20. The Who- Tommy (1969)
Classic rock radio hits: Pinball Wizard, We’re Not Gonna Take It, I’m Free
Of the three “rock operas” that appear on this list (Quadrophenia, Tommy, and one yet forthcoming) this one is the most coherent, in that it tells a story you can at least understand from start to finish. That being said it’s a pretty bizarre story. Traumatized as a child by the murder of his mom’s lover, Tommy becomes deaf dumb and blind. In this state he is both abused by relatives and cruelly treated. As a teenager he excels at pinball, then the breaking of a mirror releases him and he becomes a rock star/cult leader until his followers finally reject him. Got it?
The music is beyond superb. This would be Pete Townshend’s finest effort (and in terms of composition it might well be) except that the sound and production is not up to the standards of their 70s work without the addition of synthesizers which gave the band, on their next stereo album which we will get to, a fuller richer sound. But that is not to take away from the band’s performance here. In particular Keith Moon is outstanding on this record.
Overture
As per traditional Broadway, an introduction to the dominant melodies on the record. However the story begins late into this song. As a side note the first several songs on this record feature Townshend’s vocals and while he has a good voice he lacks Roger Daltry’s commanding hard rock edge.
It’s A Boy
Short introduction of the baby. There are several of these short tunes, some lasting only a few seconds, but the melodies are really good.
1921
One of my favorite tunes by this band. Simple but delightful. The bridge contains the story line amd the reason for Tommy’s condition (though it’s a bit confusing.)
Amazing Journey
Fine rock song exploring Tommy’s descent into deaf dumb and blindness. It merges into the major instrumental theme, Sparks.
Sparks
I like Sparks, a rather simplistic instrumental theme (it’s basically only a few chords repeated over and over) and at two minutes it’s perfect. It is NOT perfect at 10 minutes which comes later. The band also performed a rousing live version on the Leeds record which was excellent.
Eyesight to the Blind (The Hawker)
A blues cover, originally performed by Blind Lemon Jefferson. Pretty incongruous here but what the hell? It’s a great performance.
Christmas
Continues the story and also a sharp commentary on Christianity and the question of eternal salvation.
Cousin Kevin
One of two songs about child abuse, both written by John Entwistle (which is interesting). Cousin Kevin seems to enjoy torture.
The Acid Queen
Great rock song immortalized by Tina Turner in the movie (practically the only performance in that film that is worth watching.) This version is fine but not as good.
Underture
Basically a repeat of Sparks except this is ten minutes which is way too long. My suspicion is that they simply ran out of music and wanted to finish out side two of the record. Unnecessary to listen to this whole thing, except that Moon’s drumming is memorable.
Do You Think It’s Alright?
Intro to the Uncle Ernie song.
Fiddle About
The Uncle Ernie song. Not sure there had been a song overtly about this subject before. Pretty serious theme.
Pinball Wizard
Given the terrific opening guitar this ought to be one of the great classic rock songs of all time but again it suffers from sound quality. Imagine if it been on Who’s Next with a Moog synthesizer. Even so it’s still great, and IMO superior to the Elton John cover which replaced the lead guitar with piano.
There’s A Doctor
My favorite of the short intros. I like this melody.
Go The Mirror!
Contains some of main themes of the album, including “See Me, Feel Me” which would later be repeated on We’re Not Gonna Take It. This is sublime rock and roll.
Tommy Can You Hear Me?
Nice rock song but really repetitive.
Smash the Mirror
Short great rock that is the pivotal moment in the story.
Sensation
Nice trippy song. A hippie psychedelic favorite.
Miracle Cure
Another throwaway short.
Sally Simpson
Along with 1921 my favorite song on the record. Again rather incongruous to the storyline but its description of a groupie is still relevant even today- Sally could just as easily be a Swiftie! Marvelous tune and story.
I’m Free
Like Sensation, except with a better guitar riff, this is more hippie trippy psychedelic goodness.
Welcome
My least favorite. I don’t like this melody. Important to the storyline of course as Tommy creates his cult.
Tommy’s Holidays Camp
The only song I know from this band composed by Keith Moon. Very weird and love the “Ha ha!”
We’re Not Gonna Take It
Epic fitting conclusion. Awesome lyrics and melody. Satisfying the whole way through.