I've never listened to The Who's "Tommy"

[Nevernose]

I've heard "Pinball Wizard" of course, but have just never been big into The Who ("The Kids Are Allright" is a great flick, though, and really shows off their energy -- great energy, those guys). Mostly, they annoy me -- "Magic Bus" makes me want to take a hostage.

Anyway: Is it an unavoidable sin for a self-proclaimed rock n' roll geek like me to not bother with them, or should I listen immediately?

[Dookus]

1. listen immediately

heathen

[Trajan]

2. Get Quadrephenia instead ...

It is Townsends's magnum opus ...

[swag]

6. Well, if you're going to get Quadrophenia

get the original and not the soundtrack.

But if they annoy you, you should avoid them.

[Gothic Sponge]

7. I agree

Get Quadrephenia!

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

3. no, not immediately.... FORTHWITH

and watch the movie too.

[swag]

4. I love the Who, but you've got to trust yourself.

If they annoy you, avoid them.

[The_Casual_Observer]

5. Forget Tommy

Put on some old Mose Allison instead.

[Nevernose]

8. Blues comes after techno

I have a musical drinking progression:

Rock
Techno
Blues
Zydeco

[The_Casual_Observer]

10. You are stronger than I

I would be fast asleep half way through round 2.

[Nevernose]

14. Listen to Orbital's version of the theme from Dr. Who

You'll change your opinion of techno damn quick. Or maybe it's just me and my fond memories of the good Doctor -- hell, what do I know?

[Dr Fate]

9. I would stick with their early singles & 1st LP. n/t

n/t

[aint_no_life_nowhere]

11. Overall Quadrophenia is better than Tommy and consistently good

but there is a moment in Tommy that cannot be matched. It's that moment in See Me, Feel Me when the tempo picks up, the vocals pick up and we go on an on with this magical musical space that literally sends chills down your spine. It's unparalled in rock music. It's best played REAL LOUD!!! to bring out its grandiosity.

Listening to you I get the music
Gazing at you I get the heat
Following you I climb the mountain
I get excitement at your feet
Right behind you I see the millions
On you I see the glory
From you I get opinions
From you I get the story

I didn't really like the Who that much before buying Tommy. I liked a few of their tunes, probably "I Can See For Miles" was my favorite Who tune (I went to the trouble of buying the 45 rpm). But that musical moment in Tommy belongs in the rock-and-roll hall of fame as one of its magic moments, in my humble opinion.

[Spiffarino]

12. If you aren't sure about "Tommy"

...just pick up a copy of "Who's Next?" It's a pretty fair collection of The Who's music and should satisfy your curiosity.

If you just have to hear Tommy, try borrowing it from the library. I personally found it lame, but then I really hate opera. And the previous posters are right: Quadrophenia is much better.

IMHO Pink Floyd was much better at concept albums in general and their music would be a great place to start educating yourself about that period in R&R history. Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here, and The Wall are the standards to which all concept albums should be held.

[TreasonousBastard]

13. Don't listen, watch the movie.

Half of it makes no sesne without the visuals, and either Elton John or Ann-Margret is gonna really turn you on.