The Who's TOMMY recordings

[Eos]

Posted: 10/22/11 at 1:15am

So, one of our regional theatres is doing TOMMY and I have fallen in love. I want the cast recording. Any suggestions on the best one? Yes, I know it's all subjective, but just wanting opinions.

Thanks in advance, all!

(Shameless self-promotion - http://stlouistheatresnob.blogspot.com/2011/10/whos-tommy-stray-dog-theatre.html)

[My Oh My]

Posted: 10/23/11 at 2:22am

I enjoy Tina Turner's Acid Queen from the film soundtrack. She practically has an orgasm during the number!! "I'm da gyyyyyyypseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeh!!!!"

[exedore]

Posted: 10/24/11 at 1:45am

The only cast recording of the stage show is the OBC. Get the two-disc one (not sure if they're still selling the single disc highlights or not) for the complete show minutes a few bits and bars and spoken lines.

The original album is, of course, equally definitive, and the remastered edition really shows the Who being remarkably versatile. The film OST.....well, it exists. The band only made the film to shut the fans up, and it does show through but what makes the film fascinating (Ken Russell's direction and OTT visuals) is lost on disc. Likewise, avoid the LSO recording with The Who. It's a curious relic but a painful listen.

PS - Give Quadrophenia a listen. The actual album, not the film OST. It's Pete's masterpiece and a much richer and more genuinely emotional work.

[Eos]

Posted: 10/24/11 at 11:00am

Thanks, exedore. I did end up getting the two-disc OBC and I'm loving it. Love the orchestrations.
Quadrophenia sounds interesting. I'll have to check that out, too.

[Jon]

Posted: 10/24/11 at 1:30pm

There's also a nice recording with The Who, the London Philharmonic, Steve Winwood as the father, Ringo Starr as Uncle Ernie.