For the Quadrophenia show, recorded when the Who toured the opera in 1996-97, there is a more elaborate stage presentation. Combining original film from the Quadrophenia movie with a newly filmed dramatic narrative, it has a young Alex Langdon playing the central role of Jimmy, the troubled Mod and central character. This is by far the better performance of the two. Despite the fact that The Who members are nearly ten years older — and Daltrey's voice is pretty well shot — the band sounds absolutely outstanding here.
John Entwhistle in particular here is just stunning. Of all The Who albums, Quadrophenia has always been the one where Entwhistle's bass parts were most dominant, and here he just shreds them to pieces.
The 5.1 audio mix of the DVD showcases his mastery of the four-string just beautifully, leaving you to ponder how The Who could possibly carry on without him. (The same way Who fans still wonder about Keith Moon.) Speaking of Moon, it takes only one drummer to take on that task here and Zak Starkey more than rises to the occasion.
The expanded band is also more effective here taking on Quadrophenia's more symphonic musical sweep. Instrumental passages like "The Rock" are as gorgeous and textured as they are on the original record, and Townshend even swings a few windmills during "Love Reign O'er Me." And Entwhistle's bass on tracks like "The Punk Meets The Godfather" is, as I mentioned, just amazing. Billy Idol is back here as The Ace Face for "Sea and Sand" and "Bell Boy." PJ Proby does a humorous vocal turn here as well as The Godfather of the storyline's Rockers.
Although Roger Daltrey strains noticeably hard to hit those high notes, the music is so strong here it more than covers for the vocal flaws. The Quadrophenia story of a troubled Mod growing up in swinging sixties London is also told more coherently here than it has ever been.
Again the key to appreciating either of these DVDs comes by lowering typical expectations. This is not the controlled mayhem most fans associate with The Who in concert. It does, however, represent a faithful, well-executed stage recreation of two of that band's most enduring works.
Article comments
1 - Glen Boyd
Thanks to Connie Phillips for getting this article up and looking fabulous this morning.
-Glen
2 - Terrence Kitt
I haven't cared about the Who much since Moon died. Even less so, since The Ox joined his comrade in R&R heaven. At least they had the decency to die before they got old. Townshend reminds me of everything My Generation promised he'd never become these days. But I always loved Quadrophenia, especially Entwhistle's wicked bass playing. I may check that DVD out. Tanks!
3 - Glen Boyd
TK,
The live Quadrophenia is more subdued than The Who concerts you probably remember. But the playing is superb...and Entwhistle is amazing (make sure you set up the audio for the 5.1). You've also gotta past the fact that Daltrey's voice is shot. But if you love Quadrophenis as much as I do, you'll definitely want this DVD.
Thanx for the comment!
-Glen