Ken Russell's adaptation of
the Who's rock opera Tommy has always been greeted with skepticism, and years after its controversial release, it remains a polarizing experience, due to its sheer garishness (no big surprise from
Russell) and its bevy of guest stars. These two traits, unsurprisingly, spill over to the soundtrack, which is hardly just a re-recording of the
Who album -- it's a reinvention of the album, padded with elaborate production twists until it's ready to burst. This, of course, means it's more musical than rock & roll, which sort of fits this project.
Elton John's spirited rendition of "Pinball Wizard" (the man was at the top of his game in 1975, after all) and maybe
Tina Turner's "Acid Queen" give this spark. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine