So for the first time ever I'm listening to Tommy, complete

Was never a huge Who fan back in the day so I never had the album, but I picked up an original copy in very nice condition at the thrift store today for a $1.25. So, I'm determined to play all 4 sides starting right now, first bit sounds clean and clear, so the vinyl is good, this will be a plus....so here I go, all 4 sides!

 

Wow, it certainly comes in an over engineered package, I though there would be 4 LP's it was so heavy, the book is intact and as new too.

 

I listened to it for the first time 2 weeks ago. I love the album-sounds very organic and dominated by rockin acoustic guitars quite a bit. It sounds really good in the Fall time.

 

Well cool, so I'm not the only late bloomer, eh?

So far I'm digging the sound quality, the vinyl looked ok, but actually sounds VERY good so far, very quiet background, near no noise, pops, crackles or such. This is an ODE A&M copy.

 

Is this what you have?

 

That is the booklet front, the actual cover is just one pinball on each side.

 

it looks like you're playing the London Symphony version, yes?

The original has a blue tri-fold cover:

 

You can come at Tommy from many directions these days. Personally (as with Quadrophenia) I saw the film before I heard the album. Fortunately there are no bad entry points: I even saw the West End version of Tommy, which was a comparative failure and that was stunning too.

 

Ah, shows how little I know about this. So that is a different version?

 

My cassette from the '80s has that cover.

 

The cast version isn't anywhere near as good. Completely different beast. For me Tommy is best live so try to hear the version on the expanded Live at Leeds or bootleg Live in Amsterdam. They play a good chunk of it on the Isle of Wight DVD/CDMA too

 

OP has never heard it - IMHO he should hear the original, but yes I agree, the rendition on the three-LP 2016 European release of Live At Leeds should be next!

 

Yes. Go buy the original on vinyl, and Crank That Baby Uppppp!! Tomorrow morning! (Shouldn't be too difficult to find. I bought a 1969 copy in great shape a few months ago for $5.00). It may not survive the ages but I'll love it at least until dementia sets in.

 

The OP is listening to "a" Tommy, I suppose but its hardly the version I think of when I think of the album proper.

That's the one that you want. Accept no substitute.

 

Ok, shows my Who ignorance, which I am not surprised at.

Now I'll have to go find another vinyl version and ultimately get the movie and watch it too I guess?

This peek into Tommy is going to get expensive before I'm done.

Dang.

I should've let sleeping dogs lie.

 

I wouldn't bother with the film. Ann Margaret rolling around in a deluge of baked beans was pretty great, but as a big Who fan, overall I don't think the film is very good. I'd just stick with the original album.

 

Entwistle walking up the aisle, playing like a demon is the only part of the film I want to see again.
I love some of the songs, but as a non stop listen it drags a bit to me.
I have a cracking Japanese LP version and the MFSL CD, both superb to me.
Xmas is I think a massively underrated Townshend composition.

 

Hmmm... Not so sure about the movie either. I quite like it but it's not everyone's busy of tea!

 

I’ve got my dad’s US Decca copy...near mint and it sounds great

 

That will explain why it's in such good condition

btw, the movie is definitely the best way to experience Tommy

 

Well, I've learned a lot about Tommy tonight!
Thanks guys.

 

Agreed that the original Who album is the best introduction to Tommy. The OP's initial post had me thinking that's what was meant - the original studio album, with its fantastic Townshend acoustic work and understated performances (relatively speaking) from the rest of the band all have something of an autumnal quality.

 

LOL, "understated" and "Tommy" just don't go together in my head.

 

I don't really enjoy listening to the original album, except as a template for the period live performances of it which absolutely kill

 

Just get the original 1969 Who album. It's very cheap on CD just to hear it. The live versions from around that time are great too. Forget everything else 'Tommy' related for now.