A Legal Matter

This week, you get served with "A Legal Matter." Don't say it's a rare case, lots of bands have covered this tune. The Who's original from 1965 is on trial first, with your two judges presiding (1:28). Roger Daltrey gives his vocal cords a rest and lets Pete Townshend address the jury (PT's first recorded lead vocal!).  The lyrics portray a nebbish guy who wants to annul his nuptials, or something like that.  It's got a country feel, with rollicking piano from Nicky Hopkins and a ne'er do well narrative. Now off to France, where Ronnie Bird layed down la loi  in 1966 (1:00:01). We've been accused of judging French rock'n'roll harshly, but RB and his band acquit themselves well. Our next defendants are some Americans known as The Litter, which is a rather suspect name (1:30:20). Where were these guys in late 1966?  In the studio, giving this track the freakbeat sound it needs and adding some great danga-danga rhythm guitar. Court adjourned!