The Who Tommy: Half-Speed Master (Vinyl 2LP) * * *

Mastered from the Original Tapes by Longtime Who Engineer Jon Astley and Cut at Half-Speed by Miles Showell at Abbey Road Studios!

Regarded as the very first rock opera, this 1969 breakthrough recording from the genius of Pete Townshend was highly controversial upon its initial release. The conceptual tale of the “deaf, dumb and blind” Tommy Walker displayed a startling, darker side to the former mod-rockers from Shepherds Bush. With Tommy, Townshend proved to himself and the world he could attempt such a libretto and still rock! It spawned such Who staples as “Pinball Wizard,” “The Acid Queen,” “I’m Free” and “We’re Not Gonna’ Take It” and the movie, Broadway and concertized versions have kept its imaginative story and music in the forefront for decades! Mastered by longtime Who engineer Jon Astley from the original tapes and packaged in an original sleeve with an obi and certificate of authenticity. Engineered by Miles Showell at Abbey Road Studios using a half-speed mastering technique which produces a superior vinyl cut.