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Song of the Week #88 – “I Can’t Explain”

admin — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 09:41:41 +0000

The Who’s debut single “I Can’t Explain” is Song of the Week on Classic Pop Icons.

“I Can’t Explain” was released on single in December 1964 in the US and month later in the UK, backed with “Bald Headed Woman.” The song didn’t appear on an album until “Meaty, Beaty, Big And Bouncy” in 1971.

The Who were originally The Detours, but changed their name to The Who in early 1964 after it emerged that there was already an American band called The Detours.

Under the influence of publicist and manager Pete Meaden, the band made a conscious effort to appeal to the Mod scene. Meaden also convinced the band to change their name to The High Numbers, which was a short-lived decision as The High Numbers one and only single (“Zoot Suit” b/w “I’m the Face”) was not a success. It was during an appearance as The High Numbers that the band was seen by the management team of Kit Lambert and Chris Stamp, who were looking to make a film that would chart a band’s road to success. Lambert and Stamp decided that The High Numbers would fit the bill, but with the proviso that their name was changed back to The Who. A wise choice.

A big turning point for The Who came when Townshend’s home demo of “I Can’t Explain” was heard by American producer Shel Talmy, who had recently worked with the Kinks on their hard rock classic “You Really Got Me.” The demo was enough to convince Talmy of The Who’s potential and a deal with Brunswick Records followed shortly afterwards.

Townshend is on record as saying that the Kinks’ “You Really Got Me” was a big influence when he was writing “I Can’t Explain,” so Talmy was a good fit to produce The Who’s early material, including “I Can’t Explain.” When interviewed by Richie Unterberger, Talmy wasn’t shy about highlighting the impact that he had on The Who’s early sound:

“I had always felt that the so-called Who sound, on record at any event, was a good deal my creation. And I don’t think that’s an ego trip. All you have to do is listen to the record they did before I was with them, the High Numbers record ["I'm The Face"/"Zoot Suit"], and compare the difference. And I certainly felt that after I stopped recording them, they weren’t being recorded nearly as well. But I’m probably prejudiced (laughs).”

As important as Talmy’s influence was on the recording, plaudits must of course go to Pete Townshend for writing the song in the first place. In the 2007 documentary “Amazing Journey – The Story of The Who,” Roger Daltrey spoke of his admiration for Townshend’s songwriting on “I Can’t Explain”:

“On the surface what appears to be a frilly little pop song is a much much bigger statement. ‘I’ve got a feeling inside, I can’t explain.’ And you could see that Townshend as a writer had huge potential because he wasn’t going the normal way that pop songs go. It was going internal.”

It’s very evident on “I Can’t Explain” that all the gigging had paid off and The Who were now a very tight band who were beginning to craft a very distinctive style. The addition of Keith Moon to the band in early 1964 had been an important factor in that regard, because his manic style supported and at times prompted John Entwistle’s wandering bass work and Townshend’s explosive guitar style. With Daltrey’s powerful and passionate vocals added to the mix, the band were a force to be reckoned with.

Rock critic, Dave Marsh, summed up The Who’s early musical prowess when in 1976 (Rolling Stone – October 7, 1976 edition) he reflected on the profound impact that “I Can’t Explain” had on him when first released:

“Guitars cracked like whips, drums pounded like heads against walls, and the vocals were right out of the asylum: sandpaper on top of cotton candy. That was all there was, but it was enough to take my breath away…”

“Twelve years later, those three angry minutes still seem the best argument that the Who are the pinnacle of rock and roll achievement.”

The Who – “I Can’t Explain”

Authorship

“I Can’t Explain” was written by Pete Townshend.

Recording date/location

“I Can’t Explain” was recorded in November 1964 at IBC Studios, London, England.

Musicians

The following musicians played on “I Can’t Explain”:

Roger Daltrey – lead vocals
Pete Townshend – lead and rhythm 12-string guitar
John Entwistle – bass guitar
Keith Moon – drums
Perry Ford – piano
Jimmy Page – rhythm six-string guitar
John Carter and Ken Lewis (The Ivy League) – backing vocals.

John Carter and Ken Lewis were busy session singers who would go on to have a hit with “Let’s Go To San Francisco” as The Flower Pot Men. They had been brought into the session by Shel Talmy, as explained by Roger Daltrey in a 1994 interview for Goldmine Magazine:

“Shel Talmy didn’t think that Pete’s lead guitar playing was up to it and he didn’t think our backing vocals were up to it. He was right about the backing vocals (laughs). And obviously in those days you weren’t in overdub facilities. You made the record and that was it. So if you wanted to put a solo on you had to do it when you were doing the record.”

Despite Talmy’s reservations, the great lead guitar part was indeed played by Townshend on his 12-string Rickenbacker.

Future Yardbirds and Led Zeppelin guitar legend, Jimmy Page, was a popular session guitarist in this period and had previously worked on a Talmy-produced session with the Kinks.

Chart performance

“I Can’t Explain” peaked at number eight on the UK singles chart on April 17, 1965. It was less successful in the US, only reaching number 93 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Covers

Oscar and the Majestics – “I Can’t Explain”

Oscar and the Majestics’ 1966 garage rock cover of “I Can’t Explain” is notable for Oscar Hamod’s use of fuzz tone guitar and the energetic drumming from Johnny Topa. This lacks the bite of the original, but it is a good recording.

The Scorpions – “I Can’t Explain”

German rockers, The Scorpions, recorded “I Can’t Explain” for the 1989 charity album “Stairway to Heaven/Highway to Hell” and it also appeared on their 1989 compilation “Best of Rockers ‘n’ Ballads.” The typical 1980s hard rock production gives this a beefier sound than the original and all concerned give a good performance. However, there is also a predictability about the execution in that it’s exactly how you would expect a late 1980s hard rock interpretation of the song to sound.

There will be a new Song of the Week on January 16.

“I Can’t Explain” is available on an expanded edition of The Who’s first album “My Generation” and a number of compilations, including last year’s “Greatest Hits.”

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Pete Townshend launches “Quadrophenia – The Director’s Cut”

admin — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 21:53:54 +0000

A select audience gathered at London’s Bush Hall last night to celebrate the launch of The Who’s “Quadrophenia – The Director’s Cut” with Pete Townshend.

The Who’s guitarist and songwriter was interviewed by Mojo’s Phil Alexander and then performed an acoustic set featuring the songs “Drowned,” “Acid Queen,” “Corrina Corrina” and “I’m One.”

Townshend provided an insight into the writing and recording of “Quadrophenia,” which he regards as “the last great…and the most fully formed album by The Who.” He also explained how the central character of the album, Jimmy, was intended to capture characteristics of each of The Who’s four members.

The Quadrophenia Director’s cut launch night

Pete Townshend spent six months of this year going through The Who’s archives to assemble the “Quadrophenia – The Director’s Cut” box set.

The five disc set includes a remaster of the original album, Pete Townshend’s previously unheard demos, an exclusive eight track 5.1 sound DVD, a deluxe hardback book, previously unseen personal notes, photographs, memorabilia and other exclusive material.

Townshend appeared on Later with Jools Holland on November 1, promoting the Quadrophenia release by performing the song “I’m One”:

Pete Townshend – “I’m One”

“Quadrophenia – The Director’s Cut” will also be released as a standalone vinyl edition. Both can be pre-ordered now from:

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Classic Rock Roll of Honour 2011

admin — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 18:35:24 +0000

Jeff Beck, Queen and Roger Waters were among the veteran artists honoured at the Classic Rock Roll of Honour awards last night. The event took place at the Roundhouse in Camden, London, and was hosted by KISS bassist, Gene Simmons.

Queen received the “Best Reissue” award for the remastered reissues of their final five albums: “The Works,” “A Kind of Magic,” “The Miracle,” “Innuendo” and “Made in Heaven.”

Roger Waters’ received the Event of the Year award for his “The Wall Live Tour” which continues with another North American leg next year.

The Classic Album award went to The Who for “Quadrophenia,” a week in advance of the highly anticipated “Quadrophenia: The Director’s Cut” release.

Deep Purple received The Innovator Award for their contribution to music and Jeff Beck was presented with The Living Legend award by Queen drummer, Roger Taylor.

Here’s the full list of award winners:

Event of the Year – Roger Waters’ “The Wall Live Tour”
Breakthrough Act of the Year – Black Country Communion
The Spirit of Prog – Jethro Tull
The Innovator Award – Deep Purple
Musicians’ Union Maestro Award – Steve Winwood
Tommy Vance Inspiration award – Steve Marriott
Classic Songwriter – Manic Street Preachers
Outstanding Contribution – Bob Ezrin
Metal Guru Award -The Scorpions
Classic Album Award – The Who “Quadrophenia”
VIP Award – Baron Wolman
Best New Band – Vintage Trouble
Album of the Year – Michael Monroe for “Sensory Overdrive”
Re-issue of the Year – Queen for reissues of their final five albums
Film/DVD Award – Lemmy for “Lemmy”
Band of the Year – Foo Fighters
The Living Legend Award – Jeff Beck.

Quadrophenia Exhibition to celebrate box set release

admin — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 18:11:00 +0000

Last night saw the launch of the Quadrophenia Exhibition at the Pretty Green store on London’s Carnaby Street.

The Quadrophenia Exhibition features artifacts relating to the classic album, including Pete Townshend’s notes, diaries, photos and original lyrics. Vespa have also provided a scooter that has been made to look like the legendary GS from the album shoot, and this will be presented as a competition prize.

The Exhibitiion opening hours are:

Mon-Wed, Fri and Sat – 10.00-19.00
Thu – 10.00-20.00
Sun – 12.00-18.00.

Pretty Green is located at 57 Carnaby Street, London W1F 9QF.

The Quadrophenia Exhibition coincides with the release of the “”Quadrophenia: The Director’s Cut” box set.

The five disc set will include a re-master of the original album, Pete Townshend’s previously unheard demos, an exclusive eight track 5.1 sound DVD, a deluxe hardback book, previously unseen personal notes, photographs, memorabilia and other exclusive material.

“Quadrophenia – The Director’s Cut” promo

Quadrophenia – The Director’s Cut” is released on 15 November in the US and Canada, and the day before in the UK. It can be pre-ordered now:

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Music legends feature on the “Bridge School Benefit Concerts – 25th Anniversary Edition”

admin — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 10:43:22 +0000

Reprise Records will release CD and DVD sets of “The Bridge School Benefit Concerts – 25th Anniversary Edition” on October 24.

The compilations feature live performances from some of the biggest stars to have appeared at the annual Bridge School Benefit Concerts, including Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, David Bowie, Simon and Garfunkel, The Who, James Taylor, Pearl Jam and R.E.M.

The Bridge School Benefit Concerts are organised by Neil Young and his wife Pegi to benefit the Bridge School, which is a school for children with special needs. This year’s show takes place over two days on October 22 and October 23. Artists scheduled to perform include Neil Young, Dave Matthews, Arcade Fire, Eddie Vedder, Diana Krall, Beck, Mumford & Sons and more.

The 3-DVD edition of the set contains the following performances:

Disc 1

“Born In The USA” – Bruce Springsteen
“People Have The Power” – Patti Smith
“Better Man” – Pearl Jam
“Heroes” – David Bowie
“There Will Be a Light” – Ben Harper
“Girl From The North Country” – Bob Dylan
“Country Feedback” – R.E.M.
“Love Hurts” – Emmylou Harris & Buddy Miller
“Blue Ridge Mountains” – Fleet Foxes
“The Road Is My Middle Name” – Bonnie Raitt
“Rebel Yell” – Billy Idol.

Disc 2

“Surfin’ USA” – Brian Wilson
“The Way It Will Be” – Gillian Welch
“Sense of Purpose” – The Pretenders
“Fire and Rain” – James Taylor
“America” – Simon and Garfunkel
“Shadow of a Doubt” – Tom Petty
“Too Much” – Dave Matthews
“Crime In The City” – Neil Young
“16 Shells From a Thirty-Ought Six” – Tom Waits
“A Dream Come True” – Elton John & Leon Russell
“Get Back” – Paul McCartney
“Disposable Heroes” – Metallica
“Won’t Get Fooled Again” – The Who.

Disc 3

Documentaries:

Backstage at the Bridge School Benefit Concert
The Bridge School Story
Special Feature – Student/Artist Interviews.

The 2-CD edition contains the following tracks:

Disc 1

“Born In The USA” – Bruce Springsteen
“Too Much” – Dave Matthews
“Magic’s In The Makeup” – No Doubt
“Gone” – Jack Johnson
“Blue Ridge Mountains” – Fleet Foxes
“Love And Only Love” – Neil Young and Crazy Horse
“Rain on Tin” – Sonic Youth
“Better Man” – Pearl Jam
“The Way It Will Be” – Gillian Welch
“Country Feedback” – R.E.M. and Neil Young
“The Great Divide” – Willie Nelson
“Cry Just a Little” – Nils Lofgren.

Disc 2

“Elsewhere” – Sarah McLachlan
“Get Back” – Paul McCartney
“A Dream Come True” – Elton John & Leon Russell
“Marry Song” – Band Of Horses
“Disposable Heroes” – Metallica
“After The Gold Rush” – Thom Yorke
“The Difficult Kind” – Sheryl Crow
“Maybe This Time” – Tony Bennett
“Déjà Vu” – CSNY
“Jesus, Etc” – Norah Jones
“I Was Dancing In The Lesbian Bar” – Jonathan Richman
“Surfin’ USA” – Brian Wilson
“Won’t Get Fooled Again” – The Who.

The vinyl edition features the same content as the CD edition.

You can pre-order “The Bridge School Benefit Concerts – 25th Anniversary Edition” now. Only the CD version is available in the UK.

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The Who to headline Olympic closing show?

admin — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 20:06:00 +0000

The Who will headline the closing ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics, according to the Daily Mirror.

Roger Daltrey and Pete Townsend were reportedly asked to play at the event by Take That producer Kim Gavin, who is in charge of the ceremony.

According to the Daily Mirror, a source close to the band said:

“When you’ve been around as long as The Who it can seem like you’ve seen and done it all. But the opportunity to play the biggest show on earth was too good to turn down, and Roger and Pete are delighted to be involved.”

The event will coincide with The Who’s 50th anniversary, which may be celebrated with a tour.

UPDATE (29 Aug, 2011) – The Who have since denied that they will be playing the Olympic closing show. A post on their official Facebook page reads:

“Official: recent stories in the press regarding a performance by The Who at the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games in London next year are NOT TRUE.”

This November will see the release of a deluxe edition of The Who’s “Quadrophenia” album, which was originally released in 1973.

The five disc “Quadrophenia – The Director’s Cut” will include a re-master of the original album, Pete Townshend’s previously unheard demos, an exclusive eight track 5.1 sound DVD, a deluxe hardback book, previously unseen personal notes, photographs, memorabilia and other exclusive material.

“Quadrophenia – The Director’s Cut” can be pre-ordered now:

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Test your knowledge of the British Invasion bands

admin — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 07:19:32 +0000

Welcome to the first Classic Pop Icons “Rock and Pop Quiz.” This week’s quiz focusses on the British Invasion bands of the 1960s.

For each of the 20 questions, you are asked to choose the correct answer from four possibilities. Once all 20 have been selected, click the “See results” button to find out how well you did.

Townshend announces deluxe “Quadrophenia” set

admin — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 18:04:56 +0000

Pete Townshend has revealed that a deluxe edition of the classic album “Quadrophenia” is scheduled for release in October.

The original “Quadrophenia” double album was released in 1973 and reached number two on the US and UK album charts. A film based on the album was released in 1979 and has a sizable cult following.

Speaking on The Who’s blog, Townshend said:

“I am shut away in my home studio at the moment working to restore the demos of Quadrophenia. Bob Pridden is doing surround-sound mixes of selected tracks. Jon Astley is remastering the original vinyl mix, and evaluating his own 1996 remix (the one where you can properly hear Roger’s astonishing vocals). I am sitting in a pile of notes, desk diaries, photos (I took a lot of my own between 1971-1973 when Quadrophenia emerged), original lyrics and writing liner notes.

…This package, due in October if all goes well, is another Live at Leeds and Hull – or even another Lifehouse Chronicles – in the making. You are going to love it.”

With Townsend inviting comparisons with the 4-CD “Live at Leeds” and 6-CD “Lifehouse Chronicles” titles, “Quadrophenia” promises to be a comprehensive and impressive release.

Daltrey taking “Tommy” on the road

admin — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 12:48:13 +0000

Roger Daltrey will perform The Who’s legendary rock opera “Tommy” on a UK tour this July.

Daltrey won praise from fans and critics alike when he premiered the show at the Royal Albert Hall in March in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Pete Townshend will not be on the tour, but his brother Steve will play in Daltrey’s band, along with Frank Simes (guitar), Scott Deavours (drums), Jon Button (bass) and Loren Gold (keyboards).

Townshend has given his full support to the tour:

“Great to see Roger performing TOMMY with his band in 2011. I will be there in spirit and Roger has my complete and most loving support. Roger is touring his unique concert version of TOMMY using his faithful presentation of the original work as the backbone for a set of wider material. It is wonderful to hear the way Roger and his new band re-interpret the old Who songs.”

The following dates are confirmed for the Roger Daltrey tour:

3 July – Ragley Hall, Alchester
4 July – Sage, Gateshead
6 July – Clyde Auditorium, Glasgow
7 July – Bridgewater Hall, Manchester
9 July – Royal Centre, Nottingham
10 July – Newport Centre, Newport
12 July – Colston Hall, Bristol
13 July – Cliffs Pavillion, Southend
15 July – Guilfest, Guildford
16 July – Broadlands, Hampshire
17 July – Ripley House, Harrogate
19 July – City Hall, Hull
21 July – Indigo O2, London
22 July, Blicking Hall, Norwich
24 July – Powderham Castle, Exeter.

Click here for Roger Daltrey ticket information.

The Ultimate Music Guide: The Who

admin — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 18:01:54 +0000

Uncut’s latest Ultimate Music Guide pays tribute to The Who.

The 148-page volume features interviews with the band from the archives of the NME and Melody Maker, new reviews of every Who album, rare photographs and an introduction by Pete Townshend in which he claims that he wishes he had never joined a band.

Townshend states:

“What would I have done differently? I would never have joined a band. Even though I am quite a good gang member and a good trooper on the road, I am bad at creative collaboration.”

“I would have made a much more effective solo performer and producer working the way Brian Eno has worked. I would be less physically damaged today. My ears, right wrist and shoulder would work more efficiently. In all other respects I am in extremely good shape.”

You can buy “The Ultimate Music Guide: The Who” at Uncut.co.uk

Click the banner below for official Who merchandise, including clothing, books, collectibles and music.