This was following the time of Woodstock, and all. Ultimately, Pete was unable to tie this together into a practical, marketable album package, and the label was demanding something to release, pronto. So the single album "Who's Next" was released, and for years Pete was dissatisfied that his original vision was not brought to fruition.
More recently the opera was produced, with a script, and had some updated stage performances; I think it may have also been braodcast in some form on BBC radio, maybe?
And a few more complete versions were released on album, both as Pete Townshend and as The Who. Most recently, a massive boxed set has been released. 10 CD's, 2 books -- including a new graphic novel presentation of the story... The Works.
shop.thewho.com/products/whos-next-life-house-super-deluxe-edition-10cd-blu-ray
Love reign o’er me is a must to do next. You’ll probably wet yourself, it’s such a perfect vocal performance.
I can hardly wait for this reaction tomorrow. I'm still hoping Elizabeth can react to their performance at the Rolling Stones' Rock and Roll Circus of 'A Quick One (While He's Away)' from 1968. It was so good that they shamed their hosts into shelving the project for 27 years. Good harmonies in that one too.
I just said the same thing! That performance is amazing!
^ THIS
I have that DVD. ABOUT TO WEAR IT OUT. 😅
@@edanderson8274 such a great DVD and show. Early Jethro Tull with a young Tony Iommi (his one and only performance with them I believe, he quit right after) and the Dirty Mac, greatest supergroup EVER!
That performance is something special for sure.
Elizabeth nailed it. Pete was influenced by Terry Reilly’s minimalist compositions. Using a VCS3 synth run through a Lowry organ , Pete created that hypnotic ostinato.. Thank you Mr. Townshend!
Also note the first album of Fripp and Eno, a classic piece of minimalism
Terry Reilly “in C”
I find it amazing that he was able to create the synth track, for the entire song, then layer the band over the top of it. Genious.
I really don't think, personally, it's a great idea to listen to 'live' versions first. There are a very few exceptions, but usually the first version released is the best to encapsulate what the band were trying to convey - so, though Roger is a great harmonica player, the violin on the original is really special.
Hence the song title, referencing Reilly (O'Riley) & Meher Baba, Pete's Indian Guru.
You must do “A quick one (while he’s away)” That live performance will blow you away
True story…best who performance ever
Liz, you don't need to prove anything to us ! The reason we return is because we trust your expertise and opinion. I'm from a rocker background so this opera insight is fascinating to me. Keep on keeping on. N
John Entwistle also sang lead on some of the songs he wrote. One such song, "The Quiet One," has a line, "I ain't quiet, everybody else is too loud."
It doesn't necessarily merit a reaction video, but the Who song, "Boris the Spider," composed and sung by John is short and fun.
The Ox shows his vocal chops on "My Wife" also off "Who's,Next". The studio version is superior to the live version where you can tell he is unaccustomed to singing and playing bass at the same time
“Boris, the Spider” is a favourite
I've heard that once the Who started playing large auditoriums, Townshend decided to write songs specifically for those big arenas. This song is definitely one of them with the huge guitar power chords in the intro.
Was Woodstock#1 in 1969 with 460k attendees over three days big enough to trigger said shift? Festivals still don't get much bigger than that. They certainly had some belting tracks in the years after, but maybe part of a shift from Mod-rock to the heavier guitar rock of the early 70s?
@@phoenixw2 I was about to say the same. In fact The Who were the headliners of the festival. Plus 150,000 crowd at the Isle of Wight, etc. They were playing huge crowds from fairly early in their career, actual auditoriums and stadiums were smaller venues at their peak, usually requiring multi-day sold out engagements.
John Entwhistle. I was 17 the first time I saw JE live. I'd seen a lot of bands, so I've watched a lot of bass players. And then there was John Entwhistle. He played soooooooooo fast, so elegantly. A calm and stately demeanor, except for his fingers. They're just flying around doing magical things. Changed my perspective for life. JE is the greatest rock bassist from a technical musicianship perspective ever. Doubt he'll ever have a challenger.
Steve Harris of Maiden is also a talented bassist
Check out MISA from Band Maid. Not necessarily surpassing, but definitely in the same league.
Don't get me wrong, there are tons of superb bassists. Geddy Lee, Tal Wilkenfeld, other's mentioned. I'm just saying JE is in his own category. Species unique.
Your personality alone is so intriguing to watch, your understanding of music and vocal ability is so enjoyable to listen to. I truly enjoy seeing your passion of music and performers. You are a person I wish I knew.
No instrument destruction, despite Pete's best effort to demolish that tambourine.
Elizabeth, you’ve got to see them doing young man’s blues from I think the Isle of Wight 1970/71?? It’s absolute madness, but perfect. In fact every reactor on TH-cam should see that performance! Great stuff from you as always 😁
In 2008 Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey were honored at the Kennedy Center. Bettye LaVette honored them by singing Love Reign O'er Me. Barbra Streisand, also being honored, leaned over to Townshend snd asked "you wrote this?" "Fantastic". Barbra couldn't believe a noisy rock n roller could compose such a song. You should check out the Who doing that song and Bette LaVette doing it at the Kennedy Center.
Fabulous review, as always. Your level of understanding is amazing. For more Who essentials I recommend listening to the beginning (I am the sea/The Real Me) and the final song(Love Reign Over Me) from Quadrophenia. I think this album was the pinnacle of their talents. On The Real Me, the "older sibling" absolutely steals the show, between his bass and his horn playing. Daltrey's voice on Love Reign O'er Me is incredible. That album is a ust for Who fans.
Another great reaction ! The Who are all-time faves ! And you sang in Ahkhenaten ? ! WOW ! You are sooo cool ! ... Most of these british Rockstars were very avantgarde- informed and classical , too ... so ... you're right !
I am gleeful that you did this version. I was going to suggest this exact song on Discord because Roger uses a harmonica here to replace the violin in the studio version. I’ll save my suggestions for another time except to add my voice to the others asking for the studio version of Love Reign O’er Me.
The Who and The Kinks were a couple of bands that brought a type of energy to rock that would help to inspire the punk movement.
Ray Davies and Pete Townshend were mutual admirers.
The Kinks are not on the same level as The Who
Over the years, been great to see the mutual admiration between Pete Townshend and Paul Weller (The Jam, Style Council, solo career), "Mods" from different generations.
th-cam.com/video/Yp2MggNlv5A/w-d-xo.html
There’s a lot of reaction videos out there. Yours are more worthwhile simply because of whom you are. You are a good person, and you champion kindness every video. That sharing of you is every bit as good as your analysis.
"O'Riley" is an homage to the Minimalist composer Terry Riley.
Learn something new every day! Thanks for sharing.
Was looking for this comment. Thank you! People should definitely check out A Rainbow In Curved Air by Terry Riley. It's astonishing, and was also used as incidental music on the original radio series of The Hitch-Hiker's Guide To The Galaxy.
@@macronencerTerry Riley's influence is everywhere. The prog band Curved Air took their name from....A Rainbow In Curved Air.
@@dianewilson7415 Yes, great example!
Yep. The organ part was inspired by his album A Rainbow in Curved Air
Wonderful appreciation of one of the greatest bands in history. Many have cited 'Love reign o'er me' as one of Townshends greatest, although, I cant find mention that it is the last track on side one of QUADROPHENIA, one of two rock opera's written by PT. Tommy is the first, and both works are iconic and brilliant. Thank you Elizabeth. Much love from Wales UK.
He wrote more than two. He eventually completed Lifehouse, but he also did The Iron Man. I think he had one more too that The Who released recently, but I can’t quite remember the details on that one.
@@TheRadioman78 There is also 'Psycoderelict' from the early 90s
A shout out for the incredible bass work.
Elizabeth you need to listen to the Who's live performance of Quick One While He's Away from the '69 Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus. It's such a great song and it really showcases all the members of the band wonderfully and has amazing harmony
Cello! Cello! Cello! Cello! Cello! Cello!
Yeah, this is probably the most fun live performance they put to film. Right in the era in which they were all coming into their own, especially Pete as an ambitious songwriter.
Yes! This would be awesome!
I watched last night and was not disappointed. This is my favourite of yours, not only for your expert analysis or your excitement watching the performance, but when you took time to share how the lyrics connected with you. That shivered me. Stand strong, Elizabeth. Stand strong.
Not only do I fall in love with music more every day but I fall in love with Elizabeth's enthusiasm more every podcast.
I'm happy for your success...thank you for the encouragement! Cheers!
This and Won't Get Fooled Again are used a lot in movie clips and commercials. Incredibly powerful songs.
For the studio version the harmonica part is done on a violin. It is basically a rock and roll adaptation of an Irish jig. And yes, Keith Moon was such an animated drummer the only way he could keep headphones on his head was to duct tape them on.
In the last few years, they have taken to bringing in a guest violinist to do the solo, and I love that so much!
Keith Moon usually had his headphones taped on with gaffer tape, because they would fly off during his more energetic segments (he was nicknamed "the Wild Man"). Jim Henson has said that Animal, the Muppets Band drummer was based on Keith Moon
I was at this tour show in Dallas and they lived up to their reputation as one of the loudest bands in history. In the early days the amps and speakers on the stage had to fill the entire venue. Entwistle's bass has 24 12" woofers in a folded horn enclosure but he also has 6 more 18" subwoofers at the base of the stack. Townsend had I believe 7 Hiwatt 4x12" speakers in stacks and several amps in a side stack. As an audience member the sound didn't appear to be in the ears but rather heard about 1 foot above and behind the head. Extreme volume. The surviving members of the band all live with hearing aids now as stage monitoring was in its absolute infancy and in ear monitoring was still a long time off. I played bass in bands and also did sound work for friends bands back then and I used to wear in ear plugs from gun shops which helped but I also suffer from some damage as well. (of course I'm a man and most women will tell you men can't hear anything anyway....).
The Joe Pera Talks to You episode about this song is gold.
Re: I don't need to fight...
This was indeed very personal to Roger,
even tough it was Pete's lyrics.
As a young man he had a violent streak
and would regularly start fights post gigs.
It came to the point were he was given
the choice of stop fighting or quitting the band!
As he told himself in an interview,
the band was his life and quitting wasn't an option.
So I think that's why the delivery is so powerful.
As a long time Who fan,
The first time saw them live was in 1966
and they're the main reason I became a musician,
I've got so many comments on this video.
But I'd better stop here or it will turn into a short story.
So I'll just recommend the Classic Albums video
on "The Who's Next" and Polyphonic's excellent YT video
on their rock opera Tommy (and Pink Floyds The Wall)
Thank you for sharing this video.
It evoked such strong feelings in me.
And brought back so many pleasant memories.
You're a true star.
✌𝄆❤❤❤𝄇 ✌
There's a track on the Tommy album.
Called see me feel me touch me heal me. Which shows the emotion he is capable of singing with. It's an integral part of the Tommy album. And you need to know the story behind it to really appreciate the feeling in it.
Tommy's deaf dumb & blind. And when he singing the song it's what's going on in his head. He's really crying out to be loved & heard.
It's actually very moving. When you understand why he became deaf dumb & blind.
The movie made of Tommy was good I think. With various stars playing the roles.
Tina Turner was a stand out as the acid queen.
My parents took me to see Tommy at a theater in Scranton, PA when I was 8 because I was such a fanatic for Elton John. I’m 56 now and still remember the exciting atmosphere in the theater, all these wild teenaged rock fans having a blast. My parents aren’t with us anymore, but I was lucky, they were very cool.
I love your passion and enthusiasm for music. You have one of the most inspiring and expressive personalities. It's a joyful experience to listen to you even if i don't like the song. Music has been so important to me, throughout my 54 years, that i wanted to share my love for this newer band which seems to have been overlooked. TH-cam title is Lake Street Dive - "You Go Down Smooth" (Live at WFUV)
Yes! I have been requesting some Lake Street Dive and that video in particular. Another one to check out is (Lake Street Dive in the Studio: Rachael Price Sings "What I'm Doing Here" In One Complete Take). Great story behind the band and Rachael would be a fantastic tea time guest.
Don't know how much video of it is out there, but IMO one of the greatest live albums in history is The Who's "Live at Leeds". Vocals, music, energy - unparalleled.
Magic Bus is xlnt on that album
I've been lucky enough to see the who live a few times. The few repeated keyboard notes of the intro to this can make an entire stadium erupt. Awesome!
Your commentary on minimalism in the context of The Who brings to mind the 1957 song Rumble by Link Wray. It's an instrumental, so not necessarily for your channel, but a foundational song for Pete's chord playing. Also you might enjoy versions of this song where the harmonica part is played on fiddle.
The Who made a movie that every rock fan should watch at least one time.. TOMMY .. The movie was out in 1975.. I still remember it today. What a crazy story it was. The movie had Tina Turner, Elton John, the Who, Eric Clapton, Jack Nickolson, Oliver Reed, Ann margret..
The movie soundtrack is so great that it makes the studio album sound dull. But it's hardly surprising when you're dragging in talent like that
The movie itself is crap. The music is good.
The Promo Version of Who Are You is definitely worth your time ..
So true as you can see them just having fun and it's really why they are are just up there and in some ways beyond some other legendary bands.
Enjoyment in what you love doing.
That entire album is amazing. I remember listening to it at my brother's because he had a better stereo system.
I saw the live in Austin, front row, center stage.
Thank you.
Love the information you impart for those of us not having any raw talent in a vocal instrument to develop. Greatly enhances appreciation in music and those creating it through variety of anatomical structures to sing.
Must pray for people so insecure in themselves they can't appreciate the talent, skills and gifts blessing other people; how they're demeaning and isolating from THAT MAKING OUR LIVES ON EARTH A THRILLING AND ENDLESSLY INTRIGUING JOURNEY.
Am enjoying your gifts and expertise gained in your adventure you're willing to share immensely. THANK-YOU.
What a fantastic analysis of one of my favourite songs by one of the best bands in the world. And, following your comments about you having sung for decades , I’ve now looked you up on Spotify and Apple Music and I am now one of your followers on there as well as this TH-cam channel.
In the Keith Moon biography written by Peter Dougal Butler describes Roger as being very protective of his voice. He would retire after the concerts with tea while the rest of the band committed complete mayhem.
sounds about right... he still looks pretty good
Yet another great reaction/break down.
Can't wait till you get to experience The Warning live. It'll happen and you'll love it I know. Especially a song with Pau singing lead.
We are both patreons for The Charismatic Voice and The Warning. The Warning are 3 sisters from Monterrey, Mexico, currently ages 24, 22 and 19 and been performing as a band for 10 years!! They just keep getting better. As patreons for this awesome channel, we will be voting for Elizabeth to review their song "23" with Paulina, the drummer, singing lead.
Now I'm really excited for Friday! Daltrey's voice is showcased quite well during this performance. For pure shock value, and because it's a legendary piece of rock history, I'd also highly recommend The Who's Smothers Brothers performance of "My Generation."
That song is a great introduction to John Entwistle's bass-playing.
This was part of the documentary 'The Kids Are Alright' . This session included a studio recording of 'Who Are You' followed by this video of 'Baba O'Reily' and concluding with 'Won't Get Fooled Again'.(where they destroyed the instruments) Sadly that was the last performance of drummer Keith Moon who died just weeks later. Coincidently all the CSI tv series use Who Songs as their themes.
This is my dad's favorite song and I'm going to share this with him. I've been contemplating starting content creation via TH-cam lately and you've inspired me to give it a go very soon. I've been worried about trolls, but I'm not going to let them win. On another note, I've just picked up harmonica again after a hiatus, so give it a go, too, Elizabeth! Maybe I won't be the only one fun having with reeds and my voice.
I've always loved this song, but somehow a man named Joe Pera gave me even greater appreciation for it. To anyone else who loves this song, check out a show called Joe Pera Talks With You - specifically the episode called "Joe Pera Reads You the Church Announcements". Pure joy.
For another strong example of Townshend's writing, listen to "Behind Blue Eyes". I always liked the big transition in the song, from ballad to heavy rock, which I've heard was born of the fact that Pete couldn't write a sad song without eventually getting pissed off. Always felt very real to me because of that.
Yes. I show that Pera episode to everyone. Hilarious and heartfelt at the same time.
The pause and rewind before Pete's first windmill killed me.
Phillip Glass is a prime example of a minimalist composer. The New Yorker did a cartoon about him that he had on his wall in a documentary about him 🙂
Kudos for your historical knowledge!
This and "Won't Get Fooled Again " from this movie are 2 of my favorite things.
John Entwistle: the ultimate chill bass player.
Pete looked like he was pounding someone's face in with the tambourine.
I would love to see you review the movie of The Who's Tommy
I guess because that bass tone is pummelling. Sounds absolutely huge.
where was the keyboard sound coming from?
Please do A-ha's "Living a boys adventure tale", or any A-ha song really, but theres a couple where his voice really shine. I suggest "Hunting Hight and Low" "Take On Me" "Scoundrel Days" "The Swing Of Things" "Theres Never A Forever Thing". His voice is too good to be ignored for this channel. Very elegant and powerful, but also fragile and on point across all registers. I hope more people will upvote this, its that good really!
Thank you for this! I have heard “Take on Me” millions of times but I just listened to “Living a Boys Adventure Tale” for the first time. I was born in 1983, but 80s music(especially early and mid) is pretty much my favorite time period. I try to check out as much as I can. That was incredible!
I love “Baba O’ Riley” and “Eminence Front” obviously.
Where else can I find out about new songs? I will certain listen to the others you have recommended.
Welcome to the club Elizabeth. The Who have the most amazing combination of outstanding creative characters. I wrote 2 college papers on these guys. What a trip that was! A great song to hear that is somewhat overlooked in their rep is Pure And Easy. There are a couple of different version but the song wins every time. It has helped me come to my philosophical center as a music therapist and musician in general. Check it out. I am thoroughly enjoying your enthusiasm with The Who and their music.
A good one for hearing Pete's voice is 'Let My Love Open The Door'....its a great song
I have watched several of your reaction videos and never questioned your expertise. You always seemed legitimate to me. Plus i was curious if you liked it as much as me
Great job as usual Elizabeth! Regarding Pete’s vocals, his lead vocals in the The Who’s “Going Mobile” and “Eminence Front” or solo work “Let My Love Open The Door” are worth checking out.
Also, on the studio version of this track, the harmonica situation was a violin situation. If I recall correctly, Roger learned the harmonica to perform this song live.