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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk
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 Williams
Product Description
CD =Remastered=
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
36 of 38 people found the following review helpful
By J. Milner
Format:Audio CD
Finally mastered from the totally original tapes this really is THE ultimate version of Tommy. Pete Townshend has done a cracking job of the 5.1 mix with clarity and seperation so accurate that it'll make your ears bleed! Pinball Wizard is an especially good example where the acoustic intro comes from one side only for the electric guitar to literally jump out from somewhere else. Out of all the SACDs I have this must be the best in terms of mix quality and the way the various instrumentation is distributed to the 5 channels. The bass is pretty forceful too but never overpowering. All in all the over-equalised sound of the previous remaster is removed and in a way it sounds like the instruments have been set free from any restraints. I haven't yet played the standard CD layer so I can't comment on what the previous reviewer said. If you don't have an SACD player yet then if you are a Who fan you're doing yourself a serious disservice. This disc is a good enough reason to invest. Here's to a few more Who classics being given the same treatment.
24 of 28 people found the following review helpful
By Touring Mars
VINE™ VOICE
Format:Audio CD
It's well known that the phenomenal success of Pete Townshend's classic 'rock opera' "Tommy" became a bit of an albatross for the group, in that they could never play another live set again without playing 'Pinball Wizard' or atleast half of this album. That is as maybe, and seasoned Who veterans may be well sick of it by now as well, but the only reason you CAN get sick of this album is because you just can't stop listening to it.
From the first listen I knew I was on to something great... the album is essentially a storyboard, and the songs are interspersed with small 'links' which can't really be called songs, but add to the album's 'concept' of being a so-called 'rock opera'. But it is not just the wild variety in the music that made this album so successful. The range of issues that the narrative of "Tommy" tackles is uniquely broad, challenging and (especially at the time) hugely controversial. Tommy, a deaf, dumb and blind boy, we discover is not physically dysfunctional in any way. Rather, he has become conditioned to be 'deaf, dumb and blind' through the manipulation, mistreatment and abuse of those around him, particularly his family. The way that Townshend addresses these issues in song is really quite remarkable. The lyrics lend the album a disturbing overtone which gives the music an extra cutting edge.
The musicianship throughout the album is of the highest order as well. Townshend's guitar is unerringly brilliant, from his carefully crafted finger picks, to his characteristically fierce rhythm and powerful electric riffs. He also has his lion's share of lead vocals ('Sensation' being an outstanding example), although it is Daltrey once again who steals the show with some powerhouse performances, including 'I'm Free', 'Pinball Wizard' and 'Amazing Journey'. John Entwistle is furiously inventive on bass, as is Keith Moon on drums, who enjoyed a much more free role than we would hear on 'Who's Next'.
This album impresses from the first listen, but then grows and grows until it becomes a behemoth within any rock collection. Far from being typical of The Who, this is still (and always was) a 'concept' album that has aged slightly, but contains so many timeless classics that it is sure to live on for many years to come.
12 of 14 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Audio CD
I've got, and love, the surround SACDs of Bat out of Hell and Dark Side of the Moon. This is a similar album, in that it needs no introduction to most people. The surround mix is absolutely wonderful throughout. I note other reviewer's criticisms of the stereo mix in comparison to previous CD releases; clearly it's a matter of taste, but this is the first ever release taken from the original stereo masters (which went missing for many years) as heard by the band. You may prefer other releases, but this release is the authentic one. An ESSENTIAL buy for anyone with an SACD surround system.
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4.6 out of 5 stars
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
tommy the who
replacement for vinyl true nostalgia for me -just had to jump around singing my head off to it -poor neighbours
Published 3 days ago by suzanna law
3.0 out of 5 stars
Average
Although this is a very well produced album it lacks the Dynamism of earlier Who Music. I know age is a factor but Groups of similar
age still pack a punch.
age still pack a punch.
Published 3 days ago by Bill
5.0 out of 5 stars
The original Rock Opera
Reminds me of my younger days, when it was all very new and revolutionary. The Who are one of those classic bands whose influence echoes down the ages, discernible in many pieces... Read more
Published 9 days ago by Len PenDragon
5.0 out of 5 stars
Tommy
I like this CD although may not be to everyone's taste, especially if you start from Track 7. I have the original vinyl and this CD is mighty close in terms of quality to my ears. Read more
Published 23 days ago by Wizard
4.0 out of 5 stars
Not timeless, but still a classic
Tommy hasn't aged well as a concept; but the musicality and the performance still stand up as an exemplary period piece.
Published 2 months ago by Mike Deller
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great Film
It is a classic film which manages to capture 1970's Britain prior to punk, the songs in it are amazing, especially "Im Free". Read more
Published 3 months ago by J. Ashdown
5.0 out of 5 stars
Booklet?
Just got my deluxe copy this morning. Does anyone know if there should be a booklet supplied with it as my copy has not come with one.
Published 4 months ago by Dean
5.0 out of 5 stars
a good presi
As good as I remember on first listening many years ago - good rhythms, melodies and songs, For Who fans everwhere
Published 4 months ago by G. Jones
5.0 out of 5 stars
i went to see tommy live 2011 in notts roger and is gremlins.
gosh it sound good. 3hr long and most of is greatest hits. i love this album. sounds just awesome. a defo must buy.
Published 7 months ago by tango
5.0 out of 5 stars
Mastered
The remastered version is even better than the original. You can hear more. But the original mastered rock story-telling. Opera is a big word. Ask Mozart if this is an opera. Read more
Published 8 months ago by Iain
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