Album Information:

About The Who:

The Who are a legendary British rock band that rose to fame in the 1960s. The band was founded by guitarist Pete Townshend, lead vocalist Roger Daltrey, bassist John Entwistle, and drummer Keith Moon. They are widely considered one of the most influential bands of all time, and were pioneers in the development of rock opera as a genre.

The band's story began in London in the early 60s, when the four young musicians met and formed a band called The Detours. However, it wasn't until they changed their name to The Who and began playing the Mod circuit that they began to gain a following. They released their first single, 'I Can't Explain,' in 1965, which became a hit and helped establish their sound, blending hard rock with R&B influences.

Over the years, The Who continued to experiment with their sound, incorporating elements of psychedelia, orchestration, and even opera, culminating in their iconic 1969 album 'Tommy,' which tells the story of a deaf, dumb, and blind boy who becomes a pinball champion. The album was a critical and commercial success, cementing The Who's status as one of the most ambitious and innovative bands of their time.

In addition to their musical accomplishments, The Who were also known for their electrifying live performances, which often featured smashing guitars and other instruments on stage. However, their success was also marred by tragedy, particularly the death of drummer Keith Moon in 1978, and the drug-related death of bassist John Entwistle in 2002.

Despite these setbacks, The Who have continued to tour and make music to this day, with Townshend and Daltrey remaining the band's core members. They have released a number of albums since their inception, including 'Who's Next' (1971), 'Quadrophenia' (1973), and 'Endless Wire' (2006).

Overall, The Who's impact on rock and roll is immeasurable, influencing countless artists and paving the way for the development of numerous sub-genres of rock. Their music, style, and attitude continue to influence and inspire new generations of musicians, making them one of the most enduring and beloved rock bands of all time.

About the album A Quick One (aka Happy Jack - US):

A Quick One (aka Happy Jack in the US) is the second studio album by British rock band The Who, released in December 1966. The album consists of ten tracks that showcase the band's unparalleled energy, raw power and innovative songwriting.

The album opens with the title track 'Run, Run, Run,' a hard-hitting rock number featuring fast-paced drums, wailing guitar riffs and explosive vocals. This is followed by 'Boris the Spider,' a bizarre and creepy song about a spider named Boris that is both funny and unsettling at the same time.

The third track, 'I Need You,' is a slower, more ballad-like number that showcases lead singer Roger Daltrey's soulful vocals. 'Whiskey Man,' on the other hand, features a bluesy guitar riff and a catchy chorus that is sure to get stuck in your head.

Next up, 'Heatwave' is a cover of the classic Motown hit, but with The Who's own unique spin. 'Cobwebs and Strange' is an odd, experimental song that features a distorted guitar riff and strange sound effects.

'Don't Look Away' is a straightforward rock number with an infectious beat, while 'See My Way' is a slower, more introspective song that provides a nice change of pace. 'So Sad About Us' is a melancholy ballad that features harmonies from bassist John Entwistle and drummer Keith Moon.

The album closes with 'A Quick One While He's Away,' a nine-minute mini-opera that features multiple movements and tells the story of a man who leaves his girlfriend while he goes off to war. This track is a perfect showcase for the band's songwriting skills and their ability to create immersive and engaging music.

Overall, A Quick One (aka Happy Jack in the US) is a highly entertaining and diverse album that showcases The Who's prodigious talent and diverse influences. From hard-hitting rock numbers to slow ballads and experimental tracks, this album has something for everyone and is a must-listen for any fan of classic rock music.

Members:

The Who is a British rock band that formed in London in 1964. The band was made up of four key members - Roger Daltrey, Pete Townshend, John Entwistle, and Keith Moon.

Roger Daltrey was born on March 1, 1944, in Hammersmith, London. He began his career as a member of The Detours, which later became The Who. Daltrey is known for his powerful vocals and charismatic stage presence. He has also acted in several films and television shows.

Pete Townshend was born on May 19, 1945, in Chiswick, London. He is the primary songwriter and guitarist for The Who. Townshend is also known for his innovative guitar playing style, which includes the use of feedback and distortion. He is considered one of the most influential guitarists in rock history.

John Entwistle was born on October 9, 1944, in Chiswick, London. He was the bassist for The Who and was known for his intricate bass lines and creative use of effects pedals. Entwistle was also a talented songwriter and released several solo albums during his career.

Keith Moon was born on August 23, 1946, in Wembley, London. He was the drummer for The Who and is known for his wild and unpredictable behavior both on and off stage. Moon was also a talented songwriter and actor. He died in 1978 at the age of 32 due to complications from his lifestyle.

Track List for A Quick One (aka Happy Jack - US):

Here are the tracks in the album A Quick One (aka Happy Jack - US) by The Who in order with their play time and a brief description of each track:

1. Run Run Run (2:44) - A fast-paced rock song with raw and powerful instrumentation, featuring loud guitar riffs and explosive drumming. The vocals convey a sense of urgency and desperation, reflecting the song's theme of escape.

2. Boris The Spider (2:29) - A quirky and humorous track with a distinctive bass line, which was played by John Entwistle. The lyrics tell the tale of a spider who scares people and delights in causing chaos.

3. I Need You (2:25) - A bluesy, soulful song with smooth guitar licks and emotional vocals. The lyrics express the narrator's yearning for his romantic interest, conveying a sense of vulnerability and longing.

4. Whiskey Man (2:57) - A fast-paced rock song with frantic guitar riffs and high-energy vocals. The lyrics portray a man who has lost himself to alcohol, teetering on the brink of madness.

5. Heatwave (1:57) - A cover of the popular 1960s song by Martha and the Vandellas, with The Who's signature rock sound and energetic instrumentation. The vocals are powerful and dynamic, capturing the essence of the original song's upbeat and catchy vibe.

6. Cobwebs And Strange (2:30) - A surreal and experimental track with haunting harmonies and dissonant chord progressions. The lyrics paint a vivid and unsettling picture of a haunted house and its twisted inhabitants.

7. Don't Look Away (2:54) - A fast-paced rock song with catchy guitar riffs and upbeat vocals. The lyrics are a plea for the listener to engage with the world and not turn away from its injustices.

8. See My Way (1:55) - A soulful and upbeat track with jazzy guitar riffs and lively vocals. The lyrics express the narrator's confidence and determination to win over his romantic interest.

9. So Sad About Us (3:04) - A poignant and emotional ballad with acoustic guitar and gentle vocals. The lyrics express heartbreak and regret over a failed relationship, showcasing The Who's softer side.

10. A Quick One, While He's Away (9:09) - The album's epic centerpiece, featuring multiple sections and plot twists in its sprawling narrative. The song tells the story of a man who leaves his lover, prompting a series of events including infidelity, heartbreak, and a final, bittersweet reunion. The track showcases The Who's musical and storytelling prowess, cementing its status as one of their most iconic songs.

Discography for The Who:

Here is the complete discography for The Who in chronological order:

Albums:

1. My Generation (1965)
2. A Quick One (1966)
3. The Who Sell Out (1967)
4. Tommy (1969)
5. Who's Next (1971)
6. Quadrophenia (1973)
7. The Who by Numbers (1975)
8. Who Are You (1978)
9. Face Dances (1981)
10. It's Hard (1982)
11. Endless Wire (2006)

Singles:

1. 'I Can't Explain' / 'Bald Headed Woman' (1965)
2. 'Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere' / 'Daddy Rolling Stone' (1965)
3. 'My Generation' / 'Shout and Shimmy' (1965)
4. 'Substitute' / 'Circles' (1966)
5. 'Happy Jack' / 'I've Been Away' (1966)
6. 'Pictures of Lily' / 'Doctor, Doctor' (1967)
7. 'I Can See for Miles' / 'Someone's Coming' (1967)
8. 'Dogs' / 'Call Me Lightning' (1968)
9. 'Pinball Wizard' / 'Dogs Part Two' (1969)
10. 'The Seeker' / 'Here for More' (1970)
11. 'Summertime Blues' / 'Heaven and Hell' (1970)
12. 'Won't Get Fooled Again' / 'I Don't Even Know Myself' (1971)
13. 'Join Together' / 'Baby Don't You Do It' (1972)
14. 'Let's See Action' / 'When I Was a Boy' (1971)
15. '5.15' / 'Water' (1973)
16. 'Love, Reign o'er Me' / 'Water' (1973)
17. 'Squeeze Box' / 'Success Story' (1975)
18. 'Who Are You' / 'Had Enough' (1978)
19. 'You Better You Bet' / 'The Quiet One' (1981)
20. 'Don't Let Go the Coat' / 'You' (1981)
21. 'Athena' / 'It's Your Turn' (1982)
22. 'Eminence Front' / 'It's Your Turn' (1982)

Other Releases:

1. The Who Sings My Generation (1965) (US compilation)
2. Magic Bus: The Who on Tour (1968) (US compilation)
3. Odds and Sods (1974) (Compilation)
4. Hooligans (1981) (Compilation)
5. Two's Missing (1987) (Compilation)
6. Who's Greatest Hits (1983) (Compilation)
7. The Kids are Alright (1979) (live album)
8. Join Together (1990) (live album)
9. Live at Leeds (1970) (live album)
10. Live at the Isle of Wight Festival (1996) (live album)
11. Quadrophenia: Live in London (2014) (live album)