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Other music forums => Various Artists, Lyrics, Discographies => Microscopes => Topic started by: Ovi on September 29, 2012, 04:34:49 PM

Title: Microscope : Tommy (The Who)
Post by: Ovi on September 29, 2012, 04:34:49 PM
Side One

Overture - Just like its title suggests, this is an instrumental introduction to The Who's first rock opera and it's formed by snippets of the album's main themes and songs. 0:35 - the riff of 'We're Not Gonna Take It' played on a french horn (probably by John Entwistle) and it sounds good. The same horn can be found in 1:12 on what seems to be a fragment of 'Go To The Mirror!'. During 1:36 and 1:52 we have the best part of the song, a wordless 'See Me Feel Me'. It sounds exactly like a heavenly prayer. 2:21 - nice organ-driven fragment of 'Listening To You'. 3:48 - great gong-like effect. According to Wikipedia the song should've ended at 3:50, yet on my copy it still goes on for 1 and a half minute more. There's also the lyrics joining in and introducing us to Tommy's birth.

It's A Boy - A 40 seconds touching little tune sung by Pete.

1921 - One of my favourite songs on the album. A superb ballad with Pete's voice at its best. Love the part in which Pete sings from the father's perspective telling Tommy that he didn't hear or see anything, while Roger, representing the poor boy says the exact opposite (I heard it, I saw it). Amazing track. Note to self : Don't forget to listen to the song in 2021 for the lyrics to make sense!

Amazing Journey - Not a personal favourite, but it's a decent tune. I'm not a big fan of that little effect that constantly keeps repeating (keyboards maybe?). However, love the drums at 0:45. This segues into :

Sparks - Another instrumental, though not quite as good as 'Overture'. Lots of special effects to give it a psychedelic journey-like feel. 1:41 another album theme, this one having its origins from 'Rael', a mini-suite from their previous album, 'The Who Sell Out'. Good enough tune.

Eyesight To The Blind (The Hawker) - A remake of an old blues song with changed lyrics so they fit the story. The first failed attempt to heal Tommy. Good song, but not really a highlight.

Christmas - Another one of my personal favourites. It's Christmas and Tommy doesn't seem to be enjoying it. The histerical laughs in the background are funny (Pete, I suppose). 0:54 nice, energetic drum break. The song is made from 3 parts : the main verses, describing Tommy, the funky "Tommy can you hear me?" reprise and the majestic 'See Me Feel Me' prayer sung by Roger. The way these 3 parts blend together is a proof of Pete's genius in my opinion.

Cousin Kevin - Tommy gets abused by his cousin. Written and sung by John Entwistle and I must say, the dark humourous lyrics are typical of him. Nicely performed song, though it may seem boring upon the first few listens.

The Acid Queen - Hands down, my favourite song on the album. Never fails to make me smile (though the Tina Turner scene from the movie is rather weird). One of their catchiest numbers to date. Simple, yet effective guitar solo. 1:34 my favourite part of the song, lyrics-wise. 1:51 and 3:13 love Pete's stretchy voice. Makes the song to my ears.

Underture - Terrible over-long filler instrumental. It's practically the same themes repeated over and over again. This has the same role as 'European Son' on 'Velvet Underground & Nico' : it keeps the album from being perfect. Even Pete himself realized it later and cut it from the live performances. Quite a shame, really.

Side Two

Do You Think It's Alright? - Tommy's parents decide it's alright to leave the boy with Uncle Earnie. Big mistake. Inoffensive little tune. What's great about this album is the fact that even the 20-seconds songs are quite tuneful.

Fiddle About - John's second contribution here and it seems that Tommy gets molested by his own uncle this time. Nice horn-driven melody. Catchy as hell, too. The Keith Moon scene from the movie is probably one of the most disturbing things I've ever seen, though.

Pinball Wizard - Excellent opening with acoustics getting faster and faster until the electric guitar comes in, blistering the right channel. One of the best moments on the album, really. I've always wondered how did Pete come up with the idea of making Tommy a pinball player?! Never mind, this is a kick-ass rocker. Just The Who doing what they know best.

There's A Doctor - Another short fragment. This one sounds like a commercial but probably that's the purpose of it.

Go To The Mirror! - I've always loved this song's riff. The 'See Me Feel Me' reprises are sung by Pete here and they're a little more upbeat, but I've always thought Roger was better at singing it. Good song over all though.

Tommy Can You Hear Me? - One last desperate attempt from the parents to interact with Tommy. Love Roger's 'Tommy, tommy' right  at the end, like a far-away cry.

Smash The Mirror - The album's climax, plot-wise. With his mother's constant yellings, Tommy finally snaps out of his trance and comes back to reality. This is all happening once a mirror is broken, but I've never been sure whether Tommy or his mother breaks it. The "rise, rise" part is terrible. Though a very important moment for Tommy, I, myself, never enjoyed the song very much.

Sensation - A good song that for some reason always reminded me of '1921'. Nothing much to add, really.

Miracle Cure - Lasting for only 13 seconds, this is the shortest song on the album. Another advertising-sounding tune.

Sally Simpson - Another song I really love. Love the piano and the catchy chorus. I'm not really sure what was Pete trying to say with this song. Never understood what was Sally's character supposed to mean. Who cares, though? A nice little story in itself and a very pleasant melody.

I'm Free - Continuing the tradition of the last song, it features a piano. The riff sounds very familiar, but I just can't quite put my finger on it. Fine performance by Roger. I like the atmosphere of the song a lot. Somehow mystical, especially during the verses. The 'Pinball Wizard' riff is reprised right at the end of the song, and very welcomed. Another winner.

Welcome - Maybe a bit boring, but I tend to like this one, too. The quiet and tender (female?) backing-vocals give it a somehow sad and desperate feel. Love the instrumental break at 1:40. There's even some harmonica playing by Roger. Nice tune.

Tommy's Holiday Camp - A funny song that features keyboards and a banjo. Pete's voice always cracks me up. I think the 'welcome!' at the end is suppose to be Uncle Earnie's.

We're Not Gonna Take It - A big highlight. Another 3-part suite. Love Pete's harmonies during the verses. The first chorus is almost whispered and it sounds awesome. Great protest lyrics as well. 3:30 - 'See Me, Feel Me' makes its last appearance and it's simply stunning. The single most emotional moment on the album. The only problem I have with the song is that the 'Listening To You' part at the end just goes on for too long. But that's only a small flaw, really. A wonderful album closer that leaves you thinking. Did Tommy die or not?

All in all, though not as good as 'Quadrophenia' (the only Who album I consider to be perfect), it's still my 2nd favourite from them. A highly influential piece of work and the fact that Pete wrote all of it makes him one of the best song-writers of his time.

P.S. I also read that the original plan was to add some strings/brass to the album. As opposed to many people's opinion, I think it would've slightly improved the album.
Title: Re: Microscope : Tommy (The Who)
Post by: Hombre_de_ningun_lugar on September 29, 2012, 06:54:22 PM
WOW, I was thinking about reviewing the Who albums after the Byrds, but you were faster! ;D

No problem, and I will add my review of this classic masterpiece when I get some time.

P.S.: Great review 5th Beatle!
Title: Re: Microscope : Tommy (The Who)
Post by: Ovi on September 29, 2012, 07:01:24 PM
WOW, I was thinking about reviewing the Who albums after the Byrds, but you were faster! ;D

No problem, and I will add my review of this classic masterpiece when I get some time.

P.S.: Great review 5th Beatle!

Yeah, The Who are definitely worthy of some reviews. I would participate to your Byrds reviews, but, to be quite honest, I've never really been into the band.

Thanks for the compliment, I can't wait to read your opinions.
Title: Re: Microscope : Tommy (The Who)
Post by: Hombre_de_ningun_lugar on September 29, 2012, 07:21:32 PM
Yeah, The Who are definitely worthy of some reviews.

Yes indeed, actually they are my second favourite band after the Beatles.

Quote
I would participate to your Byrds reviews, but, to be quite honest, I've never really been into the band.

I'd recommend you to dig into some essential Byrds' albums at least for historical reasons, they're a key band of the 60's. This doesn't mean that you will like them.

Quote
Thanks for the compliment, I can't wait to read your opinions.

You're welcome.
Title: Re: Microscope : Tommy (The Who)
Post by: Ovi on September 30, 2012, 07:18:36 AM
Yes indeed, actually they are my second favourite band after the Beatles.

That's cool. For me, The Who ranks as my 5th favourite, right after The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Pink Floyd and The Kinks. I haven't heard all of their stuff yet though, so things might change.

I'd recommend you to dig into some essential Byrds' albums at least for historical reasons, they're a key band of the 60's. This doesn't mean that you will like them.

Actually I do own 'Mr. Tambourine Man' and I've given it a few listens. It's pleasant and the melodies are pretty catchy, but it never impressed me or made me wanna come back. Also, the album is not really varied. I'll keep listening to it though, maybe it's a grower. I also prefer Bob Dylan's version of the title track.
Title: Re: Microscope : Tommy (The Who)
Post by: stevie on September 30, 2012, 10:03:36 AM
Nice review!

I have the LP of this album but not the CD. I like the better songs on it but you have to appreciate the sheer scale of the whole thing.

'Sally Simpson'' was based on a true incident from a Who concert, where a young fan was injured. I remember reading this years ago.

Keith Moon's bio, 'Dear Boy'' is one if the best rock bios ever written.

The Who are my fourth favorite band, after our lads, the Stones and Zep.
Title: Re: Microscope : Tommy (The Who)
Post by: Ovi on September 30, 2012, 10:11:01 AM
'Sally Simpson'' was based on a true incident from a Who concert, where a young fan was injured. I remember reading this years ago.

That's a cool fact. Thanks for sharing.

The Who are my fourth favorite band, after our lads, the Stones and Zep.

You have great tastes, stevie. I love all of those.
Title: Re: Microscope : Tommy (The Who)
Post by: ibanez_ax on September 30, 2012, 01:09:01 PM
I don't hate Underture.  If I listen to it with headphones, Entwistle's bass sounds like  rows of double basses and cellos.
Title: Re: Microscope : Tommy (The Who)
Post by: Ovi on September 30, 2012, 01:39:27 PM
I don't hate Underture.  If I listen to it with headphones, Entwistle's bass sounds like  rows of double basses and cellos.

It's got its fair share of good moments, but overall it's just way too long and repetitive.
Title: Re: Microscope : Tommy (The Who)
Post by: ibanez_ax on September 30, 2012, 03:27:48 PM
It's got its fair share of good moments, but overall it's just way too long and repetitive.

While not necessary to Tommy and could have been left off the album and by no means my favorite Who song, I find it oddly symphonic in a understated kind of way.  It has always held a strange attraction to me.

Title: Re: Microscope : Tommy (The Who)
Post by: Normandie on September 30, 2012, 07:03:20 PM

Wow, great review, 5th Beatle. And here I was thinking I was one of the only Who fans who love "1921" so much.

You seem to know so much about the band; I have kind of a stupid question for you and others: At live concerts,
why does Roger repeat the word "heat" in the "Listening to You" choruses, i.e., I've noticed that he sings the word
twice ("I feel the heat / heat"). Just for flow/effect, maybe?
Title: Re: Microscope : Tommy (The Who)
Post by: Ovi on September 30, 2012, 07:28:06 PM
Wow, great review, 5th Beatle. And here I was thinking I was one of the only Who fans who love "1921" so much.

Thanks. You're not alone, I just checked out my iTunes and '1921' together with 'The Acid Queen' are my most played songs from 'Tommy'. I think they're both brilliant.

Just for flow/effect, maybe?

I think so.
Title: Re: Microscope : Tommy (The Who)
Post by: Hombre_de_ningun_lugar on September 30, 2012, 08:16:23 PM
That's cool. For me, The Who ranks as my 5th favourite, right after The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Pink Floyd and The Kinks. I haven't heard all of their stuff yet though, so things might change.

I love anything they did with Keith Moon (1965-1978). After that, I think Face Dances (1981) is pretty good.

Actually I do own 'Mr. Tambourine Man' and I've given it a few listens. It's pleasant and the melodies are pretty catchy, but it never impressed me or made me wanna come back. Also, the album is not really varied. I'll keep listening to it though, maybe it's a grower. I also prefer Bob Dylan's version of the title track.

The Byrds are actually a very diverse band (I mean, comparing their different albums). They started with Folk Rock, but also did Psychedelic Rock, Country Rock, Acid Rock, Hard Rock. Mr. Tambourine Man (as well as Turn! Turn! Turn!) is no more than a Folk Rock record, revolutionary at the time, but if you're not a fan of the genre it's logic that you don't get much from it. Maybe you should try with Fifth Dimension, Younger Than Yesterday and The Notorious Byrd Brothers, as they have a psychedelic sound. Particularly Younger Than Yesterday is a very diverse album and in my opinion it's their very best work.

But here we must talk about the Who, and I'll add my review in few days.
Title: Re: Microscope : Tommy (The Who)
Post by: Normandie on October 01, 2012, 07:33:01 PM
Sally Simpson - Another song I really love. Love the piano and the catchy chorus.

"Sally Simpson" is one of those songs I find almost impossible NOT to sing along to (alone with "You Better You Bet")  ;D
Title: Re: Microscope : Tommy (The Who)
Post by: tkitna on October 02, 2012, 12:00:08 AM
Great review 5th.
Title: Re: Microscope : Tommy (The Who)
Post by: Ovi on October 02, 2012, 10:43:05 AM
Great review 5th.

Thanks. Do you like the album/The Who ? If so, I'd love to read your opinions on it.
Title: Re: Microscope : Tommy (The Who)
Post by: tkitna on October 02, 2012, 10:49:55 AM
Thanks. Do you like the album/The Who ? If so, I'd love to read your opinions on it.

Absolutely. Like you, i'm a huge 'Quadrophenia' fan and its my favorite. 'Who's Next' reads like a greatest hits album its so good. 'Tommy' is good and I have it on vinyl and CD, but I dont play it very often. Its a sporadic record in my opinion. Awesome highs, but some low spots too and thats ok. Anyways, love the Who. Remember listening to 'Meaty Beaty Big and Bouncy' constantly in the record player when I was about 10 years old.
Title: Re: Microscope : Tommy (The Who)
Post by: Ovi on October 02, 2012, 11:33:20 AM
Absolutely. Like you, i'm a huge 'Quadrophenia' fan and its my favorite.

I think 'Quadrophenia' is their most complete effort and the only time they came very, very close to perfection. I've heard many complaints like "there are too many synths", but in my opinion, the album is the perfect example of how to make use of the latest technology (regarding music, of course) without abusing it and letting it suck the life out of your songs.

Another thing I really about 'Quadro' is (like the great reviewer George Starostin said) the fact that the message is simple and universal : love is all that matters. I think Pete realized that complicating things more and more (plot and message-wise) was not a really good solution.

'Who's Next' is pretty good, but from what I've read, 'Lifehouse' was a pretty interesting and ambitious project. I've yet to hear the bootlegs or anything that concerns it though.
Title: Re: Microscope : Tommy (The Who)
Post by: Hombre_de_ningun_lugar on October 02, 2012, 03:26:55 PM
I love Quadrophenia, and it may be the work where Pete Townshend put more forces on. But I think Tommy is more tuneful and entertaining, a most definitive rock opera in my opinion. Quadrophenia has a better performance, but it suffers more the "rock opera disease", with too many instrumental parts and repeated themes. Anyway, my very favourite album by the Who is Who's Next: a failed rock opera, but a peak in songwriting and performance.
Title: Re: Microscope : Tommy (The Who)
Post by: ibanez_ax on October 02, 2012, 09:51:55 PM
I love Quadrophenia, and it may be the work where Pete Townshend put more forces on. But I think Tommy is more tuneful and entertaining, a most definitive rock opera in my opinion. Quadrophenia has a better performance, but it suffers more the "rock opera disease", with too many instrumental parts and repeated themes. Anyway, my very favourite album by the Who is Who's Next: a failed rock opera, but a peak in songwriting and performance.

I love all three albums, but I wore out a lot of vinyl copies of Who's Next back in the day.  "Bargain" might have had a bit more wear than the rest of the album, actually.
Title: Re: Microscope : Tommy (The Who)
Post by: Hombre_de_ningun_lugar on October 02, 2012, 10:27:55 PM
I love all three albums, but I wore out a lot of vinyl copies of Who's Next back in the day.  "Bargain" might have had a bit more wear than the rest of the album, actually.

Yeah, "Bargain" may be the peak of Pete Townshend as a rhythm guitarist.
Title: Re: Microscope : Tommy (The Who)
Post by: peterbell1 on October 03, 2012, 09:00:08 AM
Great to read everyone's opinions of The Who, my second favourite band after The Fab 4.

For many years when I was young I was only really into the Who's earlier work from the mid-1960s - classic singles like Substitute and My Generation - but I then discovered the 1970s stuff such as Who's Next in my early 20s. It wasn't until a few years ago that I really got into Tommy - I obviously knew classic songs like Pinball Wizard but I had stayed clear of listening to the album, possibly because I had seen the film when I was younger and it had put me off the whole Tommy idea as the film was quite weird!!

My first listens to Tommy were on the extended Live At Leeds CD and then on various bootleg recordings from 1969/1970, and then really taking time to listen to the original double album. It took a few listens, but I eventually realised what a brilliant piece of work it is. I especially love the fact that there is so much acoustic guitar on there - it's totally different to the more rocked-up versions they did live.
It is an amazing musical piece - even if the storyline is difficult to follow, the songs do stand up on their own. Stuff like Christmas, Go To The Mirror and We're Not Gonna Take It is very tuneful - with different lyrics they could easily have been singles.

I have played in a Who tribute band for several years and have really come to appreciate albums like Tommy and Quadrophenia - when you try to learn how to play this stuff yourself, you realise how much work and thought went into creating these songs and the recordings.

I was lucky enough to see Roger Daltrey twice on his solo tour last year where he played the entire Tommy album in its original form (lots of acoustic guitar etc). He really did a brilliant job of recreating the album live on stage - much better than The Who's attempts in 1989. Have been lucky enough to meet him a couple of times as well because our band often does gigs in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust. He's a great bloke - very down to earth. Here's me and the rest of my band backstage with Roger in Newcastle last year (I'm second from the left, just behind Rog) ...
(http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o14/peterbell1/S73R4559.jpg)
Title: Re: Microscope : Tommy (The Who)
Post by: peterbell1 on October 03, 2012, 09:12:50 AM
And a couple of YouTube clips of our versions of Sparks, Pinball Wizard and See Me Feel Me from the mini Tommy section we do in our set ....   (that's enough of the self-promotion ;D ) .....

The Whodlums - Who Tribute - Sparks (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yr13oGaWFdA#ws)


The Whodlums - Who Tribute - Pinball Wizard + See Me, Feel Me - O2 Academy, Newcastle (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzvqyQQmkZo#)
Title: Re: Microscope : Tommy (The Who)
Post by: Normandie on October 03, 2012, 11:05:43 PM

For many years when I was young I was only really into the Who's earlier work from the mid-1960s - classic singles like Substitute and My Generation - but I then discovered the 1970s stuff such as Who's Next in my early 20s. It wasn't until a few years ago that I really got into Tommy - I obviously knew classic songs like Pinball Wizard but I had stayed clear of listening to the album, possibly because I had seen the film when I was younger and it had put me off the whole Tommy idea as the film was quite weird!!

I had to smile when I read that, because I'm sure I would have reacted the same way. I listened to the album before I saw the movie, which I thought was very bizarre (I do like it, though).

Quote
I was lucky enough to see Roger Daltrey twice on his solo tour last year where he played the entire Tommy album in its original form (lots of acoustic guitar etc). He really did a brilliant job of recreating the album live on stage - much better than The Who's attempts in 1989. Have been lucky enough to meet him a couple of times as well because our band often does gigs in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust. He's a great bloke - very down to earth.

Wow, I am so jealous. People magazine recently ran a short piece on the Teenage Cancer Trust and focused on Roger. He did come across in the article as very down to earth. I've read tons of interviews with him but never really gotten a "sense" of his personality, but he seemed really kind in the People article.

Thanks for sharing!
Title: Re: Microscope : Tommy (The Who)
Post by: Hombre_de_ningun_lugar on October 04, 2012, 01:19:34 AM
And a couple of YouTube clips of our versions of Sparks, Pinball Wizard and See Me Feel Me from the mini Tommy section we do in our set ....   (that's enough of the self-promotion ;D ) .....

The Whodlums - Who Tribute - Sparks ([url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yr13oGaWFdA#ws[/url])


The Whodlums - Who Tribute - Pinball Wizard + See Me, Feel Me - O2 Academy, Newcastle ([url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzvqyQQmkZo#[/url])


That's great Peter! You're the guitarist, right?

Somehow the Who are not so popular here in Argentina as the Beatles and the Stones are. Maybe the fact that the Who never came here didn't help. Nevertheless, they're my second favourite band.
Title: Re: Microscope : Tommy (The Who)
Post by: Hombre_de_ningun_lugar on October 04, 2012, 02:58:01 AM
The Who's Tommy, released in May 1969, was not the first rock opera, as that title corresponds to S.F. Sorrow by the Pretty Things. But Tommy clearly defined the bases of what a rock opera is, expanding the concept not only on the lyrics but also on the music. As other famous albums it's subjected to mixed opinions, and I'm on the side of those who love the record.

Overture. A great, albeit obvious way to start the rock opera. I'm not a big fan of long instrumentals, but I don't mind if it's as fun as this. John's French horns are catchy and the frequent acoustic guitars by Pete (present along the whole album) are marvelous, but I especially love Keith's drumming with his patented unprofessional style.

It's A Boy. And his name is Tommy.

1921. I've always liked this tune and it sounds as it could have been part of an actual classical opera. The best part is the chorus with the counter-vocals.

Amazing Journey. I also like this one, telling us about the complicated simplicity of being deaf, dumb and blind. The strange sound effects remind me to a pinball game, don't know if they were included with that purpose. Amazing drumming too.

Sparks. Another enjoyable instrumental. I especially like the guitar-bass dialogue that starts at 1:02.

Eyesight To The Blind (The Hawker). A good version of this blues song. I like the harmonies.

Christmas. How could someone dislike this catchy tune? I love the backing vocals sounding like Christmas bells. I think the hidden message of this track is that salvation doesn't come from intellectual knowledge but from inner spirituality.

Cousin Kevin. As Ovi explained, Tommy is being abused by his cousin. This is a good track written by John, and the chorus sounds a lot like another song he wrote: "Doctor, Doctor", that had been released as the B-side of "Pictures Of Lily" in early-1967.

The Acid Queen. This is certainly a highlight, catchy from start to finish. The drumming is just awesome, it drives the song. I also love the short instrumental middle with that ascending guitar and marching drums. Great track.

Underture. The obligatory over-long instrumental that fills double-album rock operas. It has some good moments but it's predictably tedious and repetitive.

Do You Think It's Alright?. An enjoyable little tune, even being so brief.

Fiddle About. John and his black humor again, it's not a coincidence that he wrote the two songs where Tommy gets abused. Quite entertaining tune.

Pinball Wizard. This is an absolute classic and has always been one of my favorite songs. The whole band shines here. The powerful guitar that can be heard after each "sure plays a mean pinball!" is mind-blowing. I remember seeing the video of this song on TV about 12 years ago; it was the first time I've ever listened to the song and it had such an effect on me that I immediately bought my first album of the Who (The Very Best Of The Who).

The Who - Pinball Wizard (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2aIsj8lcik#)

There's A Doctor. He can cure the boy.

Go To The Mirror!. Nice suite including different parts that are repeated through the album. I'm not a big fan of the track but it's still fine.

Tommy Can You Hear Me?. Not a great song but I've always loved this moment of the album. Maybe because the boys are not taking themselves so seriously and the way John plays the bass.

Smash The Mirror. I like the intro of this song, so bluesy. After that it's a bit messy, including a mirror crash at the end.

Sensation. I really like this tune. The horn parts are very suitable.

Miracle Cure. Extra texture (read all about it).

Sally Simpson. This song is very funny, but after several listenings I find it to be quite silly.

I'm Free. Another peak of the album. The harmonies are superb; the Who were not the Beach Boys, of course, but they were underrated in this aspect. A great performance.

Welcome. A pleasant ballad. It would have been very monotonous if it wasn't for the middle. I've always liked the "there's more at the door" part.

Tommy's Holiday Camp. A kind of joke-song written and (I think) sung by Keith; it's driven by a weird organ.

We're Not Gonna Take It. Another demonstration of Pete's geniality. The first part of this suite is very enjoyable, with great harmonies once again. The "see me, feel me" part prepares the ambient for the glorious ending, that I'd bet it was inspired by the coda of "Hey Jude". An amazing closer for an amazing album.

It's not hard to see why this album had such a big impact in rock music. It's often said that this record doesn't stand to repeated listenings, but similar criticism is received by other great albums like Sgt. Pepper's and Pet Sounds, and nothing can remove the "masterpiece" label from them.
Title: Re: Microscope : Tommy (The Who)
Post by: Hombre_de_ningun_lugar on October 04, 2012, 03:21:44 AM
Pinball Wizard - Excellent opening with acoustics getting faster and faster until the electric guitar comes in, blistering the right channel. One of the best moments on the album, really. I've always wondered how did Pete come up with the idea of making Tommy a pinball player?! Never mind, this is a kick-ass rocker. Just The Who doing what they know best.

Maybe this explanation taken from Wikipedia can respond your question:

Quote
The song was introduced into Tommy as an afterthought. In late 1968 or early 1969, when The Who played a rough assembly of their new album to critic Nik Cohn, Cohn gave a lukewarm reaction. Following this, Townshend, as Tommy's principal composer, discussed the album with Cohn and concluded that, to lighten the load of the rock opera's heavy spiritual overtones (Townshend had recently become deeply interested in the teachings of Meher Baba), the title character, a "deaf, dumb, and blind" boy, should also be particularly good at a certain game. Knowing Cohn was an avid pinball fan, Townshend suggested that Tommy would play pinball, and Cohn immediately declared Tommy to be a masterpiece. The song "Pinball Wizard" was written and recorded almost immediately.
Title: Re: Microscope : Tommy (The Who)
Post by: Ovi on October 04, 2012, 11:23:45 AM
Great review, Hombre.

Christmas. How could someone dislike this catchy tune? I love the backing vocals sounding like Christmas bells. I think the hidden message of this track is that salvation doesn't come from intellectual knowledge but from inner spirituality.

I agree, very well put.

Maybe this explanation taken from Wikipedia can respond your question:

Thanks for sharing, I never knew that.
Title: Re: Microscope : Tommy (The Who)
Post by: peterbell1 on October 04, 2012, 12:32:43 PM
I had to smile when I read that, because I'm sure I would have reacted the same way. I listened to the album before I saw the movie, which I thought was very bizarre (I do like it, though).

 ;D


Wow, I am so jealous. People magazine recently ran a short piece on the Teenage Cancer Trust and focused on Roger. He did come across in the article as very down to earth. I've read tons of interviews with him but never really gotten a "sense" of his personality, but he seemed really kind in the People article.

Yeah, he's great - chatted with us for quite a while backstage. Earlier this year he even invited us to go down to London to play a gig with him - it didn't work out, unfortunately, but it was a genuine offer by him and we're still hoping that it may come off one day.


Thanks for sharing!

You're very welcome  :)
Title: Re: Microscope : Tommy (The Who)
Post by: peterbell1 on October 04, 2012, 12:40:06 PM
That's great Peter! You're the guitarist, right?

Somehow the Who are not so popular here in Argentina as the Beatles and the Stones are. Maybe the fact that the Who never came here didn't help. Nevertheless, they're my second favourite band.

Thanks! Yes, I'm the guitarist.

I wonder if maybe The Who were a little too "English" to make a big impression in a country like Argentina during the 60s. The Beatles and Stones had a wide "trans-Atlantic" appeal, but The Who in their early years were targeting a "mod" audience, which was a very British scene. It was only in the latter part of the 60s that they became a big hit in the States, with albums like Tommy. And of course, Who's Next was a massive worldwide success, because by then they had broadened their appeal by dropping the "mod" scene and adding a bit more "rock" to their sound. Tommy was a big step for them because it helped to bridge that gap between their mid-60s work and the rock music they produced in the 70s.
Title: Re: Microscope : Tommy (The Who)
Post by: peterbell1 on October 04, 2012, 12:44:19 PM
I'm Free. Another peak of the album. The harmonies are superb; the Who were not the Beach Boys, of course, but they were underrated in this aspect. A great performance.

Yeah, the harmonies by The Who are fantastic - they did some very clever stuff vocally which I think often matched The Beatles for complexity.
As you rightly say, they aren't up to the Beach Boys standard, but for a band with just three vocalists they did some great harmonies, just like The Beatles.
Title: Re: Microscope : Tommy (The Who)
Post by: Normandie on October 04, 2012, 02:10:22 PM

Tommy's Holiday Camp. A kind of joke-song written and (I think) sung by Keith; it's driven by a weird organ.

I think that's Pete, actually, although Keith sang it in the movie if I remember correctly. For years, I thought it was Keith on
that track, but I read somewhere (it's escaping me now) that it's Pete.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, very interesting! I am loving this thread.  :)
Title: Re: Microscope : Tommy (The Who)
Post by: Ovi on October 04, 2012, 02:34:46 PM
I think that's Pete, actually, although Keith sang it in the movie if I remember correctly. For years, I thought it was Keith on
that track, but I read somewhere (it's escaping me now) that it's Pete.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, very interesting! I am loving this thread.  :)

Sounds very much like Pete to me as well.
Title: Re: Microscope : Tommy (The Who)
Post by: peterbell1 on October 04, 2012, 03:04:26 PM
Sounds very much like Pete to me as well.


Was definitely Pete on the Tommy album and he used to do it live up until the early 70s.
From the mid-70s onwards though, when they re-introduced a Tommy section into their set, Keith did the live vocals. And seemed to enjoy himself as well ...  ;D

THE WHO @ Pontiac Stadium/ Mi. Dec. (6th?) 1975: "Tommy's Holiday Camp"/ "We're Not Gonna Take It" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlXcd-xYijM#)
Title: Re: Microscope : Tommy (The Who)
Post by: Hombre_de_ningun_lugar on October 04, 2012, 06:29:33 PM
Great review, Hombre.

I agree, very well put.

Thanks for sharing, I never knew that.

Thanks and you're welcome.
Title: Re: Microscope : Tommy (The Who)
Post by: Hombre_de_ningun_lugar on October 04, 2012, 06:38:04 PM
Thanks! Yes, I'm the guitarist.

I wonder if maybe The Who were a little too "English" to make a big impression in a country like Argentina during the 60s. The Beatles and Stones had a wide "trans-Atlantic" appeal, but The Who in their early years were targeting a "mod" audience, which was a very British scene. It was only in the latter part of the 60s that they became a big hit in the States, with albums like Tommy. And of course, Who's Next was a massive worldwide success, because by then they had broadened their appeal by dropping the "mod" scene and adding a bit more "rock" to their sound. Tommy was a big step for them because it helped to bridge that gap between their mid-60s work and the rock music they produced in the 70s.

I know the Who had a big impact on some important musicians from Argentina. For example, La Biblia by Vox Dei, released in 1971, was highly influenced by Tommy. It's a concept album about the Bible, it could be considered a rock opera too, and in my opinion it's the best album ever released in my country. But here the Who is almost a cult band, most common people are not familiarized with them.
Title: Re: Microscope : Tommy (The Who)
Post by: Hombre_de_ningun_lugar on October 04, 2012, 06:40:44 PM
I think that's Pete, actually, although Keith sang it in the movie if I remember correctly. For years, I thought it was Keith on
that track, but I read somewhere (it's escaping me now) that it's Pete.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, very interesting! I am loving this thread.  :)

Thanks for the correction. I thought it was Keith but maybe just because he wrote the song. Also the singing is quite weird and not easy to detect who does it.
Title: Re: Microscope : Tommy (The Who)
Post by: peterbell1 on October 04, 2012, 07:59:09 PM
Pete said it was actually him who wrote the Tommy's Holiday Camp song, but it was Keith's original idea to have Tommy go to a holiday camp, so Pete said he was feeling generous and gave Keith the writer's credit!
Title: Re: Microscope : Tommy (The Who)
Post by: Hombre_de_ningun_lugar on October 04, 2012, 08:08:31 PM
Pete said it was actually him who wrote the Tommy's Holiday Camp song, but it was Keith's original idea to have Tommy go to a holiday camp, so Pete said he was feeling generous and gave Keith the writer's credit!

Didn't know that!
Title: Re: Microscope : Tommy (The Who)
Post by: Normandie on October 04, 2012, 08:54:39 PM
Also the singing is quite weird and not easy to detect who does it.

It is an odd song (I've always found it a tad creepy, even), and for years I thought it was Keith.