Whistle Rymes

Background

The album's title pokes fun at a common misspelling of Entwistle's surname. Several of the tracks give a humorous look on domestic life, following the birth of Entwistle's son, Christopher.

"Ten Little Friends" was written on piano at John Entwistle's Ealing home studio and sprang from a bout of writer's block. The title comes from a set of troll figures given to him by the Who's Keith Moon. The track features a guitar solo from Peter Frampton. As well as his usual bass guitar, Entwistle also plays bass synthesizer.

Whistle Rymes is described by Allmusic as having a catchy, straightforward, pop-tinged rock with dark, often bitingly sarcastic lyrics.

Release

The original 1972 UK release of this album was on Track Records and distributed by Polydor Records. The first US issue of this album was on the silver Track/Decca label. A year later it was reissued in the US on MCA Records.

Reception

AllMusic critics said, ""Thinkin' It Over" is a witty, waltz-styled tune about a potential suicide having second thoughts while preparing to jump off a building, and "Who Cares?" a punchy, piano-driven rocker about a man who deals with the problems of life by refusing to take it seriously. However, Entwistle's finest achievement in this respect is "I Feel Better", a devastatingly sarcastic tune that features the singer putting down an ex-lover by listing all the things all the things he does to get back at her. Viciously witty yet full of emotion, this poison-pen gem ranks up there with Harry Nilsson's "You're Breaking My Heart"."

Track listing

All songs written and composed by John Entwistle.

Personnel