Another Tricky Day

The Zoo Crew is spinning The Who's "Another Tricky Day" from the 1981 album Face Dances, a track that captures the band's evolving sound for their Zoo Freaks audience. This song, written by Pete Townshend, was never released as a commercial single but became a standout on the US Album Rock charts, reaching the Top 10. A music video was filmed for it, showcasing the band's attempt to stay relevant in the early MTV era, though it didn't achieve the same airplay as their hit "You Better You Bet" from the same album. In a 1981 interview with Rolling Stone, Townshend described the song as reflecting the daily struggles of life, calling it a "realistic look at another day, another fight," which resonated with fans navigating the post-punk landscape. The song's lyrical depth, paired with its driving rhythm, made it a live favorite during The Who's 1981 tours, as noted in fan discussions on The Who Fans Facebook group.

Another piece of trivia comes from the album's 40th anniversary celebration, highlighted in a 2021 post by @TheWho on X, announcing a special expanded 2-LP edition for Record Store Day. This release included "Another Tricky Day" alongside studio outtakes and live tracks from their 1981 Rockpalast show, giving fans a deeper look into the Face Dances era. The album itself was notable for being one of two studio efforts featuring drummer Kenney Jones, who replaced Keith Moon after his death in 1978. Fans on The Who Forum often debate Jones' contribution, with some praising his steadier style on tracks like "Another Tricky Day," while others missed Moon's chaotic energy. Townshend later revealed in a 1997 interview that the song's optimistic undertone—"You can't always get it when you really want it"—was inspired by his own battles with addiction and recovery, adding a personal layer to its anthemic feel.

The Who began in 1964 in London as The Detours, a band rooted in the city's mod and pop art scenes. Roger Daltrey (vocals), Pete Townshend (guitar), John Entwistle (bass), and Keith Moon (drums) formed the classic lineup, renaming themselves The Who and gaining fame for their explosive live shows, where they smashed instruments as part of their auto-destructive art ethos. Their early days were shaped by the UK’s skiffle and R&B scenes, with Townshend citing influences like Link Wray and Bo Diddley. By the mid-1960s, they were leaders in the mod movement, with hits like "My Generation" cementing their rebellious image. Their innovative studio work, including rock operas like Tommy and Quadrophenia, pushed boundaries and established them as one of the 20th century's most influential rock bands, selling over 100 million records worldwide, as detailed on their official website.

You can follow The Who on their official social media accounts to stay updated on their latest news and releases: Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans also gather on dedicated platforms like The Who Fans Facebook group, where Zoo Freaks can connect with others to share stories and trivia, or The Who Forum, a long-running fan site hosting discussions on everything from Face Dances to the band’s current tours. These communities keep the spirit of The Who alive, much like the Zoo Crew's vinyl-spinning sessions at THE ZOO radio station.