Description
The Who – The Kids Are Alright – Double 180 Gram Vinyl Records
Legendary companion album to the band’s film of the same name from 1979
Two LP set on heavyweight vinyl
Features stunning live and rare versions
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
“The Kids Are Alright” is both a compilation album and a rockumentary film soundtrack by The Who, released in June 1979. More than just a greatest hits collection, this project serves as a retrospective celebration of The Who’s explosive early career, capturing their raw power, chaotic energy, and cultural impact from the mid-1960s through the late 1970s. The album and film together function as a love letter to the band’s legacy, released shortly before the tragic death of drummer Keith Moon, adding a layer of poignant finality to the work.
The companion film, The Kids Are Alright, directed by Jeff Stein, is a montage-style documentary built from archival footage, interviews, and legendary performances, rather than a traditional narrative. It captures The Who in all their phases—mod icons, rock revolutionaries, and stadium-filling legends—featuring electrifying live renditions of classics, TV appearances (like their historic destruction of instruments on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour), and candid moments that show the band’s wit and chemistry. The film is especially beloved for how it captures Keith Moon’s larger-than-life personality, now immortalized on screen.
The movie climaxes with a live performance of “Won’t Get Fooled Again” at Shepperton Studios in May 1978, the last time Moon ever played on film. His thunderous drumming and Pete Townshend’s windmill guitar flourishes give the finale an almost mythic status among fans.
Released alongside the film, the Kids Are Alright soundtrack album mirrors the film’s selections but also stands on its own as a killer compilation. It includes live tracks, alternate takes, and studio cuts, capturing The Who’s versatility—from fierce mod anthems to sprawling rock epics.
Notable Tracks Include:
“My Generation” (Live) – A defiant and explosive performance of their youth anthem.
“I Can’t Explain” – Their first single, sharp and urgent, capturing the mod-era angst that launched them.
“Substitute” – A biting commentary on identity, class, and insecurity, delivered with punchy guitar work.
“Happy Jack” and “Pictures of Lily” – Songs that reflect the band’s quirky storytelling and British charm.
“Magic Bus” (Live) – A dynamic, extended jam version that highlights their improvisational chemistry.
“Baba O’Riley” and “Won’t Get Fooled Again” – Landmark tracks from Who’s Next, showcasing their shift toward synthesizer-driven, arena-sized rock.
“Sparks” (from Tommy) – A visceral instrumental that underscores their ambition and musical range.
Some recordings on the album differ from their original studio versions, making it a treat for fans and collectors. The raw energy of the live cuts reminds listeners that The Who were one of the greatest live rock bands of all time, with each member—Townshend, Moon, Roger Daltrey, and John Entwistle—pushing their instruments and each other to the edge.
What makes The Kids Are Alright particularly meaningful is the timing of its release. Just a few months later, in September 1978, Keith Moon died at age 32, turning the film and album into an unintentional eulogy. His chaotic genius is everywhere in both—whether he’s smashing a drum kit or cracking jokes in interviews, Moon’s spirit radiates through every frame and track.
The project was also a way for The Who to reassert their place in the pantheon of rock, especially as punk and new wave were rising and questioning the old guard. Rather than feel out of touch, The Kids Are Alright presented The Who as forebears of rebellion, sonic chaos, and youthful resistance—qualities that resonated with new generations.
The title The Kids Are Alright comes from The Who’s 1965 song of the same name, a deceptively simple pop tune that, like much of their early work, masks existential tension beneath catchy melodies. The phrase itself became emblematic of a generational identity, encapsulating the optimism and uncertainty of 1960s youth. Over the decades, it’s become an enduring cultural touchstone, referenced in films, books, and music that pay tribute to the spirit of rebellion and resilience.
The Kids Are Alright is more than a compilation—it’s a historical document, a performance showcase, and a bittersweet farewell. For fans new and old, it’s an essential gateway into the world of The Who, celebrating their journey from rebellious upstarts to rock legends.
Track Listing
My Generation
I Can’t Explain
Happy Jack
I Can See For Miles
Magic Bus
Long Live Rock
Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere
Young Man Blues
My Wife
Baba O’Reilly
A Quick One
Tommy, Can You Hear Me?
Sparks
Pinball Wizard
See Me, Feel Me
Medley
Join Together
Road Runner
My Generation Blues
Won’t Get Fooled Again
