Friday, January 15, 2010

The Who "I Can't Explain"

Forty-five years ago today The Who released their first hit single, "I Can't Explain" in the U.K. I've read reports that Jimmy Page played rhythm guitar on the song, but I had always heard he played on "Bald Headed Woman" which appeared on the "B" side of the record. Regardless, up until this time The Who (momentarily the High Numbers) were only covering American blues songs, so this is Pete Townshend's first soiree into the songwriting biz.

The song would eventually replace "Heaven and Hell" as the band's concert opener.

Below is one of the final performances of "I Can't Explain" by The Who's original lineup. It took place Live at Kilburn (which is actually spelled with one L) in 1977:


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