WHO'S NEXT

From 1969 to 1973 The Who were on a roll. They created three masterpieces in a row. "Tommy" in 1969, while flawed, defined the rock opera. In 1973 "Quadrophenia" perfected the form. In between they created "Who's Next", one of the greastest rock albums ever.

As many of you already know, the album was originally intended to be anothe rock opera. The songs from this opera, "Lifehouse" have pretty much all been released on various Who and Pete Townhend albums, and compiled on Townshend's "Lifehouse Chronicles" album. But the songs all stand up on their own without the context of the opera.

The key to the album's success, aside from Townhend's great songwriting, is the ferocity with which the band attacks the pieces. Roger Daltrey's voice growls without going overboard (sorry Opeth fans). And John Entwistle and Keith Moon are simply amazing with their relentless attacks in the underlying rhythm section. That said, the weakest point may be Entwistle' My Wife, where he plays an extremely conventional bass line, probably an attempt to emphasize his horns.