QUADROPHENIA

This is one of those albums that forever and always be the album that got me into music. It's one of very few albums that has it all. Townshend's brilliant writing; Entwistle's unbelievable bass performances; Keith Moon's bombastic drumming; Dahltry's epic screams; and a chilling story that just about anyone can empathize with.

The first disc is a little more accessible in my opinion. The Real Me, to me, epitomizes what The Who are all about. The rhythm section goes f-ing nuts in this. Then a great transition into Quadrophenia (the song), which could very well be my favorite use of the synthesizer ever. The rest of the first disc is very strong, except Is it in my Head? which seems a bit repetitive. It might be the only track on the whole album that I particularly consider a Who classic. It took me a while to really understand I've had enough, but after several listens, it has an incredible way of combining many melodies from the album to tie up the first disc well.

Disc 2 starts out with the best song on the album. 5:15 still is the first track on my workout playlist, a great rock tune. Sea & Sand and Drowned are acquired tastes, but a few listens later, and I considered them to be right up there with the best on the album. I would consider the final 4 tracks to be the album's closing. Bell Boy is almost comical (in a good way). Keith Moon could have the worst voice of anyone I've heard, but he somehow comes in handy on several Who tracks (namely Bell Boy. The penultimate track is a reprise of Quadrophenia (the song). Everytime I hear this song, I hear something new. There is that much going on. A perfect display the confusion going on in the protagonist's head. Love Reign O're Me ends the album, finally that great melody that you've heard subtly for the entire album is the base of one of the Who's greatest songs. Roger's vocals are second to none in this track. Perfect ending to the perfect album.

Okay, so it's not prog. I admit it, but this is a perfect definition of rock. If I were going to dress up for Halloween as Rock 'n' Roll, you can bet I would be wearing a zoot suit and be riding a GS Scooter.