Meaty Beaty Big and Bouncy
has the distinction of being the first in a long line of
Who
compilations. It also has the distinction of being the best. Part of the reason why it is so successful is that it has an actual purpose.
Meaty
was designed as a collection of the group's singles, many of which never appeared on albums.
The Who
recorded their share of great albums during the '60s, but condensing their highlights to just the singles is an electrifying experience.
"The Kids Are Alright"
follows
"I Can't Explain,"
"I Can See for Miles"
bleeds into
"Pictures of Lily"
and
"My Generation,"
"Magic Bus"
gives way to
"Substitute"
"I'm a Boy"
-- it's an extraordinary lineup, and each song builds on its predecessor's power. Since it was released prior to
Who's Next
, it contains none of the group's
album rock
hits, but that's for the best -- their '60s singles have a kinetic, frenzied power that the louder, harder AOR cuts simply couldn't touch. Also, there is such a distinct change in sound with
that the two eras don't quite sound right on one greatest-hits collection, as
My Generation
Who's Better, Who's Best
proved. By concentrating on the early years -- when
the Who
were fresh and
Pete Townshend
was developing his own songwriting identity --
is musically unified and incredibly powerful. This is what
sounded like when they were a great band. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine