Re: FD & IH (Plus Some TOMMY!)

["Scott Schrade" <schrade@akrobiz.com>]

> Yes, the live versions do add some chunkiness & power that the studio
> versions lack; but that's because many of the FD studio tracks have limit-
> ed guitar because A.) Pete's guitar was mixed low or B.) Pete only played
> a lighter sounding guitar track for the cut.  Same with IH.  Then, when you 
> hear the songs played live, the glorious guitar gets it rightful position in 
> the forefront.  >>
> 
> You've made a good point here - BUT, can't the same be said for the 
> production on "Tommy" versus the live versions of those songs? 

Yeah, you're right, but I was talking about not only weakly *recorded* songs
but weakly *written* songs (majority of FD & IH) getting a boost & becom-
ing more interesting in a live setting.  I already like the majority of songs on 
TOMMY.  No boost needed.   

> "I'm Free." That was a (dare I say it!) weak song on the original album 

I disagree.  I love the studio version.  It's not weak at all.  Roger just gives
it a softer, more spiritual-like delivery on the studio version.

> ....that only gained strength in the live show. 

What Who song didn't?! :-)

> Many of the songs on "Tommy" are "weak" on the album compared to the 
> live shows 

Yeah, but the studio TOMMY has that soft, serene-like quality that plays
into the whole mysticism aspect.  I like that.  What you call "weak" I call
"mood" or "tone."  I have no problem with the subdued studio TOMMY.

Listen how beautifully *soft* & *gentle* Moon plays at the end of the studio 
version of the song "1921."  It sounds like he's just barely letting the drumstick
fall onto the snare drum.  "Weak" is just fine at that point.  Moon was smart
enough to know when to lay back.  Sure he could wallop the drums but, man,
he could be oh so subtle at times.  And that subtlety in turn gave more defini-
tion to the crazy loud parts.

> If there had been a "weaker" drummer on them, maybe, we wouldn't have 
> liked them as much.

Probably not.  Definitely not!

> "Athena", "After The Fire" and "Don't' Let Go the Coat" are three songs that 
> sound sooooo much better (IMO) when Pete sings them. 

"Athena" maybe, but I like Daltrey's take on the other two.


- SCHRADE in Akron