A QUICK ONE

The Who were always ambitious musically, and A Quick One captures them at their most playful and light-hearted. The tunes are catchy and full of adrenalin. There are a few surprises unleashed as well. This is where the band threw off the shackles and just went for it. "Run Run Run" starts it off with some exciting R&B, and good harmonies. Best tracks of all are 'Boris The Spider', with it's heavy bassline and fun lyrics, (The line 'Never More Will He Crawl Round, He's embedded in the ground' is unforgettable!) "Whiskey Man", with more great melodies and lyrics, 'Cobwebs And Strange', which is a nutty anarchic, brassy mixture from the mind of Keith Moon, and the nine-minute title track, which is the genesis of Pete Townshend's rock opera ambitions. Though it comes across as a medley rather than a seamless whole, it is definitely proto-prog and a sonic participant in the pop art movement. In 1966, many artists took a leap forward and used their own imaginations rather than continue to rely on outside material. 'A Quick One' is a big part of that, and it marked a big step towards The Who's more sophisticated works as well as influencing other great bands to come. Good album!