The Who - Tommy (1969 Original Concept Album)
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Music CD Cover
Artist: The WhoEdition: Music CD
Format: Original recording remastered
CD Release Date: 1996-03-12
Music Label: Mca
Soundtracks:
- Overture
- It's A Boy
- 1921
- Amazing Journey
- Sparks
- Eyesight To The Blind (The Hawker)
- Christmas
- Cousin Kevin
- The Acid Queen
- Underture
- Do You Think It's Alright?
- Fiddle About
- Pinball Wizard
- There's A Doctor
- Go To The Mirror!
- Tommy Can You Hear Me?
- Smash The Mirror
- Sensation
- Miracle Cure
- Sally Simpson
- I'm Free
- Welcome
- Tommy's Holiday Camp
- We're Not Gonna Take It
Free Music Notes for Tommy (1969 Original Concept Album)
Free Music Review: I love The Who
Hit: 5 Stars
Alongside Days of Future Passed (Moody Blues, 1967) and In the Court of the Crimson King (King Crimson, 1969), Tommy (1969) has got to be one of my favorite rock records of all time. For me, the appeal lies with the strong melodies, the wonderfully played instrumental passages and the overall concept. I suppose too, that there are "progressive" elements to the music that are also attractive as well; elements that would be explored further on the Who's other magnum opus Quadrophenia (1973).
This concept album was evidently inspired by another (earlier) rock concept album entitled S.F. Sorrow (Pretty Things, 1968) and showcases Pete Townshend's abilities as a performer (vocals, electric and acoustic guitars, keyboards) and as an arranger/composer - what he does here on Tommy with just a few central themes is fantastic. The rest of the group is equally stunning and both Keith Moon (drums and vocals) and John Entwistle (bass, French horn and vocals) drive everything along with power and dexterity. Roger Daltry (vocals, harmonica) is an excellent and explosive singer, but is very expressive as well and nicely relates the underlying story of Tommy with help from the rest of the band. With respect to instrumentation, a host of instruments including electric and acoustic guitars, piano, organ, percussion, French horn (courtesy of John Entwistle), and most importantly rich, three-part vocal harmonies are employed. Although the effects are subtle, the varied instrumentation and vocal harmonies really add to the fullness of the recording.
While the instrumentation and instrumental tracks are collectively interesting, like everybody else, I enjoy the popular radio tunes Pinball Wizard, I'm Free, See Me, Feel Me and We're Not Gonna' Take It. Generally however, I prefer to listen to the entire album as a complete work. Speaking of which, the individual tracks that comprise Tommy are arranged in a song-cycle, with instrumental interludes positioned at key points. In addition, central themes are restated throughout the cycle, which serve to link the individual songs through which the story of Tommy unfolds. Both the song-cycle and the restatement of central themes are techniques taken from classical music and Pete uses both very well. I should note that while some folks feel that the instrumental passages constitute "filler" I am of the opinion that they work just fine and really are an integral part of the overall composition. The lengthy Underture (approx. 10:00) is a good example of an instrumental interlude on the album.
This remastered album is nice and it is pretty cool that they were able to squeeze the entire double LP album onto one compact disc. The sound quality is very good and the liner notes feature the artwork and lyrics.
All in all, this is yet another landmark recording by an English rock group that has withstood the ravages of time (unlike my old LP) and is highly recommended along with Quadrophenia.
Tommy (1969 Original Concept Album) Poster
Tommy had the dubious distinction of being the first-ever rock opera; however, it's none the worse for that, Ken Russell's adaptation notwithstanding. Due largely to Pete Townshend's skill as a songwriter and composer, Tommy tells a coherent story and includes quality rock and roll at the same time, an impressive feat by itself. While surprisingly more linear than the later Quadrophenia, Tommy boasts several songs that stand up well on their own, including the classic "Pinball Wizard," "The Acid Queen," "I'm Free," and "Sally Simpson." Much of the rest doesn't make much sense lyrically unless you listen to the entire album, but you'll probably want to do that anyway, preferably with the lights low and the stereo cranked. --Genevieve WilliamsClassical Music CDs
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