Original

This is one I remember buying at Village Records at the Tri-State Mall in late 1973. This two record set with a gatefold cover came with the album sized booklet with lyrics and great black and white photos to go along with the story. A storyline of the opera is written on the inside of the cover. The Who’s second Rock Opera after 1969’s Tommy this is their last really great record. The story of Jimmy a boy with 4 personalities. Each band member takes on one of the themes: “Bell Boy”(Moon),”Is It Me”(Entwistle), “Helpless Dancer”(Daltry) and “Love Reign O’er Me”(Townshend).The story takes place in London and Brighton Beach in the mid 60’s. The clash between Mods and Rockers forms a part of the plot. Jimmy eventually takes a boat at Brighton and rows to a rock in the water contemplating suicide. The last song “Love Reign O’er Me” is Jimmy’s cry for help with Daltry doing some of his best screaming. The story ends there. Some great songs on this record: “The Real Me”, “The Punk And The Godfather”, “I’m One”, “5:15” “Sea And Sand”, “Bell Boy” and “Dr. Jimmy”. There are two six minute instrumentals “Quadrophenia” and “The Rock” that contain the four themes. Really enjoyed listening to this one since I hadn’t played the whole album in a long time. This 50 year old record still sounds very good although there are a few pops and crackles as might be expected from a record that’s been played hundreds of times but the sound is very clear with good separation of highs and lows not like that crappy reissue of Who’s Next I have. The cover however is in bad shape although the booklet is still together.