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defending Tommy



The trick to melding with the Tommy studio album is to avoid worrying
about the plot and the concept and just drift with it. Unlike other
Who works, I don't believe it is best to listen to this album by
pumping the volume and getting juiced and adrenalized by the sound.
To really absorb the full effect of this album, try going into a
dark room, sitting upright in a comfortable chair, putting on earphones
and closing your eyes while the music completely becomes the focus of
your attention and senses. Try to BE Tommy, let the fragmented ethereal
stream of conciousness of the music become your own. Don't worry about
the story and what is happening, just let the music carry you along
like a log on an river current. Taking this approach, you will find
that the album actually does take on some sort of form and linearity,
and the subtle shades of meaning and textures of the thinking mind
that Pete was centrally trying to convey with the album will come out.
Among other things, you may find effectively communicated transformations
in awareness and profound metaphysical truths. I know that sounds fucked
up as hell if you haven't tried it, but really, it works. You can
actually take on the Tommy-conciousness during the Underture!

- -Hart Deer
(deerdana@dekalb.dc.peachnet.edu)

"I'm playing this note 'cause it fits in well with the way I'm feeling.
There's a symphony that I hear in your heart, sends my head a-reeling,
But I'm in tune, right in tune.
I'm in tune, and I'm gonna tune right in on you!"