The Who – “Tommy” [Super Deluxe Edition]

Some believe that the first rock opera was Pete Townshend’s conceptual tale of a deaf, dumb, and blind boy. Tommy by The Who was a visionary album that, since its release in May of 1969, has sold over 20 million copies. Cited as one of the most influential records of all time, Tommy is a 24-track “amazing journey”, which depicts a momentous time in The Who’s career, preceding the eminent Who’s Next album.

A swift synopsis for the few who might not have heard of this masterpiece: Tommy is an auditory odyssey, charting the journey of a child who is struck deaf, dumb, and blind. He begins to display supernatural powers while playing the pinball machine, and thus becomes a messianic figure. Inevitably, there is disillusionment, rejection by his disciples, and the resultant fall from grace.

The music is the story, and Tommy is so much more than those familiar songs that hit the charts: “Pinball Wizard,” “I’m Free,” and “We’re Not Gonna Take It.” Track for track, the experience, reveals more each time you take it.

Released in a 4-disc package with a 2013 re-master of the original album, as well as demos and outtakes, 20 tracks of which were previously unreleased from Townshend’s archive. Fans will enjoy these raw compositions, many of which are far different from the mixed and mastered cuts that made Tommy. Also featured is a live “bootleg” album of 21 unreleased tracks from an assortment of The Who’s 1969 live shows.

The boxed set includes a hardback book that features rare photos and memorabilia, a 20,000-word essay by Who-phile Richard Barnes, and a rare facsimile Tommy poster.

Many fine records are butchered in their so-called re-mastering, as they gain digital clarity but seem to lose their soul. The audio integrity of Tommy remains intact, with a few refreshing nuances. Whether a long-time fan or a new listener, this collection is an opportunity to better understand the creative process of a rock genius, the progression of a band who became a vital force, and the evolution of a classic.

Track Listing:
This is a 4 disc set

Run Time: N/A
Release Date: November 11, 2013

Check out the song “Tommy”