THE WHO, one of Britain's most talented and successful pop quartets, nearly became a trio when John Entwistle started to get the songwriting bug. "I got interested about two years ago," John told me. "I began to write material, but most of it couldn't be used by the group — it wasn't their musical style," John told me.

But I had this burning ambition to perform my own numbers, and at one time I was prepared to leave rather than put my efforts on the musical scrap heap."

Then John decided to make an LP of the songs — producing the discs, playing many of the instruments and doing the vocals.

"The rest of the group were agreeable, and the project has worked out fine," said John, who this week releases the result of his work, "Smash Your Head Against the Wall" (Track).

The last six months have been hectic for John. He has bought a new home in South London. "I spent £1,500 on kitchen equipment and it doesn't fit." The Who have been playing two gigs a week, and they have been working on a new stage act, and a new album which will be released before they leave on a million dollar, 22-concert tour of America in July.

"The album contains some new trends for the group," said John. "There are some country numbers, and a heavier beat on others."

The album has a refreshing originality, using skilful arrangements and pungent vocals to create an atmosphere of musical urgency.