Tommy - Deluxe Edition

The Who were oblivious at the time but this album, like many of the other great albums, was going to save them from bankruptcy and their label dropping them. Pete Townshend spent many a night recording the demo tapes for this on his own home studio. Little did he know, Tommy, which went through several other possible names such as Amazing Journey, was to be his greatest success and to save him from obscurity.

This album is remniscent of a classical style of music. This is the genius of Tommy; throughout the album, you will hear the same riff used with many many variations. Right from the very first track, Townshend and Co. grip the listener with a stunning display of musical mastery. The seamless flow of these tracks only serves to add to the already great album.

If you are expecting a soundtrack to the film Tommy, this is not it! Although it bares the same tracks (for the most part) as Tommy: The Movie, there are som very big differences. Namely, alot of the tracks are not as long as their filmed counterparts, differences to the story line are also included.

In order to compensate for these differences; Daltrey, Moon,Entwistle and Townshend produce the most stunning performance ever recorded - without question.

Every time I hear this album, i am astounded at the brilliance of the technical merit of Townshend's guitar, Entwistle's Horn and Bass, Moon's drumming antics (and rather scary singing for a few tracks) aswell as Daltrey's brilliant vocals.

This album should be a part of every person's CD Collection. If you have not heard this album, it is worth every penny! The Iconic Pinball Wizard, Amazing Journey, I'm Free and others ensure it!

Get this album!


Surround heaven!   June 6, 2005
8 out of 9 found this review helpful

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.


Finest version yet   November 26, 2003
J. Milner (Hull, UK)
31 out of 33 found this review helpful

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.