Face Dances is the ninth studio album from the Who, and the first release after the death of drummer Keith Moon three years earlier. During those three years the Who would release the film Quadrophenia and the concert retrospective film The Kids Are Alright. Front man Roger Daltry would try out acting, and Pete Townshend would release his second solo studio album. When the group got back together for Face Dances, Phil Collins expressed an interest in joining the band. However, Kenny Jones (Small Fac...
Face Dances is the ninth studio album from the Who, and the first release after the death of drummer Keith Moon three years earlier. During those three years the Who would release the film Quadrophenia and the concert retrospective film The Kids Are Alright. Front man Roger Daltry would try out acting, and Pete Townshend would release his second solo studio album. When the group got back together for Face Dances, Phil Collins expressed an interest in joining the band. However, Kenny Jones (Small Faces, Faces) had already been asked to join. John “Rabbit” Bundrick also contributed keyboard work on this album, and would eventually join as a full time member of the Who. These joined previous members Daltry, Townshend, and bassist John Entwistle.
The album was highly anticipated, and was a commercial success, reaching number 4 on the U.S. Billboard 200 and number 2 on the UK Albums chart. Critical reviews were mixed at the time, and the band has expressed some friction with producer Bill Szymczyk who conducted the final mixing without the full band's input. Regardless, the album is a staple of early 80's rock and many of the songs have achieved a timelessness about them.
Brian brings us this album for today's podcast.
You Better You Bet
The first single and lead-off track to the album was a staple of the new cable station - MTV. It was the Who's last top 20 single, reaching number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100. Townshend developed the song during a period of clubbing with the daughter of a friend. The video was a black and white studio session.
Don't Let Go the Coat
This deeper cut was the second single, and was inspired by Townshend's guru Meher Baba and his statement that his followers “hang fast to the hem of my robe,” meaning to stay true to his teachings. It also may have been inspired by Townshend's parents who would pick him up after his binges on drugs and alcohol.
The Quiet One
Bassist John Entwistle takes an unusual turn as lead singer on this self-referential deep cut. It was the B-side of the single “You Better You Bet.” Entwisle said it was a song trying to explain that he wasn't really quiet, but that he started being quiet and got stuck in the pigeon hole of that label.
Another Tricky Day
“This is no social crisis, just another tricky day for you...fella!” John Bundrick inspired this song, and it claims that what we're going through is nothing unique, but is just another tricky day. The song is the final track on the album, and the video is in the same style as the first single - a black and white studio session.
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Main theme from the television series “Dynasty”
John Forsythe, Linda Evans, and Joan Collins starred in this prime time soap opera.
STAFF PICKS:
Skateaway by Dire Straits
Bruce brings us a song about a girl who skates around the city, ticking off the drivers, weaving in and out of traffic, and listening to the local rock and roll station on her headphones. This is the lead single from the Dire Straits album Making Movies, and the album title is pulled from the lyrics of this song.
Precious to Me by Phil Seymour
Drummer, singer-songwriter, and guitarist Phil Seymour wrote this song with a throwback doo-wop feel. This is the first single from his first solo album. It hit number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100. Seymour also contributed backing vocals to Tom Petty's “American Girl” and “Breakdown.”
He Can't Love You by the Michael Staley Band
Wayne features a one hit wonder featuring saxophonist and E. Street Band member Clarence Clemons. It made it to number 33 on the Billboard Hot 100, and was the 40th song played on MTV. The Michael Stanley Band is big regionally in Ohio.
I Love a Rainy Night by Eddie Rabbit
Brian's staff pick is a crossover country hit. It hit the top of both the Billboard Hot 100 and Hot Country charts. It describes the feeling that comes from a good rain at night. Rabbit started writing the song in the 60's, but didn't develop it until this album.
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
Toccata by Sky
This prog rock group covers the classical piece "Toccata and Fugue in D minor" by J.S. Bach made it on the British singles charts.
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