Album Information:
Album ID: 10318
About The Who:
The Who is a legendary British rock band that was formed in 1964 in London. The band is comprised of four members, including guitarist Pete Townshend, lead vocalist Roger Daltrey, bassist John Entwistle, and drummer Keith Moon. Their music has been described as a fusion of rock, punk, and pop, often incorporating elements of classical music.
The band's early success came with their debut album, 'My Generation,' which included the iconic title track that became an anthem for the youth culture of the time. The album also featured other hits like 'The Kids Are Alright' and 'A Legal Matter.'
As their popularity continued to grow, The Who became known for their energetic and often chaotic live performances, which included smashing guitars and exploding drum kits. They were also known for their concept albums, such as 'Tommy,' a rock opera about a deaf, dumb, and blind boy who becomes a pinball champion.
The band's lineup shifted over the years, with drummer Keith Moon tragically passing away in 1978. The remaining members continued to produce music, including hits like 'Who Are You' and 'Baba O'Riley.'
Throughout their career, The Who has been recognized with numerous accolades, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990. Their impact on rock music is undeniable, with many bands citing them as an influence.
The band's music continues to be celebrated today, with classic hits like 'Won't Get Fooled Again' and 'Pinball Wizard' remaining popular among rock fans. Overall, The Who is a band that has left an indelible mark on the music industry and continues to inspire new generations of musicians.
About the album The Who By Numbers:
'The Who By Numbers' is the seventh studio album by the British rock band The Who, released in 1975. The album consists of ten tracks and clocks in at approximately 38 minutes. It represents a departure from the band's previous rock operas and concept albums toward a more introspective and personal sound. The album was written and recorded at a time when the band was experiencing internal conflict and individual struggles.
The opening track, 'Slip Kid,' is a powerful and explosive rocker that sets the tone for the album. The song tells the story of a young man trying to escape his troubles by joining a gang. The second track, 'However Much I Booze,' is a bluesy reflection on alcoholism and addiction, with lead singer Roger Daltrey's emotive vocals front and center.
'Squeeze Box,' the album's biggest hit, is a playful and catchy ode to a woman's sexual pleasure, featuring Pete Townshend on lead vocals and his trademark power chords on guitar. The fourth track, 'Dreaming From the Waist,' features complex guitar riffs and an infectious chorus, with Daltrey's vocals delivering an anthem about sexual prowess.
The album's title track, 'The Who By Numbers,' is a somber and introspective ballad, with Townshend lamenting his own mortality and the struggles of growing older. 'They Are All In Love' is a sarcastic take on modern society's obsession with celebrities and spectacle. 'Blue Red and Grey' is a stripped-down acoustic track, showcasing Townshend's songwriting expertise and delicate touch on guitar.
'How Many Friends' is a melancholic ballad about loneliness and alienation, featuring delicate piano and gentle harmonies. 'In a Hand or a Face' is a hard-hitting and aggressive rocker, with Townshend's guitar riffs leading the way. 'Behind Blue Eyes,' the album's final track, is a beautiful and haunting ballad that has become a classic in The Who's repertoire.
Overall, 'The Who By Numbers' is a deeply personal and introspective album that represents a departure from the band's earlier work. The album deals with themes of addiction, mortality, and alienation, often with a sense of melancholy and resignation. While not as commercially successful as some of The Who's other albums, it remains a fan favorite for its excellent songwriting and introspective tone.
Members:
The Who is a British rock band that formed in London in 1964. The original line-up consisted of four members, but by 1965, the band had evolved into its classic line-up of vocalist Roger Daltrey, guitarist Pete Townshend, bassist John Entwistle, and drummer Keith Moon. Here are brief biographies of each of these key members of The Who:
1. Roger Daltrey: Roger Daltrey was born on March 1, 1944, in London, England. He grew up in a working-class family and developed an interest in music at a young age. As the lead vocalist of The Who, Daltrey became known for his powerful voice and charismatic stage presence. In addition to his work with The Who, Daltrey has released several solo albums and has appeared in films and TV shows.
2. Pete Townshend: Pete Townshend was born on May 19, 1945, in London, England. He began playing guitar at a young age and developed a unique style that involved aggressive strumming and soaring solos. In addition to his guitar work, Townshend was known for his songwriting, which often explored themes of rebellion, youth culture, and existentialism. He also pioneered the use of feedback and distortion in rock music. Townshend has also released several solo albums and has written two rock operas.
3. John Entwistle: John Entwistle was born on October 9, 1944, in Chiswick, London, England. He started playing the trumpet and piano at a young age, but it was the bass guitar that became his signature instrument. Entwistle was known for his virtuosic playing style, which included complex solos and a unique use of the bass as both a melodic and rhythmic instrument. He also wrote several songs for The Who and was a prolific solo artist.
4. Keith Moon: Keith Moon was born on August 23, 1946, in Wembley, London, England. He was known for his wild, unpredictable drumming style, which involved explosive fills, intricate patterns, and off-beat rhythms. Moon was also known for his flamboyant stage presence, which often involved destroying his drum set and other objects on stage. Unfortunately, Moon struggled with drug addiction and died of an overdose in 1978 at the age of 32. Nevertheless, he remains a legendary figure in rock history and his influence can still be heard in modern drumming techniques.
Track List for The Who By Numbers:
Track 1: Slip Kid (4:31) - A hard-rocking track featuring powerful vocals and guitar riffs. The lyrics portray a rebellious youth who is determined to break free from society's expectations.
Track 2: However Much I Booze (5:03) - A bluesy track with emotional vocals and introspective lyrics about the struggles of addiction.
Track 3: Squeeze Box (2:41) - A catchy and upbeat track with an infectious accordion riff and humorous lyrics about a woman who uses her 'squeeze box' to win over a man's affection.
Track 4: Dreaming from the Waist (4:08) - A fast-paced, guitar-driven track with explicit lyrics about sexual fantasies and desires.
Track 5: Imagine a Man (4:04) - A slower-paced track with introspective lyrics about loneliness and the desire for connection.
Track 6: Success Story (3:24) - An upbeat track with catchy guitar riffs and lyrics that satirize the music industry's obsession with fame and fortune.
Track 7: They Are All in Love (3:04) - A fast-paced track with swirling guitar riffs and lyrics about the folly of love and relationships.
Track 8: Blue, Red and Grey (2:47) - A simple and stripped-down acoustic track with introspective lyrics about aging and the passing of time.
Track 9: How Many Friends (4:05) - A reflective track with mournful vocals and lyrics about the difficulty of maintaining friendships in a world that is constantly changing.
Track 10: In a Hand or a Face (3:25) - A hard-hitting track with aggressive guitar riffs and lyrics that explore the concept of violence and power in society.
Discography for The Who:
Here's a 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. 'A Legal Matter' / 'Instant Party (Circles)' (1966)
6. 'The Kids Are Alright' / 'The Ox' (1966)
7. 'I'm a Boy' / 'In the City' (1966)
8. 'Happy Jack' / 'I've Been Away' (1966)
9. 'Pictures of Lily' / 'Doctor, Doctor' (1967)
10. 'The Last Time' / 'Under My Thumb' (1967)
11. 'I Can See for Miles' / 'Someone's Coming' (1967)
12. 'Dogs' / 'Call Me Lightning' (1968)
13. 'Magic Bus' / 'Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde' (1968)
14. 'Pinball Wizard' / 'Dogs Part Two' (1969)
15. 'The Seeker' / 'Here for More' (1970)
16. 'Summertime Blues' / 'Heaven and Hell' (1970)
17. 'See Me, Feel Me' / 'Overture from Tommy' (1970)
18. 'Won't Get Fooled Again' / 'I Don't Even Know Myself' (1971)
19. 'Let's See Action' / 'When I Was a Boy' (1971)
20. 'Join Together' / 'Baby Don't You Do It' (1972)
21. 'Relay' / 'Waspman' (1972)
22. '5:15' / 'Water' (1973)
23. 'Love Reign O'er Me' / 'Empty Glass' (1973)
24. 'The Real Me' / 'I'm One' (1974)
25. 'Squeeze Box' / 'Success Story' (1975)
26. 'Who Are You' / 'Had Enough' (1978)
27. 'You Better You Bet' / 'The Quiet One' (1981)
28. 'Don't Let Go the Coat' / 'You' (1981)
29. 'Athena' / 'A Man Is a Man' (1982)
30. 'Eminence Front' / 'One at a Time' (1982)
Other Releases:
1. Magic Bus: The Who on Tour (1968)
2. Odds & Sods (1974)
3. Hooligans (1981)
4. Join Together (1990)
5. Thirty Years of Maximum R&B (1994)
6. BBC Sessions (2000)
7. The Ultimate Collection (2002)
8. Greatest Hits & More (2010)
9. The Who Hits 50! (2014)
Note: Some reissues, compilations, and live albums are not listed in this discography.