Rating:
Title: Tommy
Company:
Decca
Catalog: DXSW
7205
Year: 1970
Grade
(cover/record): VG/VG
Comments: missing
lyric insert; sticker on cover; gatefold sleeve
Available: 2
Price: $12.00
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A rock classic, 1969's "Tommy"
established the band as one of rock's biggest acts. A three album set
chronicling the life of the "deaf, dumb and blind kid",
Townshend's symbolism and plot line may have been somewhat murky (something
along the lines of Tommy's rise to prophet status, followed by his betrayal
and collapse), but whatever lapses in plotline were more than compensated
for with several instantly recognizable tracks, including "Pinball
Wizard", "See Me, Hear Me" and "I'm Free". Their
first top-10 American release, ironically the album's overwhelming success
quickly became a major burden. Public demand for "Tommy" product
led to a stage show, a rock orchestra version of the album, a film, an
all-star movie soundtrack and a slew of related projects. Even worse, the
album set the standard whereby future Who releases were judged. (The album
was originally released with an elaborate dour section gatefold sleeve and
accompanying lyric brochure.)
"Tommy" track listing:
1.) Overture / It's a Boy (Pete Townshend) - 5:58
2.) You Didn't Hear It (Pete Townshend) - 2:48
3.) Amazing Journey / Sparks (Pete Townshend) - 7:09
4.) Eyesight To the Blind (Sonny Boy Williamson) - 2:11
5.) Christmas (Pete Townshend) - 4:31
6.) Cousin Kevin (John Entwistle) - 4:03
7.) The Acid Queen (Pete Townshend) - 3:33
8.) Underture (Pete Townshend) - 9:59
9.) Do You Think It's Alright / Fiddle About (Pete Townshend / John
Entwistle) - 1:51
10.) Pinball Wizard (Pete Townshend) - 3:00
11.) There's a Doctor I've Found (Pete Townshend) - 0:23
12.) Go To the Mirror Boy (Pete Townshend) - 3:46
13.) Tommy Can You Hear Me (Pete Townshend) - 1:34
14.) Smash the Mirror (Pete Townshend) - 1:32
15.) Sensation (Pete Townshend)- 2:24
16.) Miracle Cure (Pete Townshend)- 0:11
17.) Sally Simpson (Pete Townshend) - 4:08
18.) I'm Free (Pete Townshend) - 2:39
19.) Welcome (Pete Townshend) - 4:30
20.) Tommy's Holiday Camp (Keith Moon) - 1:01
21.) We're Not Going To Take It (Pete Townshend) - 7:02
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Rating: ****
(4 stars)
Title: Live
At Leeds
Company: Decca
Catalog: DL
Year: 1970
Grade
(cover/record): VG+/VG+
Comments: gatefold
sleeve with original inserts; minor ring wear
Available: 1
Price: $20.00
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Townshend and company initially planned to follow "Tommy" with another concept album entitled "Lifehouse". Although a considerable amount of material was written and even recorded (in an effort to come up with creative ideas the project reportedly included a
disastrous attempt to live with some of the band's more ardent fans), the project was abandoned prior to completion. As a stopgap, the band released 1970's
"Live At Leeds". Perhaps reflecting a backlash against their increasing reliance on sophisticated studio technology, the album presented a no frills, straight-ahead (and extremely loud) mix of early material, personal
favorites and an uncredited "Tommy" segment. Recorded at Leeds University, the band's blistering attack, particularly Daltry's tear-out-my- vocal-chords screams and Moon's take-no-prisoners percussion left no doubt they could rock with the genre's best. Highlights included stomping covers of Moses Allison's "Young Man Blues", Johnny Kidd's "Shakin' All Over" and Eddie Cochran's "Summertime Blues". Released as a single the latter b/w "Heaven and Hell" (Decca catalog number 732708), hit #27. For a concert set, the collection sold well, peaking at #4. Extra credit for the classic mock bootleg packaging. (The set was originally released with a gatefold sleeve and numerous inserts.)
"Live At Leeds" track listing:
1.) Young Man Blues (Moses Alison) - 4:45
2.) Substitute (Pete Townshend) - 2:05
3.) Summertime Blues (Eddie Cochran - Jerry Capehart) - 3:22
4.) Shakin' All Over (J. Kidd) - 4:15
5.) My Generation (Pete Townshend) - 14:27
6.) The Magic Bus (Pete Townshend) - 7:30
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