Title: "Eminence Front"
Artist: The Who
Album: It's Hard, 1982
Written By: Pete Townshend
I know, I know. I pick a Who song from the Kenney Jones era, from one of their worst albums, and that Roger Daltrey doesn't even sing lead on. But you know, this song kicks ass. As you know from my Artist and Album lists of yore, The Who is one of my favorite bands. On my expanded Top 200, there are many Who songs, and ones that you might expect, like "Substitute," "Naked Eye," "The Seeker," "Won't Get Fooled Again," "Baba O'Riley" and so forth. But this last gasp stands right up with them. I saw the latterday Who most recently in 2007, and this was a highlight of the show. It has been consistently in their setlist ever since '82, while the rest of It's Hard was long ago tossed aside. Another of Pete's great synth grooves, the opening is what really gets me, with Pete's great solo. Also listen to John Entwistle's bass from about 2:55 on in the song. Incredible. As with many of Townshend's songs from the early 80's period (both Who and solo), I don't really know what he's singing about, but I really dig some of the songs. This was also the period where he was doing his best solo work.
BELOW: I like this video someone put up on YouTube. Great sound quality.
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14 comments:
Now I think you're just trying to bait us into a response. Seriously? Please educate the ignorant masses as to why this song is worthy of our time. Is it the Miami Vice keyboard intro or the nonsensical (and virtually nonexistent) repetitive lyrics? Thank you in advance for the education, wise one.
Agreed. This list is going off the rails.
Yes, seriously. I already explained its virtues in the post. If you don't like these synths, then I can't imagine you like them in "Baba O'Riley," "Who Are You," "Won't Get Fooled Again"...the other more celebrated Who tunes that feature synths, because I don't hear much difference. I have no idea what he's singing about. Most of Townshend's lyrics in the early 80's are a bit confusing (even to him, he's admitted). He was a huge cokehead during this period.
For me, it is all about the whole vibe of the song. What a killer groove. And the playing is outstanding (from Townshend throughout and from Entwistle from about 2:00 on).
And what's wrong with Miami Vice?
Come on, ANCIANT, help me out here. I know you're a fan of this song as well.
It's a groove. I agree. (Though the synth opening feels really dated in how it sounds -- WAY more than the other songs you mention.) But you're sharing just 24 songs with us, and this is one of them? That would make more sense if this was your "24 songs that people shouldn't forget just because they're not that well known." But on the Who this is like a slightly ill-fitting shirt. It's totally a groove. But it's like the 75th best Who song and the 50th best Bobby Womack song.
That said, I'm a big fan of subjectivity, especially with music. I just need a re-definition of this list, because I know this isn't your favorite Who song.
It's true that the sound quality on that is the best I've ever heard on Youtube.
Again, "best" and personal favorites are two very different things. Personal favorite Who tune? Yes, it always has been. Remember, for me, the music has always been more important to me than lyrics. You approach songs from a writer's perspective, I assume. That makes sense, it is your profession. But most of the time, I could care less what the lyrics are, unless they are incredibly bad. For me, the importance of a song is in the groove, the riff, the melody, the energy. Vocals are important, but lyrics...less so.
And, I've always been a fan of what I call "cinematic music." I don't mean soundtracks. I mean any song that, for whatever reason, conjures up certain strong moods or even visuals in my head. This one always has done that for me.
This is on par with listing "Yellow Submarine" as your favorite Beatles song or "Dancing in the Streets" as your favorite by Jagger or Bowie. The ignorant masses do not approve!
Does the radio version contain additional lyrics? Seems like the attached YouTube version is missing something.
The "Dancing in the Streets" reference is awesome. Well done.
I hate to agree with Dez about anything, but I too love this song. It's not classic Who, of course, but it's no less great for being so. (in fact, were Moon still around, his drum excesses might have spoiled this song). I'd submit this is one of the most awesome basslines in all of rock. (Worth listening to with speakers on, turned up, to catch the subtleties).
I'm trying to think of another Who song I like more. Not sure I can. 5:15? It's about a minute too long. "Baba O'Riley..." no, too one-dimensional (though still great). So, I'm with Dez on this.
At least there is one reader with taste.
The idea that a great bassline elevates this song to be called the Who's best by a big fan of theirs totally mystifies me. But that's what makes horse races. I'm not the huge Who fan, you are. If this is your favorite of theirs, so be it.
After wasting several minutes of my life listening to various versions of this song, I will revise my opinion to: what a f-ing waste of a bass line. The attached video with minimalist lyrics is actually better than the standard version, but the only one that provided any enjoyment whatsoever was a bass isolation video I found. Having completed my due diligence, I can honestly say that I wish to never hear this song again.
Besides, being on the opposite side from Dez and ANCIANT has to put me somewhere damn close to right.
I think one of the differences here may be the fact that ANCIANT and I are sometime musicians. Or, at least, we used to play. I'm not saying that to be snide, I think it legitimately explains, perhaps, our differences on this song. For musician-types, one of the reasons to listen to The Who is John Entwistle's bass. He is one of, if not the, greatest rock bassists. His bass lines are things of wonder.
But it is not just the bassline, obviously. The whole groove gets me every time. I love Townshend's playing on it, and yes, even his vocals. I'm a big fan of Townshend's voice, I probably like it more than Daltrey's.
Sometimes the ignorant masses are beyond edification, Ray. Strong pick.
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