BBC Sessions (The Who)
Encyclopedia
BBC Sessions by The Who
was released 15 February 2000 on Polydor Records
internationally and MCA Records
in the US. It contains 24 songs and two jingle
s recorded live at the BBC
studios in London.
With the exception of the jingles being used to bookend
the album, and the third track being misplaced, The Who's recordings are presented in chronological order.
except where noted.
Due to publishing restrictions, the American version dropped "Man with the Money" and edited out the few lines from "Spoonful" contained in "Shakin' All Over".
, London.
Track three recorded 15 June 1965, at Aeolian Hall, London.
Tracks six, seven, and eight recorded 22 November 1965, at Aeolian Hall, London.
Tracks nine, 10, and 11 recorded 15 March 1966, at Aeolian Hall, London.
Tracks 12 and 13 recorded 13 September 1966, at the BBC Playhouse Theatre, London.
Tracks 14, 15, 16, and 17 recorded 17 January 1967, at the BBC Playhouse Theatre, London.
Tracks 1, 18, 19, and 26 recorded 10 October 1967, at De Lane Lea Studio, Kingsway
, London.
Tracks 20, 21, 22, and 23 recorded 13 April 1970, at IBC Studios
, London.
Tracks 24 and 25 recorded 29 January 1973, at the BBC Television Centre
, Wood Lane
, London, using previously recorded backing tracks.
The Who
The Who are an English rock band formed in 1964 by Roger Daltrey , Pete Townshend , John Entwistle and Keith Moon . They became known for energetic live performances which often included instrument destruction...
was released 15 February 2000 on Polydor Records
Polydor Records
Polydor is a record label owned by Universal Music Group, headquartered in the United Kingdom.-Beginnings:Polydor was originally an independent branch of the Deutsche Grammophon Gesellschaft. Its name was first used as an export label in 1924, the British and German branches of the Gramophone...
internationally and MCA Records
MCA Records
MCA Records was an American-based record company owned by MCA Inc., which later gave way to the larger MCA Music Entertainment Group , of which MCA Records was still part. MCA Records was absorbed by Geffen Records in 2003...
in the US. It contains 24 songs and two jingle
Jingle
A jingle is a short tune used in advertising and for other commercial uses. The jingle contains one or more hooks and lyrics that explicitly promote the product being advertised, usually through the use of one or more advertising slogans. Ad buyers use jingles in radio and television...
s recorded live at the BBC
BBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
studios in London.
With the exception of the jingles being used to bookend
Bookend
A bookend is an object that is designed to buttress, or support, an upright row of books. It is placed on either end to prevent books from falling over, such as in a half-filled bookshelf. Bookends are both utilitarian and, often, decorative. They are common in libraries and in homes...
the album, and the third track being misplaced, The Who's recordings are presented in chronological order.
Track listing
All tracks written by Pete TownshendPete Townshend
Peter Dennis Blandford "Pete" Townshend is an English rock guitarist, vocalist, songwriter and author, known principally as the guitarist and songwriter for the rock group The Who, as well as for his own solo career...
except where noted.
- "My Generation (BBC Radio 1BBC Radio 1BBC Radio 1 is a British national radio station operated by the British Broadcasting Corporation which also broadcasts internationally, specialising in current popular music and chart hits throughout the day. Radio 1 provides alternative genres after 7:00pm including electronic dance, hip hop, rock...
jingle)" – 0:57 - "Anyway, Anyhow, AnywhereAnyway, Anyhow, Anywhere"Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere" was a single released by The Who in 1965. It features call-and-response lyrics and some of the first ever recorded guitar feedback. The song was composed by guitarist Pete Townshend and vocalist Roger Daltrey, the only time they wrote together...
" (Townshend, Roger DaltreyRoger DaltreyRoger Harry Daltrey, CBE , is an English singer and actor, best known as the founder and lead singer of English rock band The Who. He has maintained a musical career as a solo artist and has also worked in the film industry, acting in a large number of films, theatre and television roles and also...
) – 2:44 - "Good Lovin'" (Rudy ClarkRudy ClarkRudy Clark is an American songwriter about whom little biographical information seems to be known. Supposedly a former mail carrier hailing from New York City, he was most active from the early 1960s through the early 1970s...
, Arthur Resnick) – 1:49 - "Just You and Me, Darling" (James BrownJames BrownJames Joseph Brown was an American singer, songwriter, musician, and recording artist. He is the originator of Funk and is recognized as a major figure in the 20th century popular music for both his vocals and dancing. He has been referred to as "The Godfather of Soul," "Mr...
) – 2:01 - "Leaving HereLeaving Here"Leaving Here" is a song written in 1963 by Motown songwriters Holland–Dozier–Holland. Written at the beginning of the partnership, it is notable in several recordings...
" (Holland-Dozier-HollandHolland-Dozier-HollandHolland–Dozier–Holland is a songwriting and production team made up of Lamont Dozier and brothers Brian Holland and Edward Holland, Jr. They are considered to be one of the greatest songwriting teams in popular music...
) – 2:34 - "My GenerationMy GenerationMy Generation is the debut album by the English rock band The Who, released by Brunswick Records in the United Kingdom in December 1965. In the United States it was released by Decca Records as The Who Sings My Generation in April 1966, with a different cover and a slightly altered track...
" – 3:23 - "The Good's Gone" – 2:59
- "La-La-La-LiesLa-La-La-LiesLa-La-La-Lies is the fourth track of The Who's debut album, My Generation. It was also released as a single in the UK, backed with the album track that precedes it, by the Who's first label, Brunswick, to spite The Who for changing....
" – 2:11 - "Substitute" – 3:30
- "Man with Money" (Don Everly, Phil EverlyThe Everly BrothersThe Everly Brothers are country-influenced rock and roll performers, known for steel-string guitar playing and close harmony singing...
) – 2:31 - "Dancing in the StreetDancing in the Street"Dancing in the Street" is a 1964 song first recorded by Martha and the Vandellas. It is one of Motown's signature songs and is the group's premier signature song.-Martha and the Vandellas original:...
" (William "Mickey" Stevenson, Marvin GayeMarvin GayeMarvin Pentz Gay, Jr. , better known by his stage name Marvin Gaye, was an American singer-songwriter and musician with a three-octave vocal range....
, Ivy Jo HunterIvy Jo HunterIvy Jo Hunter, born George Ivy Hunter and sometimes credited as Ivy Hunter, is a former R&B songwriter, record producer and singer, most associated with his work for the Motown label in the 1960s....
) – 2:23 - "Disguises" – 2:57
- "I'm a BoyI'm a Boy"I'm a Boy" is a 1966 rock song written by Pete Townshend for his band The Who. The song, like other early recordings by the band, such as "I Can't Explain", "The Kids Are Alright" and "Happy Jack", centers around the early power pop genre...
" – 2:39 - "Run Run Run" – 3:16
- "Boris the SpiderBoris the Spider"Boris the Spider" is a song written by The Who's bassist, John Entwistle. It appears as the second track of their 1966 album, A Quick One. This song is claimed to be John's first composition. The song was a live staple...
" (John EntwistleJohn EntwistleJohn Alec Entwistle was an English bass guitarist, songwriter, singer, horn player, and film and record producer who was best known as the bass player for the rock band The Who. His aggressive lead sound influenced many rock bass players...
) – 2:13 - "Happy JackHappy Jack (song)"Happy Jack" is a rock song from British rock band, The Who, released in December 1966 in the UK and peaking at #3. It was their first top forty hit in the USA, released in March 1967 and peaking at #24. It was included on the USA version of their second album...
" – 2:09 - "See My Way" (Daltrey) – 1:50
- "Pictures of LilyPictures of Lily"Pictures of Lily" is a single by the British rock band The Who, written by guitarist and primary songwriter Pete Townshend. It was released in 1967 as a single, and made the top five in the UK, but failed to break into the top 50 in the United States....
" – 2:34 - "A Quick One, While He's Away" – 7:01
- "Substitute" (Version 2) – 2:12
- "The SeekerThe Seeker (song)"The Seeker" is a song written by Pete Townshend and performed by English rock band The Who, and featured on their 1971 compilation album Meaty Beaty Big and Bouncy.-Background and writing:...
" – 3:04 - "I'm Free" – 2:24
- "Shakin' All OverShakin' All Over"Shakin' All Over" is a rock and roll song originally performed by Johnny Kidd and the Pirates. It was written by frontman Johnny Kidd and reached #1 in the United Kingdom in August 1960...
/SpoonfulSpoonful"Spoonful" is a blues standard written by Willie Dixon and first recorded in 1960 by Howlin' Wolf. It is loosely based on "A Spoonful Blues", a song recorded in 1929 by Charley Patton , itself related to "All I Want Is A Spoonful" by Papa Charlie Jackson and "Cocaine Blues" by Luke Jordan...
" (Johnny Kidd, Willie DixonWillie DixonWilliam James "Willie" Dixon was an American blues musician, vocalist, songwriter, arranger and record producer. A Grammy Award winner who was proficient on both the Upright bass and the guitar, as well as his own singing voice, Dixon is arguably best known as one of the most prolific songwriters...
) – 3:41 - "Relay" – 4:56
- "Long Live Rock" – 3:52
- "Boris the Spider" (BBC Radio 1 jingle) (Entwistle) – 0:10
Due to publishing restrictions, the American version dropped "Man with the Money" and edited out the few lines from "Spoonful" contained in "Shakin' All Over".
Best Buy limited edition bonus disc
- Townshend Talks Tommy
- "Pinball WizardPinball Wizard"Pinball Wizard" is a song written by Pete Townshend and performed by the English rock band The Who, and featured on their 1969 rock opera album Tommy. The original recording was released as a single in 1969 and reached No. 4 in the UK charts and No. 19 on the U.S...
" - "See Me, Feel MeSee Me, Feel Me"See Me Feel Me" is a portion of the song "We're Not Gonna Take It" written by Pete Townshend of The Who. The song is the finale of the Tommy album. "See Me Feel Me", followed by the refrain of "Listening To You" was performed at the 1969 Woodstock Festival as the sun was rising and almost half a...
" - "I Don't Even Know Myself"
- "I Can See for MilesI Can See For Miles"I Can See for Miles" is a song written by Pete Townshend of The Who, recorded for the band's 1967 album, The Who Sell Out. It was the only song from the album to be released as a single, on 14 October 1967...
" - "Heaven and HellHeaven and Hell (The Who song)Heaven and Hell is a song by English rock band The Who written by group bassist John Entwistle, who also sings the lead vocals. The studio version , which appeared on the b-side of the live "Summertime Blues" single, is currently available only on the Thirty Years of Maximum R&B boxed set, though...
" - "The Seeker"
- "Summertime BluesSummertime Blues"Summertime Blues" is the title of a song co-written and recorded by American rockabilly artist Eddie Cochran. It was written in the late 1950s by Cochran and his manager Jerry Capehart. Originally a single B-side, it was released in August 1958 and peaked at number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 on...
" (Eddie CochranEddie CochranEddie Cochran , was an American rock and roll pioneer who in his brief career had a small but lasting influence on rock music through his guitar playing. Cochran's rockabilly songs, such as "C'mon Everybody", "Somethin' Else", and "Summertime Blues", captured teenage frustration and desire in the...
, Jerry CapehartJerry CapehartJerry Capehart was a songwriter and music manager. Capehart co-wrote the famous rock 'n' roll songs "Summertime Blues" and "C'mon Everybody" with Eddie Cochran, whom he also managed. He died in Nashville, Tennessee....
)
Recording and broadcast details
Tracks two, four, and five recorded 24 May 1965, at Aeolian HallAeolian Hall (London)
Aeolian Hall located at 135-137 New Bond Street, began life as the Grosvenor Gallery, being built by Sir Coutts Lindsay in 1876, an accomplished amateur artist, with a predeliction for the aesthetic movement, for which he was held up to some ridicule. In 1883, he decided to light his gallery with...
, London.
- Broadcast on Saturday ClubSaturday Club (BBC radio)Saturday Club was an influential BBC radio programme in Britain, broadcast on the Light Programme and later Radio 1 between 1957 and 1969. It was one of the earliest - and for several years almost the only - radio programme in the country to broadcast pop music...
, 29 May 1965.- Produced by Jimmy Grant and Brian Willey.
Track three recorded 15 June 1965, at Aeolian Hall, London.
- Broadcast on Top GearTop Gear (radio show)Top Gear was originally a short-lived pop music show on the BBC Light Programme in the mid-1960s.- Origin and format :It was one of the Corporation's few attempts to compete with the pirate radio stations and Radio Luxembourg, who had attracted large audiences of young British pop music listeners...
, 19 June 1965.- Produced by Bernie Andrews.
Tracks six, seven, and eight recorded 22 November 1965, at Aeolian Hall, London.
- Broadcast on Saturday Club, 27 November 1965.
- Produced by Jimmy Grant & Brian Willey.
Tracks nine, 10, and 11 recorded 15 March 1966, at Aeolian Hall, London.
- Broadcast on Saturday Club, 19 March 1966.
- Produced by Jimmy Grant & Brian Willey.
Tracks 12 and 13 recorded 13 September 1966, at the BBC Playhouse Theatre, London.
- Broadcast on Saturday Club, 17 September 1966.
- Produced by Jimmy Grant & Brian Willey.
Tracks 14, 15, 16, and 17 recorded 17 January 1967, at the BBC Playhouse Theatre, London.
- Broadcast on Saturday Club, 21 January 1967.
- Produced by Bill Bebb & Jimmy Grant.
Tracks 1, 18, 19, and 26 recorded 10 October 1967, at De Lane Lea Studio, Kingsway
Kingsway (London)
Kingsway is a major road in central London in the United Kingdom, designated as part of the A4200. It runs from High Holborn, at its north end in the London Borough of Camden, and meets Aldwych in the south in the City of Westminster at Bush House. It was built in the 1900s...
, London.
- Broadcast on Top Gear, 15 October 1967.
- Produced by Bernie Andrews & Bev Phillips.
Tracks 20, 21, 22, and 23 recorded 13 April 1970, at IBC Studios
IBC Studios
The IBC Recording Studios were recording studios in 35 Portland Place, London, England. After the Second World War it was the address of the leading independent studio in London and the British Isles...
, London.
- Broadcast on the Dave Lee TravisDave Lee TravisDave Lee Travis , also known professionally as DLT and the Hairy Cornflake, is a British radio presenter, best known for his career on BBC Radio 1.-Early life:...
show, 19 April 1970.- Produced by Paul Williams.
Tracks 24 and 25 recorded 29 January 1973, at the BBC Television Centre
BBC Television Centre
BBC Television Centre at White City in West London is the headquarters of BBC Television. Officially opened on 29 June 1960, it remains one of the largest to this day; having featured over the years as backdrop to many BBC programmes, it is one of the most readily recognisable such facilities...
, Wood Lane
Wood Lane
Wood Lane is a street in London. It runs north from Shepherd's Bush, under the Westway past Wormwood Scrubs where it meets Scrubs Lane. The road is wholly in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham...
, London, using previously recorded backing tracks.
- Broadcast on the Old Grey Whistle TestOld Grey Whistle TestThe Old Grey Whistle Test was an influential BBC2 television music show that ran from 1971 to 1987. It took over the BBC2 late night slot from "Disco Two", which had been running since January 1970, while continuing to feature non-chart music. It was devised by BBC producer Rowan Ayers...
, BBC TwoBBC TwoBBC Two is the second television channel operated by the British Broadcasting Corporation in the United Kingdom. It covers a wide range of subject matter, but tending towards more 'highbrow' programmes than the more mainstream and popular BBC One. Like the BBC's other domestic TV and radio...
, 30 January 1973.- Produced by Michael Appleton.