TOMMY

This album was actually my introduction to the Who and it was my favorite for quite some time. Eventually when I got my hands on Quadrophenia I, completely undeserving, forgot about Tommy.

The CD-version of this album is all on one CD which can feel quite misleading for a 1969-release that was originally released as a double album. This is definitely a double album and in a way I feel that it's unfair that Quadrophenia got a much better treatment although its length is merely 7 minutes longer, with a total running time of 81:33. The music is a lot more acoustic than that featured on the later the Who albums, but don't let its gentle tones mislead since it definitely rocks more than what the Who was know for at the time.

This rock opera features many highlights where some of my personal favorites features consist mainly of the instrumental interludes like Overture and the 10 minute long Undertune. Although it is Go To The Mirror! that delivers the essential performance and rounds up this great work of art with a bang!

I should definitely try to revisit Tommy some time soon! Could that be my New Years resolution or is it too late for that already? None the less, it's an excellent addition to any prog rock collection.

***** star songs: Overture (5:20) Sparks (2:05) Christmas (4:32) Underture (10:04) Go To The Mirror! (3:47) I'm Free (2:39) We're Not Gonna Take It (3:28)

**** star songs: It's A Boy (0:38) 1921 (2:48) Amazing Journey (5:04) Eyesight To The Blind (The Hawker) (2:14) Cousin Kevin (4:06) Do You Think It's Alright? (0:24) Fiddle About (1:31) Pinball Wizard (3:01) There's A Doctor (0:23) Tommy Can You Hear Me? (1:35) Smash The Mirror (1:34) Sensation (2:28) Miracle Cure (0:12) Sally Simpson (4:10) Welcome (4:32) Tommy's Holiday Camp (0:57)

*** star songs: The Acid Queen (3:34)