Album: Rigor Mortis Sets In

Introduction
"Rigor Mortis Sets In" is the third solo studio album by John Entwistle, the bass guitarist for the famous rock band, The Who. Released in 1973, the album showcases Entwistle's remarkable skill as a bassist, songwriter, and singer. The album is a significant departure from his earlier solo works, "Smash Your Head Against the Wall" (1971) and "Whistle Rymes" (1972), offering a more easygoing, bluesy sound, similar to traditional 1950s rock 'n' roll.

Background and recording
After the release of The Who's "Quadrophenia" in 1972, the band members took a break to pursue their individual tasks. Entwistle took this time to work on "Rigor Mortis Sets In", which he produced, set up, and played the majority of the instruments on. The album was taped at his home studio, Nova Sound Studios in London, and Trident Studios. In addition to Entwistle, the album includes artists such as Rod Coombes, Howie Casey, and Dave Langston.

Entwistle's love for 1950s rock 'n' roll, motivated by artists like Elvis Presley and Buddy Holly, is apparent in the album's noise, with a sentimental mix of rock, blues, and doo-wop. The album's art work echoes this style, with the cover showing Entwistle appearing stiff and lifeless, bound in a coffin, which is a nod to the album's title and an allusion to the perceived "death" of early rock 'n' roll.

Track listing and music style
"Rigor Mortis Sets In" includes 10 tracks, with themes that vary from humorous to morbid. The album opens with "Gim me That Rock 'N' Roll", a memorable tribute to the rock 'n' roll category including meaningful saxophone solos. "Mr. Bass Man" is another homage to the age, where Entwistle humorously sings about his prowess as a bass guitar player.

Tunes like "Roller Skate Kate", a light-hearted tune about a roller-skating woman, and "Peg Leg Peggy", a tale of a one-legged female, more showcase Entwistle's fondness for wacky humor and storytelling. On the other hand, darker tracks like "Hound Dog" and "Made in Japan" discuss styles of stopped working relationships and heartbreak.

Musically, "Rigor Mortis Sets In" leans greatly on the blues and early rock 'n' roll noise, highlighted by Entwistle's unmistakable bass playing. Throughout the album, his signature style and innovative strategies are on full screen, accompanied by bluesy guitar solos and prominent saxophone lines.

Reception and tradition
Upon its release, "Rigor Mortis Sets In" got a combined reception from critics. Some applauded Entwistle's outstanding musicianship, while others slammed its departure from the acid rock style of his previous solo albums and The Who's hallmark noise. Nonetheless, Entwistle's obsession with early rock 'n' roll has been valued over the years for its nostalgic appeal.

In the years following its release, "Rigor Mortis Sets In" has been acknowledged as a vital part of Entwistle's discography, showcasing a various element of his imaginative genius. It is an album that catches the spirit of 1950s rock 'n' roll through the lens of a pioneering rock artist and stays an appealing, if lesser-known, gem in the history of rock music.

Conclusion
"Rigor Mortis Sets In" is more than just a project that John Entwistle worked on during a break from The Who; it's an album that stands on its own, displaying Entwistle's love for the music he matured with. While not an industrial success like his work with The Who, the album stays an essential part of any John Entwistle or traditional rock fan's collection, providing a commendable exploration into the roots of rock 'n' roll with Entwistle's one-of-a-kind touch.