The Broadway Album

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
As its title indicates, this 1985 recording marked Barbra Streisand's return to her Broadway roots (significantly, she had dropped her pop-period Guilty perm and returned to straight hair). The CD contains a broad selection of show tunes, from Guys and Dolls's "Adelaide's Lament" to Sweeney Todd's "Not While I'm Around." But let's face it: this may also be one of Babs's most dated albums, due to typically '80s synthesizer-heavy arrangements that simply don't work with the material. Company's "Being Alive" is scarred by a preening alto sax, while West Side Story's "Something's Coming" features what sounds suspiciously like syndrums. But--and it's a pretty big "but"--Streisand sounds more buttery than ever ("Send in the Clowns" may be one of her finest '80s moments), so much so that she often manages to overcome the cheesy production. Now that's a singer. --Elisabeth Vincentelli --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

The Broadway Album, Music, Barbra Streisand, Pop, Pop Vocals, Show Tunes, Soundtrack, Vocal
The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • The Path not Taken
  • Genesis at thier peak
  • Opera Prima
  • True perfection!
  • "Dock the Dick..."
 The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway
Genesis
Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  1. Selling England By The Pound
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ASIN: B000002J1S
Release Date: 1994-09-20

Tracks:

  1. The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway
  2. Fly On A Windshield
  3. Broadway Melody Of 1974
  4. Cuckoo Cocoon
  5. In The Cage
  6. The Grand Parade Of Lifeless Packaging
  7. Back In N.Y.C.
  8. Hairless Heart
  9. Counting Out Time
  10. Carpet Crawlers
  11. The Chamber Of 32 Doors

Tracks:

  1. Lilywhite Lilith
  2. The Waiting Room
  3. Anyway
  4. Here Comes The Supernatural Anaesthetist
  5. The Lamia
  6. Silent Sorrow In Empty Boats
  7. The Colony Of Slippermen (The Arrival/A Visit To The Doktor/Raven)
  8. Ravine
  9. The Light Dies Down On Broadway
  10. Riding The Scree
  11. In The Rapids
  12. It.

Amazon.com essential recording

When it comes to making albums of epic proportions, few rival this magnificent production that a trip the band took to New York City inspired in 1973. The underlying story is of a street kid named Rael who, thanks in part to the realities of big city life, undergoes a weird and mystical transformation. Containing extended instrumental sections showcasing the extraordinary talents of Tony Banks, Steve Hackett, and Phil Collins, as well as the expressive vocals and often disturbing lyrics of Peter Gabriel, this is the album that located Genesis truly on the map. --Paul Clark

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars The Path not Taken.......2007-06-16

This is the greatest achievement of the band Genesis. SinceTrespass they had been building toward a musical monument like this. And here they construct it.

I listen to the album now with deep regret. "Lamb" shows the innovative directions the band was going in. Back in NYC anticipates electro-rock (like Gary Numan) by 4 or 5 years; the Eno-esque soundscapes, while dated now, show a desire to experiment; the intense complexity of the songs is offset, unlike in their prior work, by a solid foundation of bass and drums, driving rhythms (just listen to the bass and drums in In the Cage); the songs are generally shorter and more varied in tone and style.

What could have been had they continued down this path ... such remarkable possibilities unrealized. But the creative chemistry of the original line-up was lost when Gabriel left and then, a few years later, Hackett. Genesis survived the transition into the 1980s, but only by selling themselves by the pound. They collapsed into a pop band.

For me, then, The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway, represents the apogee of the Genesis genius, a signpost to a path not taken.

5 out of 5 stars Genesis at thier peak.......2007-06-16

This record is just truly great. I always wanted to hear this record, because I always enjoyed the concept albums of Rush. Because I have always liked Genesis around the time of Phil Collins, I wanted to give Peter Gabriel a chance. This record is considered his magnum opus so I gave it a shot. It really is as good as everyone said. If you like Genesis or the idea of concept albums, get this CD. It really is a great one.

5 out of 5 stars Opera Prima.......2007-06-08

Here you can find the essence of Genesis and Peter Gabriel.
Also have the vinyl, but decided to go digital, and both sound alike.
You can buy it and enjoy it, no doubt.

5 out of 5 stars True perfection!.......2007-05-28

What a classic! Modern eqip truely brings out the hidden side of this masterpiece! Vintage perfection!

5 out of 5 stars "Dock the Dick...".......2007-05-03

This is a terrific album and the whole experience has already been thoroughly documented in these reviews. Top-notch musicianship, daring lyrics, addictive hooks, innovative concept, the whole bit.

I've read lots of speculation about The Lamb's plot, but I think one possible theory has been overlooked. I believe it's given away in the second verse of the first song on the album:

... Metal motion comes in bursts,
But the gas station can quench that thirst
Suspension cracked on unmade road
The truckers eyes read Overload
And out of the subway,
Rael Imperial Aerosol Kid
Exits into daylight, spraygun hid,
And the lamb lies down on Broadway

A few seconds after the introduction of Rael, I believe he's immediately killed by this out of control truck with cracked suspension careening out from an alleyway, and lying dead on Broadway his soul is reborn and sent on this quest through some sort of "purgatory" (?). The album documents Rael's path to salvation with reflections on society, his own life and adventures in the afterlife. Rael has become the sacrificial lamb of societal decay, and in the end he finally does right by regaining his own lost love of self and others - at last discovering the "it." that life and compassion are made of.

One of the most amazing aspects of this album is that it allows a unique experience for each listener. The story lends itself to endless speculation and countless interpretations so it never really gets old. The lyrics are just vague enough and the music layered enough to constantly re-discover it. Once you "get it" it will haunt you for a very long time. Simply an amazing accomplishment.

Buy it, listen to it, listen to it five more times, then try to put it down. I dare you.
Man of La Mancha: A Decca Broadway Original Cast Album (Original 1965 Broadway Cast)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Check out Other Versions. Don't be swayed by Others' Reviews.
  • beautiful music for a haunting story.....
  • Man of LaMancha As Good As Ever
  • Don Quixote
  • Magnificent voices
 Man of La Mancha: A Decca Broadway Original Cast Album (Original 1965 Broadway Cast)
Mitch Leigh , Joe Darion , Richard Kiley , and Joan Diener
Manufacturer: Decca Broadway
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  1. Camelot (1960 Original Broadway Cast)
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ASIN: B00005A8KE
Release Date: 2001-03-06

Tracks:

  1. Overture
  2. Man Of La Mancha (I, Don Quixote)
  3. It's All The Same
  4. Dulcinea
  5. I'm Only Thinking Of Him
  6. I Really Like Him - Joan Diener
  7. What Do You Want of Me - Joan Diener
  8. Little Bird, Little Bird
  9. Barber's Song/Golden Helmet
  10. To Each His Dulcinea (To Every Man His Dulcinea)
  11. The Impossible Dream
  12. The Combat (Previously Unreleased Reissue Track)
  13. Dubbing (Knight of the Woeful Countenance) - Joan Diener
  14. The Abduction
  15. Aldonza - Joan Diener
  16. A Little Gossip
  17. Dulcinea (Reprise) /The Impossible Dream (Reprise) /Man of Mancha (Repr - Joan Diener
  18. Finale (The Impossible Dream) - Joan Diener

Amazon.com

Man of La Mancha, the show that introduced "The Impossible Dream" to the world (and lounge singers everywhere), was the hit of the 1965 Broadway season. Richard Kiley is magnificent in his career-defining performance as the deluded wannabe knight Don Quixote. His leading lad Joan Diener sings the role of the kitchen wench Aldonza with just the right balance of dignity and vulgarity. Irving Jacobson turns in a fine comic performance as the Don's faithful squire, Sancho Panza. The score, with music by Mitch Leigh and lyrics by Joe Darion, was revolutionary in its time. The orchestra had no violins--just brass, woodwinds, percussion, and flamenco guitars. Man of La Mancha is one of Broadway's most inspiring musicals and it well deserves its high reputation. --Michael Simmons

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars Check out Other Versions. Don't be swayed by Others' Reviews........2007-06-09

I've never seen this show on stage and my first exposure to the music was the Sony CD Man of La Mancha featuring Placido Domingo, Pandy Patankin, and Julia Migenes-Johnson. Despite lackluster reviews of the disk, I enjoy it, and when I saw this version at a second hand book/music store, I decided check it out too. My initial impression was that the Sony version was the better disk but decided to compare both versions by setting up a playlist in Media Player, playing tracks from both version back-to-back.

After that test, I have to agree with the reviews here that Richard Kiley is the superior Don Quixote. Domingo's voice is, of course wonderful, but Kiley acts the role better on the CD and Domingo's accent is a major distraction.

In the role of Aldonza - no contest. Julia Mingenes-Johnson's singing and performance on the Sony version is far superior to Joan Diener's. I didn't have to hear the tracks back-to-back to realize that. Ms. Diener's performance just grated on my ears from the beginning.

Bucking the crowd, I prefer Mandy Patankin's Sancho (Sony version) to Irving Jacobson's. I may be biased, having had more exposure to the Sony version, but Patankin seemed to be trying to inject a bit more feeling into the character. Jacobson, singing in an annoying, scratchy voice, came across almost like a cartoon trying to fit in among live characters. It seems like most people either like Patankin or hate him. Guess I'm one of the former.

The Orchestration does seem brighter/clearer in this version compared to the Sony version, but, in general, the tempo on most tracks seems slower than the same tracks on the Sony version. I preferred the up-tempo, Sony versions of "The Barber Song", "Little Bird, Little Bird", "The Dubbing" and "A Little Gossip".

In Summary: For Kiley's Don Quixote, you'll probably want this version, but for tracks featuring Aldonza (and maybe Sancho) you'll want to check out the Sony version. Since I have both disks, I will probably come up with a mix of my favorite tracks, in general, favoring the Sony disk but substituting the tracks that feature Richard Kiley's Don Quixote where I can.

5 out of 5 stars beautiful music for a haunting story............2007-06-07

I remember reading excerpts from Cervantes' DON QUIXOTE, as a Spanish student, way back in junior high school. The saga of the madman fighting windmills and pursuing his illusions [and delusions] was very sad, but very romantic at the same time. When the musical adaptation, MAN OF LA MANCHA, was brought to the stage in 1965, Richard Kiley (as the title character, Don Quixote) absolutely transfixed the audience with his sensitively heartfelt portrayal of the tragic madman. The plight of Don Quixote, who travels on horseback, with his faithful companion, Sancho Panza (Irving Jacobson), and absolutely lovestruck by kitched wench Aldonza (Joan Denier), is alternately pathetic and profound. Perhaps one of the best known (and most remade) songs in the repertoire from LA MANCHA, is "The Impossible Dream." Richard Kiley really make it his own, here, and after you hear his version, it's hard to listen to others' versions of it. It's just not the same. Though, this story is anything but joyful, the music will glide through your ears and carry you on a surrealistic journey through attempted triumph and (ultimately) tragedy.

5 out of 5 stars Man of LaMancha As Good As Ever.......2007-05-07

Very pleased with ourchase of this item. Quality is great as was the price. Delivery was timely. Easy transaction! A++++++++

5 out of 5 stars Don Quixote.......2006-09-14

Back in High School my band leader, Mr. DeYoung, decided (agianst much opposition from those of us in the band let me tell you) to have us perform select pieces from this musical

I hated the idea. But when we began to play, he even had us watch the musical, I fell in love with the melody. The many songs of a man who believes the best in the world. YOu find that in Dulcinea, The Impossible Dream, etc.

From one maginificently rendered song to another, you can be lost in its melodic elegance.

My favorite song is the initial rendition of 'Little Bird, Little Bird'. It's a soft song, sung as a love ballad. In the musical you discover it's being sung to a local whore by a bunch of randy men. Despite that, I still like it.

This along with others are among the great works of the stage!

5 out of 5 stars Magnificent voices.......2006-07-05

Voices and music make a revival of this beautiful play. Full of passion.
The Wiz - The Super Soul Musical: Original Cast Album (1975 Broadway Cast)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • I Love It! Love It! Love It!!!!
  • soulful re-working of "The Wizard of Oz"
  • Great recording of a great show!
  • The orignal Broadway cast!
  • Soulful Oz !
 The Wiz - The Super Soul Musical: Original Cast Album (1975 Broadway Cast)
Charlie Smalls
Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000002I8P
Release Date: 1992-09-15

Tracks:

  1. Prologue
  2. The Feeling We Once Had
  3. Tornado
  4. He's The Wizard
  5. Soon As I Get Home
  6. I Was Born On The Day Before Yesterday
  7. Ease On Down The Road
  8. Slide Some Oil To Me
  9. I'm A Mean Ole Lion
  10. Be A Lion
  11. So You Wanted To See The Wizard
  12. What Would I Do If I Could Feel
  13. Don't Nobody Bring Me No Bad News
  14. Everybody Rejoice
  15. Y'all Got It!
  16. If You Believe
  17. Home (Finale)

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars I Love It! Love It! Love It!!!!.......2007-05-14

This original cast album is delightful! I felt the passion from beginning to end!

4 out of 5 stars soulful re-working of "The Wizard of Oz".......2007-04-18

THE WIZ is an endlessly-delightful soul/R&B musical reworking of "The Wizard of Oz", with both music and lyrics written by Charlie Smalls. Never has it been more perfectly performed than on the original 1975 Broadway cast album.

Stephanie Mills adds lots of lush, glossy vocals to her role of Dorothy; especially in the moving finale "Home" (which became Mills' theme song during the ensuing years). Mills also scores with "Soon As I Get Home", and "Be a Lion".

Playing Dorothy's misfit band of friends down the Yellow Brick Road are the superbly talented Hinton Battle as the Scarecrow, Ted Ross as the Cowardly Lion, and Tiger Haynes as the Tin Man.

Dee Dee Bridgewater plays the good witch Glinda, and her "If You Believe" is truly inspirational. Mabel King plays Evillene, the wicked witch, and she brings a soulful and sassy edge to her big number "Don't Nobody Bring Me No Bad News". Andre de Shields plays The Wiz himself.

This crisp recording is a great reminder of this truly classic Broadway production, which won seven Tony Awards (including Best Musical), and went on to run for over 700 performances.

You'll find yourself hitting the 'repeat' button for Stephanie Mills' "Home", and it will definitely stay on high-rotation in your CD player! A must for all Broadway fans.

[Atlantic/WEA 18137-2]

5 out of 5 stars Great recording of a great show!.......2006-06-05

Much like "Dreamgirls" after it, this album's concept was to play as a pop record to appeal to a broader audience, which is why there is a prologue instead of the show's full overture and some tracks fade out rather than end on a musical button. That aside, you have the great Stephanie Mills who originated the role of Dorothy, along with the sassy Andre de Shields in the title role and the awesome Mabel King as Evillene, the Wicked Witch, who later reprised her role in the 1978 film. As another reviewer mentioned earlier, missing are a few of the show's other gems: instrumentals, "Lion's Dream", "Emerald City Ballet", "Funky Monkeys", and vocal selections, "Who Do You Think You Are?", The Wiz's rendition of "If You Believe", and Glinda's beautiful anthem, "A Rested Body is a Rested Mind." Otherwise, a cast album worthy of any Broadway theater collection.

5 out of 5 stars The orignal Broadway cast!.......2005-09-16

I saw this live performance and tried to tell my sweetheart about it. The movie didn't do the stage version justice! Now I own it. "Be a lion!"

4 out of 5 stars Soulful Oz !.......2005-07-12

Arriving in the spring of 1975, "The Wiz" ( a "soulful" take on "The Wizard Of Oz") was not an immediate hit. After an strong marketing campaign and a Tony for Best Musical, "The Wiz" enjoyed a long stay on Broadway.

Stephanie Mills (who lated scored a pop hit w/ "Never Knew Love Like This Before") shines as Dorothy. Hinton Battle and Ted Ross are also terrific as the Scarecrow and Lion, respectively.

Best Tracks include:

Tornado (a disco-flavored instrumental)
I Was Born On The Day Before Yesterday
Ease On Down The Road (the show's primary hit)
I'm A Mean Ole Lion
Home

Terrific!
Wicked (Karaoke)
Average customer rating: 3 out of 5 stars
  • High Cost, Little Quality
  • i'm 13, and i need help. (by the way, GO WICKED! luv it.)
  • Don't waste your money
  • "well-sung, theatrical vocals..." What cast did they listen to!?
  • I could play it better myself on a kazoo
 Wicked (Karaoke)

Manufacturer: Stage Stars
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0002KQOLM
Release Date: 2004-08-01

Tracks:

  1. No One Mourns the Wicked
  2. The Wizard and I
  3. What is This Feeling?
  4. Something Bad
  5. Dancing Through Life
  6. Popular
  7. I'm Not That Girl
  8. One Short Day
  9. A Sentimental Man
  10. Defying Gravity
  11. Thank Goodness
  12. Wonderful
  13. As Long As You're Mine
  14. No Good Deed
  15. For Good

Album Description

Featured at the annual celebration of the show's Broadway anniversary, this is the only karaoke recording of songs from Wicked with on-screen lyrics and a lyric booklet.

This is a new recording with a great cast, under the direction of Michael Lavine, of the Tony Award winning musical Wicked.This album contains two CDs. The first disc has a complete recording of each song, the second disc has fully-orchestrated accompaniment tracks.

All songs are in the original show key, and show tempo. Intros to the songs from the Broadway show are provided. Several live musicians are featured on this album.

On-Screen lyrics will appear when this CD+G is played in a karaoke machine. No lyrics will appear when the album is played in a regular CD player, however, a lyric booklet is provided.

Customer Reviews:

1 out of 5 stars High Cost, Little Quality.......2007-06-07

This CD is such a disappointment! I sing with a traveling theater group and thought I could practice to this karaoke disc. Not a chance! The quality is poor-synthesized instruments & wrong notes and chords all over the place!Don't even get me started on the sample vocal tracks! I actually discarded this part of the pack as it was painfule to listen to. The vocals are horribly off key. Please, save your money. I know it's exciting to find this wonderful musical in a karaoke version but keep looking. Don't waste your cash on this one!!!

5 out of 5 stars i'm 13, and i need help. (by the way, GO WICKED! luv it.).......2007-05-29

Hey ya'll.
i'm giving this 5 stars because i love wicked a lot (and it's not my top 1, but top 3.so i'm not biased) but i really need to know if the karaoke part is worth buying. i don't care about the instructional singers, just the music. i want to perform this, but plz tell me if it's worth the MUCHO money? thnx!

1 out of 5 stars Don't waste your money.......2007-02-01

My daughter needed the karaoke version to perform one of the songs for a show at her school. This version is absolutely horrible. Neither one of us can even stand (or sit)to listen to this cd. What a terrible waste of good hard earned money. Everyone who has purchased this should receive their money back plus 10% and an apology for being subjected to hearing this. Shame on the people who produced this cd and are making money from it.

1 out of 5 stars "well-sung, theatrical vocals..." What cast did they listen to!?.......2007-01-07

I bought this CD from the local Wal-Mart for a hefty sum. I was a little nervous, as I always am when I purchase something without listening to it first, but figured what the hey, it's Wicked, it CAN'T be bad. I really just wanted an alternate take on some of my favorite songs, since I can't afford to go see the musical in person yet.

I was wrong. I was very, very wrong. I realized I wasn't going to be getting the same level of performance as in the OCR release. But, after reading the reviews when I got home, I opened it. I popped it into my CD player, and my ears were immediately assaulted by their Gahlinda's warbling. Yes, Gah-linda. No other name fits so well. It's plain the group assembled to sing was trying, in part, to emulate the original cast's performance, and sadly, they failed miserably. Gah-linda's voice was off pitch and screetchy, frequently. Thinking perhaps I was merely comparing her unfairly to other performers, I played it for a friend, who all but begged me to turn it off. It was plain to us both that she was trying to sing far above her natural range. The other cast members, save their Fiyero, were decent. Their Elphaba was amateur good, and their Nessarose was surprisingly talented for the few moments time she got.

On to the music itself.

I have a reasonably high quality speaker system, yet the background music sounded like a midi file someone had made of the real music. Like something out of an old 16 bit game, or perhaps a talented teen trying to coax music out of an old keyboard. Thinking perhaps it WAS the sound system, I tried it in another media player. Same sound. Realizing that perhaps the guide CD might have simplified music apart from the karaoke CD itself, I swiftly switched to CD2. But wait. There was no CD2, because I had recieved two copies of CD1.

This was the final insult, for me. I contacted Stage-Stars and asked for my money back, explaining the variety of reasons I thought I deserved it. The woman I spoke with was polite and understanding, and, after getting my address, overnighted me a new copy of the title, shrink wrapped. It went immediately back to the store, and I got my money back.

On another note, on hearing the samples given on various sites of the CD2 music, I must conclude that it is the same quality on both CDs. In all honesty, you'd have more fun just setting the money on fire. Don't waste it on this purchase.

1 out of 5 stars I could play it better myself on a kazoo.......2006-12-13

I bought this karaoke cd because I was told it was the only one available for the musical and even though I had heard it was bad I figured it couldn't be all THAT bad. I was wrong. It's so bad that it hurts the ears of anyone with an ear for music and can throw off even the best trained singer - even when watching the cd+g graphics. I don't know what solution to offer instead since it's the only karaoke track that I know of... but you may be better off just going without.
Grease: A New 50's Rock 'N Roll Musical - The Original Broadway Cast Album
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • This is the REAL Grease.
  • Love it!
  • Grease, Grit and Parody
  • Greased Lightning has struck
  • The original, stll the best!
 Grease: A New 50's Rock 'N Roll Musical - The Original Broadway Cast Album
Jim Jacobs , and Warren Casey
Manufacturer: Polydor / Umgd
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000001FG6
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

  1. Alma Mater/Alma Mater (Parody)
  2. Summer Nights
  3. Those Magic Changes
  4. Freddy, My Love
  5. Greased Lightnin'
  6. Mooning
  7. Look At Me, I'm Sandra Dee
  8. We Go Together
  9. It's Raining On Prom Night
  10. Born To Hand-Jive
  11. Beauty School Dropout
  12. Alone At A Drive-In Movie
  13. Rock 'N' Roll Party Queen
  14. There Are Worse Things I Could Do
  15. Look At Me, I'm Sandra Dee (Reprise)
  16. All Choked Up
  17. We Go Together (Reprise)

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars This is the REAL Grease........2007-01-08

Grease, here in its original form, is an adventurous, raw, rowdy, INSIGHTFUL show that paints a very accurate picture of a pivotal moment in American history when rock and roll was giving birth to the Sexual Revolution. Grease is not a silly, brainless 50s parody, but is instead a smart, insightful, alternative piece of theatre (inspired in many ways by HAIR), with real muscle, attitude, rawness, and a thrilling, subversive, over-sexed energy. If you want to hear what Grease SHOULD sound like, if you want to hear the real sound of early rock and roll, get this original 1972 recording. Forget the awful revival, and forget the movie (as fun as it may be) -- THIS is Grease. [...]

5 out of 5 stars Love it!.......2006-12-30

We have been trying to get our drama teacher to let us do Grease for years (way before I even went to the school) and this year she's finally letting us.

I've always been a fan of Grease whenever it would come on TV I'd watch it and sing to the songs and I always wanted to be Sandy. But, by listening to the soundtrack I've changed my mind into trying out for Marty because "Freddy, My Love" is, in my opinion, the best song on the soundtrack, the only problem, it's an alto song and I'm a soprano.

Anyway, enough about my life, let's talk about the album. As I said before I've always been a Grease fan, but this version has made me love it even more. This original version is way better than the movie version, the songs seem to fall into place better than in the movie (because they were written for the play of course). Actually, the songs NOT in the movie are the best songs in the play, other than "Freddy, My Love" there are "Mooning" sung by Roger and Jan at a picnic, "Raining on Prom Night" (replaced by "Hoplessly Devoted to You" in the play, Sandy sings this song in her room instead of going to the dance as she did in the movie), "Alone at a Drive-in Movie" (replaced by "Sandy" in the movie, basically, it says the same thing as "Sandy" does), and "All Choked Up" (replaced by "You're the One That I Want", I'm kinda glad it was replaced because I like "You're the One That I Want" better).

I hope this helped you, it probably didn't because of all the personal anecdotes I had to put in there. Anyway, what I'm trying to say is that it's a good album and worth buying if you're a Grease fan.

5 out of 5 stars Grease, Grit and Parody.......2006-11-18

At some point in the early 1970's, nostaglia for the 1950's started running out of control. At a time when America was dealing with many social changes, somehow the decade of the 1950's became yearned after for
fun, innocence, rock and roll, and postwar prosperity. The realty being it was a decade that also included
economic issues, open descrimination, and very tame music (the name "the quiet generation" was there for a reason).

Grease came to life as a parody of the 1950's nostaglia craze, and it painted a truer, grittier portrait of the late 50's at an urban high school. The movie that came out in 1978, and the Broadway revival of the 90's whitewashed the story, and cleaned up the language so much the original Broadway musical got lost in the shuffle.

The great score is lead by Adrienne Barbaue, Barry Bostwick, and Carol Demas, and a number of songs never made it to the film, including Those Magic Changes, and Freddy My Love. Yes, in the 1950's there still was a draft!. Adrienne's character of Rizzo steals the show with her numbers, Look At Me I'm Sandra Dee, and There Are Worse Things I Could Do, finally the "Bad Girl" is allowed to be human. Summer Nights, It's Raining On Prom Night, and Rock N Roll Party Queen speak to the teenager that remains in all of us.

Enjoy this very real trip into the late 1950's

Ken

5 out of 5 stars Greased Lightning has struck.......2006-09-06

GREASE what a classic. I'm listening to it right now! I recently saw the play and they did the song you're the one that i want instead of all chocked up witch replaces that and in the movie they use that song and so on but the only reason im not mentioning Sandy or Hoplessly Devoted is because those aren't n aturally ever in the play it was made for the movie. This soundtract is still great five stars to the cast writer and composer

5 out of 5 stars The original, stll the best!.......2006-07-22

I saw the original production of Grease and it was hysterical. It was originally intended as an affectionate parody of the 50's and was a laugh riot. Then Hollywood got a hold of it and turned it into the cotton candy, pop fluff that the world see's it as now, totally missing the point (and losing alot of the fun). The original cast led by Barry Bostwick, Adrienne Barbaue and Carol Demas, were a blast! Stick to this version if you like real parody, humorous and true to the 50's rock style.
Little Shop Of Horrors: Original Cast Album (1982 Off-Broadway Cast)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Puts the petal to the metal!
  • A Charming, Often Brilliant Little Musical
  • Little Shop Of Horrors
  • Fun
  • Quaint, but Enjoyable!
 Little Shop Of Horrors: Original Cast Album (1982 Off-Broadway Cast)
Howard Ashman
Manufacturer: Decca U.S.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  1. Little Shop of Horrors (2003 Broadway Revival Cast)
  2. Little Shop of Horrors
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  5. The Little Shop of Horrors

ASIN: B000000OMF
Release Date: 1992-08-25

Tracks:

  1. Prologue (Little Shop Of Horrors)
  2. Skid Row (Downtown)
  3. Da-Doo
  4. Grow For Me
  5. Ya Never Know
  6. Mushnik And Sons
  7. Dentist!
  8. Somewhere That's Green
  9. Feed Me (Git It)
  10. Now (It's Just The Gas)
  11. Closed For Renovation
  12. Suddenly Seymour
  13. Suppertime
  14. The Meek Shall Inherit
  15. Sominex/Suppertime ll
  16. Finale (Don't Feed The Plants)

Amazon.com

This version of the soundtrack to the hit musical is from the stage production, which ended rather differently than the movie: just about the entire cast (except for the backup singers) winds up as lunch for the hungry plant. As a result, this CD lacks the song "Mean Green Mother from Outer Space," which was written for the film. Instead, the recording closes with "Don't Feed the Plants," which is much more in keeping with the spirit of the rest of the musical. Little Shop of Horrors explores a wide variety of musical styles, from the rhumba-inflected "Mushnik and Son" to the I'm-on-Broadway ballads "Somewhere That's Green" and "Suddenly Seymour." The most spirited numbers are those that feature the trio of backup singers, who perform on the title track, "Skid Row," "Da-Doo," "The Meek Shall Inherit," and other numbers with considerable energy. The recording loses something if you haven't actually seen the stage production, but hearing this CD will give you an excellent reason to do so. --Genevieve Williams

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Puts the petal to the metal!.......2007-05-11

Until just this month, I had never seen "Little Shop" or heard any of its music. But when my kids put on the show at their high school, suddenly I was fascinated by all things Seymour and Audrey. This 1982 cast production of the music is a perfect memento of the play and a capable tribute to the terrific work of Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, respectively, the composer and writer. This is one of several versions of "Little Shop" that are in circulation, and adds a layer of campiness to the dark original. Like the original (and unlike the movie) it does shrink from the dealing with the Faustian consequences of its characters' choices.

After listing to them, it's guaranteed that these songs will be running through your head for weeks. I'm especially tickled by "Skid Row," the urban ensemble piece that sets the scene for the action. "Somewhere That's Green," sweetly showcases Audrey's warped dream of a better life in the suburbs -- "a grill out on the patio...and an ironing machine". And everyone loves the "Dentist" piece, sung partially through a gas mask - a risky proposition that works, at least on the album.

The 1982 version of "Little Shop" may not continue to wear well, with its many dated references to 1950s personalities - Donna Reed, Jack Paar and Hedy Lamarr. But no matter, there is plenty of wonderful music to keep your car stereo or IPod busy for weeks.

5 out of 5 stars A Charming, Often Brilliant Little Musical.......2006-08-09

Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, best known for their superb songs for the Disney classics Beauty and the Best and The Little Mermaid, were also prominent in the theater. However, the crowning achievement of their work for theater (mostly Off-Broadway) was Little Shop of Horrors. Menken perfectly blends theater music and pop music and Ashman's lyrics are always witty and excellent.
The small cast has plently of talent. Let's begin with Ellen Greene, an exceptional actress who will be best remembered for this role of Audrey. Although her dialouge reading isn't prominent on this album, her singing certainly is. And what a singer she is! She's perfect.
Ron Taylor, best known for his role of Bleeding Gums Murphy on The Simpsons, is great as Audrey II. I prefer him to Levi Stubbs in the film and the fellow who played him in the overblown Broadway production.
Lee Wilkoff, an Off-Broadway veteran (later to star in the original Playwrights Horizons production of Assassins) is a fine Seymour. He sings nicely and pulls the role off well.
The guy playing Mr. Mushnik is just fine and the man who plays Orin the Dentist among other parts is excellent.
The Greek Chorus of Urchins, a creation of Mr. Ashman's, make a great musical excellent. These girls are perhaps give the best performances for a recording of this show.
This is a great musical. It's slowly becoming a modern classic and deserves to become one!

5 out of 5 stars Little Shop Of Horrors.......2006-05-29

I loved the 1986 movie with Ellen Greene. I bought this wonderful CD from Tower Records. I was so happy. I looked at it.
Then I placed it in my brand new boombox. It was so cool. And Ellen Greene was Audrey on this CD. I was also happy that she was on there.
Songs/Rated by me:
1.Prologue (Little Shop Of Horrors) 4/5
2.Skid Row (Downtown) 5/5
3.Da-Doo 3/5
4.Grow For Me 4/5
5. Ya Never Know 5/5
6.Mushnik & Son 5/5
7.Dentist! 3/5
8.Somewhere Thats Green 5/5
9.Feed Me (Git It) 6/5
10.Now (It's Just For Gas) 4/5
11.Closed For Renovation 5/5
12.Suddenly,Seymour 5/5
13.Suppertime 4/5
14. The Meek Shall Inherit 3/5
15.Sominex/SupperTime II 5/5
16.Finale (Don't Feed The Plants) 5/5
Total: 71/80

5 out of 5 stars Fun.......2006-04-05

I'm a sucker for the whole "This is where it all began" aspect of original cast albums, not matter how simple or rough around the edges they be (The 1973 London cast of The Rocky Horror Show is a perfect example), and it's these humble recordings that are usually, if not always my favorite. That being said, Little Shop of Horrors is quite possible my favorite musical. Of every show that grace smy stereo, this is probably the only show that I truely feel is absolutly perfect. I have no gripes what so ever with this show. Since as far back as I could remember I've always felt that it balanced humor and heart with more then just a dash of coolness like no other show avant or apres has ever been able to do.

But I digress, getting back to the matter of cast recordings. The biggest gripe I could have with a cast recording is that it's incomplete. Anything less then the entire score recorded in it's entirety is painful for me. That's this recordings major flaw. It's pretty sparse. It's more of a highlight recording if anything, as it includes most of the best tracks, with the exception of a few add ons.

The main tracks it does include (Suddenly Seymour, Feed me, Dentist, Somehwere That's Green, Grow for Me...You know the ones) are fortunatly either diffinitve or pretty damn good. The Feed me here is, at least in my oppinion, the best ever recorded. Ron Taylor as Audrey II is amazing. Probably only second best to Levi Stubbs in the movie (although the Feed Me there isn't nearly as good). We also have the Amazing Ellen Greene here, and that NEVER hurts. She's heartbreaking.

You couldn't ay this is the definitive recording - the 2003 Broadway cast probably takes that honor, if only because it's complete - but this album is a wonderful light into how it all began. Highly recomennded.

4 out of 5 stars Quaint, but Enjoyable!.......2006-04-01

I really like this show. I must say that it is better live and with all of the tracks. This version doesn't include all of the material included in say the newer (less pleasing) Broadway version.
Ellen Greene shines as Audrey, but I must say that the girl I saw, Tari Kelly, in the national tour is superior. She has a funny way of saying her words which adds to the character, but then she gets into this weird little kind of soultry, kind of soprano, and kind of belty voice. She did this more in the movie version, but in the song SUDDENLY SEYMOUR, she gets into it and it detracts from the song. But I do give her an A because, I mean, she made the role. Every actress sculpts themselves based on her performance. She's got to be good.

Ron Taylor is much less satisfying. He sings beautifully with ease and flare. That's a bad thing! Seymour can have a good voice, but it has to be character fitting. Mr. Taylor just sings too prety. GROW FOR ME lacks the nerdiness. SUDDENLY SEYMOUR is weak until Audrey comes in, and even then, it is lacking something. Because of that this is my least favorite version of SUDDENLY SEYMOUR. I give Mr Taylor a C, just because I feel his MEEK SHALL INHERIT is haunting.

Lee Wilkoff is good, but forgettable. Some of his funnier lines are left out, which detracts from his character. The guy who plays Mushnik is okay, but also forgettable. The three girls are okay, but one of them sings like she wants to be a soprano but can't get up there like she wants. MEEK SHALL INHERIT is done well by the three, but the title song is lacking.

The guy who plays Orin and all the others is good. His DENTIST is plain, patly because of the blah orchestrations and partly because of the weaker lyrics. *I feel DENTIST is one of the most lacking songs in the show, the worst is CLOSED FOR RENOVATION!* But the guy is eally good in MEEK SHALL INHERIT. I love those lyrics! His voice does sound a little bit the same for every part, but that is understandable knowing that he doesn't have his costumes.

The writers of this play eally did a great job. There are many standouts on this CD such as:

SKID ROW
GROW FOR ME
YA NEVER KNOW
SOMEWHERE THAT'S GREEN
NOW
SUDDENLY SEYMOUR (just because it's good)
MEEK SHALL INHERIT
SOMINEX
DON'T FEED THE PLANTS

This CD is a great listen. I highly suggest it. I feel it is the bets recording of the show. The movie version takes second place, while the new version takes third. I fel original is best. However, the larger number of tracks on hte other CD's are really a great thing.

Thanks for Ellen Greene and some really great writers, this CD is must buy!

4 stars?

2 stars for Ellen Greene
1 star for the writing
1 star for the guy who plays Orin, Lee Wilkoff, and MEEK SHALL INHERIT

The Broadway Album
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Learning About Love While Yearning
  • Great !
  • Number one
  • she believes the hype
  • Lovely voice, lovely songs
 The Broadway Album
Barbra Streisand
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Back to Broadway
  2. The Movie Album
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  5. The Third Album

ASIN: B00005V3XG
Release Date: 2002-01-29

Tracks:

  1. Putting It Together
  2. If I Loved You
  3. Something's Coming
  4. Not While I'm Around
  5. Being Alive
  6. I Have Dreamed/We Kiss In A Shadow/Something Won..
  7. Adelaide's Lament
  8. Send In The Clowns
  9. Pretty Women/The Ladies Who Lunch
  10. Can't Help Lovin' That Man
  11. I Loves You Porgy/Porgy, I's Your Woman Now...
  12. Somewhere

Amazon.com

As its title indicates, this 1985 recording marked Barbra Streisand's return to her Broadway roots (significantly, she had dropped her pop-period Guilty perm and returned to straight hair). The CD contains a broad selection of show tunes, from Guys and Dolls's "Adelaide's Lament" to Sweeney Todd's "Not While I'm Around." But let's face it: this may also be one of Babs's most dated albums, due to typically '80s synthesizer-heavy arrangements that simply don't work with the material. Company's "Being Alive" is scarred by a preening alto sax, while West Side Story's "Something's Coming" features what sounds suspiciously like syndrums. But--and it's a pretty big "but"--Streisand sounds more buttery than ever ("Send in the Clowns" may be one of her finest '80s moments), so much so that she often manages to overcome the cheesy production. Now that's a singer. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Learning About Love While Yearning.......2007-06-09

C. Kenneth Burkholder, who via an understanding was at the time of the original release of this was Barbra's prospectve father-in-law and whose death has occurred, said of this "If I Loved You", "That's nice." The tragicomic rendition of part of Adelaide fascinatingly points out some dangers of stripping for pay.
Just past the beginning of creating "What Times Are," a musical by (a) pacifist(s) as well as an adaptation of my play "What Time Is It, Neil Armstrong?," which is a sequel to my novel "How Did That Sun Get Out," I am inspired by the yearning apparent in "The Broadway Album"--a yearning not for perfection but for worthwhile ways for people all over the earth and in space to spend time.

4 out of 5 stars Great !.......2007-02-27

I bought the CD to replace my worn-out cassette tape, and I was pleased to find it has one more track -- Adelaide's Lament -- which I enjoyed. Nice to have another comic song to balance out the love songs. She brings out the beauty of these lovely tunes.

5 out of 5 stars Number one .......2007-02-05

Barbra is the number one female ballad singer of all time. No one has her range of feeling, the sheer lyric power of her voice, her sometimes exaggerated but often poignant power to dramatically express feeling. She can create the chill down the spine with a small trill or with a wild unexpected crescendo. 'Broadway' is her first home, and acting a song as she sings it comes natural to her.
This is one of her finest albums.

1 out of 5 stars she believes the hype.......2006-10-12

This is from the big-shot who thinks she can control a political party and tell fans what to think about issues despite being a high-school dropout. She's a good singer, but not the best. She basically needs to shut the eff up and sing. Hey, those are her words, right?

5 out of 5 stars Lovely voice, lovely songs.......2006-08-02

This album contains the choicest of Broadway hits given an outstanding interpretation by the Streisand. Barbra's flawless voice moves up and down with ease as the melodies unfold. Perfect!
The King and I: A Decca Broadway Original Cast Album (Original 1951 Broadway Cast)
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • a classic
  • Something Entirely Wonderful!
  • 1951-not the year to capture a great musical
  • Recording not up to demands of show
  • Not an easy listen
 The King and I: A Decca Broadway Original Cast Album (Original 1951 Broadway Cast)
Richard Rodgers , and Oscar Hammerstein II
Manufacturer: Decca Broadway
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. South Pacific (Original 1949 Broadway Cast)
  2. My Fair Lady (1956 Original Broadway Cast)
  3. Camelot (1960 Original Broadway Cast)
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  5. Fiddler on the Roof (1964 Original Broadway Cast)

ASIN: B00004T9TE
Release Date: 2000-05-16

Tracks:

  1. Overture
  2. I Whistle A Happy Tune
  3. My Lord and Master
  4. Hello, Young Lovers
  5. March of the Siamese Children
  6. A Puzzlement
  7. Getting To Know You
  8. We Kiss In A Shadow
  9. Shall I Tell You What I Think of You?
  10. Something Wonderful
  11. I Have Dreamed
  12. Shall We Dance?

Amazon.com

Yul Brynner made a career out of playing the King of Siam. He owns it so much that it's disconcerting to see Rex Harrison play it in the film version of Anna & the King of Siam, the play Rodgers and Hammerstein adapted. Ironically, the still-unknown Brynner wasn't the star of the 1951 production; he's billed below British grande dame Gertrude Lawrence (played by Julie Andrews in the biopic Star!), who died during the play's run, and curio value is the only real reason for this recording in 1998. Sound quality is below standard, much like MCA other early Decca original cast albums, and Brynner was still too young to bring the majestic authority to the role he did in both the film and later stage versions. --Bill Holdship

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars a classic.......2006-06-05

A true musical theater classic. Wonderful melodies that will last for years to come.
Other classics not to forget about are:
Mary Poppins
My Fair Lady
The Wizard of Oz
Chitty Chitty Bang Band
The first Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
The Sound of Music
Oliver
West Side Story
Fiddler on the Roof
Singing in the Rain
The Wiz
Little Mermaid
Aladdin
Beauty and the Beast
Grease
The King and I
Oklahoma
The Music Man
South Pacific

My Voice Students are always asking me for recommendations so I though I'd post it for all! We can't forget about these great musicals!

5 out of 5 stars Something Entirely Wonderful!.......2004-12-04

This was the first R+H recording i bought and i was enchanted by it from the very beginning. True, it has its limitations and it is certainly not my favorite R+H score,(one reviewer commented that this was the last of the great R+H musicals. Excuse me? Have you ever heard of The Sound of Music?) but it is undoubtedly a very necessary addition to any Broadway collection. The performances of the stars are incredable and the great collaborators are in their element, though for me this is more of a Rodgers triumph than a Hammerstein one. The soaring, romantic, exotic, colorful (etc, etc) music instantly captures each listener and is brilliantly arranged by their wonderful orchestrater Robert Russell Bennet. While the sound may not always be as good as it could be, one must take into account that the recording industry was still very much in its infant stages in 1951. Admitedly, the stars performances may not be as pleasing vocally as the could be, but they do extremely well in spite of this and are backed up by a stellar supporting cast. Doretta Morrow and Larry Dougles bring their own magic to what i consider to be one of R+H's greatest love songs, I Have Dreamed. Dorothy Sarnoff is magnificent in the soaring showstopper, Something Wonderful. Yul Brynner provides a fine rendition of A Puzzlement and joins Lawrence in that Wonderful closing number Shall We Dance, which it is impossible not to dance to. Lawrence's voice is weak but she still provides very pleasing renditions of Hello, Young Lovers and Getting To Know You. My one regret, (I can ignore the truncated numbers when the parts that ARE provided are so satisfying) is that there isn't even an incomplete rendition of the Uncle Thomas Ballet which is one of my favorite parts of the stage show. Still, that can be found on other recordings but the charm, the beauty and the freshness that can only ever be found on Original Cast Recordings, can't.

2 out of 5 stars 1951-not the year to capture a great musical.......2004-07-26

One correction to a review on this page. (Sorry) Yul Brynner was in his early thirties when this recording was made. (Born 1920). The only real value in this album is Gertrude Lawrence. Her star power was incredible, although this forced album does not allow her to completely shine. The recording technique is terrible. It's flat (not referring to pitch), the instruments are muffled, and everything is cut to fit either time for the 78 RPM's or for radio broadcast. Not a true representation of the great musical. I understand that this is 1951, but Columbia was light years ahead in recording technique (South Pacific-1949) The best representation is the 1977 Braodway Cast(RCA), which showed Yul Brynner in his return to Broadway. It is also the first recording with everything (except Uncle Thomas)to be uncut. Superb sound, and even some dialouge vignettes from different scenes, including a full Shall we Dance? Buy 1977, not 1951. Not recommending this recording.

3 out of 5 stars Recording not up to demands of show.......2004-01-23

THE KING AND I has always been one of Rodgers & Hammerstein's most popular shows. It has been frequently recorded receieving 4 New York cast albums, 2 London casts and 3 studio casts as well as the film soundtrack. Normally the first original cast is to be preferred but the limitations of the day prevent this 1951 recording from being definitive.

Decca was not as advacnced in recording techniques as were some of the other labels and the sound quality of this disc is very tinny. Gertrude Lawrence's already thin voice is not helped at all. The lady has pitch problems and her celebrated stage presence just doesn't come across on the recording. Dorothy Sarnoff and Doretta Morrow at least have voices up to the demands of the music, but they too suffer from the flad sound of the Decca studio. Larry Douglas uses his voice to good effect and projects some warmth in his duets, while Yul Brynner is heard only in a heavily cut recording of "A Puzzlement" and for a few lines in "Shall We Dance." This last number, shorn of its dialogue and dramatic context is robbed of any meaning. It becomes just another number. Although this album was originally released in all 3 speeds (78, 45 and 33) the songs were heavily abridged to fit the 3 1/2 minute limitations of the 78 RPM format. All in all, it is not a satisfactory recording of the show.

Those in search of the nearly complete score would be better served by the 1977 RCA cast album of the revival with Brynner in full command of the role.

2 out of 5 stars Not an easy listen.......2004-01-13

I have found that there are two types of R & H works. There are the lively and upbeat scores, like Cinderella and Sound of Music. Then there are the slower and denser scores, like Carousel and the King and I, which are not bad, but not to my liking. There are not many songs on here that appeal to the popular tastes. Music theorists will probably love it. I have found that the best R and H works are the ones that sound like they were written today, most notably Sound of Music.
Summer of '42 Off-Broadway Cast Album
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Fun and Melancoly
  • Such a Lovely Musical
 Summer of '42 Off-Broadway Cast Album

Manufacturer: Jay Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000IFQLJG
Release Date: 2007-01-23

Tracks:

  1. Prelude
  2. The Summer You'll Always Remember
  3. The Terrible Trio
  4. Here and Now
  5. Will That Ever Happen To Me?
  6. Winchell report #1
  7. You're Gonna Miss Me
  8. Little Did I Dream
  9. Mr. Sanders #1
  10. The walk
  11. Dorothy's house
  12. Like They Used To
  13. I Think I Like Her
  14. The Heat / winchell report #2 / Here and Now (reprise)
  15. Before the Movies
  16. The Movies
  17. After the movies
  18. Winchell report #3
  19. Benjie and gloria
  20. The boxes
  21. Man Around The House
  22. Someone to Dance with Me

Tracks:

  1. Entr'acte
  2. Unfinished Business
  3. Make You Mine
  4. Mr. Sanders #2 / Here and Now (Reprise)
  5. The Drugstore
  6. The Jitterbug
  7. The Marshmallow Roast
  8. The Campfire
  9. Hermie And Dorothy
  10. Promise of the Morning
  11. Oh Gee, I Love My G.I. / Winchell Report #4
  12. Oscy and Hermie
  13. Dorothy's House
  14. The Dance
  15. Finale
  16. Bows
  17. Exit Music
  18. Our Story So Far
  19. Losing Track of Time

Amazon.com

Despite running for only a month Off-Broadway in 2002, this musical was preserved in a studio cast recording five years later. Based on Herman Raucher's coming-of-age memoir about a very special New England summer (which also spawned a 1971 movie that boasted one of Michel Legrand¹s most famous themes, THe Summer of '42 is uneven but sports enough grace notes to be deemed encouraging. Working from a book by Hunter Foster (himself a musical-theater actor of note), David Kirshenbaum has come up with a pleasant, if perhaps a little bland score‹one wishes his music reflected more the youthful passion felt by the main protagonist, 15-year-old Hermie, for the older Dorothy. Kirshenbaum, like many young composers of his generation, displays a certain Sondheimian bent ("Will That Ever Happen to Me?" "I Think I Like Her") but the best tracks are the ones that incorporate period touches, most notably in the lovely Andrews Sisters-­like harmonies of Celia Keenan-Bolger, Danielle Ferland and Megan Valerie Walker (check out their winning, swinging "You're Gonna Miss Me," "Man Around the House," and "Oh Gee, I Love My G.I."). As Dorothy, the wonderful Rachel York gets three ballads that may well find their way in many cabaret set lists in years to come--Alice Ripley already did the belting showcase "Losing Track of Time" (a bonus track) on Unsuspecting Hearts. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Album Description

"Summer of '42 is a coming-of-age piece drenched in nostalgia." -- New York Times

Original cast recording of a concert performance of the musical Summer of '42. The only complete recording of this popular musical, with many productions being produced across the country. Most of the original off-Broadway cast, together with Broadway star Rachel York, were assembled for this concert performance and subsequent original cast recording. Recorded at New York's Clinton Studios. Mixed at London's Abbey Road Studios.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Fun and Melancoly.......2007-07-13

The voices perform difficult music flawlessly, and Rachael York has a voice you could just snuggle up to.

5 out of 5 stars Such a Lovely Musical.......2007-03-10

This is an absolutely beautiful show. It perfectly captures the mood of WWII America through the eyes of a 15-year-old boy who befriends a 25-year-old war bride while her husband is overseas. Ryan Driscoll as Hermie and Rachel York as Dorothy are charming together. We really feel their hopes and fears, joys and sorrows. Solo highlights are Driscoll's "Will That Ever Happen to Me?" and York's "Promise of the Morning," "Our Story So Far," and "Losing Track of Time." Touching duets include "Little Did I Dream," "Like They Used To," and "Someone to Dance with Me." A trio of young girls sing several swing interludes in the style of the Andrews Sisters, and Hermie's friends Oscy and Benjie join him for some fun testosterone driven numbers that add comic relief. The entire cast is very talented, but Rachel York is, as always, a standout. Her voice is equally beautiful when soaring powerfully or gently cradling more pensive lyrics. This musicalized version of the classic film is sentimental without being cloying. You will be moved to both laughter and tears. Your heart will break, but it will also be healed. What a treat to have this cast album include the entire show - book and score. It's well worth every penny.
Annie Get Your Gun: An Original Cast Album (1966 Lincoln Center Cast)
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Peerless Merman In Her Best Role
  • The BEST of many recordings of ANNIE GET YOUR GUN
  • a great recording; Merman is in top form
  • A Real Showstopper!
  • They say it's wonderful... And indeed it is!
 Annie Get Your Gun: An Original Cast Album (1966 Lincoln Center Cast)
Irving Berlin
Manufacturer: RCA Victor Broadway
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Gypsy - A Musical Fable (1959 Original Broadway Cast)
  2. Annie Get Your Gun
  3. Annie Get Your Gun (1946 Original Broadway Cast)
  4. Annie Get Your Gun (1999 Broadway Revival Cast)
  5. Mame (1966 Original Broadway Cast)

ASIN: B000002W1O
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

  1. Overture - Orchestra
  2. Colonel Buffalo Bill - Jerry Orbach
  3. I'm a Bad, Bad Man - Bruce Yarnell
  4. Doin' What Comes Natur'lly - Ethel Merman
  5. The Girl That I Marry - Bruce Yarnell
  6. You Can't Get A Man With A Gun - Ethel Merman
  7. There's No Business Like Show Business - Bruce Yarnell
  8. They Say It's Wonderful - Bruce Yarnell
  9. Moonshine Lullaby - Ethel Merman
  10. There's No Business Like Show Business (Reprise) - Ethel Merman
  11. My Defenses Are Down - Bruce Yarnell
  12. I'm An Indian Too - Ethel Merman
  13. I Got Lost In His Arms - Ethel Merman
  14. I Got The Sun In The Morning - Ethel Merman
  15. An Old Fashioned Wedding - Bruce Yarnell
  16. Anything You Can Do - Ethel Merman
  17. Finale: There's No Business Like Show Business/They Say It's Wonderful (Reprises) - Entire Company

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Peerless Merman In Her Best Role.......2006-01-04

The sound and superb cast are the ticket for this complete recording of Annie Get Your Gun. Ethel Merman, what can you say? She was a legend and this recording proves it again. Bruce Yarnell was incredible as Frank Butler, and Jerry Orbach, who at that point of his career was 2 years away from his star-making role in "Promises Promises" gives the Charlie Davenport role everything he had. If you have to pick a cd of the show, you can't beat this one.

5 out of 5 stars The BEST of many recordings of ANNIE GET YOUR GUN.......2003-02-07

This album of the 20th anniversary revival from 1966 is, in fact, much better than the original Decca cast album. For starters it has better sound (and in stereo too!) and is more complete. It is also laid out in theatrical order so the listener can follow the show from Overture to Finale. Merman's voice comes across bright and brassy as ever..she we 58 at the time but certainly doesn't sound it.

To answer queries by two other reviewers:

1. The famous Merman version of "There's No Busines Like Show Business" was never heard in the show. As originally written the song was to be sung by the other characters to Annie to convince her to join the Wild West Show. After hearing the song in rehearsals, Merman wanted to sing it to, so an extra verse was added ("There's No Business Like Show Business if You tell me it's so...") and she was also given a short reprise later in the show. She did, however, do solo versions on radio and Tv and in 1954 starred in a movie called THERE'S NO BUSINESS LIKE SHOW BUSINESS and it is the soundtrack recording of that movie that yielded her famous recording of the song.

2. The song "Old Fashioned Wedding" was not in the original show nor the movie. Irving Berlin wrote it for this 1966 revival and it became another showstopper in a score filled with hits. Because of this new song added to the revival the minor characters of Tommy and Winnie (two young lovers in the wild west show) were downplayed and their two duets "I'll Share It All With You" and "Who Do You love I Hope" were both cut from the revival. Since this is the usual version sent out for community groups, those two songs are seldom heard anymore and "Old Fashioned Wedding is almost always included.

4 out of 5 stars a great recording; Merman is in top form.......2002-12-12

In 1966, Richard Rodgers, then the president and producing-director for Music Theater of Lincoln Center, decided to produce a revival of 1946's smash-hit Irving Berlin musical ANNIE GET YOUR GUN, which had established its star Ethel Merman as one of the greatest Broadway divas.

Rodgers persuaded Ethel Merman to reprise her role in the revival. Merman had not been on the Broadway stage since 1959's GYPSY and subsequent tour, and was eager to return to the role that she had immortalized. The revival also featured Bruce Yarnell as Frank Butler, Jerry Orbach as Charlie Davenport and Benay Venuta as Dolly Tate (the role she had played in the 1951 film version).

ANNIE GET YOUR GUN opened at the New York State Theatre on May 31, 1966 and played a stricly-limited run of 47 performances before heading out for a touring season. It later returned to the bigger Broadway Theatre for an additional 77 performances.

As always, Merman is a delight. She peels away the years as she sings showstopers like "I Got the Sun in the Morning", "I Got Lost in His Arms", and "Moonshine Lullaby". Bruce Yarnell sings a gorgeous "I'm a Bad, Bad Man" as well as a jaunty "My Defences are Down".

Of course, nothing will displace the original 1946 recording, but completists and Broadway fans will find a lot to love about this second cast album featuring Ethel Merman.

Highly-recommended.

5 out of 5 stars A Real Showstopper!.......2002-09-22

I had been searching for some time for this recording of "An Old Fashioned Wedding" and I'm glad I finally found it - especially as it is an extended version (and previously unreleased)! All of the songs on this disc are superbly reproduced from the original recordings and are simply a joy to behold!

I find it surprising that enquiries from musical afficianados - and physical music sales outlets regarding "An Old Fashioned Wedding" resulted in either "Oh no, I'm afraid it's not on the soundtrack recording - you must have got the name of the song wrong!" or "You MUST mean the song 'The Girl That I Marry'".

What a pity, though, that the duet was not featured in the movie as it would have made a superb show which was already full of smashing songs and music, a real masterpiece! Both Ethel and Bruce produce a truly memorable version of Irving Berlin's new song for the 1966 20th-anniversary revival, which was written in his familiar contrapuntal style. Whoever said that this recording of the songs and music from the show is better than the original 1946 production was absolutely right. If you want the true feeling of "Annie Get Your Gun" then this is surely the recording to get. It's a real showstopper!!

5 out of 5 stars They say it's wonderful... And indeed it is!.......2002-01-08

This 1966 Revival Cast recording of Annie Get Your Gun is by far the most complete of all of the Annie albums I've heard. It features the original star of the show, Ethel Merman, reprising the role she originally created in 1946. Although she is nearly sixty years old, you definately cannot tell that here. She is wonderful and is supported by a dynamite cast. The following year, 1967, she went on to appear in a television production of Annie (Mary Martin had starred in the original television production of the show ten years earlier) and the production included most of the cast featured on this album. Unfortunately, any tapes of this TV production have been lost.

Each of the recordings of Annie is good in its own right. I haven't heard the original 1946 album. The 1957 Mary Martin television cast album is by far my favorite. The 1950 MGM film soundtrack is good because one can hear the version featuring Betty Hutton, who starred in the film, with the other half of the disc devoted to a nearly-complete soundtrack featuring Judy Garland, who was originally cast as Annie, but was unfortunately fired from the studio before the film was completed (she had already prerecorded her songs). Interestingly enough, Frank Morgan (who played Professor Marvel, among other roles, in the Wizard of Oz) was originally cast as Colonel Buffalo Bill. He, however, died during production and had to be recast. The 1999 Revival Cast album featuring Bernadette Peters is not my favorite, but it is good for what it has to offer; it's actually better than I first thought it was.

If you're new to "Annie" this is probably the album to start with. It's definately a winner.

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