The Who Prep Half Speeds Of ‘Quadrophenia’ & ‘By Numbers’

The Who have announced the release of the third in a series of half speed mastered studio albums, this time re-releasing Quadrophenia and The Who By Numbers. Both titles will arrive on February 2, 2024.

These limited-edition black vinyl versions have been mastered by long-time Who engineer Jon Astley and cut for vinyl by Miles Showell at Abbey Road Studios with a half-speed mastering technique which produces a superior vinyl cut. Additionally, they are packaged in original sleeves with obi strips and certificates of authenticity.

First released in October 1973, Quadrophenia is the sixth studio album by The Who. The band’s second Rock Opera features songs “Love Reign O’er Me,” “5.15,” “Drowned,” and more. The announcement of the Quadrophenia Half Speed Master falls on the 50th anniversary of the album.

By Numbers is the seventh studio album by The Who, produced by Glynn Johns and released in October of 1975. A powerhouse record, the album reached the top 10 on both sides of the Atlantic. The album contains songs such as “Slip Kid” and “Squeeze Box.”

On November 10 of 1973, as Elton John assumed the No.1 position with Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, The Who landed the highest new entry of the week in the US at No.24 with Quadrophenia, on the way to their best-ever album chart position in the States of No.2. They would reach that peak again with 1978’s Who Are You, but have never quite reached the pinnacle.

“After a two and a half year wait, The Who have returned with another masterpiece in hand,” avowed trade weekly Record World. “Quadrophenia is a two-record concept album telling of the breakdown of an alienated English middle class teenager. Superior songs like ‘Real Me,’ ‘Cut My Hair,’ and ‘Love Reign O’Er Me’ tell the tale with realism and compassion.”

Two years later, the band released The Who By Numbers. The album went on to spend two weeks at No.8 on the American chart, compared to a UK peak of No.7. It was in the Top 10 at the same time as a number of other British heavyweights. Elton John’s Rock Of The Westies was at No.1, while Pink Floyd’s Wish You Were Here and George Harrison’s Extra Texture were also riding the Top 10, as was Englishman Graham Nash in partnership with David Crosby on Wind On The Water.

Townshend himself was pleasantly surprised at the critical reaction to the album. “A consummately-crafted record of fascinating depth and immediate surface appeal,” said Phonograph Record, while Sounds said it “reeks of group unity and love. Don’t be fooled by deceptive first listenings. This really is a great album.”

Pre-order the Half Speed Master versions of Quadrophenia and The Who By Numbers.

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