I love everything about Quadrophenia, including the sound. I remember it being called a "Rock Opera" and that's what the sound reminded me of: Like you were sitting in the balcony seats of a nice concert hall watching all this unfold. Yet at times, that album is so visual it takes you somewhere else...
Y'know, when people talk about great rock/pop song writers, you always hear everyone talk about John Lennon, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, etc. You never hear Pete Townshend mentioned. As far as I'm concerned, Pete Townshend easily belongs in that group.
Paul