Customer Reviews

The Who's Tommy: Original Cast Recording (1992 Broadway Revival)

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

The evolution of the rock opera "Tommy" from album to film to Broadway musical has been about as wild a trip as what happens to Tommy and the Walkers. For me it was always the Ken Russell film version that was the big mistake, while I find this musical version to be superb. First, I think the narrative device of having the four-year old and adult versions of Tommy able to confront one another does a fantastic job of unlocking the story and making a lot of the symbolism work. Second, I love the harmonies that exist in this version. Just compare the various versions of "Go to the Mirror" or "Sally Simpson" with what we have here. I think all of my really favorite parts on this album involve Marcia Mitzman as Mrs. Walker harmonizing with someone else. It reminds me of listening to Peter, Paul & Mary sing Bob Dylan and realizing how good his songs were musically despite that vocal affectation. For my money, "Tommy" has never been sung any better than what is preserved on this original cast album.

I think a lot of the credit for how great this "Tommy" sounds goes to producer George Martin, as Townsend himself points out in his liner notes. To quote the man: "this 'Tommy' is a bridge between the old, respected and beloved traditions of music theater and the relatively new and experimental world of rock-and-roll." That might be the rub, because the number of people who are truly comfortable in both spheres is certainly a minor subset of those who love each of those two art forms respectively. Yes, there is a fundamental magnificence to the original double-album of "Tommy" by the Who, represented by the sheer audacity of telling an entire music story sung by Roger Daltrey and the obvious attempt to strive for greatness by Pete Townsend. But this musical version represents this pivotal piece of rock and roll history in full flower.

Some say that the Broadway production lost the intention of the rock opera and butchered it to pieces. I say this is just one more recording / interpretation of TOMMY and part of a creative process.

To think it started initially as a concept recoring, then a film (another bold and different interpretation) then a concert in the UK. Finally the show made it to the LaJolla Playhouse in California, USA where Des McAnuff created a new technicolor playground for Tommy. That production made its way to Broadway, to acclaim from all types of media, MTV did a feature on the musical a rare occurence for a Broadway show.

That production is the one that has been recorded brilliantly on a two disc set which contains the full score.What is most astonishing is the sheer talent of Mr. Townshend as a composer and lyricist. This may be labelled as "The Who's TOMMY" but in all honesty it is truly the brillance of Pete Townsend.

His additions to the score earned him a Tony Award for best score, and well deserved. The most surprising addition to the score is the song "I Believe My Own Eyes" written as a duet to show the strain of the marriage between Tommy's parents. Townsend himself was surprised how "Broadway" sounding it was.

This recording I believe to be the definitive version, though you may not agree with me. I think now the amazing journey is complete.

I was younger then, about teenager age and I saw the promo for The Who's Tommy on the 1993 Tony Awards... granted my dad has the Who's original: it's a masterpiece.... BUT you can't judge a show's soundtrack without having seen the show... they are two very completely different things. Being an avid musical/show fan myself... Tommy is one of my favorite musicals and wish it would come back... okay, maybe some people think that the Broadway show or the recording of it butchered the Who's original Tommy but without having seen the show, no one can say that it sucks because the live music and the pure technicolor of the Broadway show is unbelievable... it is still the Who's music and how many other rock stars have (seriously) put on a rock opera on Broadway, other than Elton John, and Tommy has been big hits in Canada, Los Angeles, Germany, etc. The soundtrack is beautiful once you see the show that's when the music and the show connect, visually and mentally.

Now, I want to make sure that everyone understands that this is NOT The Who. This is a Broadway soundtrack, and not a rock album. Having said this, this is one of the best mixes of Broadway & Rock there is. The story of Tommy is finally told by Pete Townshend the way he wants it told, and not the butchered Ken Russell story. The band really cooks, and do a great job of updating the Who's original ideas. There's even a brand new track (I Believe My Own Eyes) that fits quite nicely into the soundtrack.

Of course, I did see the show on the stage in its initial run. I was blown away by the visuals, and couldn't wait for the CD release. Once I got it, I couldn't take it out of my player. If you haven't seen the show, then you really are only getting half the picture, which is a shame. Now, if you are a fan of The Who's original album, and don't care for the Broadway style, then stick with the 1969 album, because this IS a show soundtrack. Otherwise, I say give it a chance.

Being a fan of The Who's 1969 concept album, "Tommy", I couldn't wait to see the transition to Broadway. I did ... twice in fact.

"Tommy", one of the original rock operas, works splendidly on stage and its score sounds terrific on cd. The marvelous cast, led by Michael Cerveris, handles the Who classic well.

Best Tracks:

Overture
Amazing Journey
Sensation
Pinball Wizard
I'm Free
We're Not Gonna Take It
See Me, Feel Me / Listening To You

Classic Rock meets Broadway!

This album is a must for any and all Who fans and broadway goers alike. The fact that it is a musical scares some but you must remember that this isn't an ordinary musical, it's THE WHO! I have seen the show and also have heard the original concept album. True they are different but only really how the music is performed and erranged. Electric guitars are more prominant in the show adding an extra punch parts were added to add to the intensity of scenes ("court room". "sally simpson".) Turn the volume up and open your mind, this is a rock and roll ride that you will never forget.
PS. If the show ever travels or is performed locally or even better, makes a revival in New york, I HIGHLY reccomend that you see it, hearing is only half the fun.

This musical and CD is one of the best I've ever heard in a long time. Michael Cerveris always is a powerhouse, and it shows the most in the final song, "Listening To You". In fact, it has become my favorite song of all time. Buddy Smith has a lot of soul in him as Tommy at 10. Of course, I was really little, and unfortunely, did not hear of Tommy until about 2 months ago. (Can you believe it?) I'd like to say that Tommy has a message: Follow your dreams, even if there's a slip-up every now and then.

First, I would like to make the point that this is not your ordinary Broadway musical. It is actually considered to be a Rock Opera. This is because there is no dialouge at all that is not backed by music, which is traditional of operas. This is a great show, and an amazing album. The story, if you follow it, is very poignant and deep, not comedic at all. It is truly one of my favorite broadway shows, and although im only 17, I love all classic rock, especially The Who.

This album is incredible! I am only 21 and the orignal album by the Who was released when my mother was in high school, and she was a big fan of the Who. She had the record and played it a lot back in the 80's when I was a kid. I recently checked this CD out at my local library and I was blown away. I listen to it while I'm driving and I get goose bumps every time. Best songs are: Amazing Journey, Go to the Mirror, Pinball Wizard, Sensation, Acid Queen. I can hardly wait to see this show live (if I ever get the chance, which isn't likely because I've been checking for months and it seems nobody's performing it anymore).

I'm a huge fan of The Who, and this is a great show. Of course nothing compares to The Who's own version, but to make a Broadway show out of this bizzare tale is excellent. I wish the brand new song from the show, "I Believe My Own Eyes", which I believe is one of the shows best songs, if not the best song, had been included and written in the Who's original album. The recording is a little muffled, and that's why I gave 4 stars, but with a great cast, and story, and of course music, it's deffinately worth listening to.