Quad vs Tommy

[Ian Derby <iderby19@us.net>]

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From: maiullo@tms.attmail.com (Gary Maiullo)
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Subject: Quad vs Tommy
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I gotta jump in here on that Quad vs Tommy thread:

        When you compare the two, the only relationship between the 2 is that 
they are Who-related (and they are both on celluloid).  Tommy is a completely 
different animal altogether.  IMHO, they are both excellent films.  Tommy is a
psychedelic musical interpretation of the story, and Quadrophenia is a story 
built around the original premise. The styles are totally dis-similar. And of
the two, I lean toward Tommy as my favorite.  
        There is a lot to appreciate in Tommy.  Excellent guest shots 
(although I suspect a lot of those on the list feel otherwise about the 
guests!).  And I think many versions of the songs from the soundtrack are 
fantastic:  Sally Simpson is outstanding.  I'm Free, Sparks, Amazing Journey 
are all great versions of those songs.  And there are priceless scenes with 
Keith Moon, too.  
        Quad is great, too, but I can't stand how the music was butchered in 
the movie (Love Reign 'Oer Me is the best example of that).  But the actual 
story is cool.  

        Oh well, that's my take on those two.  

                        gary m.


Short and sweet: 

I love the original album of Tommy on par with Who By Numbers and
Leeds.  Every new listen to Tommy harks back to being blown away with
it's initial listen.  

OTOH, I have to admit to being slightly dissapointed by Quad, ranking
just below my favorites.  Reason being was when I first heard the
explosion of "The Real Me" I was in total shock.  The way the bass
cut through and the driving drums took me to another place.  But the
rest of the album though very competent and very ahead of it's time
(even in 1983, when I first heard it) never captured my emotions like
Tommy.  I'm guess I'm just as puzzled by the love for Quad in
comparison to people knocking Tommy as "dated".   Call me the
oddball, it took me ten listens to really enjoy Exile on Main Street,
Quad was the same way (I'd mention Yes' Relayer here but I know that
would be insulting to some).  

As for movies, much different story.

Tommy:  A dated joke.  It pains me to see Oliver Reed (as
accomplished a British actor he maybe) butcher a masterpiece.  The
magic of the album is that it's NOT dated and left a lot to the
imagination while the movie guided you through one's opinion of the
story.  The only redeeming quality of the movie is the reworking of
I'm Free.  Had that been on the original album.....hmm.

Quadrophenia: An excellent art film.  It leaves you to cut through
the ethnic background and allows the viewer to place yourself in
Jimmy's place.  Everyone's had their setbacks, looking at Jimmy makes
you feel a little more fortunate.  (Well for most people).