@AirplayBeats reacts to Tommy by The Who Like comment and subscribe patreon.com/user?u=81569817 Airplay Beats 3609 Bradshaw Rd Ste H #337 Sacramento, CA 95827 Www.Airplaybeats.com
This is not beginning, this is them reaching their peek before evolving more into their Rock sound and beyond. It's the album that made them world famous. Played it in Opera houses around the world and at Woodstock. It's when they became who they were.
It's reported that after The Who performed Tommy at the Metropolitan Opera House, Leonard Bernstein grabbed Townshend by his shoulders and said, "Do you realize what you've done? "
@@tomcat4841 Tommy inspired Bernstein to write his own rock opera. It was commissioned by Jackie Onassis, and called "Mass". Parts of it were performed at the opening of the Kennedy Center.
I was in 7th grade in music class, our teacher came in and said we're going to listen some opera, we all groaned in disbelief till he started this. We were amazed
FYI: "'21" is about Tommy's father coming home from the war to find his wife with another man, who kills Tommy's father in front of Tommy. That is "what about the boy, he saw it all..."is referring to. They tell him he never saw it and never heard it and can never speak of it, which is why he goes deaf, dumb and blind.
The multi-disc album came with a booklet of illustrations, lyrics, and sections that fill in the gaps of missing story between the songs --- like the death of Captain Walker, who the couple mistook for a burglar as he came through a window in the middle of the night.
@@CuriousGeorge1111why would you say that when the lyric is "so you think 21 is going to be a good year?" and these guys are absolutely right the war that the father was supposed to have been lost in was World War 1. It makes perfect sense they're celebrating the New Year between 1920 and 1921 the war was a few years before that and now here comes daddy who we thought was lost in the war!! Now it could be coincidentally that they are also 21 years old but I believe that the song is referring to the year! And I've been listening to this album pretty much since it came out and that's the way I've always interpreted it!
The French Horn was played by John Entwhistle, the bass player...his first instrument as a kid....And the first tune is an introduction of many of the musical themes you will hear in the album. The lead singer did not change. The quieter tunes are sung by Pete Townsend, the heavier numbers are sung by Roger Daltrey. Occasional lead vocals by John Entwhistle the bass player.
Watching you guys discovering and realizing what an album actually is is fascinating. And just FYI, Tommy was called a "Rock Opera" and was the first and one of very few Rock Operas. The top bands that made the most comprehensive thematic albums were: The Who, Pink Floyd, Rush...but of course The Beatles take credit for the first thematic album (Sgt Peppers) and then Paul McCartney later with Band on the Run.
Tommy was the first widely known & successful rock opera. The first, however, was "S. F. Sorrow" by the British band Pretty Things, released in December '68, whereas Tommy was released in mid-'69. "S. F. Sorrow" had a main character & a linear story line. Unfortunately, they didn't tour for the album & it wasn't released in the U.S. until Dec. '69, after Tommy had become well-known.
@@kendudley3553 That's a great album, but technically speaking, it isn't an opera. An opera tells a linear story, w characters & dialogue. "Days...." doesn't do that, it's more of a concept album, it's got a theme, i.e. different parts of the day & the feelings they evoke, but no narrative running through the songs. It's not even suggested it's the same person who is experiencing all the parts of the day. Am I wrong? 🤷🏻♂️
@@deepermind4884 Deeper - I can not say you are wrong. Days is one of the first Concept Albums, but may not fit the category of Rock Opera. Yet, there is something to add - Days isn't just about a day and night. It is also about a lifetime. In The Morning, the singer talks about children. Peak Hour and Tuesday Afternoon is about middle age and Night's In White Satin is about death. White Satin is what a coffin is lined with. (I know Hayward said it was about "love sheets" but come on!). So, Nights In White Satin and Late Lament could be considered Operatic by the definition of linear story, character and dialogue. But, it is a stretch. Concept Album, not Rock Opera Ken
The Who was so far in debt when this album came out, they were in danger of breaking up. This album, and the world-changing tour that ensued, made them rich. Glad to see you guys checking this out!
So basically the story is that Capt Walker is presumed dead in the war, and his wife remarried. Capt Walker returns home and surprises the couple sleeping. The new guy thinks he's a burglar, and kills Capt Walker. Unfortunately, the small boy, Tommy, witnesses the killing. The mother and stepfather tell him he didn't see it, he didn't hear it, he won't tell anyone ever what he witnessed. The boy retreats into a psychosomatic blind, deaf, and mute existence. All through his childhood and adolescence, his parents try various things to "cure" him. For some reason, he loves pinball, and becomes the world champion. When he finally is freed from his self-imposed prison, he finds that he is worshiped as a savior by the day's youth. But it all falls apart when the parents try to monetize his stardom, and the followers rebel. It makes a lot more sense when you watch the movie.
Watching the movie will give you the visuals to go along with the music. Fantastic movie with a host of Rock Star Royalty playing the parts. Elton John, Tina Turner, Eric Clapton, Keith Moon, John Entwistle, Pete Townsend, and Roger Daltry as Tommy. Also Ann Margaret as Tommy’s mother, Oliver Reed as his Stepfather. Also Jack Nicholson and other actors.
Thanks for saying that! You saved me a bunch of time and energy! The only other thing I would have added is that while I never take away from the talent of the other band mates, but again I love the genius of Pete Townsend!
If Pete only played guitar or sang great lyrics or was a songwriter extraordinaire or inventive keyboard player or producer, any one of this things should make him a legend, all together, top 10 Rock Star of all time!
They used to play this whole album live. Townshend wrote the opera himself. Their live versions were much harder and energetic. I am a big Who fan, but this album is not my favorite. I was in a hard rock trio and we played Sparks. Also, they were the first to really do this.
Spot on about the band having changed. Music was evolving so fast at this time and The Who made the leap from an R&B based singles band to monster album album rock with this one. It was at this same time that changes in the industry were moving away from the singles market and more into the full statement an album could make. Pete Townshend upped his writing game exponentially at this time. In a later interview with Pete, he mentioned how Roger Daltrey came to him and asked if he "could be Tommy". Something about the character in the story spoke to Roger and it caused him to elevate his vocals to several levels higher than before. With both Pete and Roger pushing their boundaries, it gave John Entwhistle and Keith Moon the permission to drive harder and really express themselves in their playing. All of this together made The Who into one of the greatest bands of all time.
'Quadrophenia' is the album for me - gritty gang fights, disaffection, no-future hope, unrequited love - so what's one to do except find a purpose? incredible album and songs
The Who were a very "blue collar" band, which had an edge, and they introduced a symphony type sound to their works, which were obviously works of art.
I agree with your evaluation 100%. What is impossible for today's reviewers to fully understand is what it was like living in 1969 when the album first came out. The musical and spiritual changes that took place in that time is just history to those that read about it but for those of us who lived through it, it was a day to day evolution. I won't go into detail about it here but if you lived through it you'll know what I mean.
Brilliant! I still play this regularly after all these years. This is a rock opera. Looking backward, it is hard to understand how groundbreaking this was at the time.
This is what made them world famous. They were so good when I saw them in Toronto in 1976. They had rock star stage presence for sure. What can you say about Keith Moon live!
I saw them in the 70s a couple times and got to see them with Moon still being the Moonatic and the band in full flight, the only shows better for me were Pink Floyd in the 70s.
If you listen to their early records, then the sound of some of this would not seem unfamiliar to you. Try Substitute, Happy Jack, I'm a Boy. I don't think you have covered any of their earliest hits yet; that is another rabbit hole. Thanks for all The Who love and appreciation!
It's my favourite era of The Who, I think it's overlooked because it wasn't an album oriented time, but I think you're right, they made Tommy and put everything they've achieved in it and here's the result, an overwhelming album like no other, and for some reason also overlooked nowadays. It's their best hour to my mind, and the furthest a rock band could possibly reach. It's there with Pet Sounds, Revolver and whatever rock album you'd name
You guys are doing "Tommy"? Two words: Hell. Yeah. Be back after work tonight to check THIS one out for sure! EDIT: OK, i watched much of it just now, actually. I will just say for now that I feel justified in recommending that last one, "The Hawker," on a couple of occasions the last few months. I figured you guys would like the "jungle drums" and groove of it, and after your approval here I feel vindicated there, heh!
This is such a great album. I still play it from beginning to end now and then. Keith Moon’s drumming was beastly. Thanks for doing all these great reviews.
Fun fact….I played 1921 at the stroke of midnight “got a feeling ‘21 is gonna be a good year!” on New Years Eve going into 2021…boy was I wrong! 😂 😭 Then again I played “I Can See Clearly Now” by Johnny Nash, as in 20-20, at the stroke of midnight on New Years Eve from ‘19 to ‘20. I was even more wrong about that mess of a year! 😱
This album turned me into a Who fan (especially the drums). Tommy will grow on you (like all good albums do). To listen to a live version of Tommy, listen to the extended version of 'Live at Leeds,' one of my favorite live rock albums of all time. For more R&B flavored music you should go back to their very first album (titled 'My Generation'). Another early great (and perhaps somewhat underrated) album is 'The Who Sell Out,' of which you've already reacted to 'I Can See for Miles.'
I've never been a huge fan of the Tommy album. The orchestral production is not my thing, but when they played these songs live, it's completely different. The raw power and energy on their Live at Leeds album is amazing.
I haven't listened to this entire album for 50 years. Townsend is genus, Daltry & Entwhistle - amazing, moon - a Monster on drums! Thanks guys, can't wait for side 2!
I love this album and I really liked the movie as well. It's a rock opera that tells a story with highs and lows and there are some real bangers. I can't wait for the rest, thanks for doing this Guys!
I'm so glad you all stuck with it all the way through. I grew up on Classic Rock, even seeing this in the theatre in the late 70's as a 12 or 13 year old boy. Having said that, aside from their radio hits everyone knows, I didn't know a lot of their music. That changed a few years ago when I bought much of their catalog (The Who Sell Out, Tommy, Quadrophenia, The Who By Numbers, Who's Next, and Who Are You?) and took a DEEP dive. I have a whole new appreciation for the band, especially Pete's compositional skills.
Pete Townsend referred to Quadrophenia as their towering achievement. Tommy is a masterpiece too, but earlier in their career. Pinball Wizard on the second album was the big 'hit'.
The Who began as smash rock bangers. As opposed to Beatle lovey doo, theirs was more teen angst fighting. But Pete Townsend has musical aspirations and headed toward concept albums and operatic rock and roll. So you get MUSICAL THEMES. The simplistic view is something like Peter and the Wolf where different instruments represent different characters. Here you get riffs, or melodies that represent different themes or emotions. It is, as they say, an amazing journey.
First time around hearing this I think that it’s best just to listen to the music and enjoy it. I was 14 when this album came out, and I’m still hearing new things every time I listen to it. I agree that the Ken Russell film will give you some context to understand the story, but the movie is sort of a different animal. Enjoy!!!
The album is almost a template for the stage show. This piece was so dynamic on stage that it really launched the Who into new territory. The ensuing 1969 tour was legendary, including their show at Woodstock. Try to catch some video of them doing Tommy live in '69 -- that's when they really started to hit their stride.
Guys, you have me soo excited! Ive listened to this album for over fifty years and its one of my favorites. Im an avid fan of you and your channel and so excited for our mutual enjoyment of Tommy. Also my name is Tom and Tommy can you hear me is my ringtone :)
In 1969 -- even after the success of Sgt. Pepper's in 1967 -- rock still sought legitimacy as an art form. Tommy helped a great deal. Never mind about the later movie. It was the music that was important. Let the pictures play out in your own head from the music alone.
The sick part about all of this, is that the Who actually used to play this in it's entirety (or damned near) for almost a year straight....it's documented on the expanded Live at Leeds, Isle of Wight and Live at Hull....
Check out the Woodstock performance of the Sparks part. You get an idea of what Tommy was live in those days back than. No band like THE WHO,they were the greatest. Well,i must say this ,cause I'm the greatest WHO fan ,i think 😅 Thanks guys loved this one. 👍👊😁
I was third year college in 69l. first heard this in the record shop. I stood and listened to the first cuts. Had to buy it and put it on at the house. This was one of the first Rock operas.. Rock music to tell a story. was not done too often,. A group. The Moody Blues did the first concept album, Day's of Futures Past . that came out in '67. Tommy has great guitar work throughout. Riffs you could play along with, Pinball Wizard was the song of the summer AM hit parade. The Album was a hit artistically and financially. A movie. came later. The double album was a monument. Pete had a theatrical show in mind. Only other rock opera at the time was Jesus Christ Superstar. another double album. Quadrophenia is one of my top favorites.albums. Should be listened to more often
Not the first. Gotta give credit where credit is due. The band Pretty Things released "S.F. Sorrow" in Dec. '68, & Tommy came out mid-'69. A rock opera with a main character & a story line. Google it.
@@deepermind4884 I agree, just going by the general idea that a concept album is an album whose tracks hold a larger purpose or meaning collectively than they do individually.
Tommy's Dad dies Tommy Born Tommy's Mom meets and dates new man on holiday Tommy sees Mom in bed with other Man Tommy becomes deaf, dumb, blind Tommy is abused by Uncle Tommy is tortured by Cousin Tommy's mom and step dad search for cure Tommy discovers pinball Tommy is awesome at pinball Tommy becomes idolized as prophet Tommy can see, hear and speak again Tommy's status goes south. The songs will take you through the story. The movies is good because the songs are sung by the different characters played by rock stars and Ann Margaret❤❤❤. Love all your reviews!! Quadrophenia is excellent as well for a story album!!
Back in the 70's when I was a kid and part of a synchronized swimming team at summer camp we did a routine to the opening track. It was really fun. Always loved this album. Thanks for the reaction.
I bought this album the day it arrived at the local record store. I was 20. Listened to it over and over the next month, and shared it. It was “mind blowing”, and this was when all rock and roll was mind blowing! Thanks for reminding me of this special time in my life.
I kind of have the opposite view of this earlier stuff. I really prefer their older sounds these days. The Who Sellout is my favourite of their albums these days, after being a a Who fan for over 45 years. Really enjoy some of the sounds, and particular the sound of the drums, and Pete's acoustic guitar is world class on this - and really nice singing from Pete and Roger - much less heavy than later.
i feel as though even if you choose not to watch the movie, if you checked out the soundtrack, you would be a little more "tuned in" to the story-line. When my boys were young, the movie was on the"required watch" list, though some enjoyed it more than others and went back for seconds, than others! lol Pete Townsend is truly genius!
Tommy is seriously impressive live. Amazing Journey/Sparks alone are mind blowing. (Please do find it on YT!) Pete wrote an opera that turned out to be perfect for a power trio. In contrast, Pete designed Quadrophenia to be played live and wound up with a masterwork that required playing with tapes live, Keith had headphones double tapped to his head each show.
A pivotal album, both in rock’s timeline, and in understanding, who, at their core are each of the band members, especially Pete and Roger. This project began in 1968, released in 1969, so followed in “album as a whole” concept of Beatles and others before. It’s focus on the life of a single male, Tommy, a deaf dumb and blind boy, with intersecting characters and its operatic aspirations expanded its musical expression. To me, what’s most interesting is the exposure of the autobiographical psychic wound within Pete, Roger, Keith and John. Softer and much more introspective in describing the human condition, in my humble opinion, was its triumph. Pete was able to express his pain and begin his spiritual healing. Roger’s vocals highlighted his sensitive soul, which prior to this and even often after always returned to a tough masculinity. Not my favorite Who album, but it’s creation and release substantively increased my appreciation for its members.
This is called a 'rock opera' so it can't really be compared to anything else in the band's discography. It's the story of a boy, Tommy, born during the First World War. He becomes deaf, dumb (can't speak), and blind after seeing his father kill his mother's lover.
Hi. It's good to listen to Tommy again. It's been a while now for me. -- Anyway. You ask what song would've turned you on to them .. Go back to "My Generation", "Substitute", "I Can See For Miles"!!!! The Who had a really good fan base from before Tommy. The rock opera album was a surprise for all of us back then.
The Who created the genre: "Rock Operas", Tommy and Quadrophenia. Both are double albums that tell a story and are meant to be played the way you're doing it La. You always get it!
Tommy was/is a Rock Opera/Concept album....awesome and as you mentioned, takes time to absorb and appreciate. But i knocks your socks off with it's intensity and discovering How Tommy the character, came to be is still a trip. Which Band can say they has (2) Killer rock opera concept double albums? Thanks Pete!
Guy's, great reaction, the only problem I have is you did Quadrophenia, before Tommy. I remember back in 69 a girl friend of mine ('not a girl friend' just a friend who was female) called me and said Dave just bought this great album come and listen to it, I did and was blown away, just two young ladies and me sitting on the floor listening to the Who. there might have been some beer involved. Side 2 gets rockier.
My favorite songs on this album are "Christmas" and "Cousin Kevin"... I can appreciate the black humor involved... Also, you should check out "A Quick One While He's Away" or the band used to refer to it, "Tommy's Parents." The version from The Rolling Stones Rock & Roll Circus is amazing. 🤘
Albums like this and dark side of the moon, crime of the Century can trace their origins back to the Beatles, Sergeant Pepper, that had such a impact on the musicians at the time, and what an album could be
The movie is very worth watching. It makes the story in song super clear when you see Tommy's life develop along with really gerat tunes.... With helpers/collaborators who's versions of those songs will never be forgotten... Tina Turner, the Acid Queen, Elton John Pinball Wizard. In my opinion it is a way for people who were not here yet to get a picture of the past from the eyes of people were a part of it. If you really dig in, there are some real deep sociocultural things going on.
Glad you guys are doing the whole album. It really needs to be listened to in order. On the extended version of Live at Leeds they play the whole album all the way through. Amazing.
Can't wait until you react to the movie. I was 13 when it came out. Of course, I bought the double-album Soundtrack. You need to experience TINA TURNER as the ACID QUEEN. ELTON JOHN as the PINBALL WIZARD!
You gentlemen, are playing one of rocks best albums. For that you earn my total respect. I love to see that younger generations can appreciate the classics. 🍻
I finally watched the whole reaction and thought you guys were great. I am a little late so I ma sure yo have gotten questions answered etc. I just wanted to let you guys know you are a genuinely intelligent and thoughtful pair.
😁 #Memories 😳 The look on your 7th Grade Music Teachers face when he finally gets the Brass & Woodwinds, 🙋🏿♀️ 2nd Clarinet, together and 😒 we still can't play Silent Night, but play the opening to Tommy with no problem. 😂 Not even joking. My 1st guitar lick learned in 7th grade was the intro to Pinball Wizard. 🤔 Also the first song I could play & sing to (ever since I was a young boy, I played a silver ball). 😌 You only lifted your pinky to change the chord & there were only 2 chords. 😁🐰
THIS IS SUCH A TREAT TO SEE ANYBODY REALLY REACTING TO THIS ALBUM!! BUT A COUPLE OF GUYS WITH YOUR MUSICAL BACKGROUND AT THE BEGINNING (NOT TRYING TO STEREOTYPE BUT I AM GOING TO GUESS THAT YOU GUYS WERE MOSTLY LISTENING TO HIP-HOP AND R&B TYPE STUFF MAYBE ROCK AND ROLL A LITTLE BIT BEFORE YOU STARTED YOUR JOURNEY ON YOUR CHANNEL) AND TAKING A MUSICAL JOURNEY AS YOU ARE TO PULL THIS ALBUM UP AS ONE THAT YOU WANTED TO EXPLORE HAS CAUSED ME TO SUBSCRIBE!! WHEN YOU PAUSED AROUND THE 11-MINUTE MARK ON THIS VIDEO AND WERE TALKING ABOUT THE FACT THAT THIS IS A STORY, THE ALBUM IS TELLING YOU A STORY AND TAKING YOU ON A JOURNEY, YOU GUYS HIT IT RIGHT ON THE HEAD!! BEING INNOVATORS IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT WHEN IT COMES TO THIS CONCEPT!! AT THE TIME THAT IT CAME OUT IN THE 70S! THIS ALBUM WAS WHAT SPAWNED THE TERM "CONCEPT ALBUM"! THE CONCEPT OF THIS IS WE ARE TAKING A JOURNEY THROUGH THE LIFE OF TOMMY, WHO IS THE LITTLE BABY THAT WAS BORN IN THE SONG "IT'S A BOY"! THE SONG 1921 REFERS TO TOMMY'S BIOLOGICAL DAD, WHO WAS THOUGHT TO BE DEAD IN THE WAR, CAME BACK AND FOUND THE WIFE WITH ANOTHER MAN! THAT OTHER MAN KILLS TOMMY'S DAD IN FRONT OF THE BABY AND THAT IS WHERE THE LINES "YOU DIDN'T HEAR IT! YOU DIDN'T SEE IT! YOU WON'T SAY NOTHING TO NO ONE EVER IN YOUR LIFE!" COME FROM!! AND THAT IS WHAT MAKES TOMMY DEAF DUMB AND BLIND! THIS WAS SUCH A SPECTACULAR ALBUM WHEN IT CAME OUT!! I USED TO LISTEN TO IT NON-STOP!! THANK YOU GUYS SO MUCH FOR EXPLORING IT AND ACTUALLY UNDERSTANDING WHAT'S GOING ON!!
Another great reaction guys. My cousin turned me on to this album when it first came out. She sat me down on her bed and played the whole album for me. I think I was only about 10 or 11, but it made a huge impression (kind of like that scene in Almost Famous where the older sister turns her baby brother onto her favorite albums saying “the music will set you free”). I was learning to play drums in school and I think that listening to Overture was when I became a huge fan of Keith Moon!❤️🔥✌️
THIS *WAS* THE PEAK!!! You guys just don't get it. I guess you had to be there. This was absolutely mind-blowing and revolutionary when it was released. Very much in the mode of a classical symphony, with key centers and repeating modes, rhythms and themes. It's really not about individual songs. All of a piece-- one fully-integrated work. It required commitment and a long attention span. Spark one up and get ready to listen to the entire album, all 4 sides.
Townsend specifically wrote this album to make it a rock opera - every song the next act. And the comment about it being played in opera houses around the world and Bernstein's comment - its just mind boggling - and of course it was made into a movie...
Brilliant observation. Great Band. Highly competitive field in 1969. Beatles, …Epic debut of Blood, sweat and tears. (Spinning wheel) Chicago… debut . Led Zeppelin debut. And all the Motown coming on . Diana Ross debut record. Great time to be a Kid in Real time to experience Time this. 58 it’s all about decades Frame of Reference. Appreciate Your work! The band the Who as did Led Zeppelin ended with the Death of their Drummers 78/80 respectively.
My favorite The Who album! Glad you guys are checking it out. It would have been helpful to you if you had watched a lyrics video for a better grasp on the plot. Great channel guys! 🎸👌🎙️
The I genius mind of Oete Townsend!He came up with a whole great concept story with coordinated rock music!Different than anything before or after!Yes it is about the entire story and wait till you get to ThePinball Wizard!
Side One is an appetizer, just like the overture in the beginning, that sets the stage for what is to come. You're going to like a lot of songs coming up and one or two you'll probably recognize.
This was one of the first 5 albums I bought, about 40 years ago. Pinball Wizard was the entry song for me. Heard it on the radio while riding in the backseat of my mom's brown Chevelle.
You really need to hear them play this live, as good as the album is, live Who is much more. So glad to see young people turned on by old music. Rock on.
I saw them at the Fillmore East, they played for an hour and a half, took a short intermission did this whole album. To this day, still one of my favorite concerts.
A concept album and a rock opera. The first of two concept rock operas with the 2nd being, "Quadrophenia", a few years later. In between was "Who's Next?", another great album.
I think listening to this every year or so is good for me. Every few years I re-watch Tommy the movie which I first saw in Chicago with quadraphonic sound. The movie has these songs but performed and recorded with others such as Elton John, Eric Clapton, Tina Turner, Ann-Margaret and more.
Amazing Journey is one of my favorites. I like the version from the movie soundtrack a little bit better where Pete is singing it. There are actually a few songs that I prefer the movie soundtrack version of like: "Eyesight to the Blind" that Eric Clapton sings, "The Acid Queen" that Tina Turner sings, "Sensation" (I like both versions but, the movie version is awesome), and few of the short interludes. When I was a teenager, I made my perfect version of Tommy on cassette using the songs I like best from each.
