Who Meaty Beaty Big & Bouncy CD - Import

All songs written by Peter Townshend except "Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere" (Peter Townshend/Roger Daltrey).

This rare collection features 14 classics from the Who's early days, recorded from 1965 to 1969.

Meaty Beaty Big and Bouncy has the distinction of being the first in a long line of Who compilations. It also has the distinction of being the best. Part of the reason why it is so successful is that it has an actual purpose. Meaty was designed as a collection of the group's singles, many of which never appeared on albums. The Who recorded their share of great albums during the '60s, but condensing their highlights to just the singles is an electrifying experience. "The Kids Are Alright" follows "I Can't Explain," "I Can See for Miles" bleeds into "Pictures of Lily" and "My Generation," "Magic Bus" gives way to "Substitute" and "I'm a Boy" -- it's an extraordinary lineup, and each song builds on its predecessor's power. Since it was released prior to Who's Next, it contains none of the group's album rock hits, but that's for the best -- their '60s singles have a kinetic, frenzied power that the louder, harder AOR cuts simply couldn't touch. Also, there is such a distinct change in sound with Who's Next that the two eras don't quite sound right on one greatest-hits collection, as My Generation and Who's Better, Who's Best proved. By concentrating on the early years -- when the Who were fresh and Pete Townshend was developing his own songwriting identity -- Meaty Beaty Big and Bouncy is musically unified and incredibly powerful. This is what the Who sounded like when they were a great band. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Deleted in the U.S. since MCA overhauled their entire backcatalog & released the comprehensive 'The Very Best Of TheWho', this is a 1985 reissue of their hit 1971 singles compfeaturing 14 classics from 1965-1969. Includes 'I Can't Explain', 'Happy Jack', 'Pinball Wizard', 'My Generation','The Magic Bus', 'Substitute' and 'The Kids Are Alright'.

A collection of singles from the band's career through 1971.

Originally released on Decca (79184) in November 1971.

The Who: Roger Daltrey (vocals), Pete Townshend (guitar, vocals), John Entwistle (bass, vocals), Keith Moon (drums).