#90. The Who | The Who Sell Out (1967)

The Who Sell Out was the band's satirical take on the relationship between the music industry and advertising. It was devised as a faux pirate radio broadcast, interspersing regular tracks with fake commercials and real radio ID jingles. (Side note: there were reportedly numerous lawsuits from the real-world companies that are parodied in the faux commercials, and by the makers of the real jingles, who claimed The Who used them without permission.)

The songs are fantastic. The album starts with the borderline psychedelic "Armenia City in the Sky," which was a contribution from Townshend's former roommate and future Thunderclap Newman collaborator John Keen. "I Can See For Miles" was The Who's biggest U.S. hit and the only one to crack the Billboard Top 10. "Mary Anne with the Shaky Hand" is a great little song that reminded me a lot of The Byrds and the acoustic "Sunrise" was beautiful. The album ends with the mini-opera "Rael," a prelude to the band's star-making effort Tommy.

While the concept of the album is kind of funny on first listen, the fake commercials and jingles got a little annoying on the second or third go-around.

Track Listing:
01. Armenia City In The Sky
02. Heinz Baked Beans
03. Mary Anne With The Shaky Hands
04. Odorono
05. Tattoo
06. Our Love Was
07. I Can See For Miles
08. I Can't Reach You
09. Medac
10. Relax
11. Silas Stingy
12. Sunrise
13. Rael