Teen Reacts To The Who - Tommy For The First Time (Album Reaction Pt. 1)

[@gidion4004]

Tommy is the fourth studio album by the English rock band The Who, a double album first released on 17 May 1969. The album was mostly composed by guitarist Pete Townshend, and is a rock opera that tells the story of Tommy Walker. Tommy is traumatized from witnessing his father's murder his mother’s lover. Tommy’s parents compound his trauma by denying the experience. In reaction, Tommy becomes dissociative (“deaf, dumb and blind”). Tommy then experiences the trauma of being sexually abused. As a way of coping with his trauma, Tommy dissociates further through playing pinball. He gains a following because of his skill at playing pinball. After numerous misguided attempts to heal Tommy, a doctor prescribes him a mirror so he can confront himself and his experience. Instead, Tommy becomes self-absorbed and comes to think of himself as a messianic figure. When the mirror is eventually broken, Tommy comes out of his dissociative state. Tommy then tries to lead his followers to believe that the only path to healing is through him. His followers eventually reject him and his teachings. Townshend came up with the concept of Tommy after being introduced to the work of Meher Baba, and attempted to translate Baba's teachings into music. Recording on the album began in September 1968, but took six months to complete as material needed to be arranged and re-recorded in the studio. 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 revitalized 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, and a Broadway musical in 1992. 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.

[@bobblethreadgill4463]

Excellent analogy boss.

[@gidion4004]

@@bobblethreadgill4463 Thanks dude|

[@magicbrownie1357]

The Overture introduces all the important musical themes on the album, just as might happen in an opera or a symphony. Tommy is considered to be the first "rock opera." Tommy was a big, big hit and the mainstay of The Who's concerts for decades.

[@mikemcadam3724]

This.

[@justinatest9456]

I would recommend taking a look at wikipedia to see how the album was broken up by the band on record. The fans are used to the album starting and stopping in those same spots, and it will make it easier to figure out where the album divides up evenly, as each side of an album was a half (or quarter in this case), and sometimes counting the songs doesn't work out. For instance this album has 6, 4, 8, and 6 songs per side. Side 2 has a 10 minute song, and Side 3 has a couple of 25 second songs. Just a thought.

[@helenespaulding7562]

Wow, Silas: When you hit a brand new band you don’t just dip your toe in, do you. I don’t know as I ever bought an album by an artist before hearing at least ONE song by them! I was expecting “Who Are You” or “My Generation”…..but you go all in with Tommy! Brave lad! 👍. Good on ya!

[@nattijeff]

One of colorful sounds in many of those early Who records is John Entwistle's french horn. We all know him as the great bass player but he did master other instruments.

[@KateSuhrgirlPlays]

The story of Tommy is so tragic but such a good album. Like amazing and the songs intertwine with each other so perfectly quite often.

[@tedsmith7814]

The brass instrument is a French horn played by the bassist John Entwhistle

[@helenespaulding7562]

Cool. Thought I was a trombone but now that you mention it …..

[@roundhousenetwork]

Ted is correct :)

[@craigcondon2035]

Roger Daltrey is the main singer, but Pete Townshend, the guitarist also sings a lot. Keith Moon is a phenomenal drummer. And John Entwistle is quite possibly the greatest rock bassist of all time. He's on another level. You'll start to hear the bass featured prominently in many songs (check out the song "The Real Me" at some point - the bass guitar is basically the lead guitar in that song. Keith Moon died in 1978 and John Entwistle died in 2002.

[@iDuckman]

"basically the the lead guitar" I'm so glad you said that. I've been saying it for years. Entwistle was like Bonzo -- the foundation of the band. Without him there wasn't a band. As phenomenal as Moon was, he could be replaced, albeit never equaled. Lose Entwistle or Bonzo and you might as well throw in the towel.

[@completecharleston7142]

Thx, Silas! Great choice - this album (actually 8-track) was the soundtrack for my group of friends in the summer of 69, many memories of driving around / singing along with. The Who was the first or second concert that I ever attended, circa 1967, they were the OPENING ACT for a one-hit wonder band 'Blues Magoos' and headliner 'Hermits Hermits'. Needless to say, The Who stole the show, destroying their instruments and amps for their finale song! I know that the tendency after this album is to go forward chronologically, but I recommend checking out the "Who Sell Out" album. It has a somewhat formatted approach (has radio commercials in between songs, has songs that relate to the 4 individual pictures of the band on the album cover, and also contains one of their hit songs "I Can See For Miles" that 'put them on the map'.

[@phillipharrison7283]

A 'concept album' before the phrase was coined re Pink Floyd. Its a full story same as 'The Wall'. To get the emergence of The Who you do need to hear quite a bunch of songs before this album. Go with 'My Generation', 'Substitute', 'I'm a Boy', 'Pictures of Lily', 'Happy Jack', 'I Can See for Miles' and 'Magic Bus'.

[@w.geoffreyspaulding6588]

Not Baba O’Riley?

[@jeffjohnson8697]

You need to see The Who "Won't get Fooled Again" Live at Shepperton Studios 1978. Amazing performance

[@davidlincoln78240]

I cannot say how much I appreciate you reacting to this album. It was the first I ever bought and I still love it all these years later.

[@alleneh]

Very cool. Look forward to what you're about to experience in discovering The WHO...but good luck. The WHO are known to be blockers. Tommy was the first Rock Opera... and Keith Moon is regarded as one of the all time great drummers. He was a wild man and so fun to watch

[@MW-ni6zp]

The drumming in this song always gets me! Been jamming to this album for 44 years now.

[@troyhyre8043]

I foretell that you will grow to really love this band. Each member was very unique in their approach to playing music. Some of their later work really kicks A**! But there are great cuts on this album or should I say "Opera"!

[@jaquestraw1]

Got the chills hearing the opening of this. It's been a while since I've heard this in its entirety ❤ Thanks Silas! You're jumping in the deep end with "Tommy" young brother. Quintessential concept album

[@jean-pierreyot5871]

Been a while for me too and I thought I knew this album inside out, but probably my first listen through headphones … a whole new experience !

[@ballyastrocade5672]

No matter how many times I hear this album, I get goosebumps when that Hammond organ comes in during the "Overture." 🙂

[@Janeilander13]

Just set up old record player found this at local thrift store love that your doing this one

[@cityhonors1]

Whoa! The Who! 👂🏻 Tommy can you hear me? 🤗 Been a minute or two! 🥰 This should be fun! 😁🤭🐰

[@philipdickey6460]

If you ever saw CSI, all three themes are by The Who, (Las Vegas, Miami, and New York)

[@lawrencesmith6536]

One of the most memorable concert experiences of my life was seeing The Who play Tommy when it first came out.

[@KrisAdell]

Hey there , I am so happy that this music lives on. I would love to see you react to the movie. Tommy, is a rock opera and has alot of stars including Tina Turner, Elton John, Eric Clapton, you would love it and you can see what you hear

[@LordEagle]

The Who are FANTASTIC. Who's Next is their best album,,,please don't stop until you've reacted to it. 💥💥💥🙏👍😎

[@davidpeters44]

Entwistle (bassist) plays the French horn parts on the opening track.

[@Chatta-Ortega]

Pete Townshend is a creative genius. A true force of nature.

[@tokyosteve5187]

Prepare to leave Bloomington now and you can catch them live at the United Center in Chicago (October 12). Otherwise your last best chance, maybe ever (they are getting up there in age), will be at the Enterprise Center in St Louis on October 14. Catch one of those two concerts and you can thank me later.

[@tokyosteve5187]

By the way, I had tix to the concert the night of the tragedy in Cincinnati but couldn't go because one of my professors (at IU) changed the date of a semester final. Did catch them in Biloxi, Mississippi in 1982. One of the best concerts I ever saw. Edit: Here's a link to a recording of the opening of that Biloxi concert.kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqe6mpKChKiEh6c

[@ButternutGOLD]

Nice choice kid ! You’ll love it !

[@farmersteve661]

Tommy ? Wow I could not believe it or get here fast enough . You will love the movie and it’s soundtrack as well . Thank you & congratulations! 🎸👍

[@gavinblenkinsop6250]

Hey Silas Interesting that you went right in at the deep end with Tommy haha The Who had been around since 1963/64 and were mainly known for their singles and their on stage antics (smashing guitars etc) Pete Townsend is the lyricist and sings on some songs. He’s the lead guitarist and plays piano too. Roger Daltrey is the lead singer John Entwistle plays bass (and horns and trumpets) And you have Keith Moon on drums…known as Moon The Loon because he was nuts. There are plenty of videos on KZbin telling his wild stories

[@w.geoffreyspaulding6588]

Joe Walsh tells the story that when The James Gang opened for The Who, the scariest words he ever heard were “Keith likes you”. He knew he was in for a wild ride.

[@simply_psi]

So far Silasnyou have oh heard Pete Townsend on vocals, Pete is the main songwriter and guitarist for fhe band, the lead vocalsist is Roger Daltrey and he has an epic voice, as others have said the bass player was John Entwistle (RIP), and thr drummer was Keith "the loon" Moon (RIP), Keith was not only onenof the greatest drummers of all time, was was insane, you should Google some of the stories about his antics.

[@philipdickey6460]

Tommy was I believe the first rock opera, The Who first came out in 1965, songs like My Generation, Magic Bus, on this album songs like Pinball Wizard are amazing

[@brewstergallery]

It´s a matter of opinion but the first Rock Opera was a 1967-1968 album by The Pretty Things " S.F. Sorrow " which tells whole life of the title character through birth, childhood trauma, world war 1 experiences, personal tragedies, an attempt to deal with his demons and the loneliness of old age. A very different record and band but SF Sorrow is excellent in it's own way.

[@user-nu8jw6qu2s]

@@brewstergallery 是的 虽然《Tommy》有借鉴，但是不影响《Tommy》在我心目中一样伟大和喜爱！

[@johnathanstruble1064]

Haven't revisited this ROCK Opera, in 30 years...and feel like I'm hearing it , like you for the first time. Good Show ole chap!..carry on , Cheerio! ..👍✌️

[@chuckrowland8362]

Yea it is Townshend singing mostly here..Usually roger Daltrey is lead vocals..check out their other albums man..a great experience.

[@KateSuhrgirlPlays]

That one sound you werent sure of but assumed another trumpet i think is actually a french horn if i remember right. Reminds me of elephants lol.

[@bella-xp7qd]

They actually made a movie of this album, it was classified as Rock opera.

[@marymargaretmoore9034]

Tommy is their rock opera, not typical of all their work. It's great though. Keith Moon on drums. I hope you also react to their album "Who's Next."

[@mikemcadam3724]

And this is structured like an opera, would be worth just doing a quick background search on how operas are structured, with the overture etc...

[@reneelyons6836]

Fantastic young man!! On so many levels.

[@io2467.]

this is probably my favourite album of all time.

[@Macdelaven]

Excellent album. I saw the Who perform most of Tommy (in preparation for an upcoming HBO special) in San Diego 1989. You will definitely love the drumming throughout this opera.

[@babylonsister118]

So happy to see your reaction to this album! I used to listen to it constantly in or around 1975! And I raised numerous sons and the movie was required viewing in our house. Pete Townsend is a songwriter extraordinaire IMHO! The movie is awesome and has many famous people besides The Who, Anne Margaret, who you likely don't remember, but she was a rather famous movie star, Jack Nicholson. Elton john, Tina Turner, and Eric Clapton and probably one or perhaps two I can't think of, at the moment.

[@KateSuhrgirlPlays]

This is their best rock opera album but another great album similar to this is Quadrophenia. Definitely worth a listen.

[@allannancarrow8034]

I been listening to the who for a long time for me there best two albums where live at Leeds the Vinal version it only had 6songs but all great the other album is who's next brilliant just brilliant

[@ofenomeno1381]

The movie is beyond amazing

[@roundhousenetwork]

Pete once told me a funny Woodstock story involving John and Keith. Remind me to share it with you sometime.

[@dougwill8850]

French horn in the house, courtesy of John Entwistle.

[@thomassanchez8956]

Fast forward 2001 Concert for New York they stole the show!!!!!!✌🏼❤️

[@georgegwoolston1730]

That's a French Horn being played by John Entwistle the bass player...

[@tomaleshire4145]

Keith Moon's drumming......controlled chaos. Keith Moon's life......uncontrolled chaos!😁❤️✌️

[@helenespaulding7562]

As some other of your subs no doubt, I went to see this Rock Opera performed live back in 1972 or so It was quite something.

[@chitownlee]

That's a French Horn played by bass player John Entwistle.

[@kaneikanei8173]

Listen to Tommy by the Who and London Symphony Orchestra it will blow your mind!

[@Mike-rk8px]

Silas, wait until you see the movie “Tommy”! It’s an experience, to say the least.

[@jaydMANifistation]

You have to watch the movie Tommy to understand the record. Tommy is a Rock Opera, not just a list of tunes.

[@ganjiblobflankis6581]

If you have ever been in a room with one of the CSI shows on, you have heard The Who. I mean, it is possible to have never heard them, but they get used in TV shows, movies and adverts lots.

[@mjwaldrep]

The Who are blockers, so I'm not shocked you weren't able to include all the songs. Unfortunately, these old bands that block don't get that reactions help them stay relevant. Who's going to pirate a reaction video? It's so stupid. Anyway, I enjoyed this reaction and hope you're able to upload more of the Tommy reaction. It's such a great album!

[@charlesmarkley220]

Music. Honest voices.

[@KneeJerkReactions13]

New subscriber. Saw your Child in Time reaction. Had to sign up for more. I would be thrilled to see you react to a song by Cheap Trick called need your love. You would be the 2nd KZbinr to react to this song and it shows a different side of the Hall of Fame band. Make it happen please young Silas!

[@JuniorFarquar]

Ann Margaret (all natural, too) writhing in baked beans is the best part of this lp. Besides Reign O'er Me

[@kevinbrady6075]

Reign O'er Me- wrong album

[@JuniorFarquar]

@@kevinbrady6075 doh! Quadraphenia, right?

[@kevinbrady6075]

@@JuniorFarquar Correct.Another great song!

[@Chatta-Ortega]

I was in junior high when the Tommy movie was released. Ann Margaret made quite an impression on my young, innocent mind...lol.

[@MrTexxan8]

Whos Next is awesome

[@francoisdelpeuch8527]

Just Townshend as lead vocal on the first tracks.

[@kellydelay18]

Tip of the iceberg brother

[@kevinbrady6075]

Silas!!!! Are those stinky face coming before Christmas????😂This first is the Overture those a French horns,.....keep rocking Bro!

[@scottzappa9314]

The Who is such a monumental band and they're still going. And if I'm not mistaken, they have considerably more albums out than Led Zeppelin for instance. And the cover you show there that's not Tommy, they just came out with that in 2018. One fairly unique quality of them is that both Pete Townsend and Roger Daltrey sing, with Roger being the main lead singer. What you heard on this one is Pete. His voice is not as good as Rogers. Oh, and I forgot to mention I saw them in concert in 2013 doing "Quadrophenia." Unbelievable.

[@showmoke]

Keith Moon - wasn’t he the one who was famous for driving his Rolls Royce into a hotel swimming pool? 😂

[@memorast]

❤❤❤try baba O’Reilly ❤❤❤

[@redmackinnon4590]

Silas, you would be so much better off watching the film 'Tommy' as you not only get the songs but also the story is fully explained as you have started The Who with a strange choice (as good as it is) Watch the film Tommy for the full experience and with artists like Tina Turner and Elton John appearing as well you won't be disappointed

[@MilosDaddy]

French horns. At their best!

[@davebrian5455]

Not Trumpet - French Horn.

[@steve55sogood16]

Watch them do "See me,Feel me" at Woodstock! kzbin.info/www/bejne/nHm3laWGgZdlY7s

[@scottlaughlin9897]

I’ll bet you’ve heard a song by them before.

[@lynnieiapichino1121]

☮️💙💙💙🔥🔥

[@endapian]

Better than a Deloreane car!!!!!!

[@Janeilander13]

French horn

[@kevinbrady6075]

Pete and Roger,even all of them could sing,...

[@mattbailey9396]

Not impressed with Part One. But, I’ll give any music a fair shake, so I’ll tune in for the rest of their stuff! 💥

[@79BlackRose]

Yes, very underwhelming.

[@showmoke]

Never got into it personally. I think the music has been pretty much been put on the back burner for many decades now. You don’t hear it talked about much these days. I just remember the cringingly embarrassing section where the uncle I think it is molests Tommy. Uncomfortable listening tbh, which is maybe why the album is not listened to much these days.

[@79BlackRose]

@@showmoke Jeez! 😮

[@79BlackRose]

@@showmoke I just read John Entwistle's lyrics to Fiddle About. WTF? How gross! 🤢

[@showmoke]

@@79BlackRose - Quite so! Maybe something that shouldn’t be put to music?

[@79BlackRose]

I wasn't going to watch this but in a weak moment I did. It just sounds so lame. I won't follow this pal.

[@milldude19]

Lamest comment ever. Even if you don't like the story it's worth listening just for the drumming alone.

[@79BlackRose]

@@milldude19 It is an opinion. If I just want to hear drumming, I can listen to Buddy Rich.

[@milldude19]

@@79BlackRose It is a matter of taste. It's OK though there's no accounting for taste.

[@79BlackRose]

@@milldude19 It just sounds so weak to start a concept album to me. Compared to The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway by Genesis or The Wall by Pink Floyd. Just my opinion.

[@showmoke]

@@79BlackRose - I’m with you on that - just my opinion.

[@davidh.8798]

I like the vids, but you should branch out from stodgy 70's rock. Zepp & Who aren't aging well IMO. Not enough good songs. Not enough fun or joy in their music. Too one-paced. Not enough to inspire a young man. Even Floyd only have 2 good albums before running out of ideas. Try Bowie and the Beatles instead. Then Joy Division and the Smiths. More colour, better songs, more exciting.

[@clarkthomson1974]

I'll stay away from whatever you've been taking.