WHO'S NEXT

I just read that Who's Next is the most popular album on Prog Archives this week, who would have thought this a few months ago! Personally I have no problems with their addition but now the gates are open for The Jimi Hendrix Experience and Cream, two other influential bands with very progressive ideas. But back to The Who, a few years ago I watched a documentary in the serie Classic Albums about Who's Next, I presume it is also on DVD now. I was very surprised to see the former guitar demolisher Pete 'The Nose' Townsend talking so seriously about music, from chords and time signatures to synthesizers (like the VCS3, also used by Pink Floyd on DSOTM) and recording techniques! And there is a lot to talk about seriously on Who's Next because this is the album where The Who makes impression with adventurous and varied compositions. My favorite track is the opener Baba O'Riley with its compelling atmosphere, tasteful keyboard layers and exciting violinwork, this track only justifies a Prog Archives addition! I am also pleased with the wonderful ballad Behind Blue Eyes featuring a great vocal performance by Roger Daltrey. But in fact all tracks have their own pleasant climate or interesting musical ideas (like the brass by bass player John Entwhistle). My LP ends with Won't Get Fooled Again, this epic composition contains the typical The Who agressive undertones, heavy guitarsound, powerhouse rhythm-section, powerful vocals and the use of synthesizers is spectacular, it fits perfect to the dynamics of this energetic song. If I can find my video with the Who's Next documentary, I will add it to this site because Who's Next is The Who at its pinnacle! It's hard to judge this album in comparison with Classic Prog masterpieces by Genesis, ELP, King Crimson, Yes or Pink Floyd but I consider this Who's Next in the same category as The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn by Pink Floyd, the first The Doors album, Electric Ladyland by Jimi Hendrix or Abraxas by Santana so five stars for this masterpiece!