Saturday, May 29th, 1971

Record Mirror reviews John's "Smash Your Head Against The Wall"

 

Transcript:

Entwistle opens up his own head

JOHN ENTWISTLE: Smash Your Head Against The Wall (Track 2406 005).

Some interesting things on this album, as might be expected from the Who man. The idea behind this was for John to use his material, which was basically unsuitable for the Who, but makes for varied listening. Opens with ‘My Size’ with driving guitars and John singing with suitably aggressive vocal issuing threats about smashing your head against the wall — hence the title.

‘Pick Me Up’ has a strong use of brass on opening and honky tonk piano beneath with striking drumming. ‘What Are We Doing Here’ is a gentle number with John singing as if from far away. ‘What Kind Of People Are They’ is another track with strong use of brass, and ‘Heaven And Hell’ has shades of Family with soprano saxophone sounds as well as some intricate guitar work.

A rather cynical view of death comes in on ‘Ted End’ with harmony vocals (which don’t sound like double tracking, though they could be), and instrumental passages with electric piano and brass sounding, perhaps appropriately rather like a village band. In contrast a nice up tempo driving track follows with furious drumming and washboard sounds.

The album closes with ‘I Believe In Everything’ John’s single which ends with ‘Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer’ which is an indication not to take this too seriously. What am I doing here reviewing!

—V.M.

Photo caption: JOHN ENTWISTLE