The Who: Who's Next (Side 1) REACTION/ANALYSIS | The Daily Doug (Episode 315)

#TheWho #WhosNext #BabaORiley #TheWhoReaction
In this episode of #TheDailyDoug, we're celebrating with a #MasterpieceFriday episode featuring the first five songs from Who's Next by The Who. I have heard the first two of these songs, and this is my first time listening to the rest of this side of the album. The music is timeless and powerful. I hope you enjoy!
Catch up on my full album reactions at my Patreon!
JOIN THE NEW EXCLUSIVE DAILY DOUG COMMUNITY!
Patreon: / doughelvering
Instagram: / doug.helvering
Facebook: / helvering
Twitter: / helvering
Vimeo: vimeo.com/user146736659
The Daily Doug Directory: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...

[@LSqrd1960]

Another vote for Quardophenia. Read the liner notes, watch the movie. Entwistle and Moon shine throughout. My favorite album of all time.

[@rp6762]

Totally agree about the music. Lyrics - ah.. not so bad either, but :)

[@attichatchsound-bobkowal5328]

I believe Entwistle remixed or even replaced the bass tracks for the soundtrack. A lot more like his powerful live bass sound They usually tone his sound down in the studi9o because of the more dense arrangements on the records.

[@1967DIF]

Agree!

[@carloscabrera7073]

For me, Who's Next was their best sounding album but Quad was their best work as a band. Paradise would be having Glyn Johns produce Quadrophenia.

[@neile2001]

Yes please Quadrophrenia (at least the instrumentals)

[@thenightfly1602]

Geddy Lee said Who’s Next is his desert island record. So there’s that.

[@arthurpug]

desert island disc ;)

[@kennethbenson2931]

Was going to mention this too! Rush was heavily influenced by The Who and we're all better for it!

[@susandavidson3344]

@@kennethbenson2931 Not sure there's ANYBODY wasn't heavily influenced by The Who. "Talkin' 'bout my generation!" Unless they say, "What was Woodstock?" which case, Next question: Heard of Elvis? How about Mohamed Ali? Well, supposedly was "This guy named Jesus, the Christ I think he went by, may have even wrote a book about him." Then, er, ahem ... Try some of these gummier bears ... more gummy than ever! Maybe not QUITE that apocryphal, but c'mon. They have this sporting event, I think it's called the Super Bowl. Word is this band called The Who, well, made it on a Halftime Show. Wasn't THAT long after these things called "The Towers," apparently looked like twins, then "some people" did "something" to knock them down. Happened in a country called The United, since it was made up of a cooperative group of States. No tellin' ... not everybody was the born day before yesterday, is all. Gave me a great big Rush, right up my left cerebrum, to think all that up, so hope it's all in good fun. Is my ride here?

[@christianwilliamson9752]

Geddy is the man

[@BayouMaccabee]

@@susandavidson3344 Hello, Ranty McRanterson.

[@ElZnorroOriginale]

All hail Doug Helvering and Rick Beato and those who are making music even more interesting.

[@Mar-yk6jp]

Absolutely!!! Both Doug and Rick are great to watch.

[@ginosantori3381]

Here here!

[@ChickenatorJr]

Yes and also check the Channel called 'the charismatic voice' so good

[@Paul_Halicki]

Don't forget The Charismatic Voice kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXiumJ6ifrtqgdE kzbin.info/www/bejne/pajSioxjeLdgesU

[@Paul_Halicki]

@@ChickenatorJr So we're all in violent agreement that Daily Doug, Rick Beato, and The Charismatic Voice are the giants of music reaction/analysis videos? 😀

[@ticktock2383]

Imagine being a young teenager when this album came out . . . good times, good times

[@timfarrell6968]

Few albums bring chills down my arms, and tears to my eyes. Every song on this record is a masterpiece. Pete and Roger's voices contrast each other so well

[@joelliebler5690]

My favorite rock album. No flaws!

[@blackfender100]

In my humble opinion Their best album. Not a bad track to be found.

[@TheCenteroftheUniverse]

I turned seventeen in the summer of '71. This was the album of this and the next summer. Bob Dylan writes poetry and anthems. So does Pete Townsend. If you've ever lost your soul to someone, "Bargain" is for you. "My Wife" is Ox, check out "Trick Of The Light". Big-time adult rock and roll, L+G.

[@ransbarger]

@@TheCenteroftheUniverse Oh what a summer that was! We wore this cassette out real quick.

[@TheCenteroftheUniverse]

@@ransbarger Seventy-one was the summer of LSD for me. Twice-three times/week, occasionally. It was the East Coast version of the "Summer of Love", which would actually continue for a few more years, thank God. All the big songs of FM radio that summer are literally burnt into my memory.

[@diogenesagogo]

Townshend is a conductor of pure energy, Daltrey the epitome of youth, health, power & wonder, Entwistle a dark brooding shadow god of music, & Moon ... Moon ....well, a demonic grinning hyperactive playful insanely talented imp drummer maybe? What a band!

[@imfrcd]

Live at Leeds has always been my go to Who album....

[@abjr2010]

Best ever. My Generation the looooong version. We wore out three of those albums in a year.

[@williamhenning4700]

It’s the best live album of all time.

[@doughorton3635]

"My Wife" is one of my favourite Who songs, and I love the dark humour in it, too.

[@ChromeDestiny]

The Who rarities compilation Two's Missing (Who's Missing volume two) has a killer live version recorded in San Francisco in late '71.

[@karleaves]

Doug Helvering, check out Quadraphenia by The Who. Since been turned into an orchestral work. It's just awesome.

[@underwoodvoice9077]

For my bucks, Quadrophenia beats Tommy hands down. Both are great, but Q reveals what Townsend learned from composing Tommy. Then of course there is Sell Out...their first truly great album.

[@LSqrd1960]

Yes! Quadraphonic! Brilliant, brilliant album.

[@rickandgen]

Quadrophenia is an epic drum and bass tour de force! Absolute masterpiece. Saw the band perform it in 2013!

[@HollowGolem]

Quadrophenia has aged MUCH better than Tommy. Tommy's got good stuff in it, sure. But Q just absolutely represents the pinnacle of the Who as a band, of Townshend as a songwriter. It is the ultimate example of something being greater than the sum of its parts; it all flows so well together as a unified whole.

[@Q247247]

Since Doug likes to dig into the backstory of songs/albums and since this is a concept album, I'm sure he would love reading the album liner notes (the story) for Quadrophenia.

[@lourenzi8820]

Masterpiece album. To realize how great of a band they were, they were voted favorite band in my high school yearbook. I graduated in 1984! Years and years after their greatest works.

[@TheBuglemouthBass]

Damn...what a difference a few years makes. I graduated in 1990 and I think the biggest band of that year was New Kids on the Block. lol.

[@maggieshevelew7579]

I graduated in 1979, and I remember there was a constant debate in our high school over which was the greatest band - The Who or Led Zeppelin. To me there was no contest. The Who was, by far, the greatest band to see live. And, sorry Robert Plant, no one came close to the power of Roger Daltrey’s singing. The Who were on fire in the 70’s and I was so lucky to be there for it!

[@doughorton3635]

The piano in "The Song Is Over" was played by the late/great Nicky Hopkins, one of the best piano session players. Check out his piano in the Who song "They're All In Love" on the album Who By Numbers.

[@daddyboy3546]

Or "We Love You" "She's a Rainbow" ,"Sympathy for the Devil" , "No Expectations", "Monkey Man" ,"Sway", "Loving Cup" and "Ventilator Blues" with the Stones.... Jefferson Airplane (Volunteers album), Quicksilver Messenger Service, the Kinks, first two jJeff Beck albums..Nicky was one of the best!

[@ChromeDestiny]

@@daddyboy3546 Nicky also played on The Who's 1971 non album single Let's See Action, the late 60's outtake Now I'm a Farmer which was collected on the Odds and Sods rarities album and wrote the arrangement for the outro of Christmas in the film version of Tommy with all the overlapping Christmas carol melodies. He played piano on that as well.

[@78r0ckarolla]

He also let it loose in “Getting in Tune”.

[@jroberthadden]

One of my very favorite pianists. His work on the Stones' "Angie" is beautiful.

[@davidhattman7649]

Nicky was an incredible talent. He played in Quicksilver Messenger Service, a great band. Check them out.

[@karlsarkozi3626]

For a band that did not have a dedicated keyboard player, they had some memorable keyboards on their songs.

[@Masherbrum]

Nicky Hopkins is all over their albums. Especially this one. IMO, no one did it better.

[@stevecanfield8089]

Check out The Who's "Won't Get Fooled Again" - the Shepperton Studios version is particularly fascinating. It was also the last performance of Keith Moon.

[@Spirit-Of-The-Age]

It's one of the best live performances in the history of music.

[@bwcbiz]

It's on side 2 of this album, so I suspect we'll be hearing it next week.

[@kevinmcdermott3718]

The isolated bass tracks from that show are INSANE - kzbin.info/www/bejne/bmHHpKylZ7SrY5I and kzbin.info/www/bejne/aX3JYmOLZd6NqNU

[@davidschecter5247]

Along with Led Zeppelin IV and Deep Purple's Machine Head, one of the three most consistent and best hard rock albums of the seventies... IMHO

[@TheBuglemouthBass]

'My Wife' is one of my secret favorite Who tracks. Not sure many Who fans would concur, but I just find it hilarious and charming. The Ox is (was) one of a kind.

[@lynneconklin917]

Boris

[@blueridgepatriot1356]

?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????@@lynneconklin917

[@markrothkopf5598]

Actually my favorite. Period. Love to just blast this… drumming is as good as I’ve ever heard

[@KennyCamaro2364]

I’m gonna buy a tank and an aeroplane….

[@saltwatermarine8413]

mine too, best song on the record for me.

[@simonjones8111]

One of those very rare “perfect” albums, no sub-par tracks, to be listened to in one go, phenomenal stuff. Then go for Quadrophenia.

[@Spirit-Of-The-Age]

The whole album is a masterpiece. Baba O Riley is always in my top 5 favourite tunes of all time (and that's from a music collection of over 50,000 tunes....and from every era from the 40's 50's 60's onwards)

[@normanbrooks2715]

Keith Moon is my all time favorite drummer. He played fills over the main vocal. No one did it before or since.

[@78r0ckarolla]

That is the best álbum rock has ever produced . Power ,excitement and beauty in less than 45 minutes. Unbeatable .

[@jackal59]

I don't even want to say how long it took me to realize that they had all just pissed on the concrete box.

[@susandavidson3344]

Who's next?

[@vitis65]

Lol. I suddenly realized it as a 15 year old kid sitting next to my Mom in the car on the way back from the record store. When Mom saw it she exclaimed "Those pigs!"

[@leason7182]

That cover photo was a moment where they were driving past a quarry with the photographer in tow and saw the block standing up by itself like the monolith from 2001: A Space Odyssey. This was a sort of cheeky response to that iconic ;) film.

[@brianalpert2383]

This is easily one of the greatest rock albums of all time. What I love about The Who, is that they can create something really powerful that is simultaneously beautiful. Baba O'Riley is exhibit A. I love every song on this album.

[@hubbsllc]

That Concert For NY performance by The Who - they absolutely crushed it. What an incredibly cathartic show.

[@tonydagostino6158]

In every one of the dozens of household moves I've experienced, once the stereo is set up and the listening room ready, THIS is the first album that christens the new home

[@rodrigoadiogo]

Thank you for this Doug. The Who is my favorite band, Who's Next is my favorite album, and The Song Is Over is my favorite song of all time, the one I always get emotional when I revisit, and seeing you dig the song that means so much to me through all my life was something nice to watch

[@susandavidson3344]

Doug did that?

[@Chakirisan]

“The Song is Over”is one of my favorite Who songs, one of the greatest albums, along with Quadrophenia, ever made. Townsend is a musical genius.

[@markhaus2830]

Doug, you have to do the double album "Quadrophenia" by THE WHO. Mind blowing! When I saw them in 2012 they performed the entire Quadrophenia album from start to finish. It was Phenomenal !! Have a great day!

[@lawrenceliebman9079]

My wife and I saw them on that tour at the Allstate Arena near Chicago.

[@dana_brooke_27]

Yes it was!! The Garden in New York

[@elvwood]

I would love it if Doug did that!

[@susandavidson3344]

@@elvwood Wow. Doug dig that. Did dug that? Dig dug that. Dig it? Dug it, like all dugout. Doug's dig out. Done that, ...

[@rickandgen]

Saw that tour in Providence in February of 2013. It was the first time that The Who returned to Providence since our Mayor at the time cancelled their show in 1978 a week after the incident in Cincinnati.

[@cherylhurst7093]

I played this so many times when I was a teenager - along with Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Yes snd some southern fried rock. Also, some Black Sabbath, Rush and The Allman Brothers. I forgot about Bargain it is one of my favs although this whole album was amazing.

[@gregemerson7648]

Rogers voice in this album was just so phenomenal and clear and powerful, love the commentary and well deserved use of the word "iconic"!! Funny I have loved THE WHO my whole life and was really drawn to Pete's voice lol - they are all so gifted!!!

[@epicycles700]

"Song is Over" was originally the final song of "Lifehouse." The last verse is from a song called "Pure and Easy" which Pete said was the first song written for the projected opera. He does a nice version of it on a solo album he produced in late 1972 dedicated to Meher Baba, called "Who Came First." You're one of the first reviewers I've seen who's tapped into Pete's spiritual depth.

[@MikeKyes]

Listening to The Who, I always love the interaction between Moon and Entwhistle. Entwhistle is one of the greatest bassists in history

[@jeffmay8139]

'Song is Over' refrains back in reflection to the song "Pure n Easy", done by both The Who and later off Pte Townshend's solo album Who Came First (worth a listen!).

[@darkpitcher5242]

According to Glyn Johns Pete turned up with demo tapes that were perfect and all he had to do was just let the band do their bit. He also said that PT was one of the few people who could work an ARP let alone get a tune out of it

[@ronlasbury6891]

Pete Town sends Scoop albums have his demos on them.

[@craigkowald3055]

As a kid, I was totally obsessed with the chord progression in My Wife. And yes, Entwhistle played the brass parts. He also played the French horn parts in Tommy.

[@ElZnorroOriginale]

Entwistle acted like a one man brass orchestra on several occasions. That, and the use of synthesiser, saved the band a lot of money when recording.

[@davidbooth7778]

Quadrophenia is my favorite Who album....excellent cranked to 7 on my early 80's pioneer rack through my JBL studio monitors. I have to wait til wife is out to do it.

[@bumditty5231]

Keith’s drums on the last 20-30 seconds of the song is over are awesome. I can listen to that over and over.

[@melissayost4888]

BTW, The Who is my favorite band by Miles & Miles. Pete is Brilliant. The Bargain he’s looking for is God. Oh heck I could breakdown this entire album for you. Quite a bit of references to women are really to God & enlightenment.

[@calguy3838]

"Miles & Miles" I see what you did there. 😎

[@plantfeeder6677]

Who's Next and Quadraphenia are great lazy rainy day albums. These guys did the biggest trippiest turnaround in rock going from the original punk rock band to progressive rock geniouses. Tommy was jaw dropping. Who's Next was top 5 all time and Quad is the most untalked about masterpiece in rock history. Pete Townsend took that group way beyond what I thought they'd evolve as. The '70s where such a great time for new music. So good it got ya hooked for life!😉 The piano player on "The Song is Over" is Nicky Hopkins a great british session player of his time. RIP

[@louiegallardo7562]

Wow Doug where to start? Your analysis is always brilliant thanks you've breathed some fresh air in a time where great music needs to be reconsiderd in a good way. John Entwistle did some great solo work he worked with Frampton alot. Entwistle's tour de force was his work on Who Are You he was at his very best as a song writer and bass player that Townshend gave him room to stretch out. Give it a listen. Thanks again.

[@John_Mack]

The Who was part of the soundtrack of my high school days....

[@gaijingamenetwork8095]

That live clip was fine, but you’ve got to find some old footage when Keith Moon was still alive. He’s in the top 5 rock drummers of all time.

[@timfarrell6968]

The videos of Baba O'Riley and Won't Get Fooled Again from Shepparton Studio are iconic

[@jackal59]

The one of them on Rock and Roll Circus is great. He's throws a tom behind him.

[@ChromeDestiny]

Houston '75 is a great DVD and that's just an average night from the 1975 tour, Detroit '75 was an even better show but only footage of the second half circulates.

[@brianrankin4550]

This guy spoke through just about drum fill on bargain, he listened to it and never even noticed the excellent drumming

[@ruudsmuziek]

He was a great drummer indeed. I saw The Who live in 1972 (together with The Golden Earring) in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

[@donkensler]

Wow Doug! Let's see side 2 please! This was a large part of the soundtrack of my college life circa 1972-1976. Come back from class, light up a bowl, put on Who's Next. This was the absolute best Daltrey ever sounded, and as you say Entwistle was a great bass player without really standing out. Now after side 2 let's move on to Quadrophenia. More proof that Townsend is an awesome songwriter and Entwistle is one of the greatest bassists ever. And let's not forget Moon, who did fills way more than keeping time, and that's what made him great.

[@attichatchsound-bobkowal5328]

The Who owned the night of that first-responders concert! Never has there been a more exultant, cathartic reaction from an audience like the world witnessed during this set. The band really fed off that emotion and returned the favor during that set. MAGIC! A little trivia: The drummer is Ringo Starr's son, Zack Starkey.

[@johnricercato740]

Is it on YT?

[@attichatchsound-bobkowal5328]

@@johnricercato740 Not sure I never looked

[@davidrauh8118]

Also there were a number of songs left over from the Life House project that didn't make this album but served as a number of singles. Join Together, The Relay and Pure And Easy.

[@will-ie9on]

Join Together is definitely underrated, agree with your other comment Entwistle was a bass beast, his playing at times was astonishing.

[@krysvalkyrion8252]

That one is precious! Wonderful reaction to that legendary piece of music! Thank you, i enjoyed it a lot!

[@michaelmeszaros6982]

While driving a limo in NYC back in 1987, I was dispatched to the Penta Hotel to pick up a Mr. Daltrey and take him to JFK Airport. He was very friendly, talked to me the whole 45 minute trip and he gave me 2 of his latest CDs, one signed to my 5 year old daughter and one signed for ME. $65 tip, too. RockOn, Doug. (PS: I looked up JUST as I was finishing this post and, you showed us your pipe. BlazeOn, Doug. I'm WAY ahead of you.) PPS: MY WIFE was written and sung by John Entwistle. Sort of like The Beatles letting Ringo do OCTOPUS'S GARDEN. It was an old song of John's and wasn't written specifically for the album. Done. FINITO.

[@keninboulder76]

"Tommy" is epic. Both the original and the movie soundtrack with Eric Clapton, Tina Turner, etc

[@wayneraynal8487]

I Can't tell you how many copies of this Great Album I wore out since it was released! I really appreciate your approach to Reaction Videos, and I've even begun listening to some of your original liturgical music. Very soothing stuff, so far. I don't know if you're familiar with The Who/London Symphony Orchestra recording of "Tommy", but the vocal performances are magnificent! Vocal performances by Sandy Denny ; Graham Bell; Maggie Bell; Steve Winwood: Richie Havens; Merry Clayton; Rod Stewart; Ringo Starr; Richard Harris (Narrator) and of course, Pete Roger and John! I'd love to hear you break that recording!

[@JoriDiculous]

Im pretty sure that is the Tommy version i'm most familiar with. Amazing stuff

[@larteonceagain]

Obviously a great time for that studio owners. Deep Purple recorded the track Fireball in the studio next to The Who the day after they finished the album. And since Ian Paice wanted to play with two bass drums he went in and borrowed Keith Moons.

[@gscott32]

Great album/side choice! Sorry you missed out seeing them in concert, I was able to catch them in Buffalo Sept '82.

[@eximusic]

Great reaction, I love this album. It's one of the few albums where I have to listen to the entire thing if I put it on at all.

[@jmjschoharielg2563]

Thank you Doug, for exploring side one of this epic album. Your reactions warmed my heart and reminded me of myself at 15 years of age, wearing out a phonograph needle and my first copy of "Who:s Next" when it came out. Looking forward two you covering side two! Best wishes.

[@jimgeneva2464]

SO classic. And you run this as a Side, exactly as it should be presented. Impressive how you dissect the musical elements and your first impressions are authentic and genuine. Thanks Doug!

[@ericsingerfan1]

U're totally correct. This album its ICONIC to the Rock & hard rock history

[@daveking9393]

That was such a great way to spend 35 minutes I can't wait for side too Thank you so much this was really really enjoyable.

[@Vortigan07]

Another great video!! I'm quite envious of that pipe of yours, I used to love what having a smoke used to do my perception of music. I can't do it anymore though, or I daren't, to be more precise. The last time, only a couple of months back, scared the crap out of me! I literally felt like something was trying to take my life, I was pacing back and forth, marching on the spot...anything just keep moving because I "knew" that if I stopped I was going to fall dead! Absolutely terrifying! Anyway, more than anyone wanted or needed to know, sorry about that. Love your work, Doug, thanks!

[@lrr1952]

The Who remains my favorite group after over 50 years of listening to them. i have seen them 9 times (would have been 10 but last concert cancelled due to covid), 8 of those times with my wife, 3 of those times with our daughters, and two of those with kids and their spouses. Great memories!

[@karentargaryen7959]

I love listening to whole albums (or in the case album side). Great job and more please.

[@andilangford-woods1354]

Loving the joy in you as you trawl thru' my history Doug. I'm 70yrs old, a ex drummer that worked as a tour manager for 30 odd years. Kepp on dissecting history! Andi

[@fibrown444]

Always enjoy your reactions Doug. I've been getting back into Roger's solo work, which has some gems.

[@pawelec66]

Nothing beats Quadrophenia.

[@davegto67]

Quadrophenia is Pete's masterpiece and he knows it.

[@liraizh7015]

I really see this video blows up in a couple of days, just like wish you were here. you're amazing Doug!

[@barrycharlton6228]

I saw The Who live in Newcastle-upon-Tyne U.K. on their "Greatest Hits" tour in 2000. They were great, one of the best gigs of my life, I still have the program.

[@joelliebler5690]

Outstanding analysis!

[@peterskye7825]

Baba O'Rielly is a tribute to Terry Riley. Just a brilliant homage to a minimalist legend.

[@spacewalker4087]

For those who might be interested - The Who will be playing at New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival on April 30, 2022.

[@Twin_Hook]

My first "REAL" rock concert was The Who at Shea Stadium in 1982 (David Johansen and The Clash opened). Saw them several times after but only once after John died. Not quite the same anymore.

[@makelikeatree1696]

“I don’t need to fight, to prove I’m right” is one of the greatest lines in rock and roll.

[@MrX-jw5yw]

"Meet the new boss. Same as the old boss," is another, and from the same album.

[@ransbarger]

This was fun! Thank you.

[@jyutzler]

I was at that concert you missed in 2002. They sold soundboard recordings of the concert and I proudly have a copy.

[@ericminden8338]

I saw The Who perform at Charlton Field in 1975 (1976?). I thought a sequencer was used to create the synth effect on Baba O'Riley . Interesting sub-text to the title. Keith Moon's showmanship was phenomenal.

[@jordanwhistler9597]

It’s an organ, very basic setup

[@wendyt7958]

Such a great album...love it. Thanks for your analysis! John did play the brass...multi talented guy.

[@jvoodoochild2755]

Looking forward to side two. Your Who story reminded of when I really noticed them. My musical tastes are rooted in what my 10y older brother listened to, late 60s and 70s rock. One day, when I was a teen, before leaving me alone in the house my brother put on Quadrophenia on the living room record player and turned up the volume so I could hear it in my bedroom while I was doing something. There is something at the beginning of “The Real Me” that caught my attention and I went out to the living room to catch it again. Played it a couple of more times, then sat and gave my entire attention to the whole double album. Needless to say The Who became my favorite band. In fact my favorite song by anyone is a Who song. I’ve never heard it on the radio, I’m sure it never charted well, and to tell the truth I don’t care for how it ends…. Yet it is my favorite song by any one Pure and Easy

[@richsweeney8654]

Re: The Album cover. I asked ChatGPT what the story was with this album cover and here's what it said... The cover of The Who's album "Who's Next" is a photograph of the band members urinating on a large concrete piling protruding from a slag heap, which was taken by photographer Ethan Russell. The idea for the cover came about when the band members were traveling in a convoy of cars on their way to a recording studio in Wales. They stopped to take a break at a service station, but found the facilities were closed. The band members then spotted the slag heap and concrete piling nearby and decided to relieve themselves there. The original concept for the cover was a more elaborate design involving a stonehenge-like structure, but the band members ultimately decided to go with the simpler, more provocative photograph. The image has become iconic in rock and roll history and is often cited as one of the most memorable and controversial album covers of all time. Despite its initial shock value, the cover has come to be regarded as a symbol of the band's rebellious spirit and irreverent attitude.

[@timconnecticut6263]

This was fun Doug ! I am at the point in my life where I enjoy "reminiscing with strangers" haha! I hope to hear your take on their album Quadrophenia one day .

[@susandavidson3344]

I dig Doug. "See Doug dig."

[@completecharleston7142]

The Who was the first concert I ever went to, way back in 1968, the opening act for Herman's Hermits - weird, eh? This is my favorite album by the Who, great memories of senior high school, cruising around town with friends - the songs are so inventive and cool. Love Pete's vocals, nice contrast with Roger. Also, my 2nd favorite Who album, which deserves a reaction IMHO, is "The Who Sell Out" (their 3rd album), great and creative, and has their radio hit "I Can See For Miles" - they also use parts of songs in between albums, as in the end of "The Song Is Over". Great job, Doug!

[@chrisgist3090]

I wore this album out back’n the day! The cover art ties in w/title……”Who’s Next”…….get it?😆👍🏼 The stories behind Keith Moon (drummer) are legendary!!

[@andrewwallace7775]

That opening synth lick is one of the very first uses of a sequencer.. What a great album...

[@snowdenwyatt6276]

The thing about this album is that pretty much EVERY SINGLE TRACK was played to some extent or another on Album/Rock radio stations (a popular station format from the late '60s through mid '80s. I was born in '64 and so was a little young for their heyday but when I finally got around to buying this LP in the early '80s I had heard all nine tracks on it many times over. Friends who I introduced to it at the time thought it was a greatest hits album...

[@gemes64]

Loving all your videos so far, Doug. So interesting to hear you analyse so many songs for the first time that I know so well and often own (I'm 49, born in 1972). The great thing for me in all of this is how you make me re-evaluate my own interpretations and memories of a song. Suggestions? Ever thought of Gene Clark's masterpiece from 1974: 'No Other'? Pink Floyd's 'The Division Bell? Talk Talk's 'Spirit of Eden'? Being British (Welsh, actually), a Britpop classic would be interesting, too. Radiohead is a band I would love to hear you analyse. Keep up the good work, Doug. Really, really pleased I discovered your reactions and analyses. Much love.

[@Jessica_Roth]

Since you have the remaster, you need to keep going into the bonus tracks. "Pure and Easy" was meant to be the centerpiece of the "sci-fi" story, and it's masterful. And the live version of "Naked Eye" is sublime. (Pete and Roger duet as the couple breaking up.)

[@Jack-D-Ripper]

This was the first album that I ever bought at the age of 15 and I almost played the grooves of the vinyl album; what an amazing work - I love it. My favourite tracks are Baba O'Riley, Bargain, The Song Is Over, Behind Blue Eyes and Won't Get Fooled Again.

[@TheIpadfanatic]

Well done Mr. Helvering. I was so fortunate to see The Who on their final tour where they did all of Quadrophenia and a smattering of their classics. I grew up such a massive Who fan. Needless to say it was a magical night. Thanks for the memories. 😍

[@jyutzler]

"final" they just announced a new tour!

[@andyfeldman2590]

It's hard to believe but the keyboard at the beginning (and throughout) Baba O'Riley is not a synthesizer, nor a sequencer controlling a keyboard. It's actually a Lowrey home organ with a built-in arpeggiator preset called "marimba repeat". Instead of notes repeating in regular fashion when played, certain notes are repeated either on or off the beat, creating the complicated pattern. For example when the notes F, F#, G, B, C and C# are played they repeat on the beat, while notes G#, A, A#, D, D#, and E when played repeat off beat (i.e., a dotted note). Obviously there is a preset tempo, but when Pete plays chords, the on-beat and off-beat repeats create the incredible pattern. ( believe Pete found a way to control the repeat tempo by modifying a component inside the Lowrey.) Yes, it's true that Pete had ARP 2500 and 2600 synthesizers at the time, but he was just learning how to get sounds from them when Baba O'Riley (and Won't Get Fooled Again) were created. He also had a simpler synthesizer called the Putney. Some gentle filtering sweeps were applied by one of the synths to Won't Get Fooled Again, but you can barely hear that affect. The songs on Who's Next that really feature Pete's synthesizer work are Bargain, The Song Is Over, and Goin' Mobile. You can really hear the rich one note melodies Pete used synth for on those songs.

[@joesky011]

Interesting note....the theme songs for all five TV shows in the CSI franchise use remixed Who songs. "Baba O'Riley" was used on CSI:NY. "Who Are You"was on the original CSI show.

[@kallyfest]

I saw the who only once in show and it was their last Quadrophonia tour, I didn't want to miss it for anything, hard to express how happy and excited I was to hear them play second part all their classic and above all we won't get fool again , thank you to explain where Babaoreily come from

[@michaellee8198]

I made a previous comment about another of your reactions that was rather terse, about you continual interruption, you took time out to respond which I respected. Listening to your reactions to "Who's Next" ( ...to pee against the monolith), first to side two of this album and then side 1, I can now appreciate where you are coming from. Loved you reactions to one of the most intelligent bands (lyrically & musically) of all time ..... Love to hear your appraisal of the Rock Opera "Quadrophenia" some time. Thanks

[@obijuan3004]

Just by accident, I saw the WHO in Dallas, in 1973 as a teen. The warm up band was a band I had never heard of called Lynard Skynard. So, proudly, I heard Free Bird for the first time live in Dallas in 1973, it stood out to me as a awesome song with the double lead, it was crazy, I hardly remember the Who...LOL. I would see the WHO a second time in 1982 in the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. Before the encore I kept yelling "Magic Bus," "Magic Bus" and the Who came out for the encore and opened with Magic Bus, people everywhere started passing me joints and patting me on the back, like I willed the song to happen... great days of my youth. Big Who fan for over 50 years!!

[@64sirnose]

Hey Doug I realy enjoy your channel and your takes on the music I love The Who has to be my heart and soul I brought Live at Leeds to school in the fouth grade on music day ..... I Sir am 1 and 5 !!!! on seeing them live..... how hard can it be to get to a Who Show my last attempt was in 2020 and along came Covid so I will forever charish the one time I got to go thank you for your channel.....

[@richpeltier9519]

It was around this time in their history, that Keith just stopped using high hats and rides. Completely changed the way he approached rock drumming. All fills, all the time. No more sitting back and "holding down a beat". Rich tAMB

[@docnflossie7351]

Indeed! Keith was the ultimate rock drummer.

[@Hansse]

Hi Doug, Thanks for reviewing the best album of my alltime favourite band.. It was the first album I ever bought in November 1971. On side B you can hear their anthem Won't Get Fooled Again and 3 other tracks. There are several expanded editions of this masterpiece. The Lifehouse Chronicles (6CD) set is the mother of them all. Enjoy it just as much as I always have and will. Greetings from Amsterdam.

[@Martin2153]

When I was a teenager, Who's Next was the first LP I ever bought. I still have it. I have seen The Who perform live twice in Sydney, 2004 and 2009. One of the greatest thrills in a live concert is the conclusion to Won't Get Fooled Again. The slow, high tension build up from the synth, the rolling and banging drums (Moon or Starkey, it doesn't matter, they're both great), Daltrey's scream and Townshend's crashing guitar chords and then the race to the end. I never tire of it. A masterpiece song on a classic album. Doug, many have said that Quadrophenia is the band's greatest work and I would agree. The growth in Townshend's writing and composition from Tommy is significant and the story is much more mature and nuanced. Side four, with Dr Jimmy, The Rock and Love Reign O'er Me is arguably one of the greatest set of songs ever put on the one side of a rock album.

[@vrvaughn]

Always remember that the song I’m Free on the Tommy album includes these verses: “If I told you what it takes to reach the highest high, You'd laugh and say 'nothing's that simple' But you've been told many times before Messiahs pointed to the door And no one had the guts to leave the temple” - Pete Townshend -

[@disgruntledtoons]

This is one of the very best rock albums ever. Every track is *gold*.

[@townshendshean]

Awesome that you finally got to The Who. Not sure how you can listen to side one and not side two in the same sitting though...I have to listen all the way through. I still say though...you MUST do Quadrophenia...all the way through in one show. It is The Who's ultimate masterpiece :)

[@susandavidson3344]

Do it all in one dig, Doug. Bigger the digger the badder the dugout.

[@sledzeppelin]

Pete was really a master of rock and pop songcraft. Such lovely melodies and harmonies.

[@PhilipBoncer]

I have read that at this time, Pete Townshend was exploring minimalist music, and the synthesizer in this song is his little homage to John Cage.

[@1ericamat]

1 listen is not enough for this gem. All killers no fillers. The Who were like no other band. They did it all.

[@gs8191]

Since it was only 2 or 3 years after Space Odyssey 2001, I always thought this is what they would have done if they found that damn Monolith...

[@rp9760]

LOL. My Wife. Such a funny song wrapped in such adventurous, kick-ass music.