Album Information:

About The Who:

The Who is a British rock band that formed in London in 1964. The band consists of lead vocalist Roger Daltrey, guitarist and vocalist Pete Townshend, bass guitarist and vocalist John Entwistle, and drummer Keith Moon (who passed away in 1978 and was replaced by Kenney Jones). The Who is widely regarded as one of the most iconic and influential rock bands of the 20th century, and they continue to tour and release new music to this day.

The band's early sound was heavily influenced by the emerging mod subculture of 1960s London, blending hard-hitting rock and roll with elements of R&B and soul. The Who quickly gained a reputation for their powerful live performances, and they were known for their high-energy stage antics, smashing instruments and causing chaos on stage.

In 1965, The Who released their debut album, 'My Generation,' which included the hit title track as well as other classic songs such as 'The Kids Are Alright' and 'A Legal Matter.' The album was a critical and commercial success, and it established The Who as one of the leading bands of the British Invasion.

Over the next few years, The Who continued to release hit albums such as 'A Quick One' and 'The Who Sell Out,' as well as singles like 'I Can See for Miles' and 'Pinball Wizard.' Their music evolved to include more complex arrangements and themes, with Townshend's songwriting exploring themes of spirituality, self-discovery, and social commentary.

In 1969, The Who released their seminal rock opera album, 'Tommy,' which told the story of a deaf, dumb, and blind boy who becomes a messianic figure. The album was a huge commercial and critical success, and it cemented The Who's reputation as one of the most innovative and ambitious bands of the era.

Throughout the 1970s, The Who continued to release hit albums and tour extensively, although their output slowed somewhat due to personal and legal issues. The band's dynamic shifted with the death of Moon in 1978, and although they continued to release music with Jones as their drummer, they never quite recaptured the same magic as their early years.

Despite these setbacks, The Who remained a beloved and influential band, and their music has inspired countless other musicians and fans over the years. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990, and they continue to tour and perform to this day, with Daltrey and Townshend being the only remaining original members.

About the album Tommy (Original Soundtrack Recording):

Tommy is a rock opera by British rock band The Who. It was released in 1969 as a double album and later adapted into a film, with the original soundtrack recording also released. The album tells the story of Tommy, a young boy stricken deaf, dumb and blind after witnessing a traumatic event.

The first track, 'Overture,' sets the tone for the album with its sweeping orchestral arrangements and explosive guitar riffs. The second track, 'It's A Boy,' introduces the story of Tommy's birth and his subsequent disability. The third track, '1921,' establishes the setting and introduces the characters of Tommy's family.

The album progresses through a series of rock songs that detail Tommy's journey from a traumatized child to a cult leader, including 'The Acid Queen,' 'Pinball Wizard,' and 'I'm Free.' Along the way, Tommy faces challenges and struggles to come to terms with his disability and his place in the world.

The album is marked by its powerful vocal performances by lead singer Roger Daltrey, intricate guitar work by Pete Townshend, and dynamic drumming by Keith Moon. The songs are also characterized by their complex arrangements and use of orchestration.

Overall, Tommy is a groundbreaking album that helped to define the concept album genre. It tackles heavy themes of trauma, disability, and identity, all set to a dynamic rock score. Its impact on the world of music and popular culture is undeniable, and it remains a beloved and influential album today.

Members:

The Who is a British rock band formed in 1964. The band has several key members, each with a unique musical style and background. Here are the biographies of the key members of The Who:

1. Roger Daltrey: Roger Daltrey is the lead vocalist and founding member of The Who. Born on March 1, 1944, in Hammersmith, London, Daltrey's musical career began in the early 1960s with a band called The Detours, which eventually became The Who. Daltrey is known for his powerful vocals on iconic songs like 'Pinball Wizard' and 'Baba O'Riley.' He has also acted in several films and television shows.

2. Pete Townshend: Pete Townshend is the guitarist and primary songwriter for The Who. Born on May 19, 1945, in London, Townshend is considered one of the most innovative and influential guitarists in rock music history. He has written many of The Who's biggest hits, including 'My Generation' and 'Won't Get Fooled Again.' In addition to his work with The Who, Townshend has also released several well-received solo albums.

3. John Entwistle: John Entwistle was the bassist for The Who and is considered one of the greatest bass players in rock history. Born on October 9, 1944, in London, Entwistle was known for his complex, melodic bass lines and his energetic stage presence. He also wrote several of The Who's songs, including 'My Wife' and 'Boris the Spider.' Entwistle died on June 27, 2002, at the age of 57.

4. Keith Moon: Keith Moon was the drummer for The Who and was known for his wild, unpredictable antics both on and off stage. Born on August 23, 1946, in London, Moon was a highly skilled drummer who brought a unique style to The Who's music. He was also known for his partying and destructive behavior, which ultimately led to his death in 1978 at the age of 32.

These four members are considered the key members of The Who, but the band has had other members throughout its history as well. Some notable members include Kenney Jones, who replaced Keith Moon as the drummer after his death, and Simon Townshend, Pete Townshend's younger brother, who has played rhythm guitar and provided backing vocals for the band.

Track List for Tommy (Original Soundtrack Recording):

Tommy (Original Soundtrack Recording) by The Who features 24 tracks that tell the story of Tommy, a deaf, dumb and blind boy who becomes a pinball wizard and a spiritual leader. Here are the tracks in order with their play time and a brief description of each:

1. Overture - 5:21 - This instrumental track sets the stage for the entire album, introducing the musical themes and motifs that run throughout.

2. It's a Boy - 2:08 - This short track features a spoken-word introduction by actor Oliver Reed, who plays Uncle Ernie in the film adaptation of Tommy.

3. 1921 - 2:49 - A melancholic track that introduces the character of Tommy as a young boy, traumatized by witnessing a murder committed by his parents.

4. Amazing Journey - 3:25 - This introspective track describes the inner world that Tommy retreats into as a result of his trauma.

5. Sparks - 2:07 - A high-energy track that features Keith Moon's explosive drumming and Roger Daltrey's powerful vocals.

6. The Hawker - 2:15 - A short track sung by Pete Townshend that tells the story of a carnival hawker who tries to sell Tommy's mother a new lover.

7. Christmas - 3:27 - This atmospheric track is a reflection of the holiday season during wartime.

8. Cousin Kevin - 4:07 - This track features actor Paul Nicholas as the sadistic Cousin Kevin, who torments Tommy.

9. The Acid Queen - 3:35 - A powerful track that features Tina Turner as the Acid Queen, who tries to 'cure' Tommy with psychedelic drugs.

10. Underture - 9:08 - An extended instrumental piece that reprises earlier themes and motifs and introduces new ones.

11. Do You Think It's Alright? - 0:25 - A brief reprise of a melody from 'Cousin Kevin.'

12. Fiddle About - 1:30 - A sung by Keith Moon's character Uncle Ernie, a pedophile who abuses Tommy.

13. Pinball Wizard - 3:01 - A classic rock track that tells the story of Tommy's rise to fame as a pinball champion.

14. There's a Doctor - 0:23 - A brief interlude that leads into the next track.

15. Go to the Mirror! - 3:50 - An emotional track that sees Tommy confronting his mirrored reflection and realizing his own inner power.

16. Tommy Can You Hear Me? - 0:58 - A short track that sees Tommy's family appealing to him for a response.

17. Smash the Mirror - 1:35 - Tommy finally shatters the mirror and 'comes to life' fully.

18. I'm Free - 2:40 - An energetic track that celebrates Tommy's newfound freedom and independence.

19. Miracle Cure - 0:12 - A brief interlude that leads into the next track.

20. Sensation - 2:28 - A sensual track that sees Tommy becoming a spiritual leader and building a following.

21. Sally Simpson - 4:10 - A track that tells the story of a girl who tries to see Tommy in concert but is crushed in the ensuing chaos.

22. Welcome - 4:34 - A celebratory track that introduces Tommy's followers and their devotion to him.

23. Tommy's Holiday Camp - 0:56 - A brief track that introduces a holiday camp run by Tommy's family.

24. We're Not Gonna Take It - 8:56 - The final track of the album features a high-energy chorus and sees Tommy's followers finally rejecting him and his teachings.

Discography for The Who:

Here is a complete discography for The Who, including all albums, singles, and other releases:

Albums:

1. My Generation - December 1965
2. A Quick One - December 1966
3. The Who Sell Out - December 1967
4. Tommy - May 1969
5. Live at Leeds - May 1970
6. Who's Next - August 1971
7. Quadrophenia - October 1973
8. The Who by Numbers - October 1975
9. Who Are You - August 1978
10. Face Dances - March 1981
11. It's Hard - September 1982
12. Endless Wire - October 2006

Live albums:

1. Live at the Isle of Wight Festival 1970 - October 1996
2. BBC Sessions - June 2000
3. Live at the Royal Albert Hall - November 2003

Compilation albums:

1. Magic Bus: The Who on Tour - September 1968
2. Direct Hits - November 1968
3. Meaty Beaty Big and Bouncy - November 1971
4. Odds & Sods - September 1974
5. Hooligans - November 1981
6. Who's Last - May 1984
7. The Singles - June 1984
8. Who's Greatest Hits - November 1983
9. Thirty Years of Maximum R&B - November 1994
10. My Generation: The Very Best of The Who - August 1996
11. The Ultimate Collection - June 2002
12. The Who Hits 50! - October 2014

Singles:

1. 'I Can't Explain' b/w 'Bald Headed Woman' - January 1965
2. 'Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere' b/w 'Daddy Rolling Stone' - May 1965
3. 'My Generation' b/w 'Shout and Shimmy' - November 1965
4. 'Substitute' b/w 'Circles' - March 1966
5. 'A Legal Matter' b/w 'Instant Party' - March 1966
6. 'The Kids Are Alright' b/w 'The Ox' - August 1966
7. 'I'm a Boy' b/w 'In the City' - September 1966
8. 'Happy Jack' b/w 'I've Been Away' - December 1966
9. 'Pictures of Lily' b/w 'Doctor, Doctor' - April 1967
10. 'The Last Time' b/w 'Under My Thumb' - July 1967 (only released in US and Japan)
11. 'I Can See for Miles' b/w 'Someone's Coming' - October 1967
12. 'Dogs' b/w 'Call Me Lightning' - April 1968 (only released in US)
13. 'Magic Bus' b/w 'Someone's Coming' - September 1968
14. 'Pinball Wizard' b/w 'Dogs Part Two' - March 1969
15. 'The Seeker' b/w 'Here for More' - March 1970
16. 'Summertime Blues' b/w 'Heaven and Hell' - July 1970
17. 'See Me, Feel Me' b/w 'Overture' - October 1970 (US only)
18. 'Let's See Action' b/w 'When I Was a Boy' - November 1971
19. 'Join Together' b/w 'Baby Don't You Do It' - June 1972
20. 'Relay' b/w 'Waspman' - November 1972
21. '5.15' b/w 'Water' - October 1973
22. 'Squeeze Box' b/w 'Success Story' - September 1975
23. 'Who Are You' b/w 'Had Enough' - June 1978
24. 'Trick of the Light' b/w '905' - August 1978
25. 'Long Live Rock' b/w 'I'm the Face' - April 1979
26. 'You Better You Bet' b/w 'The Quiet One' - March 1981
27. 'Don't Let Go the Coat' b/w 'You' - April 1981
28. 'Athena' b/w 'A Man is a Man' - August 1982
29. 'Eminence Front' b/w 'It's Your Turn' - March 1982
30. 'Twist and Shout (Live)' b/w 'I Can't Explain (Live)' - January 1984 (UK only)

Other releases:

1. The Who Collection - December 1985 (box set containing all albums and some other releases from the band)
2. The Kids Are Alright - June 1979 (documentary film)
3. Tommy - March 1975 (film adaptation of the album)
4. Quadrophenia - November 1979 (film adaptation of the album)