The Who – Tommy Half Speed Abbey Road vs. Classic Records

Germany
USA
United Kingdom

Limited edition reissue

Mastered by long-time Who engineer Jon Astley at Close To the Edge

Cut for vinyl by Miles Showell at Abbey Road Studios at half-speed for superior sound

Packaged in a reproduced original jacket with obi strips and an Abbey Road Studios Half-Speed Mastering Certificate

The Who's Tommy 1969 concept album is a full-blown rock opera about a deaf, dumb and blind boy that launched the band to international superstardom - and recognizing them as a serious "albums band." It regularly turns up on lists of the most influential albums of all time.

Originally banned by the BBC and by some U.S. radio stations, the underlying child abuse and molestation theme in the tale of the "deaf, dumb and blind" Tommy Walker was a startling, darker side to the former mod-rockers from Shepherds Bush. The album peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard chart. Townshend proved to himself and the world he could still attempt such 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/See Me, Feel Me."

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[davidlawrence]

I would love to see an Acoustic Sounds, 33 RPM, UHQR release of Tommy, Quadrophenia and Who’s Next. That would get me excited!

[christi]

I had held off on buying this because I was hoping for a review from you. Since I cannot afford the Classic Records pressing, I pulled the trigger on purchasing this right after watching your video. Thank you for your frankness on all reviews because it increases my confidence in purchasing when I see a thumbs up (so to speak) from you. Your integrity means a lot and as always, I really enjoy your channel. My wallet would like to lodge a complaint against you though for all the purchases I've made because of you...😂

[davidstanton]

Thanks Michael! Another fun and very informative romp: Please keep them coming!!

[GoldenSpecter]

Love your videos Sir. I have been watching everyone. Keep up the excellent work my friend.

[Speekers_corner]

Great to hear, Michael. My copy literally arrived as I was watching this. Cheers, Jeff

[danielryan]

Awesome, I’m glad that you can recommend this release

[Andrew-ydzp]

Love your search for perfection and the love of the music Michael.

[johnnytheg]

I recently bought an original 1969 US Decca pressing of Tommy in mint condition and my God is that a brilliant sounding album. Usually the Decca presses aren't that great, but in the case of Tommy and Who's Next they really shine. I have yet to hear a better sounding version than that.

[frankgeeraerts]

Yes Michael, it was included in the original jacket !! I just discoverd your channel with pleasure WHO never left me since the heard a song of " Who's next " in a youth cafe and I ran out to buy the TOMMY was a revelation, still is !!
Thank you for good reviews and trying to be honest about music and their
Wish more younger people could hear those great records the way some of us could listen to them on realy good ( big) older speakers ( Tannoy, Altec, Goodmans etc ) and those great tube amplifiers that grunging sounding 38 CM bass units ( like bass was something alive !!!! ) and all the musical emotions different than " sterilized milk " or the same theebag used think you understand what I try to express.

[richardfitzpatrick]

I knew you wouldnt be able to resist. Great video. Been waiting for this one…I think they did a good job not an exceptional one but over all I’m happy with it

[farrellmcnulty]

I'm waiting for my Half Speed Master to arrive sometime Wednesday, according to "tracking". I can't wait to hear it. I wasn't sure I could find it or afford it, but it's on its way.

EDIT: It arrived Tuesday instead - I listened to it over the weekend and, quite simply is the best I've ever heard it - and I have that 90s double CD special deluxe...

[frankgeeraerts]

You explain it the way people who know ( and others ) can understand the nuances which are IMPORTANT The better release and why vinyl touch ....haha "
I am still very happy with the originals 50 years old now and still going strong !

[jonathanmackenzie]

Thanks Michael, there was one copy left at my record store in NZ and I’ve been anxiously waiting for your review. I got half way through your review, jumped online and snagged the last copy. Ka Pai.

[revelry]

I revisited this shoot out again today. I gotta tell you. I compared my classic records to the abbey road 1/2 speed. They both have interesting listen. I love the classic…. But the half speed has a very endearing charm. They both sound excellent. I say save the $500 and get the half speed. The 1/2 speed has a tighter bass and very very clear sound. Not as warm as the classic but the 1/2 speed seems brighter and more separation of the voices and instruments. It’s tough choice now. I prefer both. Maybe it’s a day to day thing. Cheers! It almost seems the 1/2 speed is more dynamic. More highs and and lows in volumes and feel difference because it’s clearer….the classic seems more crowded instruments competing. The half speed has the instruments more isolated. 1/2 speed is far more 3D. Bravo Miles!

[ThePressingMatters]

Glad to hear that you found this one a competent well done release. I don't have a lot of these Abbey Road Half Speeds but maybe they are learning more as they go. My recent experience with them was with the two latest Roxy Music releases and I was surprised that they were very good as well. They didn't quite have that extra analog magic and the sound differences are similar to what you describe for Tommy. Thing is, very good originals of Avalon are more common than the situation with Tommy, so the value proposition is not as extreme as the price of a Classic vs the new one. Still, I was pleasantly surprised (or relieved) they came out well. Thrilled to see the superior packaging on Tommy - that will probably tip me into ordering it. I have a very nice Japanese press, and I'm looking forward to comparing. Great info Micheal, thank you!

[TXC-]

I have an MCA 1973 copy that discogs says is a 2nd pressing. Super quiet vinyl and sounds great. Oddly it has two "side 4" labels on LP 1.

[indeep]

Great video, thanks Michael. Maybe one day you can tell us about your record cleaning machine?

[BigSky]

Yes the book did come with the original album and it had a Limited Edition # printed on the bottom right on the first page.

[GlenKellawayfromthebasement]

Thanks for the review Michael..I have been considering this purchase..I have an old Decca pressing..I might just look for the the Classic release..another great job👍👍❤glen

[maurice]

Just listened to the whole album the first time every, I’m 60 😉 . It’s a very nice story about Tommy and you are correct Michael it’s very well recorded .