The Who - Meaty, Beaty, Big and Bouncy (Track 1971) 24-bit/96kHz Vinyl Rip

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 line up, 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 song writing 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 AMG.

Track listing:

A1. I Can't Explain

A2. The Kids Are Alright

A3. Happy Jack

A4. I Can See For Miles

A5. Pictures of Lily

A6. My Generation

A7. The Seeker

B1. Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere

B2. Pinball Wizard

B3. Legal Matter

B4. Boris The Spider

B5. Magic Bus

B6. Substitute

B7. I'm A Boy

Bonus from Track mono single 604023 (1968):

C1. Dogs

D1. Call Me Lightning

Produced by Kit Lambert except
A1, A2, A6, B1 & B3 produced by Shel Talmy.