The Who – Meaty Beaty Big And Bouncy
Meaty Beaty Big And Bouncy (1971)
A+
1. I Can’t Explain 2. The Kids Are Alright 3. Happy Jack 4. I Can See For Miles 5. Pictures Of Lily 6. My Generation 7. The Seeker 8. Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere 9. Pinball Wizard 10. A Legal Matter 11. Boris The Spider 12. Magic Bus 13. Substitute 14. I’m A Boy
Would it be all right if I just skipped all the high-falutin’ rationalizin’ and just cut to the chase? That being: this might be the greatest compilation album of all time. I don’t really think I have to explain myself on this one. Just look at that fucking tracklist. I mean, “My Generation” is the worst song on this thing. Talk about stacked. Besides, I’m tired. It was hot as a motherfucker today and you’d be tired too if you had to walk through an oven just a goddamned sandwich from Subway.
OK, OK, I can give you more. I’m a giver. Which is why when I see people break dancing on the subway, instead of giving them money I fantasize about tripping them as they flip through the air oh so close to my foot. In any case, MBB&B (which sounds like a disgusting sandwich comprised of mayonnaise, bacon, butter, and beets) is a collection of all the early Who singles. All the best ones, anyway. Including a bunch of really awesome tunes that weren’t on the albums, like the first Who single, “I Can’t Explain,” which is, way, way up there in the pantheon of debut singles. Influenced by the early Kinks, sure, but FUCK. It’s like, the ideal 2-minute rock song. Not too pop, not too rock. Just right. Likewise, Pete says 1966’s “Substitute” was inspired by the Stones’ “19th Nervous Breakdown,” but transcends it. Great riff. Great lyrics. Man, I just love these songs. They’re catchy and funny. There’s songs about masturbation (“Pictures Of Lily”), transgendered kids (“I’m A Boy”), and a bouncy skiffle tune about Roger trying to buy a car (“Magic Bus”). “The Seeker” is even on here – the pseudo-philosophizing rock single that has been largely forgotten due its release being sandwiched in between Tommy and Who’s Next, but that I have always loved dearly. Plus a bunch of other awesome songs that I’ve already talked about in previous reviews. Get this album, even if all you listen to is Skrillex. In fact, especially if all you listen to is Skrillex.