The Best WHO's "Tommy" CD?

[Michael]

I believe The Who's "Tommy" was released 3 times on CD.

1- Original 2 CD Release.
2-MFSL Release.
3-Single CD Release.

Which release is the best overall?

I thought the Original 2 CD release was better than the MSFL.
I don't have access to the single CD to compare.

[snowman]

I have the original Polydor and the Re-mastered(both UK). The original is brighter, and not so good at loud volumes where it starts to screech. The remaster is much smoother and cleaner, but some would say has a slight 'veil' on it. To my system and my ears, the remaster is better.

[lukpac]

Originally posted by snowman
I have the original Polydor and the Re-mastered(both UK). The original is brighter, and not so good at loud volumes where it starts to screech. The remaster is much smoother and cleaner, but some would say has a slight 'veil' on it. To my system and my ears, the remaster is better.

UK remaster? To my knowledge, there is no such thing. There's a remix, but not a remaster.

I've got the 1993 MCA remaster and the MoFi (a UDII). It's been a long time since I've had my original MCA 2 CD set. The main thing I remember is it was VERY sloppy - there were very loud pops between some songs. I've been told the sound quality isn't very good, either...

[snowman]

My 'remaster' as I call it, says the following..

Reissue by Jon Astley
Remixed by Andy macpherson and Jon Astley.
'Remastered' by Bob Ludwig.
'1996' Polydor uk.

[lukpac]

Originally posted by snowman
My 'remaster' as I call it, says the following..

That's the remix.

Not my cup o' tea.

[KLM]

I like the MOFI cd as well as the original MCA 1993 one cd remaster. I compared the earlier remaster to the recent remix and was glad that I kept the original.

Just another example of how the latest isn't the greatest. Well another $25 of my hard earned money down the drain. When will I learn....

[ferric]

I have been listening to the MoFi Ultra Disc (1) for twelve years. totally satisfying .

For the sketches which led to this great work, seek out "The Tommy Demos" on Yellow Dog CD. Mostly Pete playing and singing. very few overdubs. excellent sound quality.

Fe Guy

[lukpac]

Originally posted by ferric man
For the sketches which led to this great work, seek out "The Tommy Demos" on Yellow Dog CD. Mostly Pete playing and singing. very few overdubs. excellent sound quality.

Actually quite a few overdubs! All done via bouncing from one stereo machine to another. Very impressive!

[Dave]

Michael,

Actually there were 4 releases. Two by Mobile Fidelity, UD1&UD2. The UD1 is better IMHO.;)

[czeskleba]

My vote for the best cd of the original mix of Tommy goes to the 1993 single cd MCA, mastered by Erick Labson. It's not perfect (it's a little on the bright side) but to me it is far better than the UDI Mofi disc I used to have, which I thought sounded dull, flat, and lifeless.

[krabapple]

Originally posted by Michael
I believe The Who's "Tommy" was released 3 times on CD.

1- Original 2 CD Release.
2-MFSL Release.
3-Single CD Release.

Which release is the best overall?

I thought the Original 2 CD release was better than the MSFL.
I don't have access to the single CD to compare.

There were actually 2 single CD releases on MCA, IIRC. One was a remaster, and the latest one is a remix.

[Michael]

Originally posted by krabapple


There were actually 2 single CD releases on MCA, IIRC. One was a remaster, and the latest one is a remix.

Krabapple,
You are right!

1-2 CD SET MCA
2-SINGLE CD EDITION MCA
3-MFSL SINGLE CD
4-SINGLE CD POLYGRAM INT.

[Dave]

OK,

So there are 5 releases then. Mofi did 2 different releases of the same album but with different masterings ie. UD1 & UD2.

[Michael]

Originally posted by Dave
OK,

So there are 5 releases then. Mofi did 2 different releases of the same album but with different masterings ie. UD1 & UD2.

Yes, Technically 5 with the 2 MFSL releases. I was going to list the 2nd MFSL disc but figured it was not a separate issue.:)

[David R. Modny]

Originally posted by Dave
OK,
Mofi did 2 different releases of the same album but with different masterings ie. UD1 & UD2.


I don't mean to be a pain in the ***, but are the UD1 and UDII actually *different* masterings? I was always under the impression that the only difference between this release was that the UD1 was pressed in Japan, while the II was pressed domestically.

On a somewhat related note, I've often thought it would be kinda fun to have blind shootouts between some of these (and other) discs posted on the net. Perhaps, 30 second snippets in preferably a non-lossy format. Might be interesting to see how people would vote! Heck, I'd do it myself if I thought the record companies wouldn't shut me down...lol!

[Michael]

Originally posted by David R. Modny



I don't mean to be a pain in the ***, but are the UD1 and UDII actually *different* masterings? I was always under the impression that the only difference between this release was that the UD1 was pressed in Japan, while the II was pressed domestically.

On a somewhat related note, I've often thought it would be kinda fun to have blind shootouts between some of these (and other) discs posted on the net. Perhaps, 30 second snippets in preferably a non-lossy format. Might be interesting to see how people would vote! Heck, I'd do it myself if I thought the record companies wouldn't shut me down...lol!

David,
Ya know what? That's a thought. Dave are you there? Either way I had the MFSL Tommy and sold it off years ago.

[-Ben]

Here is my two cents....

I have the MoFi (UDI) and the 93 MCA CDs.
I don't know anything about the UDII...
The UDI used Pete Townsend's personal tapes which had a different mix of at least one song.

My opinion is identical to Lukpac...
Originally posted by lukpac

It's been a long time since I've had my original MCA 2 CD set. The main thing I remember is it was VERY sloppy - there were very loud pops between some songs. I've been told the sound quality isn't very good, either...


EXCEPT..... I prefer my original Tommy UK Track LPs to any CD version.

BC

[lukpac]

Originally posted by bencanas
I have the MoFi (UDI) and the 93 MCA CDs.
I don't know anything about the UDII...
The UDI used Pete Townsend's personal tapes which had a different mix of at least one song.

The UDII is the same in that regard.

[Dave]

Originally posted by Michael
Yes, Technically 5 with the 2 MFSL releases. I was going to list the 2nd MFSL disc but figured it was not a separate issue.
Well technically yes Michael, but there is a difference between the 2 MFSL's sound-wise, so it should be mentioned.

Sadly Michael, I have no audio on my dinosaur of a computer.

Luke, you really can't rely on a cd-r comparison as not 1 cd-r I've ever heard is as good as the original and that includes using a Plextor burner with EAC. It's too subjective IMHO

[vex]

Personally, I prefer my Decca white label promo... stunning!

But we're talking CD's... I'm content with my MoFi UDI. But then, I don't have anything besides my vinyl to compare it to.

[lukpac]

Originally posted by Dave
Luke, you really can't rely on a cd-r comparison as not 1 cd-r I've ever heard is as good as the original and that includes using a Plextor burner with EAC. It's too subjective IMHO

Huh? Whenever I've been able to hear a CD and a CD-R, they always sound identical.

[-Ben]

My half cent opinion....

I am NOT an expert on making CD-Rs. In fact, I don't have a CD burner. BUT...a friend borrowed a CD to burn a copy. I asked for the copy to compare it to my CD.
Maybe someone can burn CDs using a better burner than the one my friend used, but the one burned CD I compared was clearly inferior in sound to the original.

BC

[Dave]

Originally posted by Lukpac
Huh? Whenever I've been able to hear a CD and a CD-R, they always sound identical.
What are using Luke?

I've heard cd-r's from the Plextor, 2 different computers and a stand alone HK. So far, no exceptions to my rule. The originals are the clear winners everytime.

[lukpac]

Originally posted by Dave

What are using Luke?

I've heard cd-r's from the Plextor, 2 different computers and a stand alone HK. So far, no exceptions to my rule. The originals are the clear winners everytime.

Plextor burner for both reading and burning. Also a Panasonic DVD-ROM/CD-RW combo drive.

I've never heard a difference between a CD-R and an original.

[Joe Koz]

Personally, I prefer my Decca white label promo... stunning!

Vex,

Do you know how the Decca stock vinyl sounds? Saw one here in good shape and good price. Passed on it, maybe I'll pick it up anyway. Also saw the Simply Vinyl pressing. Has anybody here heard the Simply Vinyl?

Joe