"A definitive tome for both Who fans and newcomers alike" - Q Magazine
Pete Townshend was once asked how he prepared himself for The Who's violent live performances. His answer? 'Pretend you're in a war.' For a band as prone to furious infighting as it was notorious for acts of 'auto-destructive art' this could have served as a motto.
Between 1964 and 1969 The Who released some of the most dramatic and confrontational music of the decade, including 'I Can't Explain', 'My Generation' and 'I Can See For Miles'. This was a body of work driven by bitter rivalry, black humour and dark childhood secrets, but it also held up a mirror to a society in transition. Now, acclaimed rock biographer Mark Blake goes in search of its inspiration to present a unique perspective on both The Who and the sixties.
From their breakthrough as Mod figureheads to the rise and fall of psychedelia, he reveals how The Who, in their explorations of sex, drugs, spirituality and class, refracted the growing turbulence of the time. He also lays bare the colourful but crucial role played by their managers, Kit Lambert and Chris Stamp. And - in the uneasy alliance between art-school experimentation and working-class ambition - he locates the motor of the Swinging Sixties.
As the decade closed, with The Who performing Tommy in front of 500,000 people at the Woodstock Festival, the 'rock opera' was born. In retrospect, it was the crowning achievement of a band who had already embraced pop art and the concept album; who had pioneered the power chord and the guitar smash; and who had embodied - more so than any of their peers - the guiding spirit of the age: war.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
'Blake gives new reasons to appreciate the angst and theory behind The Who’s music'
***** 'A definitive tome for both Who fans and newcomers alikeâ??
"A compelling read...and a story told with unflinching care and infectious enthusiasm."
'Pretend Youâ??re In A War wastes no time in parachuting you directly into the combat zone'
'A rollicking and insightful tale'
â??the quality of research and analysis here is unsurprisingly of the highest standardâ?¿ a superb biographyâ??
'Blake gives new reasons to appreciate the angst and theory behind The Whoâ??s music'
'puts other Who books in the shade'Â
***** 'A definitive tome for both Who fans and newcomers alike’
'puts other Who books in the shade'Â
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Shipping:
US$ 3.99
Within U.S.A.
Book Description Paperback. Condition: New. New item in gift quality condition. 99% of orders arrive in 4-10 days. Discounted shipping on multiple books. Seller Inventory # mon0001229902
Book Description Condition: New. Book is in NEW condition. 0.79. Seller Inventory # 178131523X-2-1
Book Description Condition: New. New! This book is in the same immaculate condition as when it was published 0.79. Seller Inventory # 353-178131523X-new
Book Description Paperback. Condition: new. New. Fast Shipping and good customer service. Seller Inventory # Holz_New_178131523X
Book Description Condition: New. . Seller Inventory # 52GZZZ00VUMH_ns
Book Description Paperback. Condition: New. Seller Inventory # SKU9781781315231
Book Description Condition: new. Seller Inventory # FrontCover178131523X
Book Description Paperback. Condition: new. Buy for Great customer experience. Seller Inventory # GoldenDragon178131523X
Book Description Paperback. Condition: new. New. Seller Inventory # Wizard178131523X
Book Description Paperback. Condition: new. New Copy. Customer Service Guaranteed. Seller Inventory # think178131523X