TOMMY

"Tommy" is certainly high in the ranks of great landmark Rock albums. Part fantasy and part based on Pete Townsend's life, there won't be too many writers who could create a work as complex as this and then turn it into a hit as well. As a kid, I would sit and marvel at the guitar and frenetic drumming on this album, especially on "Amazing Journey", "Sparks" and "Overture". "1921", the popular classic "Pinball Wizard" and "Welcome" are further favourites. On a more attentive listen, Pete and Roger's vocals add lots of power. In particular, the first words to set the scene come as a shock. "Captain Walker didn't come home, his unborn child will never know him." This part of the the story will always move me. The chanting "a son, a son, a son" on "It's a Boy" help to make this album very theatrical too. This wonderful classic is unlike anything else I've heard. It would be an excellent eddition to your collection.