The Who's Tommy: Masterpiece or Musical Nonsense?

I am a big fan of the Who, and I always notice that some people talk about how they are disappointed after listening to the studio version of their rock opera Tommy. Now, I think that this is one of the best versions of Pete Townshend's work, because it is totally the opposite of the Film version: no synthesizers, fancy studio tricks (except some reverse guitar), or cheesy extra songs (who listens to Bernie's Holiday Camp?). It's just the Who playing, and then are able to play off of each other very well, especially when playing this live. Some people like Tommy, others don't. Do you or do you not like Tommy, and if you do, which version do you like best?

I love the Who. And I prefer the album version over the film version.

Concise,

-Shane

The album can be a pain to listen to, sometimes. But, in its day, I loved it dearly. The best version I've heard was the Live at Leeds recording, though that is the only live version I've heard...except for whatever snippets were on the Woodstock movie. Oh, and album over movie for me.

I love the who I was just listneing to Tommy earlier today I can barely sit through the entire length of it when it is on. After overature I skip ahead to acid queen then to Pinball wizard then I listen to the rest but i say Album vesion.

I like most of Tommy, but then there's Sally Simpson.

And Fiddle About goes on about 30 seconds too long.

My father told me a story once about a guy he knew who played 'Fiddle About' on piano, instrumental-like, for a church offertory-- at least the first part, where it's still melodic. Struck me as funny.

Indeed.

Symbolic, even.

That's got to be the cheapest post I've ever seen.

Just two clicks, and I expressed my sentiments exactly. You can't beat that.

I knew that you would find it fun.

Must... fight... urge... to quote... again!