Isolated Tracks

[Flint]

Originally Posted by Undertoad

I'm sure Entwhistle added all those fancy flourishes just so he wouldn't be bored.

I got the same impression; but what's amazing is that he does it in such a way as to not call attention to what he's doing. He's sneaking activity into places in the song where it won't be heard as an individual instrument. Much the same way that "ghosted" snare notes can build a groove while being practically inaudible, or the rich, even undertones of a ride cymbal can provide a "cushion" for the band to float on top of.

But more than that, as you've mentioned about Entwhistle before, he has to add "glue" to help stick the other instruments together. It's team playing.