The Who on Record: A Critical History, 1963-1998

More than just a biography or discography, this work is a thoroughly detailed guide to the recorded works of the legendary British rock and roll group The Who. From their early hits of the 1960s ("I Can't Explain" and "My Generation") through the ambitious concept works (Tommy, Lifehouse, Quadrophenia) to their later successes, this work encompasses the entire range of The Who's music. The chronological narrative stretches from their beginnings in West London in the early 1960s to their international superstar status through the 1970s and 1980s. Each phase of the band's recording career is given detailed coverage, along with historical background notes and a critical analysis of every known Who recording. Many previously uncovered facts are incorporated into the text, and the author has been able to glean exclusive information from The Who's archives. Unrealized Who projects such as the Lifehouse film, as well as many unreleased performances, are discussed and analyzed for the first time in print. Finally, the work contains a definitive discography of currently available CDs and an exhaustive appendix of every known Who song with relevant recording information.