Re: The Who Mailing List Digest V6 #71

[Oshangrl@aol.com]

I was recently asked why my favorite all time group was The Beatles and not
The Who (which is a close second).
I liked the comment that Howie made on Odds:
>Sorry guys.  Whatever we all think of Pete's solo stuff, it isn't even in

the same ballpark as McCartney's.  I think even the most diehard Pete fan

would have to concede that only Empty Glass was on a level of acceptance as

almost anything McCartney put out from 1970 through the early 80's, either

from a sales perspective or critical acclaim.<
I'm not a huge fan of Paul's solo work although I did like Maybe I'm Amazed
and a few others.  (John's songs were more my taste.)  
Okay...now for comparing apples with oranges...The Who and The Beatles. 
Both groups made incredible music for just having four members.  I believe
that both wouldn't have been as successful with any other combination ..call
it "destiny" that each member of the group complimented each other and when
one was taken away...such as Moon and Lennon...then it could never be the same
again.
That both bands created some sort of "magic" when they were together.  Both
Ringo and Keith were  fun-loving types (in fact they were good friends).
However,  Ringo's best contribution to the group was his ability to produce
such good "time" and intricate little drum riff's that to the average person
went un-noticed.  The Beatles, as performers, didn't have to use any shall we
say "gimicks" to gain popularity.  When they performed the excitement was just
there..for some reason.  The Who, on the other had to take it a step furthur
to get the public's attention ..the smashing of guitars..the Chuck Berry dance
steps, the swinging of the microphone...But...what 
was so great about using those gimicks it sort of came natural to their
music...because of their high energy level.  When you went to a Who concert
not only were you getting entertained by their music you were getting
theatrics too!
I totally agree with you that Pete is a musical genius..but The Beatles had
two members that were....which made their music more versatile.   When a
Beatles album came out...you could feel safe in knowing that you could buy it
without even hearing all of the tracks and that every song would be quality.
The only albums that The Who did that every track was superb was Next, Tommy
and Quad. (Although some of the others came real close).  The
Beatles...HARMONY...wow...no other rock and roll band has ever come close!
Their ability to write love songs as well as songs such as A Day in The Life.
They  also had that little advantage of being the first...the first to bring
philosophy to rock'n'roll (however we must give some credit to Dylan..he was
the first to bring the electric sound to folk..then the Beatles made it really
happen)  well...anyway...you know that old saying about opinions....opinions
are like assholes...everybody has one!
Denise