I never lived in the decade in which The Who made their music, and I have no first-hand experience of the cultural climate. However, I still enjoyed The Who Sells Out.
I love the experimental quality of The Who's music. Each song stands alone, and adds to their theme, the triviality of most popular music, and blatant commercialization. I don't normally pay attention the lyrics on albums that I get, but these are such clever ones:
She ripped her glittering gown
Couldn't face another show, no
Her deodorant had let her down
She should have used Odorono
Odorono could have saved your day
Could have helped her to get the part
Odorono and he would have stay
To help her to save her heart.
The entire album is a light-hearted ode to triviality. The Who couldn't have done it if they hadn't somewhat surrendered to that mindset. The album is very effective because it does not have an obvious satiric edge. It is never bitter or biting, and it's the better for that.
Just for bonus, the record includes what is (arguably) The Who's greatest anthem-type number, 'I Can See For Miles and Miles'
After listening to this album a few times, you get the feeling that they can.
The Verdict: An enjoyable album that has aged well, with great songs and a great concept well executed. 5/5
Also check out: Petra Haden's brilliant all a capella cover.
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Cross-posted to Leoniceno's Corner
Article comments
1 - Vern Halen
The wonderful thing with Sell Out is that the songs can function as commercials and the commercials function as songs. After all, there are some who would say a radio hit or a video is nothing more than an advertisement to sell more units. ANd some commercials are so catchy they ought to be songs (ie., Juicy Fruit).
2 - Al Barger
At the time (1967), they wanted to actually sell ads on the album.
My personal fave here is "Tattoo." "I'm a man now I've met you."
3 - Leoniceno
Actually, I think they kind of did. They had the little 'Hold your group together with Rotosound strings,' and an add for Premier drums, which I'm sure netted them some free stuff.
4 - Al Barger
I've never heard of them actually getting anything like that, though I'd dig it if they did.
They were an unabashed "pop" group, what with all their gimmicks and "mod" imagery and such. As to cheesy Who commercial ploys, my favorite is "Little Billy" that landed on the Odds and Sods. It was an anti-smoking song that they intended to get the American Cancer Society or some such to put out as a PSA.
5 - Tom Johnson
This album continues to creep ahead as my favorite Who album. When I want the Who, I tend to pick this one. The original album lineup is incredible (the 90's remaster adds a bunch of non-album tracks that muddy up the concept a bit, but are nice to have nonetheless.) "Armenia City In The Sky" (Bob Mould's band, Sugar, did a killer cover of this in the 90s, available on Besides,) "Tattoo" (good call Al,) "Our Love Was, Is," "I Can See For Miles," and "I Can't Reach You" - all among my very favorite Who tracks, all gathered in the front half of this one album. They sure don't make them like this anymore.
6 - Vern Halen
Although I like pretty much everything by the Who, I don't think they were quite an album band yet - like most bands of their era, they were a singles band, always looking for the hit. There are some great compilations from this era, mostly import vinyl from the good old days. Their first four albums (I believe they are: Sell Out, Quick One, Magic Bus & My Generation) as good as they are, need to be supplemented with hits collections, particularly anything that has nuggets like The Last Time, Under My Thumb, Batman, Barbara Ann and Waspman(!). These help fill in the gaps, and make the case that the Who was right on the cutting edge in their time, right beside the biggest British groups of their era, the Beatles & the Stones.
7 - crooked spine
I've got a question about The Who, which isn't about Sell Out, but I figure this is a good place to ask...
In the credits to the film The Kids Are Alright, Rick Danko (of The Band) is named as appearing in the film. I can't figure out where he is in the movie. Does anybody know why he's listed in the credits?