It's very difficult to determine the best song by The Who

[NJHalo]

Baba O'Riley from the Summer Of Sam movie.

Great tune and a great movie.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9zAwti5UCo

[DowningRules]

There's so much to consider, I totally forgot about Who's Next.  Side to side, song to song, that might be one of the top three albums of all time.  There's not a bad - or mediocre - song on it.  They're all standouts.

 

I have to agree on "My Wife."  I remember when my older brothers played that album, the horns in that song really stood out to me.  And I loved the lyrics.  "My life's in jeopardy, murdered in cold blood is what I'm gonna be...Gonna need a tank and an airplane, when she catches up to me won't be no time to explain."  Brilliant.  

 

I don't know what I'm more influenced by:  Entwistle's bass, Moon's drums, Townsend's windmills and guitar period, or the melodic aggression in Daltry's vocals.  

 

When I listen to newer music, I still have my ear out for a good bass line or a radical but tasteful drum fill.  I owe all that to The Who.

[nate]

Who's Next is absolutely in my top 5 albums all time.

[Thomas]

[Jay]

Lots of good songs but the first one that occurred to me is "Pure and Easy"

 

[yk9001]

Who trivia:

 

On "The Music Must Change" from Who Are You, Keith wasn't 'ready to perform', so the beat is made by Pete walking back and forth in the studio on the hardwood floor.

[nate]

Hah crazy.

 

By the way, here is Behind Blue Eyes

 

[Spirit]

He does tend to ramble at times, but if you're a fan of the band, Townshend's autobiography has some pretty cool stories and insight in it. 

[Sully151]

There is a really good biography on Keith Moon called Full Moon. It was written by his friend and assistant. It might be out of print, but If you an find it, it is worth a read.

[Ray McKigney]

Hah crazy.

 

By the way, here is Behind Blue Eyes

 

 

I prefer the Limp Bizkit version. 

[yk9001]

Lots of good songs but the first one that occurred to me is "Pure and Easy"

 

 

 

I forgot how great this song is.

[nate]

I prefer the Limp Bizkit version. 

 

I had no idea they did that but they should probably be put in jail for doing it.

[Jay]

I forgot how great this song is.

 

Yeah pretty much everything you love about The Who encapsulated into one song.

 

It's like the ultimate brit-pop song.

Edited October 31, 2014 by Jay

[DowningRules]

You could pretty well put on any album by The Who and it will take you places.  Even the lesser known ones have gems.  My flavor of the day (at this moment) is Eminence Front.  I think it's from the album It's Hard.

 

Of course, I am slightly biased because it was used to great affect in the teaser of an episode of Miami Vice.  That song has a way of creeping up on you.  It took me 20 years to fully appreciate it.  

[Angel Oracle]

I Can See for Miles, Who are You, and Tommy always stand out to me. 

I need to get some CDs and listen to the not heard often songs. 

[yk9001]

I Can See for Miles, Who are You, and Tommy always stand out to me. 

I need to get some CDs and listen to the not heard often songs. 

 

Your Who eight track tapes are worn out, huh?

[Sully151]

Pictures of Lilly is a really awesome "love" song.

[Jay]

Your Who eight track tapes are worn out, huh?

 

using them for stash boxes now

[Tank]

been interesting to read all the comments here and listen to several of the songs. i was never much of a fan, and for whatever reasons. reading through this thread hasn't really changed that. their music just never really appealed to me. it's good to see how much others appreciate what they've contributed, however, and i thank several of you for giving me some new songs to hear.

[Ray McKigney]

Pictures of Lilly is a really awesome "love" song.

 

One of my favorite songs by them. Could never quite figure out what it's about though.

[arch stanton]

One of my favorite songs by them. Could never quite figure out what it's about though.

It's a touching song about a father passing down a treasured family tradition.

[DowningRules]

been interesting to read all the comments here and listen to several of the songs. i was never much of a fan, and for whatever reasons. reading through this thread hasn't really changed that. their music just never really appealed to me. it's good to see how much others appreciate what they've contributed, however, and i thank several of you for giving me some new songs to hear.

 

I can totally relate.  Pretty much how I feel about Bruce Springsteen and Robert Zimmerman.

[TobiasFunke]

Are you too hip to call him Bob Dylan now?

[Tank]

I can totally relate.  Pretty much how I feel about Bruce Springsteen and Robert Zimmerman.

 

agree completely, although there are more springsteen songs that i like than the who. i don't think i like any of dylan's songs.

[nate]

Dylan is a brilliant lyricist and some of his songs are really good.  I always felt like Springsteen was just a parody of what rock should be.  Never been a fan.