Back when I was a young lad, in my “obsessed with every typical classic rock artist phase”, I was a big fan of The Who. I regarded Tommy as one of the greatest albums of all time and Who’s Next came in a close second. Now when I listen to these albums they come across as overblown and semi cheeseball. One thing I didn’t do was give early Who the listen it deserves. After hearing “I Can’t Explain” on the radio recently, I finally realized how bad ass early Who is and how underrated it tends to be.

Watch: The Who Perform “I Can’t Explain” Live in 1965

I can’t imagine hearing “I Can’t Explain” for the first time in January of 1965! It probably seemed so alien and from another planet (granted, The Kinks were doing something similar). Following the release of the single “I Can’t Explain” their first album “My Generation” was released. Although deathly over played, the song “My Generation” has gained a new life for me. Put this song on loud and rock out. 1965!

Watch: The Who Perform My Generation Live in 1965

Along with the exceptional early punk that accompanies songs like “I Can’t Explain”, and the album “My Generation”, the Who’s 1967 Album, “The Who Sell Out”, delivers about as perfect 60’s pop as you can get. While highly influenced by the psychedelic vibe surrounding a swingin 1967 London, “The Who Sell Out,” contains several gems that rival the best of 60’s melodic pop. Listening to albums like The Shins Oh! Inverted World, it is easy to see what a significant influence Early Who has been for current bands whether it is intentional or not. Songs like “Jaguar” from “The Who Sell Out” sound like they could of appeared on Oh! Inverted World. The same could go for “Our Love Was.”

Listen: The Who - Jaguar

Watch: The Shins “Know Your Onion!” Music Video

Listen: The Who - Our Love Was

To get started listening to Early Who, I suggest picking up the albums “My Generation” and “The Who Sell Out.” “My Generation” provides you with some balls out 60’s garage rock while “The Who Sell Out” is a must for any 1960’s sunshine pop record collection.

So my instructions to you: stop fist pumping to “Babe O’Reilly”, buy a scooter, get a tailor made suit, go to the Twisted Wheel Club in Manchester and dance the night away to “I Can’t Explain.”