An offer you can't refuse

[Rich Bogovich <bogie@itis.com>]

Below is information on how to purchase the best Who collectible of all time:

A Tommy player piano roll.

The box says "Overture From Tommy" but in actuality it's "Go To The Mirror,
Boy".  The creators probably wanted to use "Overture" but--as a precursor to
karaoke--player piano rolls are usually supposed to have words so people can
sing along to the music, so the unfamiliar title "Go To The Mirror, Boy" was
dropped in favor of the more marketable "Overture From Tommy".  Despite
having lyrics, a decision was made to include a parenthetical summary of
Tommy's plot as the music begins (parenthetical because that mean's you're
not supposed to sing the plot summary).

How can one order this gem?  It's available for $10 plus shipping from the
reputable QRS company of Buffalo NY by calling 1-800-247-6557.

By the way, this item can be found in Ed Hanel's discography in the Covers
section, under the name Al Tinney.  Al was the guy who cut the little slits
in the piano roll to trigger the piano keys.

Speaking of karaoke, apparently a tape came out two or three years ago which
included "Pinball Wizard" (but I've never actually seen a karaoke tape with
Who music on it).  Anyone out there heard it?

Bogie