The Who on Record: A Critical History, 19631998 [Library Binding]

John Atkins (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0786406097 | ISBN-13: 978-0786406098 | Publication Date: June 2000

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.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A thorough, intelligent guide" --Classic Images

"A scrupulous job...the text benefits greatly from Atkins' obvious love for his subject, which enhances its readability and ensures that tedium never sets in...a treat for the die-hard fan in its attention to detail...this book should enthrall any Who fan or anyone interested in the recording history of one of the greatest, most innovative bands in rock history. BOOK OF THE MONTH." --Record Collector. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

About the Author

John Atkins is the founder and coeditor of Generations, a Who journal, and was a consultant to the reactivation of The Who's back catalogue during the 1990s. He has contributed articles on The Who to Record Collector and Sparks and liner notes for recent Who concert programs, CD and video releases. He manages a community transport service for the disabled and elderly and lives in Lancaster, England.

Product Details

• Library Binding: 352 pages
• Publisher: McFarland & Company (June 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786406097
• ISBN-13: 978-0786406098
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,989,855 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Detailed look at The Who in the studio, August 11, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Who on Record: A Critical History, 19631998 (Library Binding)

An in-depth look at the recording sessions of The Who. This book corrects many release/recording dates etc. that other books on The Who have gotten wrong. A hust-have for hardcore fans. No pictures. Excellent discography. I would have given it 5 stars if it were organized like a reference book (like an encyclopedia) rather than the liner form (like a Biography) that it is in.

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Who Resource Book Ever, March 26, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Who on Record: A Critical History, 19631998 (Library Binding)

This book is the best book about the Who that I have ever read. Never has anybody taken the time to put all of this information down in one place. I feel that this book should have been out years ago and that every recording artist deserving a book like this to be written about their recording career should have the chance. If you don't have this book, get it now. It is the most helpful book that I've used about the Who ever. The price may seem a little steep but I would pay twice as much for this book. It is absolutely the greatest.

5.0 out of 5 stars A Brilliant Critique, January 31, 2007

By 

Painted Eye (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Who on Record: A Critical History, 19631998 (Library Binding)

This book offers an unforgiving, honest dissertation of the recording career of the Who. Though it may be not be entertaining for the casual fan, Mr. Atkins' layout combines nicely crafted, quite readable sentences with a careful description of each recorded song and its highlights. This is the first book I've seen that truly dissects this band's career from the very strong personalities of its members. Of course, those personalities and the live performances comprise the aura of what was this defining rock band, but the studio work of these artists is what we have for the future. Mr. Atkins' book celebrates that legacy without glossing over reality.