WHO'S NEXT

Proto-Prog; as the category definition observes; is like a "thin-ice" division of who could turn in the long run prog or go the other way; in an also quiet competitive league known as ROCK or rock n roll (Chuck Berry as proto-"WHO"?) to far out. There has to be a line drawn somewhere. So of course "QUADROPHENIA" established most of the well known PROG "protocols": Concept albums, Art-covers as "packages of the concept". Rock-Operas (yes; that was the name for those kind of projects;the same as "TOMMY"), the use of non-musical elements ("Radio show"-like) and of course; and close to home "ELECTRONICS" and also the use of the recording Studio as an "instrument" (Beatle-like; to name 1 )etc, etc. BUT Prog-wise this "WHO S NEXT" album; MUSICALLY speaking; goes far way beyond its elder sister(s). Closer to Prog as the "WHO" ever came ; and as time has proved it until now. (Peter Townshends´s solo projects not included; but those are very close to this particular WHO project). Fom the extraordinary (proto-punk) Art-cover; we notice that something is going the right / wrong "Who" way; AND as soon as the music starts; it is evident that this is the real-deal. The amazing "sequencer-like sound" (it was done by hand) and you know you are on the right path. The Who at this time; was a more than perfected 4-piece-unit; which "units" were outstanding in their respective fields; locomotive skilled drummer (long gone): Keith Moon; the thunderous loud bass-master (long gone): John Entwistle, the controlled "sweet to rage" voice of Roger Daltrey and of course the head composer/visionary; super talented guitar player; Peter Townshend who is also the electronic unamed wiz-kid of all kinds of electronic gadgets. The world has seen few "units" like this. And yes they did not turn to Prog. They "basically speaking" in the long run turned to the "other side of the moon". A record where EVERY song is as good as it gets in their own respective and diverse; yet focused goals. A Flawless Masterpiece from A to Z. in its own field *****5 Excellent work of one of the Fathers we are indebted to; and more important in their own respective "Big-League" Stars!! PD. And yes; this project also "trend-sets" the work of future All-time Proggers; and of course; I will never think of it as "Top-Ten Progarchive list"; band. It is that in its own field of action - Do not overlook!