The Who's albums tended to be pressed okay, but by their own admission were badly recorded. Polydor were one of the better pressers. Never was there a greater contrast between performance and recording, than with Quadrophenia, because the original vinyl sounded terrible. Every cloud has its silver lining and you can hear someone shout 'Pete!' Also, turn it up and John Entwistle's bass playing is phenomenal.
I cannot explain what makes The Who great to me, but I'll have a go.
First is the power and the impact. They are not a conventional heavy rock band, yet tracks like Baba O'Riley and Doctor Jimmy make the heavy bands sound like pop music. When I see footage of The Who at hippy festivals in the late sixties/ early seventies, they blow everyone away.
Second is The Who are not a conventional progressive rock band, but the rock operas (Tommy and Quadrophenia) match Yes and ELP for ambition, experimentation and musicianship. Admittedly The Who are inconsistent, but they have strong songwriting. Townshend has said that 'progressive' is a derogatory term, which mystifies me.
Third, the hit singles are catchy and melodic, but they have memorable lyrics and tremendous energy, like I Can See for Miles. They also have an Englishness, based on adolescence, suburbia and imagery, which I am suprised has not alienated Americans (or perhaps it has!).
Fourth, The Who have a great singer in Roger Daltrey. I cannot think of many performances that better his on Love Reign O'er Me from Quadrophenia. Nevertheless, Daltrey himself has said that the success of The Who was due to 'chemistry' and he is right.
Fifth is the unidentifiable element. I do not like Pete Townshend very much when I see, hear or read interviews with him, because he seems conceited. I remember mods from my childhood, but I do not relate to them as he does. Despite this, I cannot help loving The Who.
There is little cliche with The Who: no denim and leather, no fantasy landscapes, no whining self-pitying lyrics, few keyboard solos, and plenty of chords, but not many guitar solos (and I'm a Black Sabbath and Yes fan). Like The Rolling Stones, The Kinks and Led Zeppelin, The Who transcend everything because they have a timeless quality.
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