After the 1971 album ‘Who’s Next’, Pete Townshend returned to the “rock-opera” concept, so dramatically realised through ‘Tommy’, with another ambitious double-album masterpiece. Based around the story of Jimmy – ‘Quadrophenia’ tells the tale of a young mod and his struggle to come of age in the mid-1960s. The story also takes its influence from the band’s early fans from the original mod era, and its themes of teenage angst and disaffection still resonate strongly today.
The project was intended to reflect the four characters of The Who and features some of Townshend’s most inspired, personal song-writing – way ahead of its time in scope and purpose.
This is one of the most widely recognised albums of The Who’s career because of its classic depiction of mod culture, its renowned imagery and the magnificent music and powerful performances.
The album is hugely significant in popular culture, influencing many other artists, musicians and film-makers – inspiring the classic 1979 British film by Franc Roddam and the UK ‘mod revival’ of the 1970s.
“This 2011 revisit to The Who’s 1973 ‘Quadrophenia’ recording is inspired by current and continuing interest in the project,” explains Townshend. “The Who performed a concert version of the piece at the Royal Albert Hall in 2010 for the Teenage Cancer Trust with excellent reviews, and the success of that event led to the prospect of a Who tour in 2012, based on the album. The last such tour was between 1996-1997.”
The album is scheduled for release via Universal Music Catalogue on November 14, 2011. The box-set gives a unique insight into the creation of this landmark album and will feature a re-master of the original double album, Pete Townshend’s previously unheard demos including songs that didn’t make it onto the original album, an exclusive eight track 5.1 sound DVD, a deluxe hardback book, previously unseen personal notes, photographs, memorabilia and other exclusive material that will be announced over the coming months.
‘Quadrophenia: The Director’s Cut’ will be the definitive version of the album and a must for any self-respecting fan of The Who and beyond.
To accompany the boxset, double vinyl, 2-disc digi-pak and digital versions will also be released. Pre order now at http://store.universal-music.co.uk/restofworld/box-sets/the-who-quadrophenia-box-set/invt/0602527803173/
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