The Who – Tommy

I have a this NM pressing and the deluxe SACD …. This pressing is stellar, incredible, since this is 50+ something years old!

My favorite Who album... This Classic Records pressing sounds pretty darn good, and is worth getting if you can get a good deal on one. I wouldn't pay top dollar for a copy.. It's not that much of an improvement, tbh.

Not sure there is a "definitive" pressing of this album, it's all subjective really, and depends on your taste, but this definitely ranks towards the top, right next to the 1st UK Track. It has the most clarity and detail, but is cut the most quiet out of everything.. You really have to crank this one up to thoroughly enjoy it.

However, I still like the U.S. Gilbert Kong cut the most.. It's my favorite Tommy pressing. It's cut hot and sounds absolutely thunderous! Moonie & the Ox really shine on this pressing, but the only flaw are the cymbals, can be a bit strident at times. Also, the new AR half speed master is also quite excellent, and is among one of the best, imho, despite being from a digital source. The 2014 KPG cut is by far my least favorite, out of all of these, but your milage may vary. ;)

To summerize my shootout, I ranked these:

1) US Decca G.K. cut
2) Classic Records CB cut
3) 1st UK Track
4) ARS-HSM
5) 2014 KPG cut

A great sounding copy of an absolutely brilliant album. This pressing sounds much better than my grandfather’s 1973 MCA reissue, and almost just as good as the 1996 CD reissue, which remains my go-to copy of “Tommy”. It seems to be an unpopular opinion these days, but “Tommy” always has been my favorite Who album.

Pleased with the overall sound on this 1970 French pressing. The US release I had years ago seemed kind of flat, whereas the sound on this vinyl is considerably more vivid and and punchy. My copy plays nice and clean, with occasional faint surface noise.

This sounds great for a digital cut.. Better than the KPG cut from 2014, IMHO. However, it doesn't better analog cuts, like the US - Gilbert Kong cut on Decca, or 1st UK Track pressing. Worth picking up if you can't source one of those vintage pressings. Great bass, nice and punch. A little strident on the top end though.

Totally sleeper pressing.. This kicks ass, cut by Gilbert Kong - sounds awesome! Definitely worth picking up. Other than how the cymbals sound, this is my favorite pressing.. It's a little strident on the top end, but that's my only complaint. Cut loud, super punchy, thunderous! The Ox & Moony really shine here. I also have the 1st UK Track, 2014 KPG and 2022 ABHSM, so that should say something. ;) I you ever run across one, grab it! 👍👍

Adding to the chorus of record nerds who are blown away by this pressing. This immediately jumps up to being one of the best sounding records I own. So rich, clear and beautiful. Can't recommend it enough!

My copy has tracks rearranged where A plays A5-A9 then A1-A4. B side plays B8-B14 then B1-B7. Sounds glorious but order is odd and does affect this release a bit as it is a story obviously.

It was like a new adventure to listen to the detail of this album. I have seen The Who at least a dozen times and I can honestly say they have never sounded as good as they do on this pressing. My system is "old school". Turntable is a Clearaudio Emotion SE with a Nagaoka MP-500 cartridge, pre-amp is a Pro-Ject Tube Box S2 with dual Telefunkin Diamond tubes. All of this is fed in to a ICON Audio 40 MKIV integrated KT-88 tube amplifier.

Fantastic pressing, very well balanced with clear high’s and very punchy bass. Vocals very clear.