Baba O'Riley / I Can't Explain

Album Notes & Community Reviews

Originally conceived for Pete Townshend's abandoned 'Lifehouse' sci-fi rock opera concept, the song's title pays homage to spiritual master Meher Baba and minimalist composer Terry Riley. The track is renowned for its groundbreaking opening sequence, which utilizes a Lowrey Berkshire organ fed through an envelope follower to create a complex, bubbling synthesizer pattern. The furious rock crescendo famously concludes with a wild, Celtic-inspired violin solo by Dave Arbus.