A QUICK ONE

The Who showed their ambitions and potential on this still early album. While not reaching the sophistication of Beatles at that time, they were ahead of other rocking peers such as Rolling Stones. There isn't the studio trickery of the Beatles, songs are still quite clearly rooted in rock. The inclusion of French horn and tuba was quite inventive followed closely by creative guitar playing (including acoustic guitar) and dynamic drumming. Melodies are quite good, sometimes even reaching the pop-rock territory because of not so raw vocal harmonies.

This is hardly a proto-prog yet but remains a testimony and important album of 66 in the UK. For proggers, the 9-minute suite is worth listening multiple times. Creativity, energy and young spirit on this record are infectious and memorable. My first favourite The Who album. Other highlights "Boris the spider" with semi-growling and progressive melody, "Cobwebs and strange" with its semi-avantgarde structure accelerating drums and brass instruments. "Don't look away" is a pop track with excellent harmonies.