Regardless of one’s age, it is almost impossible to never have heard at least one song from the band The Who. Some of their more radio-friendly hits include “Behind Blue Eyes,” “Won’t Get Fooled Again” and “Who Are You.” Their 1967 release “The Who Sell Out” may also stand out to some due to its bizarre cover, which depicts the band’s four members quite literally “selling out.”
On the front cover art, guitarist and primary songwriter Pete Townshend is seen applying deodorant to his underarm. Next to him is the lead singer Roger Daltrey, who is bathing in a freezing tub of Heinz Baked Beans. On the back, the rhythm section composed of bassist John Entwistle and drummer Keith Moon are also depicted doing things for the mighty dollar. Moon is jokingly demonstrating how to use an acne ointment and Entwistle is very close to a woman in a bikini.
Now to the music. This album is filled with some of the most melodic songs found in the 1960s. There are also faux jingles that follow the concept of the album. Townshend compiles nine of the 13 songs on this record while Entwistle writes a memorable three. The opening track “Armenia City In the Sky” was written by special guest Speedy Keen, who was a friend of the band.
On the vinyl release, side one features an array of tunes that are short but sensational. Townshend’s lyrical ability to tell captivating stories in under three minutes is showcased throughout the first half. He also writes many of the songs as mock-advertisements. “Mary Anne with the Shaky Hand” is an example of a songwriter being subtle with their references to risqué subject matter. Townshend also put similar themes into the earlier single “Pictures of Lily.” After “Mary Anne” is “Odorono,” another interesting story. In a fictional ad for deodorant, Townshend tells the listener of a female musician who is talking to a man backstage. Things are going well until the man realizes that there is a foul smell in the room. That is when Townshend lays the bombshell that she forgot to use Odorono. The song ends and on to “Tattoo.” This is another great track that follows two brothers who want to get tattoos. “Our Love Was” is another infectious song that ends with Townshend doing his best Jimi Hendrix impression on the axe.
“I Can See for Miles” is the song that to this day Townshend believes is one of his finest hours as a songwriter, even referring to it as “the ultimate Who record.” This was the highest charting song The Who ever released, going all the way to No. 9 on the Billboards. It also is the reason that Paul McCartney wrote “Helter Skelter” on The Beatles’ “The White Album” the following year. In a review, “I Can See For Miles” was said to be the “heaviest” song recorded, so McCartney wanted to establish an even heavier display.
Side two is very refined with more abstract themes. Entwistle’s tune “Silas Stingy” is a humorous attempt that follows a frugal man. It’s easy to see that The Who were heavily influenced from “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” by The Beatles from a few months earlier.
Overall, the dynamic qualities that would dominate future albums like “Tommy,” “Quadrophenia” and “Who’s Next” are foreshadowed in this album. Moon’s drumming was always eye-openingly brilliant, and the song “I Can See For Miles” showcases one of his all-time best performances. Daltrey’s vocals are an indicator of the things to come; eventually turning into a rock god in the early ‘70s. Although Entwistle was supposed to provide bass lines to give the other members to work off, he made his own riffs that stood their own ground. Townshend was the backbone of the band, and together they created the magnificent “The Who Sell Out.”
Image from The Who via YouTube
