5 comments about South Pacific (Original 1949 Broadway Cast).

1. great standard of the musical theater. Music and songs hold up well over time so new generations can enjoy this lovely story and memorable songs. a great addition to any music lover of the musical-comedy theater genre.



2. Relax and spend "Some Enchanted Evening" with Mary Martin, Ezio Pinza, and the original 1949 cast of the Rogers and Hammerstein classic "South Pacific." The catchy, familiar tunes will have you singing along in your car. With informative liner notes and a couple of songs that didn't make later recordings, this CD makes an enjoyable addition to the collection of any fan of the great Broadway musicals.



3. Fifty years ago, my love for the Broadway musical began here. A pre-adolescent, I would listen to my older brother's recording of the original Broadway cast album and be transported to a differennt land and time with great music that still resonates. Broadway and I have both changed considerably over the years, and, while the music has always since been a part of the popular culture, I never again paid much listening attention to the album. I made sure my children knew it. The movie version helped to have then love it, too. I just recently purchased the original cast album cd, now digitally remastered. And I am fifty years younger.
   
   The music is, of course, beautiful. The lyrics are from an age when such meant something to the song and play. Today, they stil are meaningful and help, not only to sell the song, but move the play along. If one listened only to the cd, without any other prepaation, one would know what play was about.
   
   The cast is outstanding. Both Martin and Pinza, neither of whom rank among my favorite recording artists, could not have been better chosen. As stand-alone performers, both have their obviuos faults regarding voice, the one never really that good and the other, past his prime. Of course, that is not to say they aren't at the pinnacle of their profession. What is important is that both help to put their character across and make then accessible to the listening audience. One special note concerning the Mary Martin character. Her "conversion" from bigotry is never in doubt from the moment it sufaces. What is important though is that someone like Martin, so much like all of us, can be bigoted in the first place. We can't distance ourselves from it, as perhaps we can from the Reba McEntyre version, whose racism may be expected, since she plays up her ientity as a white southener from the 1940;s. And please understand that I am speaking of perception here, not stating an historical reality..
   
   Clearly this orginal cast album/ cd is a masterpiece. No matter your musical taste, it belongs in every home.



4. A wonderful recording that still sounds great today. There was no one quite like Mary Martin. For me she was the classic performer just as was Ethel Merman. These ladies were in a very special class of performer.



5. To tell the truth, this was among the first records I ever fell in love with as a kid. The album my parents had in the early 60's was already worn, with a tattered jacket, when I happened upon it. I loved folk music and British pop at the time, but this thing won my heart, along with three other great musicals, ANNIE GET YOUR GUN with Ethel Merman, the Broadway cast recording of MY FAIR LADY with Julie Andrews, and the original cast production of GUYS & DOLLS. All of those records have held up well for me over the years, but there was a long period during which I all but forgot the Mary Martin/Ezio Pinza version of SOUTH PACIFIC. My parents had the film soundtrack, too, and although the leads pictured on the cover were prettier and handsomer, Mitzi Gaynor and Rossano Brazzi (whose singing was dubbed by Giorgio Tozzi), were just not as good as Mary and Ezio, either as actors or singers, no matter their grander sound through "Living Stereo." And I thought this, having only SEEN the film version... yet I alternately played both of these records often, one for the performances, and one for its aural majesty.
   
   I wasn't even reminded of this recording when I read everywhere that the new Broadway Show was wonderful, and would probably win some Tony's, which it did. People I work with said the current show is glorious. Still, this record did not cross my mind. Then I saw this version in a store for ten bucks, and it was a no-brainer all of a sudden. I snatched it up, thinking I would make sure it played when I got home, then save it for a rainy day.
   
   No such thing happened. I put on the CD, noted the clean, remastered mono sound, and thought, uh-oh, I made a mistake. But less than two minutes into the overature, I was hooked. No sampling, here; I listened straight through. The memories not only flooded back, but they came unaccompanied by the crackling and hissing of the old vinyl I had finished wearing out (and still own, in storage, inherited from my folks). The remastered sound of this CD is great, save some of the orchestral passages here and there, and it's about the most I could expect from a recording this old. In fact, the voices sound better than ever ... and to make up for the slightly muddy recording of the overature (the sound clears up quickly, after it), there is another, extended version arranged for orchestra (back then, so it, too, is in mono) as one of the four lovely bonus tracks. One of the songs cut from the show, "Loneliness Of Evening" is just beautiful, as sung by Mary Martin. Ezio Pinza reprises "Bali Ha'i," and I'm glad it was included, as he sings it as well as Juanita Hall does.
   
   There has also been some commentary recently, among Broadway critics and others who have spoken about the latest production, that SOUTH PACIFIC was kind of ahead of its time in addressing racial topics, the futility and sadness of war, and sexism. One must read between the lines to catch some of this, but "You've Got To Be Taught" has meaning that could not be clearer. Perhaps this show's revival is timely, after all, as humanity is still struggling with these issues.
   
   Finally, some of the reviewers on Amazon still feel that his old recording is the definitive reading of SOUTH PACIFIC, and I'm inclined to agree. It will be interesting to compare the new production, whenever the copy I ordered comes. Meanwhile, I have a feeling that this version will get played over and over again. For tuneful music and enchanting singing, great songs and orchestral composition, SOUTH PACIFIC is, from the beginning, now and forever, one of the truly great stage musicals! Yes, they just don't create 'em like they used to...

5 comments about Rent (2005 Movie Soundtrack).

1. I am simply going to say that I recommend this cd to anyone and everyone who loves, or even just likes, amazing rock music and to anyone who really appreciates over-all great music! I



2. This cd is wonderful has all the songs from the film version of RENT and is a pleasure to listen to. Will no doubt please any rent fan!!



3. Just proves you don't have to be Hannah Montana to have hit songs.
   
   Stand outs:
   
   "Another Day"
   "I'll Cover You (Reprise)"
   "Tango: Maureen"



4. The music and all of the voices are superb and incredibly catchy. The story is touching and profound. However, you do have to bear in mind that these are bohemian artists of New York, whose lives are shaped by AIDS. If that lifestyle bothers you, this celebration of said lifestyle isn't for you.



5. Though this is different than the Broadway edition, it still proves to be one of the greatest musicals of all time. This two disc set comes with not only the songs from the musical/dvd, but with the deleted songs (seen only in the deleted scenes) and a bonus track.

5 comments about Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street (1979 Original Broadway Cast).

1. Having seen the original Broadway and subsequent revivals in NYC and LA, I must say that "Sweeney" never ceases to thrill - scored and written brilliantly. My only complaint with this particular 2-disc set (this was a replacement to an earlier 2-disc set) is that the libretto is not included.



2. I absolutely love the original Broadway recording. It contains all of the music from the play featuring the amazing talents of Angela Lansbury and Len Cariou, the original Mrs. Lovett and Sweeney Todd. 10 times better than the movie soundtrack!



3. I thought this CD would come with lyrics but apparently it doesnt...... Still, I love the music. I'm simply disappointed about not having lyrics booklet included in the CD.



4. As a big Sweeney Todd fan, I believe I have all the recordings of it.
   In my opinion, this one is the gold standard.
   I not saying that the other versions are not good, I'm just saying that this one is my favorite.



5. I saw the movie with Johnny Depp. It was great and wanted to buy the sound track. Mentioned wanting to buy it to the theatre director where I go to see college plays. They do a great job there and the director told me that the Broadway version is better, so I took his word for it and bought this one and he was right! The musical score from the movie is good too. It's all a matter of personal taste. The music is very pretty and the singers are very good. If a person didn't know what this was about, and just heard the music and liked musicals or light opera, they would love the songs. Very lovely.

5 comments about Xanadu on Broadway (Original Broadway Cast Recording 2007).

1. Broadway play: 4.5 Stars; Original cast recording: 3.5 Stars
   
   Let me state upfront that I absolutely loved the 1980 original movie soundtrack, featuring 5 ELO tracks on Side 1, and 4 John Farrar-penned Olivia Newton-John plus the ELO/Olivia title track on Side 2. The movie was horrible, but the music was great. Fast forward to 2007 when the news came that Xanadu was being worked into a Broadway musical. Well, I was skeptical, but no more. I was in New York recently on a business trip, and jumped on the chance to see it. Somehow the play works great where the movie didn't and it was a guilty pleasure all over for me.
   
   "Xanadu on Broadway" (14 tracks; 43 min.) is the original Broadway cast recording featuring Kerry Butler and Cheyenne Jackson. This features the 10 songs of the original album, plus 4 added tracks, 2 ELO songs worked into the story line ("Evil Woman" and "Strange Magic") and 2 John Farrar songs, including the oldie but goodie Olivia hit "Have You Ever Been Mellow". In all, this is a terrific cast recording, with the best songs for me being "Suddenly", "Evil Woman" and, best of all, "Suspended in Time".
   
   The running time of this album is just 43 min. and that gives you an idea how they had to stretch it out to make this into a Broadway musical (which is 90 min.). But in all, this recording is a great memento to the fabulous experience that "Xanadu on Broadway" was.



2. XANADU, the original Broadway cast album, captures the spirit in song of the best musical on Broadway. Funny, fabulous, loving, it will make you laugh and cry. Cheyenne Jackson is the greatest singing star on Broadway since Barbra Streisand and this album captures the beauty of his incredible voice. Jackie Hoffman and Mary Testa are a riot as the evil sisters and Kerry Butler will break your heart when she sings "Suspended in Time." The supporting cast are just incredible and I wish you could see their spectacular dancing as well as hear their beautiful voices. First rate!



3. Yah, I have no idea why you would review a musical's album without seeing the show...that's like rating a movie by it's radio commericial. Anyway, I love this movie b/c it's is so cheese-tastic and the music is a true guilty pleasure. The musical was one of the most fun I have had on Broadway! It is truely an interactive experience. The reason why this show survived is b/c of the way it makes fun of the original movie, the 80s, and musical theater in such a clever, fun, playful, and warm way, like how you would tease your little sister or something. So if you keep that in mind, you will like this cast album. Cheyenne Jackson and Ms. Butler are talented singers and great comedic timing. This show is not trying to break musical theater ground her...it's just trying to be fun and it succeeds. I hearted it.



4. For some reason, I love the damn CD even though I haven't seen the show yet...I love almost every single song and when Kerry Butler speaks with her Australian accent, it freakin cracks me up. I guess seeing all those clips of the show on youtube made me like the songs more...Great CD!!!



5. Xanadu has the reputation of being of being a bad movie. Can't argue with that. But the songs were amazing. The songs are by a very spirited cast make it very clear that this is not your 1980's Xanadu. Kerry Butler has an awesome voice and does a spot-on take on ONJ, Australian accent and all. Cheyenne Jackson matches her every step of the way and their chemistry makes it all work. I received this as a present and love it to death. You can indeed make a silk purse out of a sow's ear and Xanadu is it.

5 comments about Barney's Favorites, Vol. 1.

1. I have loved this cd for a long time and was very happy to find it on here.I am a teacher and my students love it as well. Thanks!



2. This is one of the greatest albums ever. The only reason I ordered it was because my 13 year old son wanted it for his 14th birthday. He loved it. I must admit I do listen to it once in a blue moon. (actually once everyday)!



3. As a toddler teacher and former preschool teacher, this CD was one of the best investments I've made for my classroom. The songs are not only keep the children entertained because of Barney and song recognition but also help their memory and lyric-recollection! The songs are upbeat and fun and the children enjoy it very much!



4. My baby girl loves Barney and I bought this CD for her and she loves it. She likes to dance and sing with the songs. the songs are very fun and enjoyable. I dance with my baby with the songs. I recommend this CD for all kids , especially if they like Barney!



5. Our daughter loved Barney for quite awhile so we purchased both Volume 1 and 2 of Barney's Favorites. We leave Volume 1 in the Car and Volume 2 in the house. Although she has now moved on to watching Elmo she still loves her Barney CD's and we don't go in the car without it. She is 19 months old now and this is the only thing that will appease her on a long car ride. She even sings along herself now.

5 comments about Man of La Mancha: A Decca Broadway Original Cast Album (Original 1965 Broadway Cast).

1. I found the album version of this in college and loved everything about it, from the edgy Aldonza to the humorous Sancho. Beware, the album had much of the play's dialog on it which the CD lacks. Even so I'm happy to have the music back in my collection. My family appropriately thinks I'm a little crazy as I sing along loudly when I listen to the music.



2. Man of La Mancha accomplishes the impossible! Turning Cervantes classic (at least part of it) into a musical that works has to be a near miracle. The writers tried for years to get producers interested in it, but to no avail, no body beleived a musical version of Don Quixote could possibly work...well the rest is history. MOLM is one of the greatest American musicals. The book perfectly incorporates Cervantes story into musical form. The score is breathtaking, with Dulcinea and, of course, The Impossible Dream becoming two of the most beautiful songs written for the theater. Every word and every note work and further the story. Richard Kiley and Joan Diener's performances are now legendary, others in revivals come close, but no one can beat their original performances.
   A glorious recording!!!!



3. I finally wore out the cassette I had of this recording, bought in 1982. It is definitely the best of all the casts that are out there- I'm going to have to get the CD!



4. I was hooked on "Man of LaMancha" when I heard excerpts played on the radio in the mid-60s. I enjoyed adding "The Impossible Dream" to my personal repertoire.I was enthralled by a dinner theater staging I saw in the early 70s. And, like most, I was greatly disappointed by the movie version.
   Richard Kiley had already proved himself an exceptional singing actor in "Kismet" and "No Strings," but it was "Man of LaMancha" that really brought him the recognition he deserved.
   Mitch Leigh has written a fabulous score. The contrast from the pensive "To Each His Dulcinea" to the humorous " I Really Like Him" to the emotional "Impossible Dream" is enough to keep almost anyone's attention. The interplay between/among voices in "I, Don Quixote" and "I'm Only Thinking of Him" is glorious. It is too bad that Leigh proved to be a "one-hit wonder," although, personally, I like "Cry for Us All."
   The musical play itself deserves all the raves it has received. And the original cast recording merits all its positive reviews.



5. What more can be said about this timeless classic. Richard Kiley's best, I saw him in the original on Broadway, what a keepsake. People who see this show don't usually go once, they go 3-5-7 times.

5 comments about Cabaret: Original Soundtrack Recording (1972 Film).

1. The film, Cabaret, based on the Broadway and West End musical only uses the music in the cabaret scenes during the decadent Berlin era before Hitler rose to power in 1933. Before Hitler's reign of terror, Berlin was host to nightclubs like the Kit Kat Club. In my opinion, the film and it's soundtrack are superior and perfect compared to the revivals. Only Liza can sing as brilliantly. To me, she will always be Sally Bowles, the tortured childlike singer who can sing dark and enchanting songs to melt your heart. The film also included Joel Grey who won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor as the Cabaret's maestro. Even Tony Winner Alan Cumming can't come close to filling Joel's shoes. I'm sorry but I always get angry when they revise Cabaret as if Liza and Joel and their cast didn't do it and did perfectly in the film version by Bob Fosse. The chilling, Tomorrow Belongs to Me, always sends chills down my spine as the the war and the Holocaust are near to the unsuspecting Germans in Berlin at the time. As a child of parents who lived through the war, Cabaret is not a fun, silly light-hearted musical. It deals with prejudice particularly anti-Semitism, the Nazis, abortions, and sexual orientation. Despite all the dark subjects, Cabaret broke the traditional light-hearted musicals with the exception of West Side Story. Cabaret is about as dark as you can get without getting lost and trapped in a time of uncertainty. Cabaret with Joel Grey and Liza Minnelli is a masterpiece with the cast members and crew members. I don't have a desire to see Cabaret unless it's with Liza and Joel even despite their age. Nobody does it better or could come close to perfection as their partnership does in this film and soundtrack.



2. I had the original soundtrack on an album years ago and I remembered how much I loved to sing along with it. I decided to get the CD and despite the many years since listening to it originally, I still remember the words and find it is still wonderfully upbeat and fun. I am so glad I picked it up again!!



3. I received my CD quickly, it was in good shape, and was what I ordered.
   What more can you ask for?



4. It really bothered me that a review below stated that Liza Minnelli wasn't Sally Bowles and that the song "Cabaret" is about Sally being upset that she lost her true love and that its about Sally coming to the realization that she is stuck in the awful cabaret.
   
   Well, with all due respect, this is wrong. The reviewer probably got that idea by listening to Natasha Richardson sing "Cabaret" and believed that because Sally is crying, she must realize that she lost everything and that she is stuck in some god awful place. Well, the song "Cabaret" is really about Sally's desperate attempt to convince herself that everything is normal, that everything will remain the same. Sally is in deep denial and believes that her life will always be full of decadence, glitz, parties, and fun even as Germany falls under the control of the Nazi party.
   
   However, one must keep in mind that Liza's Sally Bowles and Natasha Richardson's Sally Bowles are two very different interpretations. Liza was almost a decade younger than Natasha Richardson when she played Sally Bowles (Liza was about 26 and Natasha was about 35 when they tackled the roles of Sally). Because of this Liza's Sally is more young and naive and when she is singing "Cabaret" she honestly does believe that everything will be okay. This does not leave the viewer with a happy feeling as one reviewer said, it leaves us feeling sad and a scared for Sally because we know what the future holds in store for her and for Germany.
   
   However, Natasha Richardson's Sally is older and less naive. Because of this, when she sings "Cabaret" she has to make herself believe in what she is singing. She has to make herself believe that everything will return to normal and that she will continue living the way she does no matter what happens. That's the difference: Liza believes that everything will be okay, while Natasha has to tell herself that everything will be okay, even though deep down she knows that's probably not true.



5. Just got a new CD player for car and this is one of the first albums I had to have on CD. Now all I need is "Two Ladies".

5 comments about Fiddler on the Roof (1964 Original Broadway Cast).

1. I chose Fiddler for my students' spring musical, and always like to get the original cast recording to help give me an idea of the original idea for the pieces in the show. This recording definitely delivers, and the interview with Sheldon Harnick at the end is an extra treat. Awesome CD!



2. I was very young when I first saw this broadway play and love all of the songs in this cd.



3. I really love Topol in the role of Tevye, but he wasn't in the original broadway cast and Mr. Mostel created the role. Back then original cast albums were usually recorded on the Sunday after the opening. So this is really fresh stuff.
   
   This is simply THE classic recording of a classic musical. I like the intimacy of the pit orchestra over the inflated version on the soundtrack (as soundtracks almost always are).
   
   If I were a rich man, this is still the recording I would own.



4. What a great soundtrack and what a great play. Once you reacquaint yourself with it, you will be singing and humming the tunes for weeks and weeks....you just can't help it.



5. Fiddler On The Roof is one of the greatest of all musicals. A flawless book, remarkable score and wonderful performances.
   Zero Mostel was one of those larger than life personalities the likes of whom we don't have anymore. Mostel, Merman, Channing, Bert Lahr...they didn't so much create a role as embody it with their personalities, but they were so huge, the result would be thrilling. Tevye was tailor made for Mostel, loud, comic and ultimately endearing. The kind of role he was a master at adapting himself too.
   This recording captures all of that beautifully. The entire cast is wonderful. (Bea Arthur as Yente!!) Though some great actors replaced Mostel on Boadway, Herschel Bernardi, Harry Goz, most recently Alfred Molina, etc. and they created different and more realistic portrayals, it was Mostels signiture role and it's a gem.

5 comments about The Polar Express.

1. This album has great Christmas music that the entire family can enjoy! Would not put an age limit on this....it is a must have for the holidays!!!



2. I bought this for my 3 year old son after he became a HUGE fan of the movie. He knows and wants to sing along with most of the songs (and I have to admit I like to sing along too). It's a must if you are a fan of the movie!



3. Absolutely wonderful soundtrack for this Christmas movie! Songs are original and beautiful. Josh Groban does a wonderful job too!



4. We enjoy most of this CD, but it could have been a lot better......but it's nice to have if you like the movie.



5. I love this movie. I am pleased with all my purchases. Thank you and keep up the good work.

5 comments about Jeff Wayne's Musical Version Of The War Of The Worlds.

1. Review-wise, there's nothing I can add to what hasn't already been said. But I have a question. Aside from the fact this has been in production for almost 30 years, this is still a big seller, continues to come out in new versions and presentations, has been performed in public under numerous formats (I actually saw it done in the '80s at Hagar Planetarium in San Francisco) is considered by almost everyone who has heard it as something you Have to have, and recently has been turned into a live stage musical--why isn't this considered an "Amazon Essential Recording"?



2. This is more than just the single greatest adaptation of H.G. Wells' original novel; it's simply the greatest album in the history of everything... ever. I'll be the first to admit that not everyone shares the same tastes in art, literature and music, but I will say that if you don't like this album then there is something wrong with you (and I mean MEDICALLY wrong with you).
   Get it now if you don't already have it. You've got two versions to choose from, so no excuses.



3. I had forgotten all about this project until recently I heard the spoken intro used as a lead-in for a segment of Dennis Miller's radio show. The next caller correctly identified Jeff Wayne as the creator of the project, and I ordered it from amazon the next day!
   
   It certainly does have a bit of the 70's disco Star Wars/wakka wakka feel to it. But once you give it a good listen, this thing can really grab hold of you. Burton's voice is spendid, as you would expect. The integration of the orchestration with the keyboard layers is done expertly. The entire cast, both in their speaking and singing roles, is just flat out great. I was particularly impressed with David Essex (who really evokes the sense of the hopeless dreamer) and Chris Thompson. The guitar/voicebox effect used when the Martians shout "Ulla!" is chilling.
   
   Treat yourself to this CD. It is captivating, and fires up your imagination since you largely create your own visual storyboard. The overall packaging is first-rate.
   
   I give it my highest recommendation.



4. I was a small boy when my father put this on in his International Scout (it was an 8 track player by the way) and we were on a road trip to the mountains and even better it was at night... and this is the absolute best time to listen to this CD. I recently bought this CD and am still amazed at the way the story is told through music and narration. I don't own a better album.



5. I had this musical version back in the 70's on cassette tape and would drive around listening to it in my car. It sure brought back memories of those days, only now it is digitally remastered for an even more realistic sound effect. I highly recommend it, even with todays technology this musical is still with the times, that just tells you how far ahead of its time it was. With Richard Burtons great narration, and Justin Hayward of the Moody Blues on alot of the songs you can't loose.