Kultschlager [Original recording reissued] [Import]

Product Description
Reissue. Features German party tunes.

Kultschlager,Various Artists,Silver Star,German,Int'l & World Music,Pop,V/a Compilations,World Music

Average customer rating: Defying Gravity and all expecations... The Wicked Witch of the West is misunderstood. A Wicked musical Wicked Wonderful! Wicked Soundtrack

Wicked (2003 Original Broadway Cast) Stephen Schwartz , Kristin Chenoweth , and Idina Menzel Manufacturer: Decca Broadway ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Musical Theater | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Contemporary | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music $9.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Soundtracks | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $9.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West Monty Python's Spamalot (2005 Original Broadway Cast) Wicked: The Grimmerie, a Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Hit Broadway Musical Avenue Q (2003 Original Broadway Cast) Wicked - Piano/Vocal Arrangement ASIN: B0000TB01Y Release Date: 2003-12-16

Tracks:

1. No One Mourns the Wicked - Cristy Candler
2. Dear Old Shiz
3. The Wizard and I - Idina Menzel
4. What Is This Feeling? - Kristin Chenoweth
5. Something Bad - William Youmans
6. Dancing Through Life - Michelle Federer
7. Popular - Kristin Chenoweth
8. I'm Not That Girl - Idina Menzel
9. One Short Day - Kristin Chenoweth
10. A Sentimental Man - Joel Grey
11. Defying Gravity - Idina Menzel
12. Thank Goodness - Kristin Chenoweth
13. Wonderful - Idina Menzel
14. I'm Not That Girl (Reprise) - Kristin Chenoweth
15. As Long as You're Mine - Norbert Leo Butz
16. No Good Deed - Idina Menzel
17. March of the Witch Hunters
18. For Good - Kristin Chenoweth
19. Finale - Kristin Chenoweth

Amazon.com

One of the most common complaints about musicals is that the books are flimsy pretexts from which to hang numbers. Wicked runs into the opposite problem: it has a great plot, but too often the songs just get in the way. Based on Gregory Maguire's novel of the same name, Wicked tells us what happened between Glinda the Good and Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, before Dorothy showed up in Oz. And the show is lucky to boast a pair of ace leading women in the main roles. As Glinda, Kristin Chenoweth delivers a sensational star turn, displaying a crystal-pure voice and sharp comic timing; Idina Menzel lends her powerful pipes to the tricky role of Elphaba. Unfortunately, you wish they had better material to work with. Stephen Schwartz's pop score is often dragged down by overly synthetic orchestrations and sentimental lyrics (think Chicken Soup for the Witch). Still, at its best Wicked is a seductive slice of popular entertainment that could well give a younger audience a lasting taste for musical theater. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

Defying Gravity and all expecations..........2007-07-16

As someone who loves Broadway musicals-- this soundtrack/songs include some of the best out there- the original cast soundtrack is amazing with songs you will eventually memorize and sing along too-
The CD comes with the lyrics as well as the other important information for each song (producer, etc). If you haven't already seen Wicked, you may have trouble following what the show is about just from listening to the soundtrack-- you will get a feel for it but reading the Grimmerie (the Wicked book- also sold on Amazon) or seeing Wicked either on or off Broadway will make you fall in love faster with this soundtrack-

The Wicked Witch of the West is misunderstood........2007-07-14

I have tickets to see the play in Philadelphia this August. I purchased the Music CD, the original Wicked book, and the Grimmeri, a well designed book about the Broadway play, its history, costumes, and character profiles with full color pictures and stories, a great trio. The book tells a story, so unexpected, when I got to the last page, I sighed and smiled. I was totally satisfied. Even more I had already been listening to the music, which is totally fabulous, I listened again and again, some of the songs are happily stuck in my head, and then my reading the book made the music make total sense, it brought the story to life in the songs. I can't wait to see the play.
My sisters refuse to read the book they are afraid it will take away from the show. I say they are dead wrong and the book and music reviewed ahead of time will definitely enhance the theater experience. You decide, either way it's a great read, 5 stars for the generation who grew up with the Wizard of OZ classic.

A Wicked musical.......2007-07-13

There are two, for me, outstanding pieces to this recording of the Original cast recording of the musical 'Wicked' The wizard and I and Popular. Both sung with great fun and gusto.
Over all I enjoyed the CD, being a massive wizard of Oz fan, it was interesting to listen to the story from an altogether different perspective. Enjoyable, memorable and fun- a great purchase, that comes highly recommended.

Wicked Wonderful!.......2007-07-12

My son and nieces saw Wicked on Broadway three years ago and it took me this long to order the CD. I played it endlessly the last several weeks and as a long time musical afficionado can say unequivocally, it is a superlative example of score and libretto. The lyrics are exemplary in their poignancy and clever massage of the concepts of good and evil. The music tugged at every heartstring I have. Wicked is sublime!

Wicked Soundtrack.......2007-07-12

I have experienced Wicked in London at the Apollo Theatre on three separate occasions. Owning the soundrack enables me to relive the emotion surrounding this amazing theatrical production. This soundtrack includes an appropriate character dialog and music combination enabling the listener to participate in a continuous story line flow, avoiding gaps and interrupted transitions, providing the opportunity to relieve each theatrical experience scene by scene.

I recommend this soundtract for those who are planning to go to a Wicked production. The soundract includes printed musical lyrics in the included folio. Immersing oneself in the music and lyrics will enhance the total experience at the theatre.

Enjoy

Average customer rating: CURTAINS is likable but not special. The Last Kander and Ebb All DAVID HYDE PIERCE FANS WILL LOVE IT!!!!!!!!! Very Pleasant Pure Entertainment

Curtains (2007 Original Broadway Cast) Manufacturer: Manhattan Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Musical Theater | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Soundtracks | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: 110 in the Shade (2007 Broadway Revival Cast) Spring Awakening (2006 Original Broadway Cast) Grey Gardens - A New Musical (2006 Original Broadway Cast) The Pirate Queen (2007 Original Broadway Cast) Company (2006 Broadway Revival Cast) ASIN: B000PC1QKQ Release Date: 2007-06-05

Tracks:

1. Overture
2. Wide Open Spaces
3. What Kind Of Man?
4. Thinking Of Him
5. The Woman's Dead
6. Show People
7. Coffee Shop Nights
8. In the Same Boat
9. I Miss the Music
10. Thataway!
11. The Man Is Dead
12. He Did It
13. In the Same Boat
14. It's a Business
15. Kansasland
16. Medley: Thinking Of Him/I Miss the Music
17. A Tough Act To Follow
18. In the Same Boat
19. In the Same Boat
20. Show People
21. Wide Open Spaces
22. A Tough Act To Follow

Amazon.com

Sadly, Curtains is the final entry in the long and fruitful partnership of lyricist Fred Ebb (who died in September 2004) and composer John Kander. While the show doesn't reach the heights of the team's previous masterpieces, such as Cabaret and Chicago, it's certainly a lot better than, say, their middling 1997 offering Steel Pier. Deliberately old-fashioned (it even features a real overture, something that's fast becoming a rarity), Curtains is a whodunit rolled into a musical--or vice versa. Set in 1959 Boston, it takes place backstage at a singing-and-dancing Western corker titled Robbin Hood. Someone gets killed, and a show tunes-crazy homicide detective (David Hyde Pierce) is called in. The plot is just a pretext for a series of very entertaining, characteristically brass-heavy songs that may not have the bite of old Kander and Ebb but are still very catchy. Above all, Curtains is (both thematically and stylistically) a love letter to old-school showbiz, and it's delivered on a silver platter by a cast of pros that includes the aforementioned Hyde Pierce, Kander and Ebb habituée Karen Ziemba, endearing Jason Danieley and, a notch above the rest, Debra Monk. Unsurprisingly, she chews the scenery and spits it right back in a pair of rowdy numbers: "Show People" and "It's a Business." --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Album Description

Curtains is an entertaining play within a play, as well as a "whodunit" new musical comedy featuring one of the last scores by legendary, Tony Award-winning songwriters John Kander and Fred Ebb (Cabaret, Chicago, New York, New York). Starring David Hyde Pierce (Spamalot, "Frasier") and Debra Monk, the Curtains original Broadway cast album is produced by nine-time Grammy Award-winner Jay David Saks.

Customer Reviews:

CURTAINS is likable but not special........2007-07-15

There is nothing particularly great about this score, but it is likable, and it is Kander & Ebb's final work. That makes it worthwhile to have. The next time I am in NYC, which won't be until December, I would like to see CURTAINS, especially if David Hyde Pierce is still in it. I prefer revivals and old fashioned musicals like CURTAINS to the new shows with rock or folk rock scores, like LEGALLY BLONDE which I disliked.

The Last Kander and Ebb.......2007-07-13

Couldn't miss the opportunity to hear the last of the Kander and Ebb collaboration. This score has a familiar feel to it. The music is good but not great and the show seems as if it would be fun.

All DAVID HYDE PIERCE FANS WILL LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!.......2007-07-10

And even if you are not---the music is great!!!!!! This is the final collaboration between John Kander and the late Fred Ebb--plus throw in the efforts of Rupert Holmes (who wrote the underated MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD--and everyone's favorite guilty pleasure 70's tune--THE PINA COLADA SONG). Anyway, I always thought David was robbed of a TONY nod for SPAMALOT--so his win for this was quite overdue!

Every song is a winner---and it is not just because of Pierce--Deborah Monk also has one of the great show stoppers "IT'S A BUSINESS"!

All theatre buff will enjoy--I certainly did!

Very Pleasant.......2007-07-10

Nice, witty and pleasant music. Sadly, as the teams last work, it is not on a par with their earlier efforts. I kept expecting the big, gorgeous, soaring ballad of other shows, but it never really comes. I still think Steel Pier is their best work (tho the show didn't work). However when you are the composers of Cabaret, The Happy Time, Woman of the Year, Chicago, The Act and The Rink (among still more), you go down in theater history as one of the great songwriting teams in American theater.

The performers are all first rate, David Hyde Pierce and Debra Monk are hoots. KAren Ziemba, as always, is wonderful. A major disappointment is that Jason Danielly's beautiful tenor voice is not given more to do. Overall, pleasant fun!!

Pure Entertainment.......2007-07-10

Very entertaining. A fitting finale to the partnership of Kander & Ebb.
The story is immaterial to the music. A strong cast carries off what could be considered a nonsense piece. Plaudits all round to the cast, writers and producers.

Average customer rating: Delightful. A Few Good Moments, But Disappointing Overall A very good recording The Pirate Queen A minor effort, but it has its moments

The Pirate Queen (2007 Original Broadway Cast) Manufacturer: Sony Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Musical Theater | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Curtains (2007 Original Broadway Cast) Legally Blonde (2007 Original Broadway Cast) 110 in the Shade (2007 Broadway Revival Cast) Spring Awakening (2006 Original Broadway Cast) High Fidelity (2006 Original Broadway Cast) ASIN: B000QTCY72 Release Date: 2007-07-03

Tracks:

1. Prologue
2. Pirate Queen
3. Woman
4. My Grace
5. Here on This Night
6. Waking of the Queen
7. Rah-Rah, Tip-Top
8. Choice Is Mine
9. Boys'll Be Boys
10. Wedding
11. I'll Be There
12. Day Beyond Belclare
13. Sail to the Stars
14. Entr'acte
15. Enemy at Port Side
16. I Dismiss You
17. If I Said I Loved You
18. Role of the Queen
19. Christening
20. Let a Father Stand by His Son
21. Surrender
22. She Who Has All
23. Sea of Life
24. Woman to Woman
25. Finale

Amazon.com

The Pirate Queen, with a score by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg (Les Misérables, Miss Saigon), took a critical beating when it opened on Broadway, but as this catchy cast recording demonstrates, that reception was really unnecessarily harsh. Set in the 17th century, the show (which closed after only 85 performances) tells the story of Grace O'Malley (Stephanie J. Block), an Irish ship captain and pirate who defied Queen Elizabeth I (Linda Balgord). The combination of that setting with the fact that the producers also brought us Riverdance means an overall Celtic flavor. But fans of Boublil and Schönberg should not fear. The duo delivers plenty of the over-the-top, super-emotional power ballads they're famous for--it's hard not to wonder what Celine Dion would make of songs such as "Woman" or "I'll Be There" (the latter sung by a man, but no matter!). Special kudos to Balgord, whose deliciously campy stage portrayal of Elizabeth I comes across well on "The Waking of the Queen," "The Role of the Queen," and two harpsichord-driven, vibrato-laden duets with Block, "She Who Has All" and "Woman to Woman." Also of note to fans of traditional singing is the participation of Áine Uí Cheallaigh (known from Riverdance) on several tracks. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

Delightful........2007-07-13

When I ordered this soundtrack, I completely ignored what the other reviews said (which is ironic because I expect someone to read mine: ) Thinking on my own was the right choice.

Do you like Boubil? Do you like Schonberg? If so, you will most likely like this recording. The farther I get into it, the more I love it!

The recording is powerful. The slow ballads carry its weakest attributes. There are power ballads left and right. Up beat and very cultural to the Irish heritage, this is a wonderful recording. It's not my favorite.

Personally, I would prefer "A Class Act" or "Loving repeating", two soundtracks I just bought and LOVE.

This could be be for you.

It's a good buy. 11 something for a power ballad musical. I currently have about 57 musicals, and I can honestly say this ranks in the top 15. However, that doesn't mean it's staying in my car forever. I am still waiting to receive "A View from Here". hehehe. I love musicals.

A Few Good Moments, But Disappointing Overall.......2007-07-13

I saw this show twice during its run: once in Chicago, once in New York. Loving both "Les Miserables" and "Miss Saigon", I had high expectations for "The Pirate Queen". Sadly, the show was disappointing - primarily from the once aspect I assumed would be great: the music.

The score's orchestrations sound terrific and the cast is quite good (esp. Stephanie J. Block), but (as this cast album reflects) only a couple of songs maintain any real staying power:

Woman
I'll Be There
She Who Has All

Not bad, but could/should have been so much more.

A very good recording.......2007-07-11

I really like the CD. I find it too short but it was beautifully recorded. The voices were very strong and the orchestration was done nicely. I really didn't like the electric guitar, it seems so out of place sometimes over powering the vocal especially during I'll be there.

The Pirate Queen.......2007-07-11

"The Pirate Queen" was a genious yet unique piece of musical theatre that suffered a harsh yet undeserved fate. I was very blessed to see this show twice on Broadway, including its very last performance on Broadway June 17th. Everytime I listen through the cast recording, I have to question why this show got the ratings it did. I refuse to believe that the critics that panned the show were watching and hearing the same show that I was. The cast, though, including the powerful and haunting vocals from Stephanie J. Block, were all incredibly talented and gave a thrilling and unforgetable experience every performance. I continue to feel shivers when I hear the Prologue, and can still perfectly visualize the opening scene. Some of the highlighted solos of the show include Ms. Block's "Woman" and Hadley Frasier's "I'll Be There". The conversations (duets) held between Grania and Queen Elizabeth in "She Who Has All" and "Woman to Woman" portray the strength and meeting of two historical women in such a time when powerful females were unheard of. Songs that include the chorus such as "A Day Beyond Belclare", "Sail to the Stars", and "Sea of Life" will surely leave you with the chills from the power and depth of the songs. There are so many other songs on the cast recording, and if I could I would tell you the magic behind each and every one of them, but I'll let you listen to it and experience it for yourself. Even though this show was robbed of the recognition it deserved, we are so incredibly fortunate to have a cast recording to allow us who have seen the show to re-live the magic we experienced, and also portray the beauty of such a wonderful yet short lived musical to those who did not have the chance to see it. "The Pirate Queen" may not be playing on Broadway now, but this CR will allow this enchanting show to forever live in our hearts. Long live the Queen!

A minor effort, but it has its moments.......2007-07-10

Since the ill-fated "Martin Guerre" in the 90's, I've been waiting for Boublil and Schonberg to make a comeback and recapture some of the glory they achieved with their blockbuster 80's musicals, "Les Miserables" and "Miss Saigon." Unfortunately, "The Pirate Queen" is more throwback than comeback. Despite some Irish folk stylings thrown in to fit this story about an Irish female pirate, the music is just too similar to their earlier works, never sounding sufficiently new or original. It's derivative, no question, but fortunately, it's derivative of shows I really like (well, not "Martin Guerre" so much, but I'm certainly a fan of "Les Miz" and "Saigon."). Schonberg has a talent for unabashed dramatics, and when he turns it on here in songs like "I'll Be There" and "A Day Beyond Belclare," I can't help but get lost in my nostalgia for the pop opera spectacles that introduced me to musicals and cast recordings. Unfortunately, even nostalgia can't do much about duds like "Boys'll Be Boys," a gratingly corny number that musically is sort of a cross between "Master of the House" from "Les Miz" and "What a Waste" from "Saigon." And don't even get me started on the depressingly banal lyrics throughout, which are never more than functional. But I like the performances of stars Stephanie J. Block and Hadley Fraser, who both have impressive voices that are a perfect fit for this style of musical. Overall, "The Pirate Queen" is the musical equivalent of a summer popcorn movie ("Pirates of the Carribean," perhaps?), and on that level, it works just well enough.

Average customer rating:

Legally Blonde (2007 Original Broadway Cast) Manufacturer: Ghostlight ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Similar Items: Curtains (2007 Original Broadway Cast) The Pirate Queen (2007 Original Broadway Cast) Hairspray (Soundtrack to the Motion Picture) 110 in the Shade (2007 Broadway Revival Cast) High Fidelity (2006 Original Broadway Cast) ASIN: B000R7I3NW Release Date: 2007-07-17

Tracks:

1. Omigod You Guys
2. Serious
3. What You Want
4. Harvard Variations
5. Blood in the Water
6. Positive
7. Ireland
8. Ireland (Reprise)
9. Serious (Reprise)
10. Chip on My Shoulder
11. So Much Better
12. Whipped into Shape
13. Take It Like a Man
14. Bend and Snap
15. There! Right There!
16. Legally Blonde
17. Legally Blonde Remix
18. Find My Way/Finale

Amazon.com

Like Wicked, this show is a girl-friendly extravaganza; the main difference--and it's a big one--is that the score of Legally Blonde is better. Based on the hit Reese Witherspoon movie, the zippy, frothy show tells the story of SoCal, pink-loving sorority girl Elle Woods, who enrolls at Harvard Law and goes on to prove that appearances can be deceiving. The opening number, "Omigod You Guys," gives an idea of what the Broadway-pop score by Laurence O'Keefe (Bat Boy--The Musical) and Nell Benjamin is up to, embracing its over-the-top cheer with goofily infectious energy. Sure, a couple of numbers feel a bit derivative (the show with the witches has "Popular," this one has "Positive"), and the Celtic detour ("Ireland") is rather puzzling, but overall the songs are firing on all cylinders. Just check out the use of a marching band on "What You Want" for instance. Laura Bell Bundy (Amber von Tussle in Hairspray) is a charming Elle, and she delivers numbers such as "So Much Better" with the requisite elan. But this is not a one-woman show, and Bundy is surrounded by a crack team, including the endearing Christian Borle as Elle's love interest Emmett, power-piped Orfeh as hairdresser Paulette and up-and-comer Leslie Kritzer as Delta Nu's Serena. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Average customer rating: Jersey Boys Like being there A step back in musical time Great music, but missing too much Jersey boys win my heart

Jersey Boys (2005 Original Broadway Cast) Ronald Melrose , Ken Dow , Anik Oulianine , Stephanie Cummins , Deborah Hurwitz , Kevin Dow , Joe Payne , Larry Saltzman , Dave Spier , Bill Hayes , Randall Andos , Bob Milikan , Debra Shufelt , Maxine Roach , Belinda Whitney , Cenovia Cummins , Eric de Gioia , Louise Owen , Robin Zeh , Sarah Schwartz , Shinwon Kim , Christian Hoff , Daniel Reichard , Donnie Kehr , Erica Piccininni , J. Robert Spencer , Jennifer Naimo , John Lloyd Young , Sara Schmidt , Tituss Burgess , Steve Orich , and Bob Gaudio Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Musical Theater | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Rhino Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Soundtracks | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Very Best of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons The Drowsy Chaperone (2006 Original Broadway Cast) Grey Gardens - A New Musical (2006 Original Broadway Cast) Spring Awakening (2006 Original Broadway Cast) The Color Purple (2005 Original Broadway Cast) ASIN: B000BFH2QY Release Date: 2005-11-01

Tracks:

1. Ces Soirees la'
2. Early Years Medley
3. Cry For Me
4. Backups Medley
5. Sherry
6. Big Girls Don't Cry
7. Walk Like A Man
8. December, 1963
9. My Boyfriend's Back
10. My Eyes Adored You
11. Dawn (Go Away)
12. Big Man In Town
13. Dialog: A Little Trouble
14. Beggin'
15. Dialog: See How You Handle It
16. Medley Listen Listen
17. c'mon marianne
18. Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You
19. Working My Way Back To You
20. Fallen Angel

Amazon.com

Although it squarely falls in the "jukebox musical" category, Jersey Boys doesn¹t try to integrate its songs in an artificial plotline. The show tells the story of the early-1960s group the Four Seasons, and the musical numbers tend to be introduced in context, as when songwriter Bob Gaudio comes up with a tune, or the quartet performs a show. This allows Jersey Boys to flow better than some of ill-fated peers, and the actors can shine without having to bend backward to accommodate an inane book. The show's most (only) daring move is to start with a hip-hop-tinged French-language version of "December 1963 (Oh, What a Night)," an actual hit in France in 2000. After that it's all VH1-biopic territory, but it's done with so much flair, taste and energy that the ride's a fun one. The Four Seasons had enough hits ("Sherry," "Big Girls Don't Cry," "Rag Doll," etc.) to easily fill an evening at the theater, so it's left to the cast to do right by them. And it does, particularly John Lloyd Young as the band¹s star lead, Frankie Valli. Young hits all the falsetto notes and brings real freshness to the part. His "Can¹t Take My Eyes Off You," a second-act peak, is signed, sealed and delivered with a star's acumen. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Album Description

Recounting the rich history and reliving the timeless sounds of the phenomenal Frankie Vallie & The 4 Seasons, the new Broadway musical Jersey Boys answers the musical-and philosophical question, "How did four would-be wise guys from Newark, NJ, become one of the greatest chart-topping successes in pop music history?" Jersey Boys celebrates legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito, and Nick Massi who, as the 4 seasons, wrote their own songs, invented their own identity, and sold 175 million records worldwide-all before they were 30.

Customer Reviews:

Jersey Boys.......2007-07-08

Purchased CD prior to seeing the show when visiting USA in '06. A fun lively show - the CD now captivates those fond memories of not only the foot tapping music & show but also our special time in New York.

Like being there.......2007-07-05

Have seen the play twice. This album lets me relive the experience anytime anyplace. A great piece of Rock n roll history.

A step back in musical time.......2007-07-05

My wife and daughter didn't know about the Four Seasons but I did. When I told them I wanted to see the musical on stage, there was no interest so I bought this product and they heard it in the car. We went to the stage musical soon after and we have listened to the entire disk so many times I've lost track. I created a Four Seasons monster in my daughter. She's fifteen and has memorized most of the songs and sings along while we are driving somewhere.

Great music, but missing too much.......2007-07-04

I saw this play at age 16 with no idea who the Four Seasons were, but instantly fell in love with it. The problem is, this soudntrack cuts a two hour play into less than an hour on CD. Most of the dialouge is missing, only including enough to let each member of the group at least say something. I know many play soundtracks cut out dialouge, but what confuses me is why this stretches to the music as well. What is there is amazing, but I don't understand why most of the songs are cut to half, and sometimes even a third or fourth of their original lengths. I love this CD, just be aware that you are hardly getting any story, just clips of lots of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons songs. So, great music and dialouge, just not enough for a musical soundtrack.

Jersey boys win my heart.......2007-07-03

what a wonderful album-brings back such wonderful memories
they don't write songs like this enough today

Average customer rating: 110 In The Shade Revival CD - Next Best Thing to Being at The Show Wonderful Cast Album Fabulous recording of a terrific score My new favorite show It's not 110%

110 in the Shade (2007 Broadway Revival Cast) Manufacturer: P.S. Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Musical Theater | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Curtains (2007 Original Broadway Cast) Spring Awakening (2006 Original Broadway Cast) Grey Gardens - A New Musical (2006 Original Broadway Cast) Company (2006 Broadway Revival Cast) The Pirate Queen (2007 Original Broadway Cast) ASIN: B000PMG9GW Release Date: 2007-06-12

Tracks:

1. Another Hot Day
2. Lizzie's Comin' Home
3. Love, Don't Turn Away
4. Poker Polka
5. The Hungry Men
6. The Rain Song
7. You're Not Fooling Me
8. Cinderella
9. Raunchy
10. A Man and a Woman
11. "She Walked Out On Me..."
12. Old Maid
13. Evenin' Star
14. Everything Beautiful
15. "Stay and Talk..."
16. Melisande
17. Simple Little Things
18. Little Red Hat
19. Is It Really Me?
20. Wonderful Music
21. The Rain Song (reprise)

Amazon.com

More than four decades after its Broadway debut, the Roundabout Theatre's 2007 revival of 110 in the Shade is a glorious showcase for soprano Audra McDonald, and an eloquent statement for an underrated and neglected work. Based on N. Richard Nash's play The Rainmaker, 110 in the Shade tells the story of a Texas town stuck in a blistering heat wave. Lizzie (McDonald), the daughter of a local widower (Broadway veteran and TV star John Cullum), has resisted all suitors, including the sheriff (Christopher Innvar), until a potential huckster named Starbuck (Steve Kazee) arrives in town promising to bring rain ("The Rain Song"). Just like Marian the librarian, Lizzie thinks she sees right through the scam ("You're Not Fooling Me"). McDonald shines in her solos ("Love, Don't Turn Away," "Old Maid"), but Cullum, Innvar, and Kazee also get their moments either in duets with McDonald ("A Man and a Woman," "Simple Little Things," "Is It Really Me?") or by themselves. 110 in the Shade is obscure compared to Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt's most famous work, The Fantasticks--none of its songs ever entered the popular culture like "Try to Remember"--but it's a beautiful, evocative score that is tailor-made for McDonald's rich voice. It's also much more sumptuous than The Fantasticks, even in Jonathan Tunick's pared-down, Tony-nominated orchestrations. (Also nominated were McDonald, Cullum, lighting designer Christopher Akerlind, and the show itself for Best Revival of a Musical.) P.S. Classics puts out its usual first-rate package, with color photos, introduction by Peter Filichia, synopsis, and libretto. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

110 In The Shade Revival CD - Next Best Thing to Being at The Show.......2007-07-15

Any fan of 110 In The Shade will appreciate this recording; it is very well recorded and features the stunning vocal performance of Audra McDonald. This CD more than holds its own when compared to the studio cast version of 1997 and it is head and shoulders above the original cast recording of 1963.

If you have seen the recent revival at Studio 54, or you are a fan of the show, you will definitly want to have a copy of this CD

Wonderful Cast Album.......2007-07-13

Saw a number from this show on the Tony Awards and ordered it immediately. Was not disappointed. The whole album is wonderful.

Fabulous recording of a terrific score.......2007-07-12

This is simply the best recording of 110 In The Shade, a sadly neglected show by the composer and lyricist of The Fantasticks. It's a far superior score to The Fantasticks, but the original show didn't enjoy a long run on Broadway. Listen to the original broadway cast and I think you can hear why. The original cast sounds pallid in comparison to the cast on this terrific recording led by Audra MacDonald, who seems to have finally found a great part for herself. The supporting cast does not disappoint and the orchestra plays brightly. The only competition to this set is a British recording (now out of print) with cast that featured Karen Ziemba. That's a good set but Audra MacDonald's performance makes this recording the definitive version.

My new favorite show.......2007-07-12

Oh wow! The music in this show is beautiful and fun. The cast is loaded with amazing voices with Audra McDonald shining above all. Her "Raunchy" number is outstanding and keeps a grin on your face from beginning to end. I've always loved the "Rainmaker" play and the music, for me, just makes it even better. Both male leads have voices that could melt a maid's heart and I'm just glad it's not me having to choose between the two!

It's not 110%.......2007-07-05

The CD is well produced and Audra McDonald is wonderful, but most of the music sounds dated and old fashioned. Maybe that's because the show is dated and old fashioned.

Average customer rating: Loved it Get ready to laugh until you cry! A Lot of Spam Love, love, love this soundtrack! Hamalot!

Monty Python's Spamalot (2005 Original Broadway Cast) Eric Idle , John Du Prez , Tim Curry , David Hyde Pierce , and Hank Azaria Manufacturer: Decca Broadway ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music Musical Theater | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Comedy | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Wicked (2003 Original Broadway Cast) The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (2005 Original Broadway Cast) Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (2005 Original Broadway Cast) Avenue Q (2003 Original Broadway Cast) The Light in the Piazza (2005 Original Broadway Cast) ASIN: B0007OY2TE Release Date: 2005-05-03

Tracks:

1. Tuning
2. Overture
3. Historian's Introduction to Act I
4. Finland/Fisch Schlapping Dance
5. Monks Chant / He Is Not Dead Yet
6. Come With Me
7. Laker Girls Cheer
8. The Song That Goes Like This
9. He Is Not Dead Yet - Play Off
10. All For One
11. Knights of the Round Table/The Song That Goes Like This (Reprise)
12. Find Your Grail
13. Run Away!
14. The Intermission
15. Historian's Introduction to Act II
16. Always Look On The Bright Side of Life
17. Brave Sir Robin
18. You Won't Succeed On Broadway
19. Diva's Lament (What Ever Happened To My Part?)
20. Where Are You?
21. His Name Is Lancelot
22. I'm All Alone
23. Twice In Every Show
24. Act II Finale
25. Always Look On The Bright Side of Life - Company Bow

Amazon.com

As gleefully silly yet wickedly smart as the beloved British comedy troupe and their 1975 cinematic savaging of the Arthurian legend that inspired it, this adaptation of Monty Python and the Holy Grail by MP's Eric Idle and longtime musical co-conspirator John Du Prez has much more on its feverish agenda than merely trashing King Arthur and firmly upending his Round Table. The film's plot remains largely intact, but its core songs ("Knights of the Round Table," "Brave Sir Robin") and comic thrust have been both expanded and satirically redirected, a musical comedy shotgun that takes dizzy aim at pop culture in general, and Broadway in particular. After typically Pythonesque distractions that somehow find us in "Finland..," stars David Hyde-Pierce, Tim Curry, Hank Azaria and company get busy conjuring the Lady of the Lake with the unlikely help of "Laker Girls..," while cast members Sara Ramirez and Christopher Sieber deliciously skewer contemporary Broadway cliches via the loopy showstopper "The Song That Goes Like This," a tune whose reprise also deliciously sends up every overwrought stage diva from Merman to Minelli. Idle has shrewdly ripped off--well, interpolated--Life of Brian's "Always Look On the Bright Side" for the new show, and even a snatch of "The Lumberjack Song" in "He Is Not Dead Yet." "You Won't Succeed on Broadway" reveals the frankly Semitic secret to stage success, and the French get can-canned on "Run Away!" Meanwhile, our bravest knight is de-closeted on the Manilow-mauling "His Name is Lancelot" before the familiar sound of clomping coconut shells brings down the curtain on the season's goofiest if satirically dead-on comic delight. --Jerry McCulley

Have Fun with More Irreverent Musicals

Urinetown	The Rocky Horror Picture Show	The Frogs
Zanna Don't	Hedwig and the Angry Inch	Avenue Q

Customer Reviews:

Loved it.......2007-06-26

The play was great, and so is the CD. Even my partner, who's generally not a Monty Python fan, says it's "hysterical."

Get ready to laugh until you cry!.......2007-06-25

Being in the unfortunate position of living in a country where Music Theatre is virtually dead, I thought `what the heck' I'll purchase this just to see what it's like. I've never been a huge Holy Grail fan, and have only seen the movie one or two times. This musical is the first musical cast recording that has an independent storyline that you can actually gauge from the recording. It's so refreshing to actually WANT to listen to the entire recording from start to finish more than a handful of times. Most musicals have a few awesome songs that have you keep coming back for more but this musical has so much continuity that I can't help but listen from start to finish.

Don't read what some of the other commenter's have written. This is brilliant and hilarious. And if you have a slightly warped sense of humour you'll love (and appreciate) this musical so much more.

P.S. I love the songs that reference "The song that goes like this." This is supposed to be repetitive to mock its self and Broadway. It is also more comprehensive than some may lead you to believe... however just remember its called `Spamalot' not `Holy Grail' so don't expect too many Holy Grail references.

A Lot of Spam.......2007-05-22

Great CD if you like someone who can laugh at themselves. The play mocks the whole broadway musical experience. Listening to it can almost make sitting in traffic bearable...no I wouldn't go that far, but the songs are funny and will put you in a good mood.

Love, love, love this soundtrack!.......2007-05-18

The show was so much fun, and now getting to hear the soundtrack brings all the funny bits right back. These tunes are infectious! Even my 3-year-old hums them to himself. Any Monty Python fan should own this.

Hamalot!.......2007-05-15

Overall, pretty good. I liked the inclusion of various other Python bits (Always Look on the Bright Side of Life, Finland, etc.), but there was an appalling lack of Tim Curry on this album (Um, hello? Rocky Horror, anyone?). Also an over-reliance on songs with lyrics like, "This is how this song goes," or "Every show has a song like this." Some more inventive lyrics would have been welcome. (Mr. Idle, meet Mr. Brooks!)

Still, pretty good. Buy it for $11 or less & you won't feel taken.

Average customer rating: "You Will LOVE This CD!!!" Your Goin' To Love this! Ok Quite forgettable Dreamgirls

Dreamgirls: Music From The Motion Picture [2-CD Deluxe Edition] Original Soundtrack Manufacturer: Col/Urban Soundtrax ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Similar Items: Dreamgirls (Two-Disc Showstopper Edition) Dreamgirls (1982 Original Broadway Cast) Spring Awakening (2006 Original Broadway Cast) A Chorus Line - The New Broadway Cast Recording (2006 Broadway Revival Cast) Dreamgirls ASIN: B000JLQQ2G Release Date: 2006-12-05

Tracks:

1. I'm Lookin' For Something- Performed by Maxi Anderson, Charlene Carmon,
2. Goin' Downtown-Performed by Durrell Babbs, Luke Boyd, Eric Dawkins,
3. Takin' The Long Way Home-Performed by Michael Leon Wooley
4. Move-Performed by Jennifer Hudson, Beyoncé Knowles, Anika Noni Rose
5. Fake Your Way To The Top-Performed by Jennifer Hudson, Beyoncé Knowles,
6. Big (Jazz Instrumental)
7. Cadillac Car-Performed by Laura Bell Bundy, Jennifer Hudson, Beyoncé
8. Steppin' To The Bad Side -Performed by Hinton Battle, Jamie Foxx,
9. Love You I Do-Performed by Jennifer Hudson
10. I Want You Baby -Performed by Jennifer Hudson, Beyoncé Knowles, Eddie
11. Family- Performed by Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Hudson, Beyoncé Knowles,
12. Dreamgirls -Performed by Jennifer Hudson, Beyoncé Knowles, Anika Noni
13. Heavy-Performed by Jennifer Hudson, Beyoncé Knowles, Anika Noni Rose
14. It's All Over-Performed by Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Hudson, Beyoncé
15. And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going -Performed by Jennifer Hudson

Tracks:

1. I'm Somebody-Performed by Beyoncé Knowles, Sharon Leal, Anika Noni Rose
2. When I First Saw You-Performed by Jamie Foxx
3. Patience-Performed by Eddie Murphy, Keith Robinson, Anika Noni Rose
4. I Am Changing-Performed by Jennifer Hudson
5. Perfect World-Performed by Steve Russell
6. I Meant You No Harm/Jimmy's Rap-Performed by Eddie Murphy
7. Lorrell Loves Jimmy/Family (Reprise)-Performed by Beyoncé Knowles,
8. Step On Over-Performed by Beyoncé Knowles, Sharon Leal, Anika Noni Rose
9. I Miss You Old Friend-Performed by Loretta Devine
10. Effie, Sing My Song *-Performed by Jennifer Hudson, Keith Robinson
11. One Night Only-Performed by Jennifer Hudson
12. One Night Only (Disco)-Performed by Beyoncé Knowles, Sharon Leal,
13. Listen-Performed by Beyoncé Knowles
14. Hard To Say Goodbye-Performed by Beyoncé Knowles, Sharon Leal, Anika
15. Dreamgirls (Finale)-Performed by Jennifer Hudson, Beyoncé Knowles,
16. Curtain Call
17. Family (End Title)- Performed by Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Hudson, Beyoncé
18. When I First Saw You (Duet)-Performed by Jamie Foxx, Beyoncé Knowles
19. One Night Only (Dance Mix) *-Performed by Beyoncé Knowles, Sharon
20. And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going (Dance Mix) *-Performed by Jennifer
21. Patience (Composer Demo) *-Performed by Henry Krieger* Bonus Tracks

Amazon.com

The big question about this soundtrack is: how's she doing? No, not Beyoncé, silly--how's Jennifer Hudson doing? And more specifically, how's she doing by "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going"? To this reviewer's ears, she doesn't top the original Effie, Jennifer Holliday--or even Lillias White, from the 2001 Dreamgirls in Concert. On the other hand, Hudson isn't afraid to pullout all the stops, whipping herself up into a total diva frenzy as the song gets caught up in an unstoppable crescendo. As for Beyoncé, she adapts superbly to the 1960s- and 1970s-tinged material, though "Listen"--a ballad that also appears on her own B'day album--lacks the spirit that infuses the classic tunes on this album. For make no mistake: this is hard-hitting, high-octane music, infused with an urgency and passion that makes most contemporary R&B albums sound timid. When Hudson and Beyoncé duke it out on "It's All Over," or when the "One Night Only" ballad gets reinvented as the dance-floor burner "One Night Only (Disco)," the sheer energy flowing from the speakers is transporting.

Note that this two-CD Deluxe Edition features a larger booklet and additional tracks, including dance remixes of "One Night Only" and "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going," as well as composer Henry Krieger's demo of "Patience." --Elisabeth Vincentelli

More from the Dreamgirls Cast

B'day, Beyoncé

American Idol season 3: Greatest Soul Classics, (Featuring a track from Jennifer Hudson)

Unpredictable, Jamie Foxx

Album Description

Dreamgirls Deluxe Edition features cast performances by Beyonce' Knowles, Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Hudson & Eddie Murphy which includes: 2 CD-Set * 36 songs * 36 page lyric and photo booklet

Customer Reviews:

"You Will LOVE This CD!!!".......2007-06-27

I just got my CD and I love it... My favorite songs is Listen, I am Changing and Of course the NO.#1 HIT--"I'm telling you I'm not going"
Just Purchase it and you will not be disappointed.!!!!!

Your Goin' To Love this!.......2007-06-20

I was very sceptic about this adaptation. I was very dissapointed in Evita when they chose populairty over talent. I am a fan of Madonna and Beyonce but the performance by Beyonce is amazing.
In answer to T.T.'s remarks. RENT THE MOVIE! Gosh, a movie cost 4 bucks at the rental store. And there is very little talking. Most f the songs are like they are in the movie. But anyways...
THe performance is atstounding. I think that this album goes right up there with The Sound of Music and the Wizard of Oz and Chicago (never seenthis one, too young).
The songs are movig and the add ons are amazing. Listen is my Favorite, but more of that latter.
The Performances:
Beyonce- Beyonce was born to be Deena. Infact she mirrors Denna a whole lot (see Wikipedia - Destiny's Child). She delivers a superb performance, better that the original Bway Deena. Dreamgirls is phenominal.

Jennifer Hudson - Well what can I say but SIMON COWELL YOU WERE WRONG! And as she sings in I am Changin' AND NOTHING IS GOING TO STOP[HER]

Anikki Nonni Rose - Sorry if I spell her name wrong, but it is very odd. Honey if there was n unsung heroe of this film it would be her. Her phenominal and most of the time hilarious performance is what adds character to the film. Esp. when they brake Jimmy up with them she delivers a hilarious speech.

Eddie Murphie - Wonderful, Who knew he could sing.

Jamie Fox - GREAT!

Best Songs:
Move - Amazing! Wonderful beat. And SHAKE IT ON!
Cadilac Car - Wonderful song, esp. If you have a crappy car or a real Cadilac car
Steppin' To the bad Side - WONDERFUL, BEST SONG OF THE WHO MOVIE
I Love you I Do-lovely
Dreamgirls-Just hair raising
IT's All Over - Cuss a lot, I know, but amazing adittude though. Don't let little ones listen to this one.
And I am Telling You I'm Not Going - Just bye the CD for this song. I can't put in words the emotions in this song.
I Am Changing- Beautiful
Effie Sing my Song-Not in the movie but amazing
One Night Only- great
Disco version- great, but would have loved the wooshing like in the movie. A little too long, but when you see the extended version you will get the longer version and think WHY DID THEY CUT IT????!?!?!?
Listen - AMAZING SPECTACULAR! SUPER! IENIBOIWEBWEJKFDIVLEFB!
Dreamgirls Finale - " " (same as above)
Family (End Credits)- Better than the ordinary version for reasons I can't explain.

1 Dissapointment:
When I first saw you was a gereat song in the film, but in the original cast it was after Dreamgirls (To Sig. that Deena and Curtis were Together)
and it was reprised with an argument about Deena's Dreams. IT WAS ONE OF THE BEST SONGS! but they cut out Deena and the purpose of the song was lost, but it is still wonderful.

My Only Thin is Get the Orginal Bway Cast and this CD. The Orig. Bway cast has a cool One Night Only Too. Try Them both. They have diff. textures, but are both truly amazing.

Ok.......2007-06-03

Apart from Beyonce singing Dreamgirls, this album doesn't bring much. It's a dud. Most of the songs are just a lot of talking not actual singing. The movie was good, and I think it's better to watch that and listen to the songs. Unlike the soundtrack "Casino", which I can listen to and enjoy without seeing the movie, I can't with this. they should have done what most movies do and pick a bunch of great oldies by other artists back in the day to create the movie/soundtrack. and i'm also very sick of Jennifer Hudson. sure she can hit high notes, but she only sounds like she's screaming. her voice is not appealing. i rather listen to Beyonce's voice any day; it's easier on my ears. i also don't like how she's so arrogant and ungrateful to Idol. i don't think she's going far with that kind of stink attitude. it just shows you're a sore loser.

Quite forgettable.......2007-05-15

I've had this CD for several months now and I hardly ever listen to the music. I'm surprised how uninteresting it is to me. Yes, there are some good musical moments on this CD and Jennifer Hudson can sing, but she also screams too much, in my opinion, and I think she was extremely overrated in this performance. I just don't love listening to her sing on this CD.

Dreamgirls.......2007-05-12

The music is more intense watching the movie. I didn't enjoy the CD as much without the movie.

Average customer rating: I CAN HEAR THE BELLS My New Obsession Hairspray CD You Can't Stop the Beat! My #1 Fave show!

Hairspray (2002 Original Broadway Cast) Marc Shaiman , Scott Wittman , Marissa Jaret Winokur , Harvey Fierstein , and Kerry Butler Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Musicals | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Wicked (2003 Original Broadway Cast) Avenue Q (2003 Original Broadway Cast) Mamma Mia! The Musical Based on the Songs of ABBA: A Decca Broadway Original Cast Recording (1999 London Cast) The Lion King (1997 Original Broadway Cast) Monty Python's Spamalot (2005 Original Broadway Cast) ASIN: B00006AALQ Release Date: 2002-08-13

Tracks:

1. Good Morning Baltimore
2. The Nicest Kids In Town
3. Mama, I'm A Big Girl Now
4. I Can Hear The Bells
5. (The Legend of) Miss Baltimore Crabs
6. It Takes Two
7. Welcome To The 60's
8. Run And Tell That!
9. Big, Blonde And Beautiful
10. The Big Dollhouse
11. Good Morning Baltimore Reprise
12. (You're) Timeless To Me
13. Without Love
14. I Know Where I've Been
15. (It's) Hairspray
16. Cooties
17. You Can't Stop The Beat

Amazon.com

The cast recording for the Broadway musical of John Waters's 1988 paean to dance, music, big beautiful women, and integration is a sheer delight. It's wonderfully upbeat all the way through, with a classic feel that's in keeping with the story's setting in the early 1960s. The characters come alive in these songs, from Marissa Jaret Winokur's (Tracy Turnblad) opening lines in "Good Morning Baltimore" to the stunningly upbeat finale, "You Can't Stop the Beat." The music is by Marc Shaiman, whose recent projects include South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut, as well as a number of film soundtracks, and his compositions are simultaneously solid and exuberant. Shaiman and Scott Wittman's lyrics brim over with the unreserved passions and primary-color emotions that made the film so successful. Regardless of one's familiarity with the story or the stage production, it's hard to avoid the appeal of this recording; even the less cheerful songs are awash in bright colors, without disrespect for their subjects. --Genevieve Williams

Customer Reviews:

I CAN HEAR THE BELLS .......2007-05-18

YOU SHOULD BUY THIS CD WHEN YOU WANT THAT LIITLE PICK ME UP. ALSO VERY GOOD THING TO LISEN TO ON THAT TRIP TO WORK OR SCHOOL OR EVEN CLASS IF YOUR IN COLLEGE.

My New Obsession.......2007-02-07

I've been lingering over this CD for the past few weeks and finally decided to buy it and so happy I did so. This is all I've been listening to for the past few days.

From the great opener 'Good Morning Baltimore' to the best closing song I've ever heard, 'You Can't Stop the Beat', this recording is a gem.

One of my favorite songs on this soundtrack is 'The Nicest Kids in Town'. It has that kind of beat that's hard to not dance to. Another favorite is 'Mama, I'm A Big Girl Now'. It reminds me of the songs of Leslie Gore. My favorite line comes from Amber von Tussle "Once upon a time I used to dress up Ken/but now that I'm a woman I like bigger men/And I don't need a Barbie doll to show me how".

'(The Legend of)Miss Baltimore Crabs' is a glorious song for the villain. With wonderful drumming and violins in the background, Velma von Tussel has a great solo song.

'It Takes Two' is such a great slow song. I can just imagine a 1960's prom. Everyone slow dancing and the lights low. A band set up on the stage. I can't help sing along.

'Welcome to the 60's' is another wonderful song. It seems to be everyone's favorite. It's one of mine too. Harvey Fierstein is great as Edna.

'Big, Blonde, & Beautiful' is another good song. A good message to all big girls to be proud of yourself. Ignore what everyone says about you and strut. "Bring on that pecan pie/pour some sugar on it/Sugar don't be shy"

'(You're) Timeless to Me' is such a cute song between Wilbur and Edna.

'Without Love' is my number one favorite on this recording. Link proclaiming his love to Tracy who's locked up in solitary confinement and Seaweed proclaiming his love to Penny who's tied up on her bed. "Darling I'll be yours forever/'cause I never wanna be/Without love/so darling throw away the key"

'I Know Where I've Been' is a glorious gospel song. Sung by Motormouth Maybelle about her experiences and having learned from them.

'Cooties' is such a childish sounding song but it's the kind of song that should have it's own dance. It's too much fun.

The little song that follows 'You Can't Stop the Beat' is so funny and dark. I don't know the name, I just refer to as 'Blood on the Pavement'. "Don't drink and drive/please keep your head/Or come graduation day/you'll be dead".

I recommend this soundtrack to everyone. It's the kind of soundtrack that doesn't sound like a musical soundtrack.

Hairspray CD.......2007-01-14

If you loved the Broadway, you'll love this cd. A friend heard me playing the cd and asked what radio station I was listening to so he could tune in.

You Can't Stop the Beat!.......2006-11-30

I could try to come up with a more clever title for this review, but the title of the last track says it all about the soundtrack from the Broadway show Hairspray. I went reluctantly ($110 per ticket) on my last trip to NYC, and found to my surprise that I enjoyed the show and then adored the soundtrack--every number is performed with great gusto and excitement. "Good Morning Baltimore", sung by Marissa Winokur as Tracy Turnblad, the portly dance-crazed teen from 1963 Baltimore, gets the show off to a great start. "The Nicest Kids in Town" takes you back to the days of American Bandstand and its local knockoffs. "The Bells" was one I knew before seeing the show as my daughter and her friends sang (or at least lip synched) it at a drama camp talent show. "It Takes Two", a teen idol number sung by the character Link, sounds much better to me that the real Frankie Avalon/Ricky Nelson tunes of the early '60s that are its models. Other great songs, many with a civil rights theme following from the story of the film, follow, topped off by "Cooties"--an insult song sung by Tracy's rival Amber Von Tussle, and the showstopping (literally) finale "You Can't Stop the Beat", which sounds more urgent with every listen. Along the way the songwriters include some clever and slightly subversive lyrics--Tracy sings about the "rats on the street" who "all dance round my feet"; Linc croons that "Liz, she has her Dick"; and Penny Pingleton is ready to "call the NAACP" if anyone challenges her love for her African-American boyfriend Seaweed. Some have said that Hairspray is the Grease of the 21st century, but to me it's much better-more human; and also significantly better than the '80s comedy film on which the musical was based. We await with excitement and trepidation the film musical, which could hardly improve on the stage show, but in any event we'll get to hear those great songs again.

My #1 Fave show!.......2006-10-23

I heard this show is closing in 2007, while a movie's coming out Independence Day 2007!

My fave Hairspray songs are:

1. You Can't Stop The Beat
2. Good Morning Baltimore
3. Without Love
4. I Can Hear The Bells
5. Mama I'm a Big Girl Now
6. Run and Tell That
7. The Nicest Kids in Town
8. Big Blonde and Beautiful
9. Welcome To The 60's
10. The Big Dollhouse

Average customer rating: Choose this one over the movie soundtrack... Best musical soundtrack ever!!! We love the Lion King Great Soundtrack for a Great Musical Go see the show, just don't buy the CD there

The Lion King (1997 Original Broadway Cast) Elton John , Tim Rice , Heather Headley , and Mark Mancina Manufacturer: Disney ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Contemporary | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Contemporary Musicals | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Disney Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music $9.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classic Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Soundtracks | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $9.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Disney's Beauty and the Beast: The Broadway Musical (Original Broadway Cast Recording) Wicked (2003 Original Broadway Cast) Aida (2000 Original Broadway Cast) The Lion King: Pride Rock On Broadway Mamma Mia! The Musical Based on the Songs of ABBA: A Decca Broadway Original Cast Recording (1999 London Cast) ASIN: B000001M1B Release Date: 1997-11-14

Tracks:

1. Circle Of Life
2. Grasslands Chant
3. The Morning Report
4. The Lioness Hunt
5. I Just Can't Wait To Be King
6. Chow Down
7. They Live In You
8. Be Prepared
9. The Stampede
10. Rafiki Mourns
11. Hakuna Matata
12. One By One
13. The Madness Of King Scar
14. Shadow Land
15. The Lion Sleeps Tonight
16. Endless Night
17. Can You Feel The Love Tonight
18. He Lives In You (Reprise)
19. Simba Confronts Scar
20. King Of Pride Rock/Circle Of Life

Amazon.com

An Oscar win might suggest a score that would need a miracle to be bettered--but this colorful stage adaptation of Disney's The Lion King does so with flair. Composers Mark Mancina and Lebo M worked closely together to fuse the movie's many disparate elements. Where there was a veritable army exercising creative influences for the animated tale, this brings it all under the wings of a like-minded few. This is genuinely apparent as one track flows into the next. The African rhythms--both vocal and in instrumentation--come across as authentic and original all at once. No doubt this is largely through Mancina's passion for peculiar instruments and the possibilities suggested from nightly live performances. "Grasslands Chant" is a good place to hear this. The hit favorites are here of course, but both "Circle of Life" and "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" are pleasingly unrecognizable with chorus and shifting beats. Better still is the likelihood they will now be eclipsed by some of the new numbers. Mancina's own "He Lives in You" being a strong contender. With a sound mix as crisp as you'd hope to find, this is rousing stuff. --Paul Tonks

Customer Reviews:

Choose this one over the movie soundtrack..........2007-06-28

I bought this cd after seeing the show on broadway. If you like the African-influenced music present in the movie version of the Lion King, all of the original is present here as well as some really good new stuff. My favorite of the new songs is "Shadowland", which really just takes some recognizable background music from the movie and adds lyrics to it. other standouts include "He Lives in You", which you may have heard if you saw The Lion King 1 1/2, and the song Simba sings after his father has died.

I took off one star because I am not a fan of the singer portraying Scar in this recording, and I don't like most of his songs or those the hyenas sing. But the excellence of everthing else makes up for it.

Best musical soundtrack ever!!!.......2007-05-19

Awesome music!!! My kids love it, I love it! Everyone loves it!! I could listen to it over and over and not get sick of it!!!!

We love the Lion King.......2007-05-17

We had just gone to NY in March 07 and saw the play live. The CD is just as beautiful and the music brings tears to my eyes. My five year old knows all the words. We play it on the way to school and back everyday. He particularly likes "I just can't wait to be King".

Great Soundtrack for a Great Musical.......2007-05-13

This soundtrack is just as breathtaking as watching the musical and brings back all of the memories of NYC! This is the original cast recording, so if you've seen the production recently, most of the actors aren't the same; just keep that in mind.

Go see the show, just don't buy the CD there.......2007-03-04

I purchased this CD after seeing the U.S. tour. The show is amazing, go see it. I just say not to buy the CD there because there's a 300% markup! This exact CD is sold at the show's gift shop for $30...look what Amazon has it for. It's a great show, the music is better than that of the film. Enjoy!

International Music:

1. La Festa [Import]
2. Last Time I Saw Paris [Import] [Limited Edition] [Original recording remastered]
3. Le Belle Di Sanremo [Import]
4. Live in Harmony [Live]
5. Lonely in Paris [CD-single] [Import]
6. Message [Import]
7. Mountain to Mohammed [Import]
8. Muito Mais [Import]
9. Niemand Liebt Dich So Wie Ich [Box set] [Import]
10. P Ulsschlag [Import]

International Music

International Music