Zoot Suit

A: ZOOT SUIT (as The High Numbers)

B: I’M THE FACE (as The High Numbers)

Fontana 480. Released 3 July 1964. Highest chart position: –

No US release.

ZOOT SUIT Written by Peter Meaden. Produced by Chris Parmeinter and Peter Meaden. Recorded at Philips’ Studio, London, 1964.

I’M THE FACE Written by Peter Meaden. Produced by Chris Parmeinter and Peter Meaden. Recorded at Philips’ Studio, London, 1964.

ZOOT SUIT was the first record released by The Who, or The High Numbers as they were called between July and November of 1964. It features the original group, Keith Moon having joined them about a month before the June recording sessions at Philips’ Studio near London Marble Arch. The lyrics to ZOOT SUIT were written by Pete Meaden, an ultra-cool, hip, man-about-town and purveyor of all things Mod, who been brought on board in a quasi-managerial capacity to advise The Who on matters of style. ZOOT SUIT, is actually based around a song by 60s soul group The Dynamics called MISERY (not the Lennon McCartney song) with new lyrics by Meaden, designed to appeal to The High Numbers’  Mod following.

The B-side, I’M THE FACE, also written by Meaden is set to the melody of Slim Harpo’s GOT LOVE IF YOU WANT IT.

ZOOT SUIT b/w I’M THE FACE failed to make the charts. The original single on the Fontana label, however, has since become the best known and most valuable collectors’ item in the band’s entire UK catalogue. Mint condition singles can set you back anything up to £1,400. Rumour has it that only 1,000 were pressed, and that several were apparently bought up by John Entwistle’s grandmother.