It's May, 15, the traditional holiday I've just invented that celebrates the best rock album ever, The Who's Quadrophenia. Just as it's obligatory to go to church on Christmas, blow off your thumb lighting fireworks on the Fourth of July, and egg a liberal's house on Halloween, on May 15 it's good form to listen to the song 5:15. The truly devoted listen to 5:15 on 5/15 at 5:15. Others celebrate 5/15 by riding around on scooters, beating up people they perceive as "rockers," and proclaiming themselves the "ace face." Here's wishing you a fabulous 5/15 with five choice cuts from Quadrophenia:

The Real Me
The Punk and the Godfather
Sea and Sand
Love Reign O'er Me
Cut My Hair

Out of my brain on the train??

Still have the original vinyl for this and will have to dig it out for a complete listen. I think missed a lot is how good a bassist Entwhistle was. Especially on “The Real Me”.

I actually think the absence of John Entwistle on "Endless Wire" was more conspicuous than the absence of Keith Moon on "Face Dances"--he was that important to the Who sound. You're right that "The Real Me," along with "My Generation," really show off his talents as a bass player. Overlooked, I think, are his talents as a songwriter, which are on display best in the Who's later albums. "Success Story," "The Quiet One," "905," "It's Your Turn," and "One at a Time" are my favorites. I don't think he has a writing credit on Quadrophenia, though.

If you listen to Baba O'Riley, you hear more lead bass than lead guitar on that song. His use of the bass chord is pronounced. Along with some intricate bass plucking as well.

You are a very perceptive Who listener. Aside from the lead bass you mention, is that also Entwhisle's bass accompanying the piano in the intro of Baba O'Riley?

Yes. That's what, kind of, makes it one of his numerous highlight numbers.

Entwhistle was phenomenal! Great tradition, Dan. I usually get home ~ 5:10, which gives me time to mix a drink and cue up for 5:15. BTW, does anyone remember Mel Shaeffer from Grand Funk and Gary Thain (RIP) from Uriah Heep. Three great examples of finger style bassists that could absolutely rip but were also melodic.

Among Entwhisle's contributions to bass: Helped inspire and develop active bass pickups(which, along with his round wound strings, helped give that "lead bass" tone) and strings which allow the player to de-tune to C without too much string rattle.

RIP OX-Man!

Good call on Entwistle's contributions. He was an innovator and set the tone for many contemporary and modern day bassists. Was also adept on the french horn, piano and pretty good on the synthesizer as well.

Great call on an all but forgotten GF. Excellent bass work and integral to their music overall.

Great stuff. I was in pain trying to learn "Closer to Home" on a P-Bass (I was only 10). "Black Licorice" almost killed me.

The Ox' stuff is difficult not only because of the two handed dexterity involved but the enormous hand strength necessary. Whatever "it" is he had it.

I recently downloaded a Zep guitar catalog, and I'll be damned how easy Jimmy P. makes it sound. Not easy stuff to play. Considering the talent that these guys have is humbling.

Little piece of music trivia: Jimmy Page is the most recorded guitarist in history.