NEW GOAL!!! 🔥⬇️🔥 Once we hit 2,000 Patrons, we’re going to get studio time and record a LEGIT cover for you guys, and those same patrons will decide what track we do!!! Thank you all so much for the support, we’ll make sure it’s a BANGER!!!! We’re well over halfway there, We know we can do it! Our Patreon link is in the video description! Hope you all enjoy this reaction for My Generation!! The Who has become one of our favorite groups to check out!! Cheers guys!!! 🤟🏻🔥😁
In my opinion this song was punk before punk was a thing. You really need to see this song live at Monterey Pop Festival so you see Moon going gonzo and the band destroy their instruments.
All the early interviews with Pete Townshend proved it. He was smashing the equipment when they couldn't afford to replace things. The Who are indeed the world's first Punk band and Keith Moon is Neil Peart's real father. Break out the DNA kit!
I'm glad you mentioned this. If memory serves, I was told this was the very first mainstream punk song. And John Entwhistle is one of the best bass guitarist of all time.
The Kinks were the only other band---- from that era--- that will defy the your perception. You Really Got Me, All Day and All of the Night, Tired of Waiting, Lola, etc. A band ahead of its time.
The evolution of their stylings, breadth of content and social comentary, combined with their wit and maturity make the Kinks absolute monsters in rock history.
ChromeDestiny Now that you mention it, never really noticed it with Pete, but Roger definitely. A lot! I've always noticed it. He does it so much that it just seems natural (for him) and it just goes largely "un-noticed" (by me). Good catch!
Michael R For sure Mike. A & A won’t ever understand EARLY Who until they see the movie. In fact they should do a reaction to the movie even if they can’t really play out the whole thing on TH-cam.
Mods (the Who) and Rockers (the Stones) were the competing styles in 60's London youth culture - it's what the opera Quadrophenia is all about. When asked which the Beatles were, Ringo answered, "we're mockers."
In all your videos, one thing you need to keep in consideration is the time frame and culture that was present at that particular moment. All this music is so fluid, it’s almost insane.
John (Thunderfingers) Entwhistle's bass playing was really groundbreaking. Today, nobody thinks twice about it when they hear his solo playing in this song, but it was VERY unusual for the time. He is often cited as the inspiration for many bass players that followed. The song definitely has that 1965, yet it also hints at all the good things to come from the who.
I saw them do it live when i was 15 years old and it changed my life forever. The were opeing for Hermans Hermits. After closing with My Generation they destroyed the stage. Honestly (and with all due respect) I dont even remember the Hermans Hermits show that night. I was brain dead.and warped forever (in a damn good way) lol.
@@rundoetx - It stunned me too. I had read that Peterr Townsend smashed his guitar after the show ended, but like you, my mouth dropped as they destroyed everything. Keith the drums, Daltry pushing over speakers and stomping on them. Pretty amazing.
The stammer in the vocals is an inspired touch… and “I hope I die before I get old.”… What a line! You know the “character” singing the song is totally sincere, which is what makes this line so great.
@@c5ster actually, Daltrey stated in an interview that he had problems with stuttering when he was younger, but when they gathered to record My Generation the produced incouraged him to stutter because he sounded so cool.
The Who's bass guitarist, John Entwistle, was consistently named the 2nd best bass guitarist in the world (Paul McCartney being named #1,) for about 30 years in just about every poll conducted at the time. If they weren't the first, The Who were definitely one of the first bands to emphasize or feature the bass, and not hide it in the background, to be overshadowed by all of the other instruments. John was amazingly fast, incredibly inventive, and his talent can't be denied - he was nicknamed Thunder Fingers for a reason. This tune was on their debut album, and at the time, it was considered the hardest driving rock music recorded to date. And you're right - a lot of people consider it to be the initial blueprint for the power pop and punk movements that came after it. (I also agree that I like their later work better than their earlier stuff - just my opinion.) Great reaction, guys!
With hair to your collar, no T-shirts or blue jeans, at least in high school in those times. This song was a precursor of the coming of the late sixties and its attitude.
You've touched something there. Because we WERE coming out of a time in which "Children should be seen and not heard". Youth had found it's voice and that voice was rock and roll. There was a real defiance in this song. Battle lines were being drawn: "No, i will not sit down and shut up just because i'm younger than you". Which was becoming: "And you will not ship me off to Vietnam to be your cannon fodder, efff you"!
Context is important. For the time it was released, this song and the band were groundbreaking. And, of course, the famous phrase :"Hope I die before I get old."
The Who is known for being loud and one of the best live groups ever. Check out My Generation live in the Smothers Brothers show. They smash their gear.
This was as close to a “mosh pit” song as you could get back in the day. Watch the part in Quadrophenia where this song turns up,, you’ll dig it. I could tell Andy was liking the stuttering parts!
My Generation was named the 11th greatest song by Rolling Stone on its list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. It became part of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll and is inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame for "historical, artistic and significant" value.
I have heard at least two interviews with John where the interviewer calls him a bassist and John interrupts to correct them that he is a bass guitarist not a bassist. He had a completely different approach to the instrument from the beginning.
I suggest you check out the live version of this song performed in 1967 on the Smother's Brother TV show. The Who are in their Mod phase and the performance is high energy and amazing, even shocking, considering the era. Well worth the look at a legendary performance.
Yes yes yes. So tired of people just listing the same old overplayed popular crap. The Real Me is a seriously underrated song that isn't on everyone;s "classic oldies" BS playlist.
This was the anti establishment song of it's time. It was the 60s, and everything was beginning to change. The music reflected the attitude of the time. Great song, by a great Band. AS Rodger Daltry sings "Hope I die before I get old." Rodger and Pete Townsend are now in their mid 70s. Do you think they feel that way today? I doubt it.
One of the best things about this channel, aside from the killer tunes, is that you guys are able to verbalize intelligently (thank goodness for spellcheck haha) your detailed analysis of each song. Also your real passion for music. Some reaction channels seem too often to ‘phone it in’. ... Cheers dudes 🥃 🤙🏼
This really was where hard rock started to emerge that song right there. it marked a new direction for rock n roll/pop music that was much more subversive and experimental than anything before it.
Here's the thing. This song WAS the anthem for my generation. Telling the older generation with it's wars, crew haircuts and intellectual fences to "F"off basically. (The stuttering was a smart-assed and disrespectful way to give the word to the 'greatest' generation that the "Times they are a changin' ") On the hair, long hair was not so much a fashion as a way to rebel and show your solidarity against the conformity of the WW2 generation. Check out the song "I almost cut my hair" by CSNY where long hair is tied to the rebellion against the norms of the day. ("Freaks" was the term we used for ourselves then much more often than "hippies".) The truth is this song speaks for every generation, it's no different with the young people today. If there IS a difference, it's that my generation was more actively involved with the movements of our time than those today who merely sit at home and type about them.
There are actually a LOT of kids doing more than sitting on their butts typing about change. Look at the ones who started the anti gun movement after Parkland and Greta Thunberg, as well and all the people she and her peeps have motivated. Not to mention the entire Woke movement. You might consider doing a little digging into that before disparaging today's youth for having different ways to be socially active.
Watch The Who playing this live on the Smothers Brothers show. Moonie didn’t warn anybody he rigged his kit to explode. Caused Pete permanent hearing damage. Good times.
Alice Cooper said that you could only believe about 20% of what was written about him, but you could believe 100% of what was written about Kieth Moon.
This is largely regarded as the first Punk song. The recording style makes it difficult to translate that energy and grit but hearing them perform it live in any "modern" era recording and you get it.
Everything about this song is perfect. It starts tight and descends into chaos. It's like the Big Bang a high energy beginning that evolves into something else. As a piece of art it's magnificent if not essential.
@@callumcowan7047 Blacks invented the blues and jazz...which was then altered into rock and roll which became its own genre. So yes the 60s bands were inventing what we call rock today.
David David technically Callum Cowan is right. Many African american artists created what we know as rock. Look at big mama thorngood and Chuck Berry. Both VERY early african american artists that came before any of the rock bands you hear of today
Ed's comment isn't wrong. He isn't saying white British musicians invented rock and roll but that British musicians are among the "inventors" as rock developed -- especially hard rock, the rock opera, prog rock, etc. Rock and roll's roots are both black and white. Chuck Berry has often talked about how country music, more than the blues, was such an integral influence on his style. You can hear it in his music. Of course the blues and R&B are the primary source but definitely not the only source.
Yes, the Mods of the 60's gave rise to punk, IMO. We loved this song back in the day! Like i said before, there are no bad Who songs. Thanks for doing this one!
C'mon guys! You gotta remember when this originally came out. They'd of blown most bands from that era off stage!! You should really give a listen to either Magic Bus or I Can See For Miles. Both are a couple of years later, but they're both little rippers!
Listening to studio recordings by the Who really misses the target. They were the greatest live rock band of all time. On top of that, Keith was, quite miraculously, actually performing a multitude of visual flourishes while he was drumming at infinity speed.
I haven't heard this song in a long time. It sounds more like the Beatles than I remembered. Also like a form of Punk. Guaranteed it drove most parents out of the room.
My middle aged ass over here smirking as you're thinking haircut is indicative of stylistic artistry. "Long hairs," had quite the same issue trying to bust out of perceived cliches. Great channel, proud Auntie Patreon Sending love from Oregon 🌲🌊❤
And an afterthought: You truly need to listen to “The Real Me” from Quadrophenia. Moon’s drumming aside, Entwistle’s bass playing on it is legendary. There was a reason he was considered a lead guitarist, and this is a prime example as to why.
The Movie Dealers This is what puts them and Zeppelin in the same league. Not only is there not a weak link but each is a master musician. I can just listen to each discreet performance alone and pick another discreet performance on the next replay.
You guys should really take a look at "A Quick One While He's Away" The live version from Rock n Roll Circus is just a amazing record of what monsters this band was.
They broke the rules. They ruled with lyrics and music that helped change the foundations of rock and its many iterations. Their sound represents the buckling of a cultural shift that would break from centuries of the norm. Keep up the good work.
"I Can See For Miles" is The Who track to check out! Stuttering, Hair & Clothes: research Mods and Rockers of 60s Britain. The entire Quadrophenia LP is based on the story. The Who and Kinks were playing punk, garage style music before anyone ever thought of that genre.
In 1968 The Who were invited to perform for something called The Rolling Stones and Rock and Roll Circus. They ended up so thoroughly upstaging The Stones at their own event that the whole project got shelved and the footage was squirreled away in a vault for several decades before it ever saw the light of day again. And that was with The Who performing just one song. It's really a must watch for anyone who appreciates the live manic, magic, mad genius that these guys were capable of delivering - - with Keith Moon, of course, providing the 'mad' part. And, its even a song of theirs that you guys haven't reacted to yet. Here's the link: th-cam.com/video/RJv2-_--EY4/w-d-xo.html
You have to remember, this was mid 60's, before you had the Marshall amps, etc. Some groundbreaking material for the time. The absolute most powerful live song is the My Generation medley off of Live at Leeds. Sonically to me, one of the most powerful live recordings ever. You think Moonie has gone off the chain for you so far, well, this will blow you away! The dynamics between him and Entwistle are staggering....thanks for playing this, I was 8 f-in years out when this c-c-c-c-came out - ha! ✌
Richard's 40 Years of Who includes several tracks from Live at Leeds: Substitute, Summertime Blues, Shakin' All Over, and Magic Bus. The version of My Generation is from the Fillmore East in 1968.
@@DrNothing23 The Who started stacking the amps. The engineers from Marshall were HORRIFIED, they met with Pete and said you cannot stack the amps, they might fall over. Pete reacted by walking over and kicking the shit out of the stack of amps. Marshall immediately started building stronger frames.
@@DrNothing23 I stand corrected, Jeff, you're right about the date and use of the Marshall amps. It seemed like Entwistle and Townshend were always adding and changing setups. When I saw them on the 1973 Quadrophenia tour in Detroit, Townshend had the Hi-Watt stacks and Entwistle was using the Sunn Coliseum's, but thanks for the clarification!!
The WHO as you know played this among other at Woodstock back in 1969. Another british band playing there were Ten Years After known for playing I'm Going Home , a fantastic blues/rock band. You really ought to check them out. Must check out the songs Love Like a Man, 50000 Miles Beneath My Brain, I'd Love To Change the World... the latter probably their best known nowadays...
Haircuts notwithstanding, this song is generational defining and will always hold a special place in the hearts of rock and roll lovers my age. A bunch of dirty gritty garage band sounding punks thumbing their nose at institution and announcing the arrival of a new sound and attitude. The essence of Rock &Roll. The stuttering just makes it all the more badass. For the still relatively tame mid-1960s, absolutely groundbreaking.
The 60s were breaking the mold boys. You gotta appreciate how ground breaking it was at the time. Even if it maintains some of the short song format of the day...
You guys listened to the stereo mix. The classic cut is the mono version, which can be found on their singles collection album Meaty Beaty Big & Bouncy. Although it's in mono the mix is cleaner, Townshend guitar work stands out more and the backing vocals are more cohesive.
Live Bargain on Richard's 40 Years of Who has insane Moonie :) The live 5.15 on there has insane John Entwistle bass solo. So take your pick! (Watch the 5.15 here th-cam.com/video/qGistLCD0GA/w-d-xo.html)
This was definitely an early Punk pioneering song. I would recommend you guys watch the live version from the Smothers Brothers show in 1967! One of the most iconic performances and musical events in history!!
The Who came along 2 years after the Beatles and Stones, they were more radical. From 1965 to 1969 or '70 they were mainly a singles band. "The Who Sell Out" was a thematic album then came "Tommy" a 2-disc rock opera. Before that the singles: I Can't Explain, The Kids Are Alright, Happy Jack, I Can See for Miles, Pictures of Lily, The Seeker, Anyway Anyhow Anywhere and so on. You should react to their performance from the Stones' "Rock and Roll Circus" the mini-opera 'A Quick One (While He's Away)'.
This version sounds a bit different in the bass solo section than what I remember from back in the day. The 1979 rockumentary film "The Kids Are Alright" opens with The Who performing this song on The Smothers Brothers TV show in a performance that ends with them blowing up their equipment. Check out that movie when you can.
Pete Townshend's explanation: “Chris picked up on a stutter on my vocal on the second demo, so I played him John Lee Hooker’s ‘Stuttering Blues.’ Roger had been experimenting with stuttering on stage ever since Sonny Boy Williamson Jr had joined us on harmonica at our first Marquee dates; Sonny Boy used a stutter rhythmically when he sang. Before I completed the third demo we experimented until the stutter became exaggerated and obvious.”
That IS interesting. I had always heard that it was cold in the studio when they first started recording the demo for the song, which caused Roger to stutter, so they ended up liking it and using it. That always seemed a goofy and unlikely explanation.
Daltrey recalled to Uncut magazine October 2001: "I have got a stutter. I control it much better now but not in those days. When we were in the studio doing 'My Generation', Kit Lambert came up to me and said 'STUTTER!' I said 'What?' He said 'Stutter the words - it makes it sound like you're pilled' And I said, 'Oh… like I am!' And that's how it happened. It was always in there, it was always suggested with the 'f-f-fade' but the rest of it was improvised."
The talk of stuttering, and now I've got " B-b-b-baby, you ain't seen nothing yet " stuck in my head. Total earworm. Thanks Randy Bachman. th-cam.com/video/w3fRBzRngdc/w-d-xo.html
The genius that was the late great Gary Moore said he saw The Who in Belfast as a 14 year old in 1966 and when he came out of the gig he said he felt like he had been in a fight, the band left a huge impression on him and for him they were the first punk band.
The era you are talking about was called the British Invasion. Beatles, Stones, Who, Dave Clark 5 and others were the British answer to the Surf sound that had been around for a while (Beach Boys, Safaris and others). It was a sound. At the same time you had the "Wall of Sound" movement at Motown so you could go in a lot of different directions in the mid-sixties.
It all happened the night Keith Moon walked up to pete in a club, and said "I heard you're looking for a drummer, and I'm much better than the guy you have now. " Pete said ok, do one song. Roger said the song started and out of nowhere, a jet engine started behind him. One song and Keith broke the other guy's drums. Keith said he though he did bad so he went to the bar. Then Pete appeared at the bar next to him and said, "So, what are you doing Monday?" The instant they hired Keith, all of the guys were like, oh shit. We need to be louder. They had to go right out and buy bigger amps. And that was the start of the WHO being the loudest band in the world.
A little FYI - Roger's stuttering was actually emulating kids called "mods" in British slang from the 60s who were hopped up on amphetamines. That's where the stuttering comes from. Of course, when Townshend wrote the song he was trying to tell everyone to "f-f-f-f-off" but certainly needed to get it through on the radio.
Try Neil Young guys..... Rocking in the Free World...... Needle and the damage done..... Southern Man...... Hey hey, My my...... All awesome songs... Pick one
I love Neil Young. Here are some more good choices: "Cinnamon Girl", "Cowgirl in the Sand", "Like a Hurricane", "Powderfinger". Of the ones that you mentioned, "Hey Hey My My (Into the Black)" is the one that I would most like to see them listen to.
Neil Young is on another planet. He goes from rockin hard to some of the most beautiful songs ever composed. He has too many great songs to even list some as favorites.
The ending of the song seems to jump ahead a few years into the next era of music. There's some really great live versions of My Generation that go perfectly alongside the songs of Tommy.
NEW GOAL!!! 🔥⬇️🔥
Once we hit 2,000 Patrons, we’re going to get studio time and record a LEGIT cover for you guys, and those same patrons will decide what track we do!!! Thank you all so much for the support, we’ll make sure it’s a BANGER!!!! We’re well over halfway there, We know we can do it! Our Patreon link is in the video description!
Hope you all enjoy this reaction for My Generation!! The Who has become one of our favorite groups to check out!! Cheers guys!!! 🤟🏻🔥😁
Andy & Alex Absolute Banger! For more The Who, Try “The Real Me” or “Eminence Front”! ✌️ ☮️ (Also please try “Truckin’” by the Grateful Dead)
Eminence Front was their last bomb before they flamed out for good, you should give it a shot!
Still waiting for...
Bargain
Going Mobile
Getting in Tune
You Better, You Bet
Eminence Front
The Real Me, Going Mobile, Bargain..... all bangers.
Andy & Alex The Who, more than any other Classic Rock era band always felt the most “Punk”. The Sex Pistols even covered their song, Substitutes live.
Don’t look at this through the eyes of a 2020 critic but look at it through the prism of an early 1960’s teenager - it was freakin mind blowing!
Exactly, spot on
You're so correct, could not have said it any better.
The “stutter” was meant to replicate the speech of a person on amphetamines which were big among the Mods at the time.
In my opinion this song was punk before punk was a thing. You really need to see this song live at Monterey Pop Festival so you see Moon going gonzo and the band destroy their instruments.
All the early interviews with Pete Townshend proved it. He was smashing the equipment when they couldn't afford to replace things. The Who are indeed the world's first Punk band and Keith Moon is Neil Peart's real father. Break out the DNA kit!
I'm glad you mentioned this. If memory serves, I was told this was the very first mainstream punk song. And John Entwhistle is one of the best bass guitarist of all time.
poeglives Call Maury Povich.
Agreed. Watch Monterey, you’ll come away feeling differently about just how iconic this song is. And then watch Hendrix upstage them lol.
I think the Smothers Brothers version is the best. Especially when Moon blows himself up at the end.
Love how he emphasizes “Why don’t you all go Fffffffffff fade away.” He’s almost taunting saying go #@*% yourselves.
" Why don't you just f-f- f--k off" is what they wanted to say, but couldn't, that's what I thought. This was their first hit, by the way.
The Kinks were the only other band---- from that era--- that will defy the your perception. You Really Got Me, All Day and All of the Night, Tired of Waiting, Lola, etc. A band ahead of its time.
Leo Torres Yes! the kinks are essential 👍👍👍
The evolution of their stylings, breadth of content and social comentary, combined with their wit and maturity make the Kinks absolute monsters in rock history.
some people call the Kinks "the other Beatles"
@@planetlg Those who get it right call the Beatles "The other Kinks" :)
I would submit that Eric Burdon and the Animals also fit into this 1960s proto-punk vibe.
1965! Come on man! Who else in 1965 was sounding like this? I was 12 years old and we were rocking!
This song is a major cog in the gears of the evolution of rock 'n' roll. A huge influencer.
The ‘stuttering’ was an homage to the ‘Mods’ that were constantly taking ‘uppers’ causing them to stutter.
Pete sometimes and Roger especially stutter when they talk as well.
ChromeDestiny Now that you mention it, never really noticed it with Pete, but Roger definitely. A lot! I've always noticed it. He does it so much that it just seems natural (for him) and it just goes largely "un-noticed" (by me). Good catch!
Michael R For sure Mike. A & A won’t ever understand EARLY Who until they see the movie. In fact they should do a reaction to the movie even if they can’t really play out the whole thing on TH-cam.
I’ve never stuttered on whizz. Far from it.
@@DeeWaterlily That movie is fantastic in its own right anyway
The haircut - The Who were mods in this era. Early to mid 60s.
I always loved Ringos' answer when asked if he was a 'Mod' or a 'Rocker'. His answer was: "I'm more of a Mocker." 😏
Mods (the Who) and Rockers (the Stones) were the competing styles in 60's London youth culture - it's what the opera Quadrophenia is all about. When asked which the Beatles were, Ringo answered, "we're mockers."
In all your videos, one thing you need to keep in consideration is the time frame and culture that was present at that particular moment. All this music is so fluid, it’s almost insane.
@@michaelkeefe8494 You are absolutely correct. Love Quadrophenia Album and movie. Naturally you get to see it in the movie...plus Sting!
@exodus21v20 He plays the Ace Face.
John (Thunderfingers) Entwhistle's bass playing was really groundbreaking. Today, nobody thinks twice about it when they hear his solo playing in this song, but it was VERY unusual for the time. He is often cited as the inspiration for many bass players that followed. The song definitely has that 1965, yet it also hints at all the good things to come from the who.
Entwistle founded rock bass. There is NO ONE who has come close to his originality.
@@LaughingStock_ Agreed!!
My Generation was typically the closer where they destroyed their instruments at the end of the show in the early days.
I saw them do it live when i was 15 years old and it changed my life forever. The were opeing for Hermans Hermits. After closing with My Generation they destroyed the stage. Honestly (and with all due respect) I dont even remember the Hermans Hermits show that night. I was brain dead.and warped forever (in a damn good way) lol.
And eventually, it became their opener because everybody was wanting to hear it so they got it out of the way so everyone would shut up.
In the late 60's and into the 70's they often turned it into a long jam and used it as a way to try out new riffs and songs ideas.
@@rundoetx - It stunned me too. I had read that Peterr Townsend smashed his guitar after the show ended, but like you, my mouth dropped as they destroyed everything. Keith the drums, Daltry pushing over speakers and stomping on them. Pretty amazing.
The stammer in the vocals is an inspired touch… and “I hope I die before I get old.”… What a line! You know the “character” singing the song is totally sincere, which is what makes this line so great.
The stammer was a nod to all the kids used of amphetamines which would make them kind of stammer when they spoke
@@c5ster actually, Daltrey stated in an interview that he had problems with stuttering when he was younger, but when they gathered to record My Generation the produced incouraged him to stutter because he sounded so cool.
Roger didn't get his wish ... he's currently 79 !
@@TheLlamaFarma i do joke i wish he'd died before he got old but he seems like a decent chap despite the brexit lunacy :)
I read that in a book somewhere along the line. The Mods, who apparently were more into the amphetamine scene, would stammer, like you said. @@c5ster
“The Real Me” is awesome. It is a must listen.
"I Can See For Miles" is the song that demarcates The Who's early work with what comes later. Oh yeah.
The Who's bass guitarist, John Entwistle, was consistently named the 2nd best bass guitarist in the world (Paul McCartney being named #1,) for about 30 years in just about every poll conducted at the time. If they weren't the first, The Who were definitely one of the first bands to emphasize or feature the bass, and not hide it in the background, to be overshadowed by all of the other instruments. John was amazingly fast, incredibly inventive, and his talent can't be denied - he was nicknamed Thunder Fingers for a reason. This tune was on their debut album, and at the time, it was considered the hardest driving rock music recorded to date. And you're right - a lot of people consider it to be the initial blueprint for the power pop and punk movements that came after it. (I also agree that I like their later work better than their earlier stuff - just my opinion.) Great reaction, guys!
Oh, please. Entwistle was a much better bass player than McCartney! Hands down.
“We are the Mods, We are the Mods, We are we are we are the Mods”
Absolutely! And God Bless the Jam for bringing the Mod scene back
The look on the school faculties faces when we played that at the talent contest, priceless.
With hair to your collar, no T-shirts or blue jeans, at least in high school in those times. This song was a precursor of the coming of the late sixties and its attitude.
You've touched something there.
Because we WERE coming out of a time in which "Children should be seen and not heard". Youth had found it's voice and that voice was rock and roll. There was a real defiance in this song. Battle lines were being drawn: "No, i will not sit down and shut up just because i'm younger than you". Which was becoming: "And you will not ship me off to Vietnam to be your cannon fodder, efff you"!
@@Blue-qr7qe How'd that turn out?
How is it possible that you never heard this song before? Even in a TV show, movie, or shopping mall or something?
The next one should be "The Real Me". John Entwistle shreds it on his Frankenstein bass.
Context is important. For the time it was released, this song and the band were groundbreaking. And, of course, the famous phrase :"Hope I die before I get old."
The look on Andy’s face every time the singer stutters is priceless ☺️
The Who is known for being loud and one of the best live groups ever. Check out My Generation live in the Smothers Brothers show. They smash their gear.
The best. That's why Pete started numbering his guitars
This was as close to a “mosh pit” song as you could get back in the day. Watch the part in Quadrophenia where this song turns up,, you’ll dig it. I could tell Andy was liking the stuttering parts!
He definitely seemed to be thinking that F stutter was going to become more aggressive.
@@AintB2 As did we all! :D
I thought the one in Quadrophenia was "the Kids are Alright," not this one.
@@HollowGolem - nope, there's a house party scene where he puts on the record and they start to bang around.
@@doplinger1 Oh, I'm thinking of the album. I've never seen the movie.
“Bargain” is a song that gets stuck in my head for days every time I hear it. Lyrically, musically, every way: perfection.
I have the same reaction with "Relay" too.
Try some KINKS “you really got me” “all day and all of the night” “ape man” “Lola” “sunny afternoon”. The Who magic bus is also great
Don't forget "Waterloo Sunset" - a stone cold classic
James Dignan music you beat me to it fella 😉
Apeman a stupid song...not their best
Lola and Sunny Afternoon are my fav Kinks songs.
Celluloid heroes.
My Generation was named the 11th greatest song by Rolling Stone on its list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. It became part of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll and is inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame for "historical, artistic and significant" value.
That sweet John Entwhistle solo.... ahhhhh....
Really, every member shines on this song. The live performance is really entertaining.
Yes they do!!!
Thunder Fingers ...
Bass solo in 64 .... WTF?
I have heard at least two interviews with John where the interviewer calls him a bassist and John interrupts to correct them that he is a bass guitarist not a bassist. He had a completely different approach to the instrument from the beginning.
Townshend was the timekeeper, Entwistle was the soloist.
I suggest you check out the live version of this song performed in 1967 on the Smother's Brother TV show. The Who are in their Mod phase and the performance is high energy and amazing, even shocking, considering the era. Well worth the look at a legendary performance.
'The Real Me' is the Who song you are searching for. Also, once again,,,,'School' from Supertramp. Not giving up on that.
Yes yes yes. So tired of people just listing the same old overplayed popular crap. The Real Me is a seriously underrated song that isn't on everyone;s "classic oldies" BS playlist.
YES YES YES YES YES
And they need to do the version (available on YT) where it is combined with I Am The Sea. The intro. Otherwise it makes no sense.
John Entwistle in this song 🌶🔥
I'm here to support SUPERTRAMP, --> Bloody Well Right !
Sander Mørch Kristiansen - Entwhistle is the song...along with those drum fills by Moon
When does the "Don't Judge a Band by their Haircuts" T-Shirt come out?
🤣🤣🤣♥️
I like the idea of that tee shirt!
I'd buy a few...
Punk Rock owes everything to My Generation. Try to find a live version of this from around the time they recorded it. Amazing.
This was the anti establishment song of it's time. It was the 60s, and everything was beginning to change. The music reflected the attitude of the time. Great song, by a great Band. AS Rodger Daltry sings "Hope I die before I get old." Rodger and Pete Townsend are now in their mid 70s. Do you think they feel that way today? I doubt it.
One of the best things about this channel, aside from the killer tunes, is that you guys are able to verbalize intelligently (thank goodness for spellcheck haha) your detailed analysis of each song. Also your real passion for music. Some reaction channels seem too often to ‘phone it in’.
... Cheers dudes 🥃 🤙🏼
This really was where hard rock started to emerge that song right there. it marked a new direction for rock n roll/pop music that was much more subversive and experimental than anything before it.
Here's the thing. This song WAS the anthem for my generation. Telling the older generation with it's wars, crew haircuts and intellectual fences to "F"off basically. (The stuttering was a smart-assed and disrespectful way to give the word to the 'greatest' generation that the "Times they are a changin' ")
On the hair, long hair was not so much a fashion as a way to rebel and show your solidarity against the conformity of the WW2 generation. Check out the song "I almost cut my hair" by CSNY where long hair is tied to the rebellion against the norms of the day. ("Freaks" was the term we used for ourselves then much more often than "hippies".)
The truth is this song speaks for every generation, it's no different with the young people today. If there IS a difference, it's that my generation was more actively involved with the movements of our time than those today who merely sit at home and type about them.
Yep.
Sadly, the more thing's change, the more they stay the same.
More wars, more famine, more horse shit.
peter blood Oh sooo true!👍🏻👍🏻
There are actually a LOT of kids doing more than sitting on their butts typing about change. Look at the ones who started the anti gun movement after Parkland and Greta Thunberg, as well and all the people she and her peeps have motivated. Not to mention the entire Woke movement. You might consider doing a little digging into that before disparaging today's youth for having different ways to be socially active.
@@DrNothing23 I said "IF". Don't get triggered, I wasn't disparaging anyone.
Seminal song in the history of rock. It really marks the beginning of a new generation.
This song defined a generation. 🎶🎶😎😎😎
And emojis defined yours.
They even talked about it.
Fellas -- It's "just" Derek and the Dominoes -- It's NOT "Eric Clapton and Derek and the Dominoes". Thank you.
Watch The Who playing this live on the Smothers Brothers show. Moonie didn’t warn anybody he rigged his kit to explode. Caused Pete permanent hearing damage. Good times.
Don't forget that Keith Moon was cut by a piece of flying symbol. Rock and roll ain't what it used to be.
Includes one of my favourite wisecracks of all time - my friends call me Keith... You can call me John.
"You got sloppy stagehands around here!"
@@karenp792 I'd rather talk to Roger...but clearly seeing he was being upstaged by Keith
Merry Christmas all
Alice Cooper said that you could only believe about 20% of what was written about him, but you could believe 100% of what was written about Kieth Moon.
This is largely regarded as the first Punk song. The recording style makes it difficult to translate that energy and grit but hearing them perform it live in any "modern" era recording and you get it.
This is a quality channel, your insights are intelligent and honest, I’m glad I found this channel 👍
@Grib68 -
Hey thank you friend!! Glad you’re enjoying it! 🤟🏻🔥
Everything about this song is perfect. It starts tight and descends into chaos. It's like the Big Bang a high energy beginning that evolves into something else. As a piece of art it's magnificent if not essential.
Umm they were inventing rock as they go not like today where music is just copied and sampled.
Ed Collins I’m old school late 60’s but Check out Judgement and Punishment live Melbourne 2020 by Jinjer
+Ed Collins Inventing Rock? Please before you try and educate others, educat eyourself. You have the African Americans to thank for Rock n Roll
@@callumcowan7047 Blacks invented the blues and jazz...which was then altered into rock and roll which became its own genre. So yes the 60s bands were inventing what we call rock today.
David David technically Callum Cowan is right. Many African american artists created what we know as rock. Look at big mama thorngood and Chuck Berry. Both VERY early african american artists that came before any of the rock bands you hear of today
Ed's comment isn't wrong. He isn't saying white British musicians invented rock and roll but that British musicians are among the "inventors" as rock developed -- especially hard rock, the rock opera, prog rock, etc. Rock and roll's roots are both black and white. Chuck Berry has often talked about how country music, more than the blues, was such an integral influence on his style. You can hear it in his music. Of course the blues and R&B are the primary source but definitely not the only source.
The stutter in the vocals was pure genius! 😎👍👏👏👏👏👏
Can't tell a rocker by it's cover... this is one of the first seeds of real rock.
This song was totally indicative of the youth explosion during the 60s where British rock bands led the way. The Who were a big part of this.
Yes, the Mods of the 60's gave rise to punk, IMO. We loved this song back in the day! Like i said before, there are no bad Who songs. Thanks for doing this one!
"My Generation" from Who Live at Leeds-kicks the song up to a whole new level.
C'mon guys! You gotta remember when this originally came out. They'd of blown most bands from that era off stage!! You should really give a listen to either Magic Bus or I Can See For Miles. Both are a couple of years later, but they're both little rippers!
Live at Leeds👍
Listening to studio recordings by the Who really misses the target. They were the greatest live rock band of all time. On top of that, Keith was, quite miraculously, actually performing a multitude of visual flourishes while he was drumming at infinity speed.
The Who, The kinks at this point sounds like punk to me (Mods)...
Oh, it's definitely time for the Kinks.
Small Faces !
Agreed.
My favorite "punk" band from that era were The Sonics, especially their first album "Here Are The Sonics". Their follow-up "Boom" ain't bad either.
@@cazgerald9471 Yes!! The Sonics were the masters of garage rock. The Kinks' first album is right there too with that early punk feel.
I haven't heard this song in a long time. It sounds more like the Beatles than I remembered. Also like a form of Punk. Guaranteed it drove most parents out of the room.
The Real Me by The Who...so close but yet so far
Entwistle completely in bass beast mode on this one. I have long thought of this as the first punk song.
My middle aged ass over here smirking as you're thinking haircut is indicative of stylistic artistry.
"Long hairs," had quite the same issue trying to bust out of perceived cliches.
Great channel, proud Auntie Patreon
Sending love from Oregon 🌲🌊❤
97229.....Joining your smirk with my 63 year old boomer mind.
Good review again, guys. From the same era I really like “Substitute” and “The Kids are All Right”.
And an afterthought: You truly need to listen to “The Real Me” from Quadrophenia. Moon’s drumming aside, Entwistle’s bass playing on it is legendary. There was a reason he was considered a lead guitarist, and this is a prime example as to why.
Please tell the guys they need to find the version on TH-cam that's I Am The Sea/The Real Me
Joke I heard:
Pete Townsend - Lead Guitar
Roger Daltry - Lead Vocals
John Entwhistle - Lead Bass
Keith Moon - Lead Drums
@@themoviedealers I heard that and not as a joke. A really great band does that.
@@themoviedealers yes. especially Moon. There are Who songs were he is playing the lead.
The Movie Dealers This is what puts them and Zeppelin in the same league. Not only is there not a weak link but each is a master musician. I can just listen to each discreet performance alone and pick another discreet performance on the next replay.
Dudes!!! They hit the nail on the head in bringing out the chaotic rebellion of the youth in '65!
The stammering was meant to evoke a Mod who was rushing on speed.
You guys should really take a look at "A Quick One While He's Away" The live version from Rock n Roll Circus is just a amazing record of what monsters this band was.
They broke the rules. They ruled with lyrics and music that helped change the foundations of rock and its many iterations. Their sound represents the buckling of a cultural shift that would break from centuries of the norm. Keep up the good work.
"Centuries"? Not so much, no.
"I Can See For Miles" is The Who track to check out!
Stuttering, Hair & Clothes: research Mods and Rockers of 60s Britain. The entire Quadrophenia LP is based on the story.
The Who and Kinks were playing punk, garage style music before anyone ever thought of that genre.
Remember, these were the germs of ancient history that allowed the groups you like to exist. These bands were breaking ground.
THIS WAS THE PERIOD WHEN THERE'S A CULTURAL TRANSITION, REBELLION, MUSIC, SOCIAL MORAIS, WE SHOK THE SYSTEM AS NEVER BEFORE.👍❤
PLEASE React to “THE WHO - THE REAL ME” I keep telling you guys! You won’t be disappointed
Fans have been BEGGING for The Real Me for ages! lol!
Ive told em. Over and over
That and "I Can See for Miles" should be the next two.
So so song but better than this
@@ComeOnIsSuchAJoy no way below average song
"You Really Got Me" - The Kinks (1964)
Also: Check out some live versions of "My Generation" (Live At Leeds, especially).
Guys, you need to check out "You really got me" by the kinks. The birth of the heavy rock riff.
Yessssssssss!
Thats my ringtone.
That song is cited by Ozzy as the song that made him get into being in a band.
Van Halen's cover of it was a huge hit
Absolutely!!!
In 1968 The Who were invited to perform for something called The Rolling Stones and Rock and Roll Circus. They ended up so thoroughly upstaging The Stones at their own event that the whole project got shelved and the footage was squirreled away in a vault for several decades before it ever saw the light of day again. And that was with The Who performing just one song. It's really a must watch for anyone who appreciates the live manic, magic, mad genius that these guys were capable of delivering - - with Keith Moon, of course, providing the 'mad' part. And, its even a song of theirs that you guys haven't reacted to yet. Here's the link: th-cam.com/video/RJv2-_--EY4/w-d-xo.html
You have to remember, this was mid 60's, before you had the Marshall amps, etc. Some groundbreaking material for the time. The absolute most powerful live song is the My Generation medley off of Live at Leeds. Sonically to me, one of the most powerful live recordings ever. You think Moonie has gone off the chain for you so far, well, this will blow you away! The dynamics between him and Entwistle are staggering....thanks for playing this, I was 8 f-in years out when this c-c-c-c-came out - ha! ✌
Richard's 40 Years of Who includes several tracks from Live at Leeds: Substitute, Summertime Blues, Shakin' All Over, and Magic Bus. The version of My Generation is from the Fillmore East in 1968.
Marshall started making their amps in '62...
@@DrNothing23 The Who started stacking the amps. The engineers from Marshall were HORRIFIED, they met with Pete and said you cannot stack the amps, they might fall over. Pete reacted by walking over and kicking the shit out of the stack of amps. Marshall immediately started building stronger frames.
@@DrNothing23 I stand corrected, Jeff, you're right about the date and use of the Marshall amps. It seemed like Entwistle and Townshend were always adding and changing setups. When I saw them on the 1973 Quadrophenia tour in Detroit, Townshend had the Hi-Watt stacks and Entwistle was using the Sunn Coliseum's, but thanks for the clarification!!
The WHO as you know played this among other at Woodstock back in 1969.
Another british band playing there were Ten Years After known for playing I'm Going Home , a fantastic blues/rock band. You really ought to check them out.
Must check out the songs Love Like a Man, 50000 Miles Beneath My Brain, I'd Love To Change the World... the latter probably their best known nowadays...
Haircuts notwithstanding, this song is generational defining and will always hold a special place in the hearts of rock and roll lovers my age. A bunch of dirty gritty garage band sounding punks thumbing their nose at institution and announcing the arrival of a new sound and attitude. The essence of Rock &Roll. The stuttering just makes it all the more badass. For the still relatively tame mid-1960s, absolutely groundbreaking.
Their early stuff is a mixed bag of blues and R&B infused pop. They even recorded a cover of the song Heatwave by Martha and and the Vendellas
The 60s were breaking the mold boys. You gotta appreciate how ground breaking it was at the time. Even if it maintains some of the short song format of the day...
You guys listened to the stereo mix. The classic cut is the mono version, which can be found on their singles collection album Meaty Beaty Big & Bouncy. Although it's in mono the mix is cleaner, Townshend guitar work stands out more and the backing vocals are more cohesive.
You guys give the most intelligent observations of any music reactions on TH-cam. Love your channel.
@EDR
Thank you so much!! 😁😁🔥
Andy rocking a Led Zep shirt and saying it will be his first time hearing Led Zep Four is pretty funny.
This is effectively their first single and they were still honing their musical direction.
I wouldn't dismiss "I Can't Explain" or "Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere", but yes, on "My Generation", they were still growing.
@@otisdylan9532 I Can See For Miles is astonishing.
@@loosilu I agree.
@@otisdylan9532 "Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere" is a monster, that guitar... man, blows me away every time.
'S' for the all-time classic line, "Hope I die, before I get old." That's rock and roll right there.
Next Who songs to check out are " Bargain" "The Real me" and " 5:15" You will love them!! Stay safe guys & have a wonderful day!
Live Bargain on Richard's 40 Years of Who has insane Moonie :) The live 5.15 on there has insane John Entwistle bass solo. So take your pick! (Watch the 5.15 here th-cam.com/video/qGistLCD0GA/w-d-xo.html)
YES TO ALL
This was definitely an early Punk pioneering song. I would recommend you guys watch the live version from the Smothers Brothers show in 1967! One of the most iconic performances and musical events in history!!
The Who came along 2 years after the Beatles and Stones, they were more radical. From 1965 to 1969 or '70 they were mainly a singles band. "The Who Sell Out" was a thematic album then came "Tommy" a 2-disc rock opera. Before that the singles: I Can't Explain, The Kids Are Alright, Happy Jack, I Can See for Miles, Pictures of Lily, The Seeker, Anyway Anyhow Anywhere and so on.
You should react to their performance from the Stones' "Rock and Roll Circus" the mini-opera 'A Quick One (While He's Away)'.
Dudes, I second the motion on the Kinks: Sunny Afternoon, Lola, You Really Got Me, All Day and All of the Night definitely different Rock of the era!
Funny: i heard this song on be radio yesterday, thinking: "I wonder if Andy & Alex would like that one"
Next Who selection needs to be The Real Me from Quadraphenia!
Keith moon was an amazing and extremely crazy drummer literally
You've gotta listen to the Live at Leeds version, its amazing
The Clash, London Calling or Rock the Casbah
Definitely have to do some Clash! The Godfathers of Punk!
@@traceyb9443
I would say the Who and Kinks were the godfathers of punk. Clash came much later during the actual punk beginning.
Pete Townsend loved the Clash.
I'll second "London Calling".
@@artprince9163 the kinks were so good for so many years
Listen to the Live at Leeds version for the full effect of this song.
You need to see the video of "A Quick One While He's Away" from the Rolling Stones Rock n Roll Circus 1969.
John Durbin YES!
They stole the show which caused the Stones to delay it's release. Tull was great too!
Absolutely. A&A will be stunned by everything the band is able to do in that one performance.
Yesssss bro I was about to comment this
This version sounds a bit different in the bass solo section than what I remember from back in the day. The 1979 rockumentary film "The Kids Are Alright" opens with The Who performing this song on The Smothers Brothers TV show in a performance that ends with them blowing up their equipment. Check out that movie when you can.
Stutter was supposed to mimic effects of taking speed
Pete Townshend's explanation: “Chris picked up on a stutter on my vocal on the second demo, so I played him John Lee Hooker’s ‘Stuttering Blues.’ Roger had been experimenting with stuttering on stage ever since Sonny Boy Williamson Jr had joined us on harmonica at our first Marquee dates; Sonny Boy used a stutter rhythmically when he sang. Before I completed the third demo we experimented until the stutter became exaggerated and obvious.”
That’s interesting 🤔
That IS interesting. I had always heard that it was cold in the studio when they first started recording the demo for the song, which caused Roger to stutter, so they ended up liking it and using it. That always seemed a goofy and unlikely explanation.
Daltrey recalled to Uncut magazine October 2001: "I have got a stutter. I control it much better now but not in those days. When we were in the studio doing 'My Generation', Kit Lambert came up to me and said 'STUTTER!' I said 'What?' He said 'Stutter the words - it makes it sound like you're pilled' And I said, 'Oh… like I am!' And that's how it happened. It was always in there, it was always suggested with the 'f-f-fade' but the rest of it was improvised."
The talk of stuttering, and now I've got " B-b-b-baby, you ain't seen nothing yet " stuck in my head. Total earworm. Thanks Randy Bachman.
th-cam.com/video/w3fRBzRngdc/w-d-xo.html
The genius that was the late great Gary Moore said he saw The Who in Belfast as a 14 year old in 1966 and when he came out of the gig he said he felt like he had been in a fight, the band left a huge impression on him and for him they were the first punk band.
It’s funny because I love the early Beatles way more then the hippy era of the Beatles. Can you guys please check out the guess who no sugar tonight.
The era you are talking about was called the British Invasion. Beatles, Stones, Who, Dave Clark 5 and others were the British answer to the Surf sound that had been around for a while (Beach Boys, Safaris and others). It was a sound. At the same time you had the "Wall of Sound" movement at Motown so you could go in a lot of different directions in the mid-sixties.
Early Who is where 60s POP, start becoming ROCK. And LOUD. Without the Who you don't get Punk OR heavy rock. The Who are the fathers of ALL punk rock.
"The Who are the fathers of ALL punk rock". Because of one song? I'd argue that The Stooges were far more so than The Who.
It all happened the night Keith Moon walked up to pete in a club, and said "I heard you're looking for a drummer, and I'm much better than the guy you have now. " Pete said ok, do one song. Roger said the song started and out of nowhere, a jet engine started behind him. One song and Keith broke the other guy's drums. Keith said he though he did bad so he went to the bar. Then Pete appeared at the bar next to him and said, "So, what are you doing Monday?" The instant they hired Keith, all of the guys were like, oh shit. We need to be louder. They had to go right out and buy bigger amps. And that was the start of the WHO being the loudest band in the world.
A little FYI - Roger's stuttering was actually emulating kids called "mods" in British slang from the 60s who were hopped up on amphetamines. That's where the stuttering comes from. Of course, when Townshend wrote the song he was trying to tell everyone to "f-f-f-f-off" but certainly needed to get it through on the radio.
Try Neil Young guys..... Rocking in the Free World...... Needle and the damage done..... Southern Man...... Hey hey, My my...... All awesome songs... Pick one
I love Neil Young. Here are some more good choices: "Cinnamon Girl", "Cowgirl in the Sand", "Like a Hurricane", "Powderfinger". Of the ones that you mentioned, "Hey Hey My My (Into the Black)" is the one that I would most like to see them listen to.
@@otisdylan9532 Agreed wholeheartedly on Hey hey!!! CLASSIC anthem! SO grungy, it makes Nirvana look like a Disney Theme band.
Neil Young is on another planet. He goes from rockin hard to some of the most beautiful songs ever composed. He has too many great songs to even list some as favorites.
Cortez the Killer, Tonights the Night, Powderfinger
The ending of the song seems to jump ahead a few years into the next era of music. There's some really great live versions of My Generation that go perfectly alongside the songs of Tommy.
Roger daltrey lead vocals
Keith moon lead drums
John entwhistle lead bass
Pete Townsend lead guitar
Such a good band.