5 comments about Phenomenon: Music From The Motion Picture.

1. There is no question that John Travolta has had one of the most successful movie careers of all time. Sometimes people forget that Travolta movies have been associated with three very popular soundtracks - "Saturday Night Fever", "Urban Cowboy", and "Grease" (Travolta would actually sing on that one). Many forget is that there is a fourth Travolta film that has one of the all-time great soundtracks - that film being "Phenomenon". Not only did "Phenomenon" have a great soundtrack, but it probably is both the most underrated performance and underrated film in Travolta's career. One thing that makes the "Phenomenon" soundtrack so outstanding is that it truly captures the essence of the movie. As you listen to the soundtrack, you truly feel like to are watching the movie. Not only is this a great soundtrack, I would venture to say that this was the best album for 1996.
   
   To understand why the "Phenomenon" soundtrack is so good - one must have a little background on the movie. Travolta plays George Malley - a small town man whose life changes after he sees a flash of light. Following that encounter, George begins to experience genius and telekinetic powers. However the government becomes wary of George's newfound powers However George learns that he has a rare brain tumor that is causing his brain to act the way he is. The tumor is slowly killing George. The film deals with George dealing with his powers, the government, a relationship with Lace Pennamin (played by Kyra Sedgwick), and his own mortality. It are all of these factors that really play into the music that supports this movie.
   
   Each of the songs have some of the great producers in the business - Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, Don Was, Trevor Horn, and Robbie Robertson. However it is Robertson who serves as the executive producer to the compilation. Robertson's efforts must be applauded as he builds a soundtrack that captures the essence of the movie. The soundtrack makes great use of crooning and blues along with a "coffee house" sound - gelling beautifully with the movie.
   
   Here is a song by song review:
   
   "Change the World": While Eric Clapton didn't write or produce this song, nor deliver his best guitar work - it is Clapton's crooning performance of some very moving lyrics that easily made this a "Record of the Year". If you listen to the lyrics, the lines "Change the World; I will be the sunlight of your universe" support many of factors that George Malley was dealing with in this movie.
   
   "Dance with Life (The Brilliant Life)": The title along gels very nicely with the whole story of George Malley. Bryan Ferry is one of the most underrated musicians and this is one of his most underrated songs. Ferry also employs a crooning style. Trevor Horn produced this song.
   
   "Crazy Love": Don Was produces this Van Morrison song. This is a nice "coffee house" song delivered by another crooner - Aaron Neville. Neville does great justice to this cover. Robertson is also featured on this song.
   
   "Corrina": I hadn't heard of Taj Mahal before, but this song really gave me a good taste. Very nice bluesy song that fits the "small town" flavor of George Malley's town perfectly.
   
   "Have a Little Faith In Me": Don Was produces this Jewel song. I was not a Jewel fan, but this song really impressed me. Again, just from the title alone - this fits very nicely with the whole story of "Phenomenon". But the whole song also fits nice. Jewel delivers a "full blown" performance in this song. She almost employs a "gospel-like" quality combined with some nice coffee house rock. I like how Jewel "builds up" this song as it progresses.
   
   "I Have the Touch": Peter Gabriel's career is legendary. This song just adds to Gabriel's legend - and I subscribe that this might be his best performance on any record. The title and theme of this song might be the best fit of all of the songs on this soundtrack. Gabriel's unique haunting voice and style are tailor-made for the "Phenomenon" story. Simply put - outstanding.
   
   "Pieces of Clay": This might not be Marvin Gaye's best known song, but it is a very good song. The song employs a bluesy Hendrix-like guitar at the beginning before progressing to a more traditional bluesy song. As mentioned, the whole bluesy theme fits nicely with the setting and story of this movie - and this song is no exception.
   
   "Para Donde Vas": Here is another group I discovered. The Iguanas deliver an outstanding performance. This song is in Spanish and has a full blown Latin feel. It's very catchy and will have you toe-tapping.
   
   "Misty Blue": A very bluesy song. This was my least favorite track of the collection. While I personally didn't care for it, I still have to say that because of this bluesy theme, this fits very well with the whole theme of the movie.
   
   "A Thing Going On": J.J. Cale was the third artist I discovered on this album. I'm surprised Cale didn't make a better name for himself and that this song didn't become a hit. The guitar work in this song is almost a dead-ringer for the work of Carlos Santana.
   
   "The Orchard": This is a very nice instrumental. It has a haunting quality thanks to the African-styled percussion at the beginning. This might not have the most catchy beat, but this is still one worth listening to. It is some outstanding musicianship by Thomas Newman that makes this a great finale to this collection.
   
   It's too bad the liner notes don't include the lyrics. However, that doesn't take away from the album. When looking at 1996 albums, this album clearly deserves its place among the best - and also deserves its place among the elite Travolta soundtracks. Whether you have seen the movie or not, this collection is definitely worth getting.



2. Okay, so I just like the cover.... OOooh John Travolta! Seriously, I listen to it all the time.



3. There was nothing on the CD, it would not work. this was my only purchase of a CD from Amazon and it will be my last. Amazon sells poor quality items.



4. The other tracks are great songs themselves, but the main reason why I wanted this soundtrack was that Thomas Newman is one of my absolute favorite composers. So besides the last track, "The Orchard," where is the rest of the amazing original score??



5. Does anyone know which song was played while they were dancing together in the house?

5 comments about Live at Montreux/The Definitive Collection.

1. I really can't believe that this pair of DVDs is sold so cheap considering the amount of quality material you get. Two discs of the best guitarist to ever come out of Europe doing what he does best. There's really no reason to NOT get this set, along with the exemplary Irish Tour DVD.



2. Wow: what can I say. Rory Gallagher(as underated as he is)was great in live concert setting. If you want to see raw footage, great guitar playing and over all excellent live performance check out this DVD. It is loaded with great music, great performance and rare look into one of the most underated guitar players of his time.



3. I have several Rory DVDs-most are bootlegs. Live at Montreux is definitely the best I've ever seen. Great picture and sound quality. 1985 is my personal favorite. Bad Penny and Big Guns are electrifying. You can watch Bad Penny on Youtube. Just type in "bad penny live at montreux 1985" in the search bar and you'll know what I mean. Banker's Blues is a good acoustic tune. And the 1994 concert-the year before he died-proves Rory never lost it. He rocked all the way to the end.



4. I saw Rory play at the Saba Club in Washington DC back in 1986. I had never heard of him and was blown away by the intricacy and volume of his playing. Last week I started sniffing around You Tube and rediscovered this sadly under-appreciated artist. This prompted me to buy "Live at Montreaux" and "Rockpalatz", and I have spent most of the last three days listening and watching. I can't get enough, although it is painful watching him deteriorate in the 90s. The 1994 show is especially difficult to watch as he is a mere shadow of his former self and appears to know it, however the joy and energy of the early recordings more than makes up for the last show. I can't wait to get this for my son so he can start sharing it with his generation. Rory is the heart and soul of rock and roll and he deserves more recognition in this country. He plays with passion and honesty, and his love and respect for the music always shines through, even near the end. I miss him. Anyone who loves honest musicians who play with passion will cherish this DVD.



5. If you want the true Rory Gallagher this is it!!!! On stage early in his career with great sound and camera work. It is two dvd's so you have plenty to listen too

5 comments about Jesus Christ Superstar.

1. You can read all 45 reviews of so here, or you can read mine, I've summarized them. I am a musical theatre student, opera tenor, and I own my own theatre company so I have a pretty good idea of what's hot and what's not. This is HOT. I own/have heard every version of JCS to date (March 2006) and this one is the most well rounded. Steve Balsamo with his amazing 4 and 1/2 octave range is an incredible singer; lacks a bit in bringing out the character of Jesus, if you're going for character over voice, Ted Neely from the 70's movie album is best. Judas is pretty good, problem is...he's a baritone singing a true tenor role, so he screams like a rocker to get the high notes, very convincing Judas though. Pilate is decent, Caiphus is also good. Mary Magdelene is the weak link, she's got great potential but she's only half baked as a singer. Some people here fell in love with the 70's version; hating the rock band of an orchestra on this album. HOWEVER, I will let everyone in on a secret. In this version, Andrew Llyod Webber selected all roles himself, including the orchestra. This is what he WOULD have produced in the 70's IF they had the technology. It's a simple matter of opinion; you prefer the older sounding 70's "orchestra" or the modern day "rock band." Alice Cooper as Herod, Geln Carter as Simon (He plays Jesus in the movie revival) make the scale tip when you weigh this against other versions. (Glen Carter is over-rated as Jesus in the movie however...) All in all, I like this version best. The title of the show is "Jesus Christ Superstar: A Rock Opera." And this CD puts the ROCK in Rock Opera.



2. Too much opera, not enough rock. When I bought this recording, I expected to hear Jesus Christ Superstar, not Phantom of the Opera! Gone are Ian Gillan's dynamics, from sweet, soft, tender, vocals to intense, high-pitched, screaming vibratos. Replaced instead with someone who would be better served playing the role of "Cherubino" in the Marriage of Figaro. Murray Head, while perhaps not the worlds best vocalist, brought passion and a lot of emotion to the part of Judas. Zubin Varla brings a bunch of right notes, but little else. I've had this recording for over a year now and despite several attempts, (the most recent one bieng last night) I've only made it to the end once. I simply find this version unlistenable. If you've never heard the original or simply didn't like it, you may find this one to your liking. As for me... I grew up with the original version and sadly, have found all other renditions I have heard to be musical blasphemy!



3. This is the newly re-released and Remastered Edition of the West End 1996 Production of JCS Starring Steve Balasmo, Joanna Ampil and Zubin Varla. First I have to comment on the new packaging. 2cd in a slim case with slip cover and new lyric book. The best thing about the new release is the colored photos from the production! I was actually under the impression that this was the production that inspired the new movie "RENT/PUNK" style version, but judging from the pictures it's anything but that! The pictures are set in the time of Christ's crucifixion. You get a glimpse of the amazing sets and costumes. Joanna Ampil's a beautiful Mary and Steve and Zubin look great as Jesus and Judas. If you're interested in the new release the must have the "Digitally Remastered at Abbey Roads Studios London Deluxe Edition" black sticker on it!
   
   I have the Original Concept CD, Broadway CD with , Australian 1994 CD and 25th Anniversary CD (which is pretty much a joke). This is my favorite version all together. The orchestrations have been slightly changed and updated, including a final ending to "Heaven on their Minds," "Everything's Alright" and "Gethsemene" which finally seems to get some closure instead of the annoying fade outs on the previous CDs. THERE AREN'T ANY FADE OUTS IN LIVE PERFORMANCES!
   
   Steve Balasmo tackels the title role of Jesus with fierce intensity. "Gethsemane" is literally the showstopper when he raises his key much higher when he gets to "See how I DIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEE!" He holds it for, including starting with "See how I die" for 24 seconds. Another reviewer said it was a G above High C. Simply and utterly amazing. But Steve's voice is an aquired taste in the role of Jesus. In comparing him to Ted Neeley, Steve has a soft beautiful Tenor quality while Ted's is hard and sharp at the edge's. Ted screams his way through "Gethsemene" and it's amazing, but Steve's rendition is done with more of a pop-rock sound that is easier on the throat than all the screaming Ted and the other Jesus's do. All versions are amazing, but I prefer this one over all. (For all you Steve Balasmo fans out there you can catch him on the cast recording of "Notre Dame De Paris." He plays Phoebus and sings the amazing "Torn Apart")
   
   Zubin Varla is a great Judas, much stronger than Jerome Pradon, but is no Carl Anderson or Ben Vereen. Although I like Jerome's acting all we have is Zubin's voice to go by and I prefer listening to Zubin. His "Heaven on their Minds" is near perfect with amazing Orchestral sounds and vocal riffs. His acting is superb too. Carl and Ben sing more souful and Zubin has more of the edgy rock sound. All are great.
   
   Joanna Ampil (of "Miss Saigon" fame, you can hear her as Kim on the "Complete Recording of Miss Saigon, 2CD) is a little weak, timid, and shy to portray the role of the prostitute Mary Magdeline. Original Yvonne Elliman seemed to capture every essence of the character. Claire Moore, original Ellen of Miss Saigon does a fine job of Mary on the 20th Annv CD, but Joanna's voice is beautiful and soothing, but sounds too technically clean. This is a Rock Opera so I need a little more umpf. I needed her to let loose some more in the repeating finale of "Everything's Alright". Although she's not bad at all, but seems to get lost among the belters.
   
   Glenn Carter is Simon on this CD, you might all know him as Jesus in the new DVD vesion of Jesus Christ Superstar that was released a few years back. HE does well as Simon, belting all those notes out. David Burt is a good follow up as Pilate since Barry Denon played the part 3 times in the 70s. "Could We Start Again Please" is hauntingly beatiful. The rest of the cast does the CD justice.
   Overall I would say this is the best recording. There are some performers here and there that are better on other recordings, but it's impossible to have the ultra perfect cast, for that you would have to create a mix tape.
   
   Also on Remastered Re-Release
   Joseph London Cast
   Aspects of Love (Brilliant Re-Release)
   Sunset Blvd (Glenn Close)
   Cats London
   Cats Broadway
   Song and Dance London
   Starlight Express



4. This would undoubtedly be a five-star product were it not for one tiny little detail - that most unrewarding of female supporting leads, Mary Magdalene. True, Joanna Ampil does have a very pretty voice.
   
   But could she possibly be more British?
   
   Seriously. Her diction is crisp and impeccable, at the cost of emotion and nuance. Her Mary Magdalene sounds more suited to exhorting the value of a spoonful of sugar before medicine. It throws off the balance between the male leads and the only female presence in the show, and ruins some of the best songs in the whole show ("I Don't Know How To Love Him" is almost laughable, a perky mess of a rendition).
   
   This imbalance is only exacerbated by the reason for the four-star rating - the two leads. Simply put, they're perfect. Steve Balsamo is possibly the best Jesus on record, his gorgeous, clear, unbelievably powerful tenor voice lending a whole new dimension to the character (generally he's played by a more "rock"-voiced actor, as is Judas). He absolutely blasts his songs out of the park, too - this "Gethsemane" has to be heard to be believed, and his reprimand of the sinners in "The Temple" is sung in FULL CHEST VOICE to insane effect. Zubin Varla is more than his equal as Judas, with just the right blend of pathos and power. And he doesn't have half-bad pipes, either - listen to his soaring high notes in "Heaven on their Minds" or "Superstar".
   
   Alice Cooper (Yes, that Alice Cooper) has way too much fun with Herod, David Burt is excellent and sympathetic as Pilate, and Glenn Carter, who would go on to play Jesus in the 2001 Broadway revival, is a suitably impassioned Simon Zealotes. The orchestra sounds a little muted, but play with vigor.
   
   So, if you're only into Jesus for Mary, don't bother. But if you feel like revisiting Sir Lloyd Webber's best score and enjoying the performances of the lead men, this set is definitely worth the money.



5. What I was looking for when I bought the CD was the remastered copy of the original album, the one that was played in coffeehouses all over the U.S. in the 70's. I still have the vinyl but it is too scratched to be a good candidate for ripping to the computer. This CD was not the same people, same notes, etc. I'm looking for a very specific recording and have thus far not been able to find it. I returned the CD after discovering that it was not at all what I wanted.

5 comments about Rory Gallagher: Live at Rockpalast.

1. I was waiting for this release for a long time. Previously it was only on PAL format Thanks to Eagle Vision It's now on ntsc. Quality is excellent and Rory rocks as usual. Lots of great stuff thats not on Live at Montreux. Souped up ford, around and around roll over Beethoven. almost 600 minutes of great stuff. If you like Rory ya gotta get this one!



2. Terriffic!!! for Rory fans. This is an especially great treat for those who like see Rory in an acoustic setting which is how the first DVD starts. I'm not sure if these are the old concerts that aired late at night on "In Concert" when I was in high school but the video is all tv quality and I think this is the best of what I've seen available for Rory. And the music is in a class of its own!!!



3. Any one who knows the name, will jump at the chance of seeing Rory on stage once again. In a world of "American Idol," created self importance, to remember a time when a musician learned his craft, on the back roads, and small dives, around the world, will enjoy watching a master, playing his music, because of love and passion, and not for the fame and celebrity. The discs are filled with Rory`s energy, spirit, and most of all amazing musical talent. Even the interviews, make me smile, and most of all, remind me how much we lost, when Rory left us. Love music, buy this package !



4. Have been a big fan of Rory's since the early days of Taste. This DVD is a Great Tribute to the musicians of yesteryear. Today everything is so commercial hardly anyone creates music that is Great, song after song. There is not a bad song to be found on this collection. I personally liked the begining and last shows on the DVD the most. If you like Stevie Ray, Alvin Lee, Jimmie Page you will not be dissapointed. I never really new Rory as an acoustic player, where he is equally Fantastic. Very intimate sets, with pretty good sound for the time.
   Enjoy!



5. Rory Gallagher...what else can you say? Live Rory is so electrifying!!!
   This collection is a must-have for anyone, Rory fans or anyone who loves blues-rock at its finest.

5 comments about Irish Tour.

1. Rory was an amazing guitarist/singer/writer. He plays all styles and leaves a lot of his contemporaries in the dust. Get this album. Also get 'Against the Grain' and 'Deuce' and you'll be all set. 'Walk on Hot Coals' is the highlight of this disc. Great band,too.



2. I got the Irish Tour DVD and I was hooked. It was great to see a Bluesman put it out there and rip through the Strat. The band is very tight in this recording. If you don't start moving your feet during "Walk On Hot Coals" then you are... well... my wife going for the volume knob that is set at 11. I guess her feet were moving too. This Album Rocks out completely. It is Live, Raw, Tight, and worth every penny. The Strat is way out front on the recording. The rhythm section is right there. The only down side is Rory's vocals are set back a bit on the sound stage. I thought the DVD release of this recording was engineered a little better on the mix. Still 5 stars. It is live man.



3. This was the introduction of Rory Gallagher to me. This live album was recorded in Ireland back in 1974 and a good one it is. Most songs are long, but show what a great guitarist Rory was. Listen and you'll see why Rory was one of Ireland's favorite sons. Though all songs are great, my personal favorite is Million Miles Away.



4. When Rory and his killer band toured Ireland in 1974, other reviewers have got it dead right that the majority of rock acts wouldn't go near the place. The Gaelic funsters were in the full throes of murdering and torturing their fellow man. So the Melody Maker, Britain's best-ever and sadly defunct music weekly (written by such five-star observers as Ray Coleman and Chris Welch - see my review of Chris' book "Cream"), had as its front-page headline, "Rory rocks Belfast," followed by an ecstatic description of not only his fantastic playing and band, but of his single-minded belief that music would break down all barriers.
   
   I first saw Rory in 1968 when, as I said in many other reviews, he blew poor old Jimi H off the stage at the Woburn Abbey Festival. I got to know him quite well and have, among other things, one of Richie McCraken's bass guitar string cases on which Rory wrote his name and addresses of his agents for booking. I loved this man and his music, and preferred him to almost any other musician in the world. I find him much more intresting than Duane Allman (there is no law against playing in tune, D) or Stevie Ray Vaughan, and miles better than Hendrix, who was usually so awful live. He interpreted the blues in an unbelievably sensitive and skilful way, never forgetting his comprehensive respect and knowledge of the greats (he adored Muddy Waters, Blind Blake, Hutto, Albert King and so on). Coupled with that, he was a pretty good singer and a first-rate song-writer, as well as being a great guitarist, slide player, mandolin player, harp player and sax player. I lost count of the times (well over 38) I saw Rory say, "Thanks a million, thanks a million," in his inimitable brogue before holding an audience spellbound with one acoustic guitar.
   
   This fantastic record of Rory includes "A Million Miles Away", Walk on Hot Coals,", "I wonder who,", "Who's that coming, " and a host of other gems, all played by the band of bands. Listen to Rod D'Ath's drums, Gerry McEvoy's bass and Lou Martin's drums. Primitive gear, stunning playing. Who can hold a candle to this gentle, polite, kind and decent man? Please let us stop comparing him to the usual suspects - he was in a different league in so many ways and the world is just beginning to wake up. He was quite unique in so many ways. Listen to the "London Muddy Waters Sessions" - he's the only one who really "got it."
   
   Essential and vital listening. Much more enjoyable than the disjointed DVD by Tony Palmer.



5. For new and old fans alike, there is no better example of Rory's fire and intensity than this gem. One of the most underrated guitarists ever, Rory shows why he better than Clapton (dare I say?). Besides, his live shows were almost a religious experience-I saw him three times in Europe and this disc captures his sound perfectly.

5 comments about Guys and Dolls (1992 Broadway Revival Cast).

1. Drats ! I can't believe I let myself miss this revival... If the stage production was as good as the cast recording I can only say that I really hope that the chaps in Great Britain who are currently rehearsing up the latest revival are on up on their jippers (or whatever they call them) on this one... (Actually the New York dialect doesn't seem so authentic on this one... strange... guess Gulliani really did clean up Time Square...)
   
   The orchestration on this is swinging... And it better be... IF I WERE A BELL, LUCK BE A LADY and I'VE NEVER BEEN IN LOVE have been major entries in the GREAT AMERICAN JAZZ SONG BOOK since the musical came out... in fact, as many versions of IF I WERE A BELL that I've had to sit and play through, I have to say that the big band swinging Entr'Act version is really boppin' ... and the decision to take the REPRISE of GUYS AND DOLLS uptempo makes the CD even more must have.
   
   As for performances, while I think in many ways the score out-tops the cast, its still fun to listen to, overall its good enough to warrent listen after listen after listen from this BROADWAY and JAZZ FANATIC, and SIT DOWN YOU'RE ROCKIN THE BOAT is still the unforgettable showstopper it was the first time I experienced this music.
   
   Now - - I know this comment might be off the wall, but I wonder if some of the other great writings of Damon Runyon will ever hit the stage hencefoith ? And is it just me, but despite some great new musicals on Broadway this season, there is still a greater need for more revivals.



2. Great recording of one of the greats. The original is now difficult to listen to due to the tinny sound and mono recording. this revival was wonderful, with a great cast and now a definitive, excellent recording. Skip the movie soundtrack.



3. Sorry, I didn't get to see the Broadway show. I really loved the movie --Frank Sinatra & Stubby Kaye are spectacular. Brando can't sing, but tries to sing and dance. One of my favorite songs NOT AVAILABLE ON THE BROADWAY ALBUM is "Adelaide" ... is taking a chance on me. That was disappointing.
   
   Love Nathan Lane generally, but he just brought a new and satirical twist, Gallagher is OK - sounds very voice trained Broadway singers.
   
   When you start with the movie -- the music from Broadway is disappointing.
   Sure you get "Marry the Man Today", but "Adelaide" will be missed.



4. This is an excellent CD with the music from the 1992 Revival of Guys and Dolls. All of the performers do an excellent job, particularly Josie de Guzman, who plays Sarah Brown. Her voice is exceptional.



5. I saw the show on Broadway with Nathan Lane, so this album functions as a memory. The music is American Standard Broadway classic and should be in the collection of anyone who loves musical theater.

5 comments about Les Miserables Complete Symphonic Recording.

1. I cannot tell you how many times I love hearing this collection. With that being said, I am going to ruffle some feathers by stating that (1) Gary Morris is way under appreciated for his voice and range. His voice and talent are perfect for the stage. The songs in this collection shows him at his best and if his version of "Bring Him Home" does not move you, then I feel really bad for you. I know that many love Colm Wilkinson (and I did too) but when I saw Morris perform his version with his style (along with the moving symphony), it was incredible and left me amazed (almost as amazed as hearing Michael Crawford in Phantom). Morris continues to show his amazing voice to the other songs with the same powerful range and subtleness (when necessary) that makes you want more. I do not say this lightly (since I have seen Les Miserables three time including with Colm) but Morris is so much more superior in every way. It is too bad he cannot display his gift and talent more in his country music albums. (2) Kaho Shimada - is magnificent and in my opinion, much better than Lea Salonga. Why, because first of all, Ms. Kaho did not know any English when the recording was done. I find this fact amazing. Second, the emotion she translated in her performance is not bound by this fact (and perhaps frees her to display her range). Ok I love Lea in Aladdin, Miss Saigon etc and her performance in the Les Miserables' Albert Hall performance but in terms of pure singing (no visuals) Ms. Kaho excels. The rest of the cast is just as good as the recording but this is expected (thought I would have selected others). However, Michael Ball and Philip Quast nail their parts as Marius and Javert. This is the must have collection (and yes I have all the others) due to the fact that you get the best of the best in performers but you also get the missing music and therefore, you hear the play as it was meant to be heard. (Again the strings on "Bring Him Home" without Morris is hauntingly beautiful (on the same level as "The Mission" soundtrack)). I hope that you enjoy this classic as much as I still do.



2. This is by far THE BEST recording of Les Mis ever. I own the Original London recording and this one, this is so much better. I have grown up to the music of Les Miserables, and have always enjoyed the music. Colm Wilkinson, who does the London and Broadway recordings is good, but I think he is rivaled by Gary Morris in this version. I feel more power in Morris' portrayal of Val-Jean, yet Wilkinson is "the original." Phillip Quast is amazing as Javert, and Fantine has a very heartfelt performance in "I Dreamed a Dream." The orchestra extremely augments the feeling created in this performance. I listen to it again and again. No Les Miserables enthusiast can go without this version. On the other hand, this version will make many fans of this classic musical.



3. I bought this recording and the the London original cast CD at the same time. I like the London version better BUT~ I didn't realize that the London version was abridged!! So MENTALLY I'm a "bit" disappointed. I've seen the musical 3 times and can't get enough of "Les Mis"



4. I have this recording memorized front to back, and when my old cassettes finally wore out, it was time to replace them digitally. Well of course it sounds phenomenal, and the booklet has all the cast info plus all the lyrics and a synopsis of the plot. I can't compare this with the other recordings, but it's my favorite as I grew up with this one.



5. Like so many others, I have never been so deeply effected by any other staged musical. It is somewhat like going to mass. I know the story. I have seen the turntable production multible times in multiple countries. And still, whenever I find myself at a location near a live performance, I feel compelled to go again. I know that I will always be so moved as to feel marvel that such a feast of story, sights, and sounds can be put together in a single theatrical production. Somehow it seems to renew something inside of me that is good.
   This play has so few spoken words that it is rather like an opera. It has inspired me to buy virtually every recording associated with it (even the French concept album)... searching for that heart felt experience. This album, better than any other, allows you to re-experience the entire play. It is a treasure.
   William R. Beaty, M.D.

5 comments about American Beauty: Original Motion Picture Score.

1. I can't find a song, which is playing when the two cheerleader-girls are danceing infront of they parents and Lester got crush on Angela at the first time?



2. I enjoyed reading D. Mok's review, but I am compelled to disagree about the invisibility of the score due to intricacy with the action, mood, and so on of the film. The first time I watched American Beauty I noticed the score. It's so gentle, patient, and gorgeous - I don't know how anyone can miss it.
   
   When I go to watch this movie again - and I have more than once - I am always waiting for the music to move me into the world of the characters. I cannot imagine the film beginning with a better tune than "Dead Already." I cannot imagine the plastic bag dancing without its music. I cannot imagine Lester ogling Angela without his music (and her dancing). And that is one of the secrets of great art - if one's work is so complete that the audience is incapable of imagining a better brush stroke or better placement of music, the artist is viewed as great and an authority.
   
   To pretend that I don't notice the greatness of Thomas Newman's score every time I watch the movie is not only dishonest, but an insult to Newman. I don't think D. Mok intended dishonesty or insult. I believe that the score stands on its own, although in a different way than it stands with the movie. With the movie, it flows easily and naturally. Without the movie, pieces of the film and strong emotions filter into your mind; it's a different experience, indeed, and it's one I recommend to everyone.



3. I purchased ths item for my husband because he loves the score of this movie. The CD arrived in adequate packaging, and the product was un-damaged and played perfectly. The haunting sounds of this CD are ideal for sleeping with. Sounds crazy and some of the tracks are sporadic and not good for restful sleep, but with modern technology you can pick the tracks you want to listen to over and over.



4. Thomas Newman has a style all his own. I liked the soundtrack for the Series of Unfortunate Events and American Beauty is right up there! It is light, refreshing, and mellow. I only wish the soundtrack had more tracks and had a longer run time.



5. I've had this score for years and have always loved it. I use to write to it a lot, great music for it, two particular faves being "American Beauty" and "Structure and Discipline". I actually heard the latter at a "trendy" restaurant recently and was reminded of how good it was, which prompted me to give the score another complete spin. I hadn't listened to it in a fairly long time and it just shined all the more becuase of it.
   
   This music is wonderful. Anyone who would give this 1 or 2 stars simply is a tone deaf idiot, or they're trying to be cute (and we're all very impressed). Newman does an incredible job of creating mysterious, charming, and haunting pieces on this score. All of those adjectives also apply to the movie obviously, and Newman does a great job of conveying the movie's emotions through sound.
   
   Anyway, after 130 reviews, I'm sure this one doesn't even matter. But maybe it will help raise the overall review to the 5 stars it rightfully deserves.
   
   Take a hit, take a sip, and lay back and get lost. If you do lay back though, beware of "Root Beer" and "Spartanette" if you have earphones in at full blast.

2 comments about Greatest Hits: Broadway.

1. This is a very good CD, mostly because it's the original artists. I've had some that were re-recorded by no name artists that were ghastly. This one is a really good one--including the sound quality. If I had one wish, I would wish it were longer!



2. I just wanted to confirm what the first reviewer had to say about this CD. To hear Ethyl Merman, Mary Martin, Andrea McCardle etc. singing their trademark songs brought a lot of memories from the mid-centry musical theater back again. The last song by Glynis Johns is especially poignant.
   You certainly can't beat the price!

5 comments about Spring Awakening (2006 Original Broadway Cast).

1. A Teenage Rock Musical with Germanic Overtones. That is all you need to know about "Spring Awakening". More melodious than other `rock' operas, this one actually has some great songs. Influences range from Andrew Lloyd Webber (whose stamp is all over the opening track "Mama who bore me") to Elton John, Eric Clapton, and even Sarah Brightman. Amazingly, it actually works. There is also an underlying sentiment that evokes Barbra Streisand's "Yentl", and the classic "Fiddler on the Roof".
   
   Yes, there is a storyline, and yes the raging hormones and teen angst are all evident in full force. What I especially enjoyed about this, is that every song could have been a single. Seriously, there is so much musical worth in this album - each song is unique and different, and it avoids the muzak-esque tendencies that most Broadway musicals these days seem to be afflicted with.
   
   Theres a reason this won the Grammy for best Musical, and its about time you discovered it. If you liked this, I would also highly recommend the new cast recording of "Xanadu" - finally we have two musicals that are worth buying and playing on repeat. Trust me, these are well worth your money. Five solid stars.



2. I actually went to the musical on broadway in NYC on tues March 11 2008 it was a great show and the music is awesome something I never thought would be in a musical this also my first new york broadway show. IT was great if you get the chance go see it in new york city. SO I know the cd will be great as well



3. I loved everything about this album! It is set in Germany in 1891 but the songs have modern lyrics and a modern style. The characters are teenagers dealing with the frustration of teenage life. The story covers social problems ranging from suicide, molestation, teenagers exploring and experimenting with their sexuality, teenage pregnancy, abortion, & homosexuality. It is a powerful, passionate, enlightening, and moving story. The ending is surprisingly inspiring. All of the songs are terrific but my favorite song is "Purple Summer".



4. I listened to this CD a week before going to see the show. Although I enjoyed it, I didn't fully appreciate it. Listening to it now, after seeing the show, I enjoy it so much more! I would HIGHLY recommend seeing Spring Awakening as soon as you can. Not only was the cast and choreography great, but the band on the stage was entertaining as well. Maybe it's because my husband comes from a musical family, but I found myself watching the band, at times, just as much as the person singing. Definitely a must-see; I would go again in a heartbeat! If you can't see the show, I would still recommend getting the CD and going to the Spring Awakening website to see some of the podcasts available to get to see a little of what the musical is all about.



5. I will admit that at first I did not like the soundtrack to Spring Awakening it felt so full of just basic teenage angst. However after looking up a few of the videos of featured performances on YouTube, I began to appreciate the music more and actually feel the characters. It's never going to be something I listen to constantly, but its good to revisit it occasionally.