No comments about On The Air.

5 comments about Holiday Inn.

1. Yes, The sound is not up to todays standards. Get Real!
   It would have to mean there were no improvements in 60 years!
   Now, they could have doctored it a little, but would
   that have improved it? Not necessarily. I remember some pretty
   creepy sounding "Electronic Stereo" albums in the '60s.
   If you want better sound you could rip the CD and run your own
   favorite sound hacking program.
   But emough of that.
   The performances on this CD are exactly what was on my mother's 78 RPM Album
   (A real album not a record) which she played over and over. The joy is in the nostalgia.
   4 stars plus 1 just for being available



2. After listening to this CD, I must confess to being puzzled by an earlier reviewer's negative reaction to the sound quality of the recording. All of the music here was recorded in 1942, and by the standards of that time, the sound isn't bad at all. According to a producer's blurb on the CD insert, Holiday Inn was released in 1962 as one of 15 albums (I'm guessing they all appeared on Decca) in a series known as Bing's Hollywood, each featuring songs from one of his movies. The blurb further states that the songs were collected from commercial recordings made by Crosby around the time the movies appeared in the theaters, so technically speaking, they can't be considered original soundtrack recordings. Again, the quality of the recording sounds fine to my ears. While it's true a few of the tracks exhibit some surface noise (as though they had been transferred from records), there's nothing here which ought to detract from enjoyment of the music.
   
   As for the music, there are 12 songs written by the great Irving Berlin, expertly sung by either Bing or Fred Astaire and Margaret Lenhart on a few tracks. Backing is provided by longtime Crosby collaborator John Scott Trotter on about half of the selections, and Bing's brother Bob Crosby and His Orchestra on the others. Some of the Crosby tracks in particular provide excellent swinging arrangements which inspire Bing's jazzier approach to singing. Aside from "White Christmas," "Easter Parade," and "Be Careful It's My Heart," most of the songs are lesser known examples of Berlin's music; it's nice to discover a song like "Lazy" with its clever lyrics (". . . with a great big valise full of books to read where it's peaceful."). Most of the selections on hand here have been released on one of a series of 2 CD sets on the Jasmine label devoted to Bing's movie songs, but at the price this version of Holiday Inn is being offered for, it's easily worth the money.



3. It grieves me to give a Bing Crosby selection a paltry two stars, but the quality of this CD is abysmal. I am convinced that someone merely stuck a cheap tape recorder in front of a TV playing this classic movie and then marketed this pale imitation of the original soundtrack.

   The scratches, skipped notes and hideous tonal quality are reminiscent of a beat up old 78 record. What a disappointment considering this disc contains some hard-to-locate Bing songs like "I'll Capture her Heart" and "I've Got Plenty to be Thankful For." You might as well buy the VHS version of Holiday Inn and make your own recording from the film. This CD's quality is the nadir of listening experiences!




4. ...Does not have the spirit of the film...Marjorie Reynolds is no great singer but without her on WHITE CHRISTMAS, no delight.



5. If you don't have it, GET IT! This is the soundtrack to the delightful
   1942 musical "Holiday Inn", a Bing and Fred team-up
   triumph. This is the film that introduced "White Christmas",
   Bing's signature song.

   Obstensively a Christmas movie, this one can
   be enjoyed at any time of year, as Christmas serves as the
   "book-ends" for a year's worth of Berlin tunes (except
   Halloween... they left that one out of the movie for some
   reason).

   The songs are intoxicating and contageous! You'll find
   yourself humming some of these cuts long after you've put the CD on
   the shelf.

   "Holiday Inn" is not to be missed, but it is
   sure to be cherished once you have a look, and a listen.

5 comments about The Phantom of the Opera.

1. Seems a bit silly reviewing something so well known but, having the original with Sarah Brightman on vinyl and not playing it I really did want it on CD, beautifully done and a delight to play again. However i do have one big grouch. Each time I put it in my basket I got a message that it could not be sent to my address (In OZ). I wonder why, I even tried a site that said posted from Australia, no go. I only got it from the UK and was charged an exhorbitant price in the end. Certainly nothing like when I buy from USA, so Aussie buyers beware where you purchase from.



2. 
   With 356 four- and five-star reviews already posted, there is not much more to be said about this show or this recording. This is almost the complete musical--good solo lines, strong choral parts and orchestrations that become part of the package, not just background.
   I cannot give this a five-star rating, because the lyrics and dialogue are very difficult to understand at times. This is partly because of the accents, and partly because of unprecise enunciation. If you want this as background music, or listen-to-on-the-headset-while-walking, it is fine. But to immerse yourself in the story, you must stay glued to the libretto.



3. "The Phantom of the Opera" is a show I like, but for the wrong reasons.
   
   For many it's their first musical often because as a global hit there are productions around every corner. The result is a lot of people, including myself, being attached sentimentally to the show rather than for its artistic merit.
   
   That's not to say it doesn't have its moments - despite very self-indulgent and over extended "Music of the Night" has become a standard. The reprise of "All I ask of you" with Michael Crawford's haunting falsetto can be moving and "The Point of no Return" can be a showstopper. "Poor Fool, he Makes me Laugh" is funny and "The Mirror" is a haunting revelation of the Phantom, but this revelation can become tiresome with the over repetition of the melody - unskillfully transposed to add some interest by Andrew Lloyd Webber. The title song also needs to be re-arranged into the 21st century as the synthesized drums have not aged well (there was some improvement in the 2004 film cast). In this particular recording Sarah Brightman can also be unintelligible at points.
   
   Still, there is no denying the music is catchy and hard to dislike (except when it's repeated throughout the show many times). It's no "Fair Lady", but because of its few redeeming tracks, its very high quality recording, Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman's definitive performance of their roles and its place in musical theatre history, the 1986 cast recording of "The Phantom Of the Opera" is a must buy for anyone who listens to music.



4. 
   As a PHANATIC, this double box set is a must-have. I must say that the box is cute, it has the complete libretto (with ALL dialogues)... all inside a little cute box.
   
   I used to have a 80' double K7 set, given by my aunt when she saw the Phantom for the first time back in 90'. The main difference is that those K7 had the COMPLETE DIALOGUES, with NO cuts. And these CDs do not have little dialogues... but it still worths buying.



5. Had just finished watching the film version and realized how much better the original cast sounded.

5 comments about Music from the Films of Audrey Hepburn.

1. Audrey Hepburn was a great actress and a wonderful person with a beautiful character. When you see one of her movies, the charm of Hepburn and her way of acting give the film a certain atmosphere. Next to Hepburn's acting and charm, there was another thing that helped the films creating a certain mood and feeling. Yes, the music.
   
   In 1993, a few months after Hepburn's death, this lovely CD was released with great themes and music pieces from Hepburn's films. Although it is sad that none of her own singing from the film "Funny Face" is included, you still get the grand luxury of hearing Hepburn's voice on this music collection at the last track.
   This music is connected to Hepburn. And when you listen to it, you can see her in front of you, bringing back the memories of those fine moments watching her on the screen.
   Now let's see what every track brings:
   
   1. Breakfast at Tiffany's: Moon River - Henry Mancini --- The perfect way to start this CD. This beautiful theme from the film "Breakfast at Tiffany's" is pure magic. When you hear the tones you can immediately see Hepburn standing on that empty New York street, wearing that lovely black dress while she is gazing into the windows of the jewellery store Tiffany & CO.
   This theme gives shivers down my spine and remains one of the most beautiful themes ever written.
   Length: (2:40)
   
   2. Charade: Main title - Henry Mancini --- Charade is a movie that was introduced to people in previews and trailers back in 1963 as a mix of Suspense, Romance and Comedy. When you hear this great theme by Mancini you can hear those three ingredients clearly. The fear the main character has, the love she encounters and of course the fun.
   Length: (2:07)
   
   3. My Fair lady: Overture - Frederick Loewe --- My Fair Lady is one of the most enchanting and successful musicals ever made. And as we all know, music is very important in a musical. It is a character itself. This overture of the film is a mix of different songs and themes from the film and is heard at the very beginning. This overture includes music of the melody of the song "You did it", the melody of the romantic song "On the Street where you live" and the melody of the song "I could have danced all night".
   Length: (3:23)
   
   4. Funny Face: He loves, She loves - Sung by Fred Astaire --- Funny Face, released in 1956 was Audrey's first musical film. The weird thing is that this song is included on the CD and not a song where Audrey's own singing talent is heard (which is in a lot of songs in the film). Anyways, Fred Astaire is a great singer and gives this song a great fifties atmosphere. The atmosphere of the film is clearly present in this song.
   Length: (4:59)
   
   5. The Nun's Story: Main Title - Franz Waxman --- The Nun's Story was one of Hepburn's most serious films. A powerful story about a woman who becomes a nun but has difficulty following her obligations even though she tries very hard to do so. The film had a sad and sometimes even dark atmosphere because of the inner struggle the main character had. This title theme gives the atmosphere of the film, the difficulty the character has. You hear the sad atmosphere, but also the love the character has within her heart. A dramatic and powerful theme, beautiful to listen too. Gives me shivers down my spine
   Length: (2:37)
   
   6. Wait Until Dark: Theme for Three - Henry Mancini --- Now another one of Hepburn's most serious films. A kind of Horror Thriller where she plays a blind woman who gets terrorised by three men who are searching for a doll stuffed with heroin which they believe is hidden in her house somewhere. The film had a very creepy atmosphere and is considered the scariest film Hepburn has ever made. The character is completely alone in the dark while she has to find her way to safety and help. This creepy theme by Mancini reflects the atmosphere of the film and shows how frightened Hepburn's character was.
   Length: (2:43)
   
   7. How To Steal a Million: Main Title - John Williams --- One of my personal favourites. A fun and happy adventure this film is. The great chemistry between Hepburn and Peter O'Toole is grand in the film and this great great great theme by John Williams brings such a happy feeling. It is a lively and adventurous theme and reflects the fun of the film and the great adventure of love and happiness the characters are experiencing in the film. Fantastic music! My only complain is that it is too bad that this is the shortest track on the CD.
   Length: (1:47)
   
   8. Robin and Marian: John Bursts In/The End - John Barry --- Robin and Marian brought Hepburn back to the big screen after she left the movie business to raise her children (what a wonderful heart that woman had). The film itself is a romantic drama that has a kind of sad atmosphere. Robin and Marian are not that in love with each other anymore and the flame of their relationship is being softly blown out by the wind. This piece of music, which is played at the end, gives the main theme of the film and the music at the last scene. If you have seen the film, you know what happens. If you haven't, then I won't spoil it for you, but the music speaks for itself. Beautiful theme by John Barry.
   Length: (4:35)
   
   9. Two For the Road: Main Theme - Instrumental - Henry Mancini --- Another theme from the great Henry Mancini. The man just kept coming with great themes. This is one of the most beautiful themes I ever heard in a film. It also gets stuck in your head. This theme shows the relation between a married couple whose marriage is weakening. It is tender, emotional and beautiful. One of the greatest tracks on this CD. Simply magnificent.
   Length: (2:41)
   
   10. Paris When It Sizzles: Gabrielle - Nelson Riddle --- Another one of those fun romantic comedy films of Audrey Hepburn was Paris When It Sizzles. This relaxing theme is played at the very beginning of the film, when Hepburn's Character Gabrielle arrives at her destination in Paris and the titles are rolling over the screen. True sixties music that is nice and once again, relaxing. Just sit back in that nice big chair with a nice drink in your hand and listen. Relaxing indeed.
   Length: (2:46)
   
   11. Moon River - Sung by Audrey Hepburn --- And the great final they have kept to the very end of the CD. The song Moon River sung by Hepburn herself. Hearing the screen legend's singing voice is an absolute joy. Her voice in combination with the beautiful theme of Mancini gives a thrilling musical experience and makes this track the one that is closest connected to Hepburn.
   Length: (2:01)
   
   There is a kind of small mini poster from about 24 cm by 24 cm included. This little poster includes a few nice small black and white photos of Audrey in the films. There is also a small picture of a letter Audrey wrote to Henry Mancini, in which she tells him what a great job he has done on the soundtrack of Breakfast of Tiffany's, which is nice to read and cool that it is included between the pictures. There is also an introduction to the CD by Henri Mancini, who tells about his music in the movies and how he got inspired by the lovely Hepburn.
   
   This CD is full with music that gives you the feeling that Hepburn is right with you in the room. The atmosphere this music brings is close to the atmosphere Hepburn brought to the screen. Just listen to this CD, close you eyes, and you will see that lovely Audrey smile in front of you once more. And believe it or not, you will smile only seconds after seeing that lovely sight with this music playing into your ears.



2. This is a great CD. Excellent sound quality and the difficult to find Audrey Hepburn version of "Moon River".



3. This posthumous tribute to the ethereal Ms. Hepburn begins with the gloriously cool "Moon River" from 'Breakfast at Tiffany's', sounding resplendant with Henry Mancini and his studio singers. But that proves to be a peak difficult to top. The producers of this CD picked Mancini's opening theme to "Charade" and not the ballad version with the lyrics(big mistake), and none of Hepburn's "Funny Face" vocals are present. They seemed intent on spotlighting just the opening titles music, and this leaves a lot of great vocal music out in the cold. The photos and liner notes almost make this worth having, yet the crowning achievement is Hepburn's movie-track vocal on "Moon River" at the finale. Unavailable any place else, they made sure fans would buy this on the basis of this inclusion alone.



4. This captures all of Audrey's best movies in one album. I haighly recommend it!!!!



5. I'm gratefully delighted to find this CD. This collection of sound tracks, music and songs from some of Audrey's best movies served well as remembrance. My fave of course is "Moon River". Touching and significant. Audrey may not had the best vocal but she sang it with her heart and soul. That's touches me. Her version was the only one I love because only she could bring out it's essence. Who can forget "Breakfast at Tiffany's" when she sang it sitting outside her window drying her hair........

   With these sound tracks, I can listen to Audrey while driving, in the comfort of an easy chair,lazing in bed and retrospect with it as background. What so great about this CD was that it helped me to visualise those scenes and magical moments from their respective movies. The saddness of "Nun Story" to the upbeat melody from "My Fair Lady". Audrey's Classic movies deserved to be remembered and this CD stored the spirits of them. My only complain is it should be a full extensive movie soundtracks of all of Audrey's films.

   All in all this's as good as I can get. I will cherish it. In loving memory of Audrey Hepburn... She was kind,graceful,charismatic,classy,talented,charming,and with a heart of gold. She was a great asset to the film industry She'll be remembered forever.

5 comments about The Best Of Rent: Highlights From The Original Cast Album (1996 Original Broadway Cast).

1. I have to admit, I'm not a huge RENT fan, but still some of the singing isn't the professional standard that I expected it to be. Perhaps the performers are as bored of this musical as I have become- and I feel that really transmits through the recording. Let me just say that RENT is a show to be seen not heard on a recording.
   
   Having said all that, it is worth the investment, and does have most, if not all of my favourite songs. RENT perhaps has become a little overdone to me but I guess many of you out there may still appreciate this recording.



2. The first thing that struck me is that Benny's big number (You'll See) is missing, leaving Taye Diggs represented by only a few spoken lines. "Tango: Maureen" (though it was not one of my favorites to begin with) is also shorter than I remember from the movie.
   
   But the most glaring omissions to me are "Over the Moon" and "Your Eyes"--after all, for Maureen and for Roger respectively, those compositions are the culminations of their artistic lives! And don't get me wrong, I love Stevie Wonder, but his remix of "Seasons of Love" added nothing for me to the beauty and grandeur of that pivotal song.
   
   I am glad to have this, because I loved the movie and wanted the comparison--but maybe I should have waited til I had the money for the 2 CD set of the original Broadway cast...



3. Sing along with it in the car, while cleaning house, or better yet while paying bills. Enjoyable, motivating music!



4. This CD is the perfect thing to buy if you are a conductor wanting to familiarize yourself with the music used in the choral medley.



5. Rent is my favorite musical with its rock n roll edge. This cd makes me want to sing with every song. It is recommended to Broadway buffs and music enthusiasts alike.

5 comments about The Webb Sessions: 1968-1969.

1. I was 14 years old when this album came out, and it remains, to this day, the album of my life. There is absolutely nothing else like it as far as emotion, passion, and the ability to convey deep and haunting loss.
   
   A bit of trivia ... I had heard that the opening lines of "The Yard Went On Forver" which are ... "Is everybody safe? Has everybody got a place to hide? Is everybody warm inside?" were quoted from Robert F. Kennedy during his tragic campaign for President in 1968. Apparently, Kennedy said these words to the crowd during a pouring rain at one of his speeches. Makes this poignant song all the more poignant, doesn't it?
   
   Barbara D.



2. Let's face it. Richard Harris is not much of a singer. And neither is Bob Dylan. But in both cases, no one can do the songs they do the way they do them. In terms of style and the messages and moods they convey, they are unmatched. Somehow, Jimmy Webb brings out unique things in performers, particularly when they do his songs. I bought both of these albums when originally released because I am such a fan of Webb's writing (and in later days, his performing). 1968's "A Tramp Shining" and 1969's "The Yard Went On Forever" are masterpieces for both writer and singer. The title songs of each album are haunting and pull up deep feelings and images whenever I hear them. And is there a more beautiful song of love than the added track, "One Of The Nicer Things"? This is just great music from a singer who is not a singer, but is an artist who can convey the deep emotions of great lyrics. Really remarkable work.



3. Before I purchased this CD, I read the reviews and they weren't all that favorable. I bought it anyway and I'm so glad that I did. It would have been worth the money just to have the long version of 'MacArthur Park' but I found that I loved all of the songs. Richard Harris may not have had a strong voice but he had a unique voice which reached out and touched my soul. Go away, naysayers! This CD is great.



4. Excellent service and turnaround time! Would definitely deal with this seller again!



5. There seems to be no middle ground for this music. People either adore it or can't stand it. I find it not only powerful, but mind-altering in it's ravaged glory. From Watermark to That's the Way it is, it seems a self-destructive love affair is revealed by a tortured soul. These are bookended by the hypnotic and melancholy The Yard Went on Forever and the more upbeat and sublime One of the Nicer Things. If you've made it through Name of My Sorrow and In the Final Hours and enjoy them, then you're ready to graduate to the Harris/Webb masterpiece that is the second half of this cd. I own all the LP collaborations of these two uniquely talented men and I was pleased to see that the order of the recordings has been retained. There is a method to their madness. Be strong of heart when you listen, because their work will take you on a journey of emotional devastation and deprivation not unlike a friend getting you wasted in a bar when your heart has been broken and then picking you up and walking you out the door.

5 comments about Gypsy (1989 New York Revival).

1. Tyne Daly is a terrific actress who did an incredible job in "Gypsy". Her role was the ultimate stage momma "Mama Rose". It was a tony winning performance. My favorite song by her is "Some People". Who knew before this she could sing? My mother and I bought the CD version, and we're glad we did! In particular there are a couple of other songs on this album we really like: "Together Where Ever We Go" (with cast members) & "Rose's Turn".
   She certainly should be doing more Broadway now and we would love to see her doing a play..... We enjoyed this album and her performance.



2. Tyne Daly's "Gypsy" used to be the worst recording of this glorious musical. But records are meant to be broken and the bottom of the barrel was lowered considerably by Bernadette Peters and company. Okay, let's ignore the rare Kay Medford LP because it's a travesty. As long as the perfect Original Broadway Cast recording is still easily available, there is no reason to get another recording of "Gypsy" unless you want the fun of comparing other stars to the glorious Ethel Merman. That said, I hope there will be a Patti LuPone recording because she has the vocal heft to carry it off.



3. The worst performance of Mama Rose ever recorded. Have seen amatuer productions of Gypsy where the leading lady was better than Daly. Though she is an accomplished and talented actress, this was a huge mistake. She CAN'T sing it. Don't beleive the story that she was ill when they made the recording, saw it on stage and she sang it even worse. Get Lansbury's recording for the definitive version.



4. I gave it one star because you can't give things zero stars. Tyne Daly can't sing at all. Who directed this revival they should be shot for cast Tyne Daly. She's nothing compared to Ethel Merman, Angela Lansbury, Bette Midler and Bernadette Peters! She sounds breathy and as if she's forcing the notes out of her mouth. She sings from her nose and throat. Why do some of you people think she can sing? Have you heard no better. This recording makes me ill.



5. Tyne Daly is absolutely perfect in the role created for the brash belter, Ethel Merman. I personally find Merman's songs empty and hollow. But Tyne's renditions of this powerful and popular score are phenomenal. Her "Rose's Turn" is simply the best ever. It beats out Bernadette Peters' and Angela Lansbury's versions. Her voice was hoarse and coarse when this CD was recorded because she was very ill at the time. So this album is not a true mirror of what her performance was. But even through her illness, you get the emotion and pain in Rose's songs. Absolutely Perfect! As long as you don't mind the sound of Tyne's "sick" voice, which is only bad in certain spots, I say get this recording.
   Gypsy Recordings to Buy:
   1. Tyne Daly
   2. Bernadette Peters
   3. Angela Lansbury
   4. Ethel Merman
   5. Bette Midler's TV movie

5 comments about Fiddler on the Roof (Deluxe Edition) (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 Best of Christmas.

1. One of the great single-label Christmas compilations, Capitol's "The Best of Christmas" (originally issued on vinyl in 1968) does a superb job of spanning the breadth of the label's seasonal offerings, including major and lesser-known artists, vocal and instrumental tracks, sacred and secular tunes, and a variety of genres (jazz, country, R&B, easy listening, etc). While various-artists compilations often have a slapdash, thrown-together quality about them, this one is sequenced so beautifully that everything "flows" together for a nice, cohesive listening experience.
   
   It's a shame this one has fallen back out of print. If you can track down a used copy (either on CD or old vinyl for you codgers out there), I would highly recommend doing so.
   
   Incidentally, here are some corrections to the tracklist shown above: Track 7 ("The Christmas Waltz") is by Nancy Wilson; Track 8 ("I'll Be Home for Christmas") is by the Hollyridge Strings; Track 9 ("Silent Night") is by Wayne Newton; Track 20 ("Joy to the World") is by the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra.



2. Like some of the other reviewers here I too originally purchased this on a 2-Record vinyl set back in the late 70's when I was around 20 years old.
   I wanted something to help get me in the mood for Xmas and something that had a "traditional" Xmas vibe to it-as it has the same versions of songs that were played on radio allot in the 1960's when I was growing up-not something that was "modern" or new interpretations of old Xmas classics (there are plenty of those already and tons of more new ones come out every Xmas). I also wanted something I could play around the house that my Mom and Dad wouldn't mind hearing (and indeed they WERE surprised to hear my listening to this and not the latest heavy metal album at the time).
   As a result I ended up associating this LP with those times and my family, so much so that, with my Mom long gone, I have not really been able to listen to it since around 1983. But I still have the original album on vinyl. I honestly believe it is the single best Xmas compilation I have ever purchased or seen. I am glad that it did finally make it's way onto CD and hope that the record company sees fit to re-release it soon.
   As of this writing (December 2006) it is still available through the BMG record club (thanks to an earlier reviewer for the tip). Since I am already a member of that club, I went online-as sure enough, it's still available (who knows for how long though?). I quickly ordered the CD before it is gone forever.
   Now even when I bough the original vinyl version of this I could tell by the original cover (not reproduced for the CD it seems), that this was an older compilation. Originally this was probably compiled way back in either the very late 1950's or very early 1960's.
   The nice thing is that the original 2 -record sets sides were divided into 5 tracks per side but with a pretty short running time per side. This means that the total running time was short enough for all 4 sides to fit on a single CD without leaving out tracks, but with much more music than your standard re-issue of an single Xmas album (issued without additional tracks, that is). Those older single LP reissues often featured only 10 to 12 songs and would often barely run to about 30 minutes. I haven't clocked this one in ages, but it must run closer to an hour, so it's a good bargin if you can find it.
   The original LP had a wonderful essay inside that I doubt has been recreated for the CD reissue. It wrote about Xmas music and about how much it would cost (in the dollar amount of the time) if a person were to actually throw an Xmas party and have all of the artists on this recording show up and perform at the party. Nowadays that would not only probably cost 100 times or so more than originally quoted in the early 60's, but would also be impossible since most of the performers here are no longer even with us.
   For those in my age range (who grew up in the late 50's or 60's) looking to re-live those Xmas memories when these particular artists and tunes were all over the radio at Xmastime, You simply can do no better than this.
   Like I mentioned earlier, I am curious as to what from the original vinyl package has been reproduced for the CD (i'm guessing very little actually), and i'm probably going to give my sister the CD when it arrrives in hopes that it may enhance her Xmas and maybe even bring back memories for her (though she is far less nostalgic than I am).
   Now let's hope they will reissue this so many more can have the experince from our youth..



3. This is a note to Carolyn from Dillsburg, PA, the last person who reviewed... You can get this cd brand new from the BMG. You would have to become a member to buy it, but the membership is actually a great deal. You buy 1 cd at regular price and you get 11 more cds free (you just have to pay shipping). The website is...www.bmgmusic.com



4. I have the original lp version from the sixties. My parents played it when I was a little kid. Now I'm desperatly searching for the cd. I lost out on ebay in the last 20 seconds of bidding tonight. I agree with the ohio student( and have tried to find him) this IS Christmas especially for me. I could probably collect the singles somehow but I want this exact order of music. Listening to it takes me back 31 years to the house I grew up in. My father is gone now. Can anyone help me find this. I have even emailed Capitol records. I have searched Amazon and Ebay. This is the greatest collection. I cannot state it any better than Mr. Wiley does above.



5. Years ago when my family got our first CD player is was near Christmas time. I remember my dad going to the local pharmacy and getting a couple cheap Christmas CD's so that we'd have something to listen to while we put up decorations. Of the four he bought that day this became a favorite of my entire family. The CD starts out beautifully with Do You Hear What I Hear by Bing Crosby. When the very first note plays I am suddenly sitting by the fire place wrapping presents as a child again. The next song is the instrumental Late in December by Jackie Gleason - another wonderful song. However, it is song three that has made this my family's favorite. It's "I Like the SleighRide (Jingle Bells)" by Peggy Lee. It begins with a group of kids singing "I like the sleigh ride! I like the sleigh ride!" It sounded funny to us (and it is quite funny) and we all started to laugh. From that day on this CD was known as the I Like the Sleighride CD.

   All of the songs on this CD are Christmas classics. There aren't any Christmas songs by popstars (not that I have anything against them). No matter what the season or the weather outside this CD gets me in the Christmas spirit. It's so well done you can't help but to get in the spirit when you play this CD. I recomend it to everyone. This is probably the best Christmas CD I have ever heard.

5 comments about The Gospel At Colonus (1985 Philadelphia Cast).

1. The songs are wonderful. My only regret is that there is no DVD of the actual performance available. I loved the presentation on TV when it aired. I've looked for the DVD everywhere.



2. In 1985 my then wife, a cultural activities enthusiast, enrolled us in The University Of Pennsylvania's Annenberg Theatre Program. When she told me the premise of Gospel At Colonus, I could barely contain my supercilious disdain. The story of Oedipus, as performed by a gospel choir, what priceless lunacy!
   
   (Actually, I did even then have a taste for gospel music. As a choirboy, driving to our frightfully correct Episcopal Church, I listened to WDAS on the car radio, which broadcast services from The Cornerstone Baptist Church in North Philadelphia. The preaching and singing were mesmerizing. "That," I thought, "is how people should feel about their religion, that is the joy and faith and jubilation of true belief.")
   
   We entered the Annenberg with elitist skepticism and left exalted and humbled. This was not only one of the greatest performances I've ever seen; it was one of my life's memorable moments.
   
   When The Brooklyn Institutional Radio Choir opened full force with Live Where You Can, I felt a lump in my throat, I got goose bumps, and I immediately burst into tears. It was so exquisitely beautiful, so powerful, and so completely righteous that I went into a sensory overload. I spent the next hours in a state of rapture.
   
   As narrator, Morgan Freeman was dignified and formal, with a rich, stentorian voice. Freeman's enunciation and delivery were impeccable, he massaged the words, listening to him was intoxicating. (In 1985 he was not yet one of our most distinguished actors, he was "that guy" on Electric Company, a PBS kid's show.)
   
   The choir would have been enough, but as The Original Five Blind Boys From Alabama entered, (a chain of men hand to shoulder), it almost seemed that spirits were being summoned. Clarence Fountain, lead, sang with such intensity and conviction that it felt like every note might have been the last one of his life, and he wanted to give it everything he had. Jevetta Steele's voice rang out clear and pure, a wonderful counterpoint to Fountain's raw, shout delivery.
   
   This was one of those extraordinary moments when everything comes together. The quality of the songs is superb throughout; the musicians are all exceptionally good, and the collaboration created something that is far greater than the sum of the parts - something musically enchanting and spiritually satisfying. Not to be missed.



3. First I want to start off by saying that I know it's not right, but I envy each and every person who got the chance to see The Gospel At Colonus either in person or on PBS since I did neither. It has to be considered one of those once in a lifetime moment's experience.
   
   About 12 years ago, I bought a cassette copy of The Gospel At Colonus through the Christian Book Distributors at a very deep discounted price. I honestly had no idea what it was about, I don't think there was even a synopsis of the music. I think I just bought it because it was cheap and I liked the title.
   
   Needless to say, I was totally blown away by the music. Here, a Greek play is intertwined with Gospel music and it works amazingly well.
   
   If I were a teacher, I would find away to incorporate the music of The Gospel At Colonus into a philosophy or literature class on Oedipus.
   
   This would be a treasure to have in any music collection.



4. This timeless recording is soon becoming a household favorite.
   Having seen this performance live in Minneapolis around the era, I would rate this recording good compared to the ablum which was cut at that time. Maybe Bob will give us a new digital studio recording of this classic.



5. I have this video and CD, this is the "best" Gospel stage play I have ever seen. With Morgan Freeman and the Five Blind Boys of Alabama. If you agree e-mail me and let me know hammer4945@yahoo.com