“Tommy was acclaimed upon its release by critics, who hailed it as the Who’s breakthrough. Its critical standing diminished slightly in later years; nonetheless, several writers view it as an important and influential album in the history of rock music. The Who promoted the album’s release with an extensive tour, including a live version of “Tommy,” which lasted throughout 1969 and 1970. Key gigs from the tour included appearances at Woodstock, the 1969 Isle of Wight Festival, the University of Leeds, the Metropolitan Opera House and the 1970 Isle of Wight Festival. The live performances of “Tommy” drew critical praise and rejuvenated the band’s career.Subsequently, the rock opera developed into other media, including a Seattle Opera production in 1971, an orchestral version by Lou Reizner in 1972, a film in 1975 (produced by expatriate Australian entrepreneur Robert Stigwood and directed by British auteur Ken Russell), and a Broadway musical in 1992. In 1998, the album was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame for “historical, artistic and significant value”. In 2003, Rolling Stone magazine ranked Tommy #96 on its list of the 500 greatest albums of all time. The album is one of several by the Who to appear in 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die. The original album has sold 20 million copies and has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. It has been reissued several times on CD, including a remix by Jon Astley in 1996, a deluxe Super Audio CD in 2003, and a super deluxe box set in 2013, including previously unreleased demos and live material.“Tommy” was originally released as a two-LP set with artwork designed by McInnerney, which included a booklet including lyrics and images to illustrate parts of the story. The cover is presented as part of a triptych-style fold-out cover, and the booklet contained abstract artwork that outlined the story.
TRACKLIST:
1) Overture
2) It’s a Boy
3) 1921
4) Amazing Journey
5) Sparks
6) The Hawker (Sonny Boy Williamson)
7) Christmas
8) Cousin Kevin
9) The Acid Queen
10) Underture (Instrumental)
11) Do You Think It’s Alright?
12) Fiddle About
13) Pinball Wizard
14) There’s a Doctor
15) Go to the Mirror!
16) Tommy Can You Hear Me?
17) Smash the Mirror
18) Sensation
19) Miracle Cure
20) Sally Simpson
21) I’m Free
22) Welcome
23) Tommy’s Holiday Camp
24) We’re Not Gonna Take It
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