The Who - Tommy (1975 Film)
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Free Music Notes for Tommy (1975 Film)
Free Music Review: Tommy film
Hit: 5 Stars
If you love to rock, you'll love this. It's timeless, it's loaded with Stars, great music. I love it.Free Music Review: Ahead of its Time
Hit: 4 Stars
I'm 25, and I saw Tommy for the first time ten years ago. I was a moderate Who fan, but watching Tommy sealed the deal. At the age of 15, I already was able to identify every major actor in that film, and there are MANY of them to be seen.
Eric Clapton is riveting performing "Eyesight to the Blind," even though the imagery is somewhat disturbing (as that tends to be a common theme for many parts of the film). Tina Turner is absolutely hot as the Acid Queen. Her performance is in line with her character 100% - I'm sure this is what Pete Townshead had in mind when the original album was released in 1969. Elton John scored a major hit with his rendition of "Pinball Wizard" from his scene; it's still heard on the radio today, probably more than The Who's version. Jack Nicholson also SINGS (and plays a very good doctor who makes Ann-Margret weak in the knees).
And Ann-Margret is just WOW in this film. She received an Oscar Nomination for her role as Tommy's mother. It's as if she was born to play the part, and she does so perfectly. You see all the sides of her character on the screen with impeccable finesse and finish. There is no spoken dialogue at all in this film, yet Ann-Marget's is probably one of the best you'll ever see, even if you don't care for rock, singing, or 1970's high-drama. Her singing is in-line with the drama of the original Tommy, but much edgier. You'll want to buy the soundtrack just to rock out to her and The Who.
However, like I mentioned before, there are a few scenes that can make ordinary viewers uncomfortable. I know Ken Russell's goal was to create a film that would identify certain things in western society and show them in a twisted way. It's not a horror film, but it makes viewers think subjectively and symbolically.
This film version of Tommy is definitely a product of the 1970's, and clearly shows the decadence of the times. You'll also be treated to 1970's special effects and film techniques, which are still impressive. However, The Who had begun to depend on synthesizers heavily by this time, and they are all over the film. Synths are becoming popular again in today's mainstream music, so maybe this film will appeal to younger generation as well.
If you're into drama, rock opera, symbolism and artistic film imagery with (a very young) all-star cast, Tommy is worth a view.
Free Music Review: Tommy-phenia
Hit: 4 Stars
For many years, this was the only version of Tommy I knew. While I did enjoy the original 1969 Tommy album once I finally discovered it, only the '75 version has really endured for me.
The Tommy CD, recorded in 1974 on the heels of Quadrophenia, really takes on the feel of that masterpiece with its layers of guitars and other stringed insrtuments, piano, synthesizer, voices and what-not that the wizard Pete Townshend was delving into at the time. The music itself is much like Quadrophenia with the many variations on repeating musical themes. In both cases, I think Pete composed this kind of music wonderfully. So, essentially, The Who and other artists got together immediately after the Quadrophenia tour and re-recorded Tommy. And all indications to me are that everyone worked well and enthusiastically on the project, to an inspired, magnificent end.
The CD does not sound exactly like the movie. In some ways, it's improved, in other ways, it's lacking. The improvements include the addition of the "Overture" and some improvements in mixing. For example, in "Cousin Kevin", the drums are turned way up in the CD mix as compared to the movie, and this gives even more energy to an already great song. It seems to me that the drummer (credited as Tony Newman) was using Nigel Olsson's drum kit, which sounds rather unique to my ears; anyone else hear this?
The lacking qualities of the CD have mainly to do with edited cuts in certain tracks. For example, the intro to "Fiddle About" is missing that foreboding synthesizer line that happens in the movie when Uncle Ernie cracks the egg into his stout. Another example; much of the 'Acid Queen' jam session is cut out, and it really hits home to me when I recall that little guitar and piano riff that plays in the movie when Frank enters the room and Tina's shaking over the sprawled Tommy. Even the drunken synth interlude at the end of "Champagne"...missing! There's a good bit more that's cut out, and these keep me from giving the otherwise deserved 5-star rating.
For my parting comments, I have to stand up for the voice of Oliver Reed. It sounds bad in a "good" way; it totally works for every line he delivers as the character "Uncle Frank". And that reminds me that his coughing "I wish I knew" line is cut out of "Go to the Mirror". Argh!!
Free Music Review: At last...The Overture!
Hit: 4 Stars
While the original concept album is far superior to some...ok, MANY of the performances on this soundtrack, the amazing music of the film version of The Who's "Tommy" is always worth reviewing. Mind you, nothing will ever surpass sitting in a rumbling cinema listening to this soundtrack in actual Quintaphonic Sound, but cranking the volume to "10" on the dial whilst jumping up and down might come close! (Ahhh, memories)! Most important, a great wrong has been righted by the placement of the originally missing "Overture" (once only available as the B-side of a 7" 45rpm single) in its rightful place at the beginning of this bombastic piece of work! Ken Russell (another bombastic piece of work) was in his glory on "Tommy" and so perfectly scripted was this film that you'll see every scene play out in your head as you follow Tommy's amazing journey while away from your TV screen. Ignore John Entwistle's machine gunning of his gold records for this soundtrack---blast it loud and proud, holiday-makers!Free Music Review: This is NOT the original "TOMMY" masterwork, but is very good anyway!
Hit: 4 Stars
First things first: (1) You're truly a Classic Rock fanatic, (2) You're a crazy Soundtrack collector, (3) You like classic Rock bands playing their best tunes with other Classic Rock monsters = You will love this album!
Certainly, it could appear quite strange to give a good comment on a Classic Rock masterwork (The Who's "Tommy" is a classic, no doubt about it!) on which the original composers/performers (i.e. The Who) play the tunes with other great musicians/performers (Elton John, Tina Turner and Eric Clapton are all here!). All together with non-musical superstars like Ann-Margret and Jack Nicholson...
The final product may sound a little bit 'eclectic', but it certainly will satisfy most of Classic Rock/Soundtracks fans! However, please be warned: if by any chance you get the European edition of this album (Dutch?), it may sound a little bit 'opaque' (just like if it had been recorded on a very old and sworn cassette tape).