I plan to review one golden oldie from my collection and one relatively new release that I really enjoyed each month. I welcome any ideas, comments or ideas for future reviews.
"Quadrophenia" by The Who (released 1973 - remastered 1996)
This double album stands as one of the giants from the watershed musical year of 1973 (I've already reviewed 4 others here)! Pete Townshend had attempted concept albums previous to Quadrophenia with varying results. "Tommy" had great music but an awkward storyline and "Lifehouse" was beyond his grasp and abandoned after some amazing music (which ended up scattered amongst "Who's Next","Odds & Sods" and Townshend's first solo album). On "Quadrophenia" it all coalesces into an epic rock opera built around the Mod scene in 60's England focusing on our angst-ridden alienated teenager protagonist, Jimmy. Jimmy has four personalities (hence the "Quadrophenia") which are represented by the four members of "The Who" through their accompanying themes ("Helpless Dancer" - Roger Daltrey, "Is It Me" - John Entwistle, "Bell Boy" - Keith Moon and "Love, Reign O'er Me" - Pete Townshend). Townshend writes, arranges and performs this complex tour de force with all the genius of a symphonic master. Daltrey's vocals are a rock 'n' roll wonder, Moon's drumming is a constant roiling maelstrom on the edge of chaos but never crossing the line, Townshend's slashing chords and soaring single string runs nail the rhythm and melody enabling Entwistle's fingers to fly in every manner except that of a typical bass player. Townshend also miraculously features the synthesizer prominently in each song without sacrificing an ounce of power or emotion (like I said - genius)! The four themes are featured in the overture "Quadrophenia" and "The Rock" while also cleverly woven into songs throughout the album. If forced to choose highlights they would be the explosive "The Punk and the Godfather", the rock 'n' roll rush hour of "5:15" and the climactic finale of "Love Reign O'er Me" featuring Daltrey's impassioned vocals, but in truth every song is an epiphany! This is a powerful, exciting and immensely rewarding landmark album!
"Barbarella Girl God" by The Chevelles (released 2008)
This quartet hails from Perth, Australia and carry on the long tradition of outstanding Pop/Rock bands from their little corner of the world (Easybeats, AC/DC, Radio Birdman, Midnight Oil, Hoodoo Gurus, Crowded House, The Vines, Tame Impala and many more). "Barbarella Girl God" is actually a collection of previous highlights along with four excellent new songs and provides a fine introduction to a band that has been rocking for over 20 years! Duane Smith and Adrian Allen supply the songs, guitars and vocals assisted by bassist, Jeff Haley and drummer, Paul Di Renzo. Together they craft an addictive Power Pop sound of crisply constructed music featuring fuzz-soaked rhythm contrasted with biting lead guitar fills and tight harmony-filled choruses. "Sleeper", "Zaragoza" and "Goodbye Sally" are three examples of this formula but they are not one-trick-ponies. "Get It On" and "Angelina Jolie" are super-charged rockers and "Come Back to Me" is pop at it's prettiest. The wailing guitar and vocals of "She Don't Come Around" recall vintage Hoodoo Gurus (a very good thing)! These guys are still out there performing and recording, in fact the latest single "Bettie Page" may be their best yet! Kudos to Little Steven Van Zandt's Wicked Cool Records for making this music available in the United States and for promoting such a great band!
