The Real Me

[RAM]

Originally posted by Philbiker
The studio version is no slouch either.

No, it's definitely not!

[Steve Holroyd]

You people are being too charitable towards the 1997 reissue. The remix is horrible, a complete eradication of everything that made the record such a pleasure to listen to on a sonic level. The mix is much drier, the bass less punchy. New "producer" Jon Astley (PT's brother-in-law, by the way) mixes out vocals (a "can you see" is now gone from "The Real Me" during the break), deletes horns ("5:15" noticeably), and basically does whatever he wants.

He didn't stop at Quadrophenia--Who Are You, for example, uses completely different drum and guitar tracks. On Odds and Sods he put on a scrapped take of "Young Man Blues" (studio) because he didn't realize that it wasn't the "finished" version released on a sample record.

Feh.

As far as live Quadrophenia...for 5 years now it's been rumored that a double disc set from the original Quad tour, recorded in Philly and Dc in 1973 for a King Biscuit broadcast, is going to be released. I have an old boot, called Tales From The Who, which has most of the material...pretty good, although you can hear the band struggle with the backing tapes. Moon's vocal on "Bell Boy" is hysterical.

(By the way...does anyone else think that PT plays the drums on "Quadrophenia" and "The Rock"? They sound like Townshend demos, with Entwistle dubbing on top. They don't have any of Moonie's fire or spirit, and are pretty disciplined. It's not inconceivable...I think every piano piece on the album was taken directly from PT demos.)

[hitman9696]

Originally posted by Steve Holroyd

I like what you said about the recording. I have no idea how the old recording was, but I believe you. For some reason, they just make things worse. Don't get me wrong, sometimes they get it, but other times, they don't.

I would love to hear Quadrophenia Live. I would definitlely get it if it comes out.

Again, that album is my favorite of all time. It has touched me on every level. Long Live The Who...

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[Fuzzbass]

Just wanted to throw my 2¢ in to agree that The Real Me is indeed a masterpiece... hitman, you did a nice job of describing it. First time I heard that tune I was completely floored, and like you it thrills me just as much today.

On the subject of remixes: I agree that they're often botched, but I was pretty impressed with "The Who: The Ultimate Collection" compilation. Features a lot of Ox' great lines with The Who, even lesser known ones (relatively) such as Eminence Front and Call Me Lightning.

[hitman9696]

Originally posted by RAM
Ever hear the live version of "Dreamin' From the Waist?"

Oh yeah.... What a performance. It is on the "The Who By Numbers" album.

What I do with that track is that I pan it left and just enjoy the work of Entwistle and Moon. I mean, really there isn't any other rhythm section quite like this one. It's really special. The way they click is just beautiful to listen.

[hitman9696]

Originally posted by Fuzzbass
Just wanted to throw my 2¢ in to agree that The Real Me is indeed a masterpiece... hitman, you did a nice job of describing it. First time I heard that tune I was completely floored, and like you it thrills me just as much today.

Thanks! It's sooo cool to interact with people who feel the same way!

[neptoon]

Originally posted by hitman9696
For me, John Entwistle literally spoke to me with this bass line. He talked, he sang, he screamed, he displayed all of his emotions, and all this with his bass.

and i bet he did it all without moving or changing the expression on his face