British music legends The Who are set to launch an expansive re-issue of their 1967 album ‘The Who Sell Out’.
Beginning as a trad jazz group, The Who eventually became Mod heroes acting as the house band at The Marquee club. Debut album ‘My Generation’ was a tribute to their speed fuelled origins, while follow up ‘A Quick One’ marked the emergence of Pete Townshend as a major songwriting force.
It was on their third album, however, that The Who really began to break ground. In a year dominated by concept albums The Who would take a typically sardonic view, organising theirs as a pastiche of the pirate radio stations then operating off the coast of Britain.
With its fake commercials and jingles, the album was a wry observation of the pop culture The Who themselves had helped inspire. It’s memorable sleeve included each member advertising a product, with singer Roger Daltrey sitting in a bath of baked beans.
The album spawned hit single ‘I Can See For Miles’. When questioned on whether drug use had influenced his writing Townshend demurred, stating it was a song about a man with exceptionally good eyesight.
Containing remastered mono/stereo versions of the album, as well as rarities such as an early version of ‘Summertime Blues’ and instrumental ‘Sodding About’, it sees an often overlooked piece of rock history gain its due.
The Who release ‘The Who Sell Out: Deluxe Edition’ on March 16th.
