The Who: Meaty, Beaty, Big and Bouncy

by John R. Perry

The Who were one of the most innovative and unique British rock bands of the '60s. Although they had many hits at home, they didn't make much of an impression on the American charts until their breakthrough rock-opera, Tommy, was released in 1969. To introduce their new fans to their back catalog of single hits, the band soon after assembled the classic album Meaty, Beaty, Big and Bouncy, covering their best material from 1965 to 1970. This book tells the story of these early sessions, in the words of the band members, producers, managers, and critics who experienced them.

238 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

John R. Perry (born 1943) is Henry Waldgrave Stuart Professor of Philosophy at Stanford University and Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at the University of California, Riverside. He has made significant contributions to areas of philosophy, including logic, philosophy of language, metaphysics, and philosophy of mind. He is known primarily for his work on situation semantics (together with Jon Barwise), reflexivity, indexicality, and self-knowledge.

Reviews

[Steve Klemz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best thing I have read on the Who. Since this is a collection of singles John Perry is able to trace to history of the band, mostly pre-Tommy. My favorite years of the Who. John was the lead guitar player of The Only Ones and as a musician he is able to explain the technical aspects of the recordings that I will never know. I think the book is out of print, but you can find it at reasonable prices if you look around.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent account not only of the definitive singles collection of the Who but also of everything that surrounded the making of that music and the making of the Who. John Perry writes really well. Filled with insights and humor to enthrall the modest fan and certainly enough meat to keep the hardcore one very contend. It's a wonderful book about music and Perry's musical insights are spot on.

Highly recommended for all WHO fans....

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a review of the Who singles which comprised the compilation Meaty, Beaty, Big and Bouncy, author John Perry goes into great detail about not only the story behind the songs but the musical structure to it. Great additions are a copy of Pete Townshend's Rolling Stone review of this album (from 1971) and an extended US and UK discography. Great resource for all Who fans!