“Sparks” could easily be turned into an orchestral work. Next up is “Sparks”, an instrumental masterpiece that starts with psychedelic sound effects followed by the relentless, forceful work of Townshend’s acoustic guitar, with Moon in lockstep adding his percussive genius. “Amazing Journey” is just that, as drummer Keith Moon drives with his relentless work on the drum kit while Daltrey adds gorgeous vocals. It segues into its first vocals as Roger Daltrey announces the birth of Tommy… ”It’s a Boy”. Haunting background vocals and an organ is added for more substance as the “Overture” puts Tommy into high gear. Pete Townshend adds electrical and intricate Spanish acoustic guitars while John Entwistle backs up with the brilliant use of the French horn. Kicking off the album is “Overture” which deftly captures many of Tommy’s recurring themes. Peppers with a thematic and musical brilliance that is a strong statement of celebrity, disillusionment and existential angst.Īs interesting as the storyline is, it’s the music that elevates Tommy into a monumental opus. I was only 13 at the time, but even still, I recognized that this was a game changer. In May 1969, when Tommy was released, my brothers and I listened to the album, overwhelmed by its potent eloquence. His only salvation is pinball, becoming a “Pinball Wizard” and a rock star-like deity, before being rejected by his followers after recovering his senses. The storyline centers on a young boy (Tommy) who is rendered deaf, dumb and blind upon witnessing the fatal shooting of his returning war hero father by his stepfather. The album is a remarkable achievement that has been recognized globally over the decades, as Tommy has been performed on Broadway, as a major motion picture, with philharmonic orchestras, and of course by the four talented members of the band. Musical themes and visceral sensations unify as the listener is immersed inside the skin of the protagonist. Tommy resonates powerful messages on many levels (antiwar, anti-establishment, false idolatry, child abuse, et al). The album is a profound body of work that is as relevant today as it was when first released in 1969. Channeling the same sense of hopelessness experienced by African Americans after the reconstruction period, which led to the Blues, British youths rebeled through music, and no piece of work captured that energy quite like The Who’s Tommy. By the 1960’s, their disillusioned youth were struggling to be noticed. In the first half of the 20th Century, England lost an entire male generation to save Europe from despotism in two of the most brutal wars ever fought.
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