Watch out for mismarked Tommy

[Ken Traub <kt@einstein.exa.com>]

I walked into HMV in Cambridge (MA) to pick up the new Tommy.  There were two
disks: one with a "remastered" sticker on it for $14.99, and one with no such
label but which had been marked down from $15.99 to $12.99.  Much to my
surprise, the latter disc was the new remixed one!  I probably wouldn't have
noticed had it not been for the discussion on this list about the change in
cover art.

For those about to buy Tommy: ignore whatever labels your record store sticks
on the disc.  The new remixed release is the one *without* faces on the
cover.  Or, look at the fine print on the back, and look for the year 1996 in
the copyright/printing notices.  If you're in the Boston area, the Harvard
Square HMV has the new ones on sale, perhaps inadvertantly, while the old ones
cost more.

My opinion of HMV has dropped a few notches lower.  It's really a disservice
to their customers to be selling both versions, especially with no clear
explanation of what is what.  It's fine for fanatics like us who get the info
from this list, but what about a more typical CD buyer?

Ken Traub