Jesus Christ Superstar [Cast Recording]

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Jesus Christ Superstar has been the definitive rock musical ever since its 1972 stage premiere in London. Revived to great acclaim in the late 1990s, it has everything you'd expect from a blockbuster: great songs, strong characterization, and, crucially, a cracking good story. This release is based on the 1998 London production (also available on video and DVD). For the revival, director Gale Edwards pulls few punches in her efforts to draw a modern interpretation from a gifted cast. Pilate's cronies are sinister Darth Vader look-alikes. The whole thing has a hard, brutal edge, which both startles and thrills. And anyone who dismisses musicals as lightweight confections could do worse than look at the way Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice treat Judas: this is a complex, well-written role. The performances are largely excellent: Jerome Pradon's Judas shines, and Renee Castle's Mary reinvents "I Don't Know How to Love Him" as a delicate exploration of her dilemma, far removed from its usual overblown treatment. Rik Mayall's relentlessly mugging Herod is less of a bonus than he would like us to believe, but he will doubtless appeal to his fans. And the quality of Glenn Carter's singing in the title role makes up for a slight deficiency in the charisma department. --Piers Ford

Jesus Christ Superstar, Music, Andrew Pask, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Simon Lee, Ian Thomas, Ralph Salmins, Fridrik "Frizzy" Karlsson, Paul Keogh, Julian Poole, Peter Adams, Frederick B. Owens, Gerard Bentall, Glenn Carter, Golda Rosheuvel, Grace Anthony, Mark Adams, Michael McCarthy, Michael Schaeffer, Tony Vincent, Cast Recordings, Music Theater, Musical, Musical Theater, Musicals, Original Cast Recordings, Pop, Showtunes / B'way, Soundtracks
Jesus Christ Superstar (Original London Concept Recording)
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Great response time
  • Beyond doubt the best JC Superstar
  • If exploring this opera rock- then this is the classical
  • original Jesus Christ Superstar with Ian Gillan
  • Excellent CD!
 Jesus Christ Superstar (Original London Concept Recording)
Andrew Lloyd Webber , and Tim Rice
Manufacturer: Decca U.S.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  1. Godspell (1971 Original Off-Off-Broadway Cast)
  2. Hair - The American Tribal Love Rock Musical (1968 Original Broadway Cast)
  3. Jesus Christ Superstar (Special Edition)
  4. Evita (1978 Original Broadway Cast)
  5. Jesus Christ Superstar: The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Album

ASIN: B000002P4H
Release Date: 1996-09-24

Tracks:

  1. Overture
  2. Heaven On Their Minds
  3. What's The Buzz/Strange Thing Mystifying
  4. Everything's Alright
  5. This Jesus Must Die
  6. Hosanna
  7. Simon Zealotes/Poor Jerusalem
  8. Pilate's Dream
  9. Temple, The
  10. Everything's Alright [30 seconds long]
  11. I Don't Know How To Love Him
  12. Damned For All Time/Blood Money

Tracks:

  1. Last Supper, The
  2. Gethsemane(I Only Want To Say)
  3. Arrest, The
  4. Peter's Denial
  5. Pilate And Christ
  6. King Herod's Song(Try It And See)
  7. Judas' Death
  8. Trial Before Pilate(Including 39 Lashes)
  9. Superstar
  10. Crucifixion
  11. John Nineteen Forty-One

Amazon.com essential recording

It may not have been the first rock opera (the Who's Tommy was released in 1969), but Jesus Christ Superstar was a legendary album long before it hit the stage, thanks to Tim Rice's compelling book and lyrics combined with Andrew Lloyd Webber's irresistible music. Telling the story of the last days of Christ from the point of view of Judas (Murray Head), the still-unmatched original cast also stars Deep Purple's Ian Gillan as Jesus and Yvonne Elliman as Mary Magdalene, the role she made into a career (with a cameo on the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack). Decades later, such songs as "Superstar," "I Don't Know How to Love Him," "Heaven on Their Minds," and "Everything's Alright" still retain their extraordinary power. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Great response time.......2007-07-14

i really wanted this cd after seeing Jesus Christ Supers time was really quicktar live. The cd was new and the response

5 out of 5 stars Beyond doubt the best JC Superstar.......2007-06-09

I have as many as four versions of Lloyd-Webber's and Tim Rice's legendary masterpiece and this is the best one by far. Ian Gillan's performance is absolutely fantastic. Besides the process of remastering has been quite successful considering the fine sound one can appreciate listening to this 2 cd set. A beautiful libretto with full lyrics is also included. If I had to choose one single cast I would definitely keep this one. Well worth the price.

5 out of 5 stars If exploring this opera rock- then this is the classical.......2007-05-14

I just saw the performance being done here in caracas, full orchestrated and in spanish.. surprisingly good..

Though not as impressed as I was when I saw the movie in my 20's.. what always stayed in my mind was the inerpretation of the original LP.. the dispair and intensity of judas in "Dammned for all time" its just too much... Ian Gilla's interpretation on getsamni is unique.. yet I think this is the only song that is best sang in the movie.

5 out of 5 stars original Jesus Christ Superstar with Ian Gillan.......2007-05-12

It had been years since I listened to this album and I was very pleased. It still holds up in every way. The music is rockin and the vocals from Ian are amazing. I wish they would have used him in the movie because Ted doesn't come close.

5 out of 5 stars Excellent CD!.......2007-05-07

I only wish the folks that put out the CD of the '73 movie had been as diligent to put out such a superior product! There is not ONE THING wrong with this CD, but I still find myself listening to Ted Neeley's version, tho it is harder to sing along to and sounds like they're singing in a tin can!
Ian Gillan is/was an amazing talent! This CD is a must-have for all JCS fans!
Jesus Christ Superstar: The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Album
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Jesus Christ Superstar
  • JCS Soundtrack Album
  • Webber at one of his best
  • Judas Iscariot a Cool Guy Afterall
  • JC SUPES soundtrack : the Ultimate
 Jesus Christ Superstar: The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Album
Andrew Lloyd Webber , and Tim Rice
Manufacturer: Decca U.S.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Jesus Christ Superstar (Special Edition)
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  4. Jesus Christ Superstar (Original London Concept Recording)
  5. Godspell (1971 Original Off-Off-Broadway Cast)

ASIN: B0000062Y2
Release Date: 1998-03-24

Tracks:

  1. Overture - Andre Previn
  2. Heaven On Their Minds - Carl Anderson
  3. What's The Buzz - Ted Neeley/Yvonne Elliman/The Apostles
  4. Strange Thing Mystifying - Carl Anderson/Ted Neeley/The Apostles/Apostles' Women
  5. Then We Are Decided - Bob Bingham/Kurt Yaghijan
  6. Everything's Alright - Yvonne Elliman/Ted Neeley/The Apostles/Apostles' Women
  7. This Jesus Must Die - Bob Bingham/Kurt Yaghijan/Priests/Crowd
  8. Hosanna - Ted Neeley/Bob Bingham/Crowd
  9. Simon Zealotes - Larry T. Marshall/Crowd
  10. Poor Jerusalem - Ted Neeley
  11. Pilate's Dream - Barry Dennen
  12. The Temple - Ted Neeley
  13. I Don't Know How To Love Him - Yvonne Elliman
  14. Damned For All Time/Blood Money - Carl Anderson/Bob Bingham/Kurt Yaghijian

Tracks:

  1. The Last Supper - Ted Neeley/Carl Anderson
  2. Gethsemane (I Only Wanted To Say) - Ted Neeley
  3. The Arrest - Ted Neeley/Peter/The Apostles/Bob Bingham/Kurt Yaghijian
  4. Peter's Denial - Peter/Yvonne Elliman/Women
  5. Pilate And Christ - Barry Dennen/Ted Neeley
  6. King Herod's Song - Johsua Mostel
  7. Could We Start Again, Please? - Yvonne Elliman/Peter/The Apostles
  8. Judas' Death - Carl Anderson/Bob Bingham/Kurt Yaghijian
  9. Trial Before Pilate - Barry Dennen/Ted Neeley/Bob Bingham
  10. Superstar - Carl Anderson/Angels
  11. Crucifixion
  12. Crucifixion

Amazon.com

This 1974 Norman Jewison film may have been a critical misstep, but some fans actually preferred it to Broadway's rock spectacle. The thing is, Jesus Christ Superstar was first introduced as a two-disc rock opera, not unlike the Who's Tommy, as it even scored several Top 40 hits. While no set matches the original, it's still hard to go wrong with the music, no matter what the source. This also includes the pretty "Could We Start Again, Please," composed for the stage version, and sung here by the original LP's Mary Magdalene, Yvonne Elliman. Ted Neely (Jesus) and Carl Anderson (Judas), meanwhile, have spent two decades on the road, recreating their roles night after night, although they have to now be at least two decades older than Jesus was at the Crucifixion. --Bill Holdship

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Jesus Christ Superstar.......2007-07-09

The first time I heard the music was watching the movie when it first came out. I was on a submarine transiting from Faslane, Scotland to Halifax, Nova Scotia for a liberty rest after a Northern Atlantic patrol.
We (the crew) almost wore the sprockets off the 16mm version copy. The music has always hummed in my memory, and many times I have found myself humming or whistling the refrain. Now with todays technology I really can get it going.

5 out of 5 stars JCS Soundtrack Album.......2007-05-18

This was very exciting to listen to - i love the orchestration added in the background....... now i need the words also - great cd - speedy delivery!

5 out of 5 stars Webber at one of his best.......2007-03-14

This CD is outstanding. I have seen the movie, the play and totally enjoy the soundtrack. It's music that you really "feel". Truly, Andrew Lloyd Webber at one of his best!!

5 out of 5 stars Judas Iscariot a Cool Guy Afterall .......2006-10-30

I love this soundtrack. Carl Anderson's amazing performance as Judas is the driving force behind this recording. Ted Neeley provides a good voice and plays Jesus Christ well and I especially enjoy Barry Dennen's Pilate. Although most of the tracks are great, standouts include "Heaven on Their Minds," "Simon Zealotes," "Damned for All Time / Blood Money," "Gethsemane (I Only Want to Say)," "King Herod's Song," and "Superstar."

I also reviewed the film that accompanies this soundtrack and in that review I avoided talking about the storytelling but promised to focus on it in this review of the soundtrack. The first reason I fell in love with this retelling of the Jesus Christ mythology was the dramatic shift in focus and interpretation. As I mentioned in my review of the film I love how the Jewish priests are given more of a voice and that there is some significance placed on the Roman occupation of the Jewish people. I feel like too often Christians don't consider the historical context of their mythology and that there is avoidance of the social and political climate during the period that Jesus was said to have lived.

The other major departure from Christian cannon that I appreciated was the deliberate un-vilifying of Judas Iscariot. Although less convenient for zealous fanatics, this version of the myth is much more compelling. Even though the Gospel of Judas was not in the public mind at the time and it is unlikely that Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Weber had it in mind its recently published translation helps prop up some of the sentiment between Jesus and Judas in this retelling. However, that is where the similarities end between the ancient Gnostic text and this pseudo-psychedelic reshaping of Christian mythology. I do think that this interpretation attempts to make the story more compelling rather than relying on a hodge-podging of standard hero stories as the original does. Carl Anderson performs beautifully under this difficult task--he presents a Judas that is not a sinning thief who sells Jesus out for money but a devout right-hand man who is forced (after much soul-searching) to turn in his mentor to save the cause and to attempt to prevent harm to Jesus. After he sees what his actions have caused for Jesus he is tormented and takes his own life in the midst of feelings of being used and betrayed by God and Jesus himself.

This is definitely a soundtrack that is tied to the time period in which it was released but I find that to be one of its charms. As an example of this, a friend of mine who recently saw this wondered if they had to give back the Batman theme song. I find the music and the energy that it infuses into this very political version of the Jesus myth very enjoyable. Definitely worth many many listens.

5 out of 5 stars JC SUPES soundtrack : the Ultimate.......2006-04-25

Originally issued in 1970 packaged as a double Lp Concept album with Deep Purple's Ian Gillan as Christ back in the days of the short-lived Rock Opera genre -- Jesus Christ Superstar was intially held as a musical play out of compromise and fear from sensoral scrutiny by its writers Timothy Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, as in its stead they opted to issue it on a 2 disc set of vinyl platters thus - until the time when it is finally made into a musical play in London the following year.

This movie soundtrack for the film rendition directed by Norman Jewison comes as the definitive and the most complete version of this work from the songwriting team of Webber and Rice.

Depicting the last seven days of Christ - of all musicals, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR comes as the most impressive, given that not a line from its narrative are spoken, but are all (mark this) SANG! And are not only sang - but each musical piece which consisted this work from Rice and Webber comes as one of the most melodic work that are ever written for any musical, that it even gave the impression for every track within as songs that could stand on their own. This work kind of mixed elements from the lost genre of radio dramas, classical music, rock, and the bravado of broadway musicals all wrapped up and jumbled collectively in one complete package - hearken it is both a concept album and a movie soundtrack all in one.

JCS the motion picture soundtrack also contains an impressive array of musical performances by its (albeit unsung) sessionist players - indeed it contains one of the best bass lines ever recorded that could be heard on the track wherein Ciaphas and Annas the chief high priests are having their discussion about Jesus - the track "Then We Are Decided", which is an exclusive portion found in the soundtrack. Also included is the theme song of the musical "Could We Start Again Please" which never appeared until the Original London Cast rendition came up with the song's first appearance - that presents an intermissionary(sic) segment of sorts having Mary Magdalene and Peter with the Disciples plead the song to Jesus, as a means to give further amplification about the Opera's whole thematical point, or idea that is, in this regard of its lyricist Tim Rice, that comes as more of a theoretical thought regarding the whole matter of Christ's message of coming down here on earth.

Appearing in this third and best version of the rock opera musical are some of its cast from the original 1970 album as well: Yvonne Elliman playing the part of Mary Magdalene, and Barry Dennen who've made several movie appearances lately, such as the praying priest in the James Cameron flick TITANIC - playing the role of Pilate. The appearances of Carl Anderson as Judas Iscariot along with its entire cast/players comes as perfect in every sense of the word for all the versions that are ever assembled for this musical - most notably, Ted Neely - whose voice effectively gives a very distinguishable character to the role on playing the part of Jesus; eventually Neely appeared as a guest back-up vocalist on the song "Run To The End Of The Highway" for the late Christian Artist Keith Green's final LP, JESUS COMMANDS US TO GO, with Green's wife Melody.

Quite ironically, the musical being criticized by certain religious circles, and indeed somewhat profane at certain respect with its unconventional approach of depicting the last days of Christ - many among its cast who participated in this musical throughout its various incarnations actually became 'christians' later on in their career, such as Jeff Fenholt who played the role of Christ in the original London cast rendition, and released several albums under the 'Christian' label.

Also, a little controversy is identified in particular to this movie soundtrack recording that infers certain "allegations" to the phenomenon of backward messages called 'backmasking', as cited within the songs "I Dont Know How To Love Him", "Getsemane (I Only Want To Say)", "Could We Start Again Please", "Judas' Death", and "Trail Before Pilate".

However, upon its stature and composure - JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is generally a phenomenal piece in the history of the whole spectrum of musical genres in its entirety.

Nothing short of being monumental, I guess this is the one album that best defines a record album art-ifact.

An absolute classic.
Gold: The Definitive Hits Collection
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Andrew LLoyd Webber - Gold Hits
  • The Gold By Andrew
  • The best of Webber
  • THE BEST OF LLOYD WEBBER MADE FOR THE AMERICAN AUDIENCES
  • Super good CD
 Gold: The Definitive Hits Collection
Andrew Lloyd Webber
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Movie SoundtracksMovie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B0000657XY
Release Date: 2002-05-07

Tracks:

  1. Superstar - Murray Head w/ the Trinidad Singers (Jesus Christ Superstar)
  2. As If We Never Said Goodbye - Barbra Streisand (Sunset Boulevard)
  3. The Phantom Of The Opera - Sarah Brightman & Michael Crawford (The Phantom Of The Opera)
  4. You Must Love Me - Madonna (Evita)
  5. Any Dream Will Do-Donny Osmond (Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat)
  6. Memory - Betty Buckley (Cats)
  7. Pie Jesus - Charlotte Church (Requiem)
  8. The Music Of The Night - Michael Crawford (The Phantom Of The Opera)
  9. I Don't Know How To Love Him - Yvonne Elliman (Jesus Christ Superstar)
  10. Don't Cry For Me Argentina -Patti Lupone (Evita)
  11. Love Changes Everything - Michael Ball (Aspects Of Love)
  12. All I Ask Of You - Sarah Brightman (The Phantom Of The Opera)
  13. The Perfect Year - Glenn Close & Alan Campbell (Sunset Boulevard)
  14. The Vaults Of Heaven - Tom Jones & Sounds Of Blackness (Whistle Down The Wind)
  15. No Matter What - Boyzone (Whistle Down The Wind)
  16. Oh What A Circus - Mandy Patinkin (Evita)
  17. Whistle Down The Wind - Sarah Brightman (Whistle Down The Wind)
  18. Amigos Para Siempre (Friends For Life) - Sarah Brightman & Jose Carrerras (1992 Olympics Theme)

Amazon.com

The critical debate over Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical legacy will no doubt rage for decades. Is he the shrewd populist composer who almost single-handedly revived the moribund stage musical--or a crass, Barnum-esque showman (who almost single-handedly revived the moribund stage musical)? This 18-track anthology chronicles the high points of Sir Andrew's enduring songcraft and the irrefutable impact it's made across a remarkably disparate swath of tastes and genres, from Broadway to Top 40 radio and even the classical repertoire.

If some have accused Lloyd Webber's songs--like "The Music of the Night" (from Phantom of the Opera) and the title tune from Whistle Down the Wind, included here--of having all the melodic and lyrical sophistication of a children's lullaby, that's likely the very element that's made them so appealing to a mass audience. If nothing else, it's a compelling argument for that old notion about it being "the singer, not the song." Indeed, there are few contemporary composers whose music could entice divas from Streisand ("As If We'd Never Said Goodbye" from Sunset Blvd.) to Madonna (Evita's "You Must Love Me") and Charlotte Church ("Pie Jesu" from Requiem) to cover it, let alone forge the very careers of artists like Sarah Brightman and Michael Crawford. And if there's any substance to that other criticism of Lloyd Webber lifting the melodic ideas of composers from Verdi to John Williams (we swear that's the theme to Jurassic Park bubbling up in Tom Jones's camped-up take on Whistle's "The Vaults of Heaven"), at least, like virtually every major composer, he's stolen--er, borrowed--from the best. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Andrew LLoyd Webber - Gold Hits.......2007-07-13

I sent this CD to my parents and they love it! It is nice to preview the songs on-line instead of with greasy headphones in a music store! The shipping is always speedy and makes sending gifts across the country so much easier.

5 out of 5 stars The Gold By Andrew.......2007-04-23

This cd is a must have for any Webber fan. It has many great songs from his most sucsessful musicals. But something I don't like about this cd is that some of the singer how sings some of the songs arn't the onse that sings the originals. Like "The Phantom Of The Opera" and "Love Changes Everything". Witch is so sad. Couse the original songs are so much better.
But besides that this cd is very good. With manye nice and difficult songs (I've sung some of the myself in siningclass).
So if you like Andrew's music this most sertanly is a most have.

4 out of 5 stars The best of Webber.......2005-09-12

Although I like Andrew Llloyd Webber and his music very much, this collection earns only 4 stars and it's not because of the quality of the music but the level of performers. If a best of collection is made it should contain the best version ever done and this time it's not true. I could write the same review for the European edition (labeled import here) because the blend of the two would be a perfect best of.

Some examples: this version contains Memory sung by Betty Buckley while the Elaine Page version is light years better. Then it contains Patti Lupone's version of Don't Cry For Me Argentina. Even though Madonna wasn't the best Evita, she definitely sung Argentina in a way no-one could before or will ever. Whistle Down The Wind is represented with 3 songs - the place of the Tom Jones song is not here (the same could be said of Tina Arena's song o the European edition). Instead of the TJ song they could have included Take That Look Off Your Face by Marti Webb - one of the best songs by Webber. Pie Jesu from the Requiem is much better sung by Sarah Brightman. These are the faults.

What about the rest? Pure joy and material worth of 6 stars. Superstar, Phantom Of The Opera, Music Of The Night, I Don't Know How To Love Him, All I Ask Of You, No Matter What, Oh What A Circus - wonderful songs and wonderful performers. My all-time favorite from Webber will always be Music Of The Night and the version included here is the mesmerizing adaptation of Michael Crawford.

I don't advise anyone not to buy this album - it's good material, however it's far from being perfect.

4 out of 5 stars THE BEST OF LLOYD WEBBER MADE FOR THE AMERICAN AUDIENCES.......2005-01-31

There are numerous compilations out on the market full of Andrew Lloyd Webber's music. As most people know, Lloyd Webber is the most successful musical composer of all time and many of his songs became standards not only in the theatre history, but also as tops on the charts. Even though he's British, his influence on the shape of the modern musical theatre expanded over the West End boundaries long ago and has thus made an enormous impact on Broadway. Two of his shows ("Cats" and "The phantom of the opera") hold the record as two the longest running shows in the history of Broadway. He has also been the only composer to have three of his shows running at Broadway concurrently. This compilation captures some of the best songs he has ever written, he personally supervised it and it is the best thing to have if you can't afford his five-CD compilation called "Now and forever", which was selected and supervised by him as well. You should bear in mind, however, that there are two compilations called Gold out there: The one made for the European and the British market, and this one, made for the American buyers. Some of the songs on both of them are the same, the others are performed by different artists and some can be found only in one of the two. This one here was issued later and it is digitally remastered. Therefore you should check your favourites and buy accordingly, or, if you can, buy them both, since both of them contain interesting songs and performers.

So here are my thoughts about the tracks in this one:

1. "Superstar" and "I don't know how to love him" are both from the concept album of "Jesus Christ Superstar". They sound wonderful as ever, although the orchestrations may seem a bit dated by now.

2. "Sunset Boulevard" is marked here with two songs. Barbra Streisand's powerful voice shines all the way through in "As if we never said goodbye"; it's a shame she never played Norma Desmond on Broadway, since Patti LuPone wasn't allowed to take her Norma to New York, and Glenn Close butchered the role. Her limited vocal abilities were hardly suited for the material, as it is shown by the second Sunset song, "The perfect year", performed by Close and Alan Campbell. They both lack a decent singing voice, so this is the one song I skip regularly. The song itself sounds much better in its single version with pops orchestration, as can be heard on the European version of this compilation, where it is performed by Dina Carroll. This version here can hardly be considered a gold one.

3. "The Phantom of the Opera" is represented by three songs. Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman performance in the song of the same title is amazing. They were both born to play their roles in this show and their voices fit together perfectly. Sarah can hit the high notes in the end like no other Christine. Cliff Richard and Sarah sing the lovely ballad "All I ask of you" with passion, and Cliff has a wonderful warmth in his voice. Finally, Michael Crawford gives his unique and mesmerising interpretation in "The music of the night".

4. The 1996 movie version of "Evita" is Madonna's best role to date and it brought an Academy Award for Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, who wrote "You must love me" especially for the big screen. This is another wonderful ballad with the haunting cello and piano solo. It just proves that Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice were the best collaborators. They really should do another musical together.

5. "The Joseph and his amazing Technicolor dreamcoat" was Webber's first musical and the signature song "Any dream will do" is performed here by Donny Osmond, who also appeared in the video version. I find his rendition even better than London's Jason Donovan, since Donny isn't strictly bound by the notes and so sings it more casually. A wonderful pop piece.

6."Memory" from "Cats" is probably the most famous of all Webber's songs, recorded by numerous artists. This version is sung by Betty Buckley, who was Broadway's Grizabella. Although Betty's performance can't be considered bad, I prefer Elaine Paige, who sung the song first, in the London production. Elaine has a note of sorrow in her at times husky voice, which I found very intriguing. Her performance can be considered definite, as heard on "Cats" DVD or in her latest two-disc compilation, "Centre stage: The very best of Elaine Paige", issued in May 2004. Still, those who prefer Ms. Buckley or who saw her on stage in this role won't be disappointed.

7. "Pie Jesu" is the best known song from Webber's "Requiem", written in 1985 to commemorate the death of his father. I'm not too keen on the version included here, performed by Charlotte Church, because her voice isn't as pretty as Sarah Brightman's on the original recording and the tempo is somewhat faster here.

8. "Don't cry for me Argentina" is among my all-time Lloyd Webber's favourites. I like all the ladies who performed "Evita" on the stage and on the screen (Julie Covington, Elaine Paige, Patti LuPone and Madonna), but on this disc is the version I am most satisfied with, since it is sung by Patti LuPone. Ms. LuPone has a very powerful voice with an amazing range and she deserved her Tony Award for this role. She was able to sound both vulnerable and decisive while singing this, whereas the other leading ladies emphasized one or the other in their interpretation. Mandy Patinkin's "Oh what a circus" is not the best, the orchestration is a little bit weak and his voice sounds thin to me. David Essex on the London cast recording is more suitable.

9. "Aspects of love" boast here with its top song, "Love changes everything", performed wonderfully by Michael Ball. It was his #1 hit and is probably one of the most beautiful love anthems ever written.

10. Three songs come from "Whistle down the wind". The studio release of the same title is one of the reasons I bought this compilation, although I already have the European one. It is performed by Sarah Brightman with Lloyd Webber playing the piano and a symphonic orchestra who nicely takes the lead of the main melody. Sarah voice is angelic; she sings it like a little bird. Very charming. Boyzone's "No matter what" was a huge pop hit in the charts. Again, we have a song with the suitable orchestrations and vocals. And lastly, Tom Jones' deep voice in combination with the back vocals of "The Sounds of Blackness" gives a rocking rendition of the church hymn "The vaults of heaven". It can't be found on the European version and Tom's voice shows it hasn't aged. Way to go.

11. For the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, Webber wrote, together with his long-time lyricist Don Black, this last song, "Amigos para siempre or Friends for life". It's a nice duet between Sarah Brightman and Jose Carreras, their voices sore when bound together. The melody itself is neat, especially when the orchestra takes the lead.

Besides the fact that some of the performers here were not the best for my taste, there is also the fact that some of Lloyd Webber's shows are omitted in this version, most notably, "Tell me on a Sunday". Also, unlike its European counterpart, this compilation isn't aligned chronologically, so we have 1970 Superstar being the first song, 1993 Sunset Blvd comes the second, followed by The Phantom from 1986 and so on. None the less, this CD is excellent as an introduction to Lloyd Webber's music and one can continue with his cast recordings from there. It's also very handy as a single disc compilation for the American fans.

5 out of 5 stars Super good CD.......2004-12-31

The songs on this CD are great. If you also play piano, the book of the same title goes perfectly with the CD. You can following along with the music and learn the songs on the piano.
The Premiere Collection: The Best Of Andrew Lloyd Webber (Original Cast Compilation)
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Musical Pleasure
  • The Premiere Collection
  • beautiful
  • Fair Album with 1 starlight and 0 aspects
  • Superb collection
 The Premiere Collection: The Best Of Andrew Lloyd Webber (Original Cast Compilation)

Manufacturer: Mca
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Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Gold: The Definitive Hits Collection
  2. The Very Best Of Andrew Lloyd Webber: The Broadway Collection
  3. Andrew Lloyd Webber: The Premiere Collection Encore
  4. Michael Crawford Performs Andrew Lloyd Webber
  5. The Andrew Lloyd Webber Collection

ASIN: B000002O5W
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

  1. Phantom Of The Opera
  2. Take That Look Off Your Face
  3. All I Ask Of You
  4. Don't Cry For Me Argentina
  5. Magical Mr. Mistoffeles
  6. Variations 1-4
  7. Superstar
  8. Memory
  9. Starlight Express
  10. Tell Me On A Sunday
  11. The Music Of The Night
  12. Another Suitcase In Another Hall
  13. I Don't Know How To Love Him
  14. Pie Jesu

Amazon.com essential recording

There are many, many Andrew Lloyd Webber albums out there, including cut-and-paste compilations and songbooks from individual artists, most notably Sarah Brightman, Michael Crawford, and even Jose Carreras. The Premiere Collection is probably as authentic as you can get in a hits album, however. In addition to the most popular selections from the original casts of Evita, Cats, and Jesus Christ Superstar, the 57-minute album includes two selections from Tell Me on a Sunday (also recorded by Bernadette Peters as Song and Dance), the title tune from Starlight Express, the "Pie Jesu" from the Requiem, and a snippet from the Paganini Variations, thereby allowing you to hear the good stuff without having to spring for the complete albums. Note that the three selections from Phantom of the Opera are the 1986 pop singles instead of the cast recordings, meaning Steve Harley rather than Crawford sings with Brightman on the title tune and Cliff Richard subs for Steve Barton on "All I Ask of You." (Crawford does sing "The Music of the Night," of course.) This 1989 compilation was too early for Aspects of Love or Sunset Boulevard, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is ignored, but these omissions are rectified in the follow-up album The Premiere Collection Encore, and the American-slanted version, The Very Best of Andrew Lloyd Webber: The Broadway Collection. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Musical Pleasure.......2007-07-03

I enjoy all of this music, listening frequently. Some not original cast members, so less than 5 star. Product exactly as advertised.

5 out of 5 stars The Premiere Collection.......2007-01-17

My sister had this and it got destroyed. She wanted an other, This was the only place I have found it!! Very hard to find! I have been to every music store in my area. She loved it!! And was so happy to have it again. Anyone who loves Andrew Lloyd Webber will love this. As it has many songs from some of his most famous plays with the original cast. Great item.

5 out of 5 stars beautiful.......2006-12-21

This CD is a great compilation of some of Andrew Lloyd Webber's hits. If you are just looking for a "quick fix" for your Broadway craving, this is a great value.

5 out of 5 stars Fair Album with 1 starlight and 0 aspects.......2004-07-09

I think this album is F-A-I-R because it has one starlight express song and zero aspects of love songs. This is why i liked the album The reason i said that this is a fair album is that I like Starlight Express better. Song i like are "The Phantom of the Opera", "Take That Look off Your Face", All I Ask of You", "Don't Cry For Me Argentina", "Mr. Mistofflees," "Superstar," "Memory", "Starlight Express", "Tell Me On A Sunday", "Music of the Night", "Another Suitcase in Another Hall", and "I Don't Know How To Love Him". I dislike the following songs:" Track 6" and the last one because the last one was hard to understand and track 6 is instrumental.

5 out of 5 stars Superb collection.......2003-08-11

... It is a collection of the best of ALW's creative efforts, and a collection of great performances. Anyone who loves "Broadway" should have this disk in their collection.
Broadway - The American Musical (PBS Series)
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Fabulous for any Broadway-lover
  • Top Shelf
  • TERRIFIC CD'S
  • Great Collection of Broadways greatest Songs
  • Great Compilation!
 Broadway - The American Musical (PBS Series)

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  5. Somewhere over the Rainbow: The Golden Age of Hollywood Musicals

ASIN: B00064ADMK
Release Date: 2004-10-19

Tracks:

  1. Give My Regards To Broadway- Joel Grey
  2. Swanee- Al Jolson
  3. When The Moon Shines On The Moonshine- Bert Williams
  4. A Pretty Girl Is Like A Melody- John Steel
  5. My Man- Fanny Brice
  6. Fascinating Rhythm- Fred Astaire, Adele Astaire
  7. If You Knew Susie (Like I Know Susie)- 78rpm Version Eddie Cantor
  8. Someone To Watch Over Me- Gertrude Lawrence
  9. Bill- 78 rpm Version Helen Morgan
  10. Ol' Man River- Paul Robeson
  11. Ain't Misbehavin'- Louis Armstrong & His Orchestra
  12. Ten Cents A Dance- Ruth Etting
  13. Body And Soul- Libby Holman
  14. Brother, Can You Spare A Dime- Bing Crosby
  15. Night And Day- Fred Astaire
  16. Heat Wave- Ethel Waters
  17. Smoke Gets in Your Eyes- Tamara
  18. You're The Top- Ethel Merman
  19. Summertime- Anne Brown
  20. September Song- Walter Huston
  21. My Heart Belongs To Daddy- Mary Martin
  22. It Never Entered My Mind- Shirley Ross
  23. Bewitched, Bothered, Bewildered- Vivienne Segal
  24. Oh, How I Hate To Get Up In The Morning- Irving Berlin
  25. Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'- Alfred Drake

Tracks:

  1. New York, New York- Cris Alexander,Adolph Green,John Reardon
  2. If I Loved You- John Raitt,Jan Clayton
  3. Come Rain Or Come Shine- Ruby Hill,Harold Nicholas
  4. There's No Business Like Show Business- Ensemble
  5. How Are Things In Glocca Morra? From "Finian's Rainbow"- Ella Logan
  6. Once In Love With Amy- Ray Bolger
  7. Wunderbar- Alfred Drake,Patricia Morison
  8. Some Enchanted Evening- Ezio Pinza
  9. Lost In The Stars- Todd Duncan
  10. Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend- Carol Channing
  11. Luck Be A Lady- Robert Alda,Guys
  12. Getting To Know You- Gertrude Lawrence
  13. Who Cares?- Jack Carson,Betty Oakes
  14. Stranger In Paradise- from " Kismet" Doretta Morrow,Richard Kiley
  15. Ballad Of Mack The Knife- Gerald Price
  16. Hey There- from "The Pajama Game" John Raitt
  17. Whatever Lola Wants- Gwen Verdon
  18. I Could Have Danced All Night- Julie Andrews
  19. Standing On The Corner- from "The Most Happy Fella, 1956" Shorty Long,John Henson,Alan Gilbert
  20. The Party's Over- Judy Holliday
  21. Glitter And Be Gay- Barbara Cook
  22. Tonight- Larry Kert, Carol Lawrence

Tracks:

  1. Seventy-Six Trombones- Robert Preston
  2. I Enjoy Being A Girl- from "Flower Drum Song, 1958" Pat Suzuki
  3. Everything's Coming Up Roses- Ethel Merman
  4. My Favorite Things- from "The Sound Of Music" Mary Martin
  5. Put On A Happy Face- from "Bye Bye Birdie" Dick Van Dyke
  6. Try To Remember- Jerry Orbach
  7. Camelot- from "Camelot" Richard Burton
  8. Love Makes The World Go 'Round- Anna Maria Alberghetti
  9. I Believe In You- Robert Morse And Co.
  10. The Sweetest Sounds- Diahann Carroll,Richard Kiley
  11. Comedy Tonight- Zero Mostel
  12. What Kind Of Fool Am I?- Anthony Newley
  13. As Long As He Needs Me- Georgia Brown
  14. Hello, Dolly!- Carol Channing,Cast
  15. People- Barbra Streisand
  16. Anyone Can Whistle- from "Anyone Can Whistle" Lee Remick
  17. If I Were A Rich Man- Zero Mostel
  18. Night Song- Sammy Davis, Jr.
  19. The Impossible Dream- Richard Kiley
  20. If My Friends Could See Me Now- Gwen Verdon
  21. Open a New Window- from Mame Voice

Tracks:

  1. Willkommen- from "Cabaret" Joel Grey
  2. Let The Sunshine In- James Rado,Lynn Kellogg,Melba Moore,Cast
  3. I'll Never Fall In Love Again- Jill O'Hara,Jerry Orbach
  4. The Ladies Who Lunch- from "Company" Elaine Stritch
  5. Tea For Two- Roger Rathburn,Susan Watson
  6. I'm Still Here- Yvonne De Carlo
  7. I Don't Know How To Love Him- Yvonne Elliman
  8. We Go Together- Adrienne Barbeau,Barry Bostwick,Walter Bobbie,Cast
  9. Corner Of The Sky- John Rubinstein
  10. Send In The Clowns- Glynis Johns
  11. Ease On Down The Road- Stephanie Mills,Tiger Haynes,Ted Ross,Hinton
  12. One- from "A Chorus Line" Cast
  13. All That Jazz- Chita Rivera,Ensemble
  14. Tomorrow- Andrea Mcardle
  15. Don't Cry For Me Argentina- Patti Lupone
  16. Come Follow The Band
  17. Lullaby Of Broadway- Jerry Orbach
  18. And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going- Jennifer Holliday
  19. The Bells Of St. Sebastian- Raul Julia

Tracks:

  1. Memory- Betty Buckley
  2. I Am What I Am- George Hearn
  3. Move On- Bernadette Peters,Mandy Patinkin
  4. Do You Hear The People Sing?- Michael Maguire,Cast
  5. The Music Of The Night- Michael Crawford
  6. You're Nothing Without Me- James Naughton,Gregg Edelman
  7. The American Dream- Jonathan Pryce,Cast
  8. Doctor Jazz- Gregory Hines,Company
  9. With One Look- Glenn Close
  10. On Broadway- Adrian Bailey,Frederick B. Owens,Ken Ard,Victor Trent Cook
  11. Le Jazz Hot- Julie Andrews,Ensemble
  12. Seasons Of Love-
  13. Hakuna Matata- Max Casella,Tom Alan Robbins,Scott Irby-Ranniar,Jason Raize
  14. I Wanna Be A Producer- Matthew Broderick,Ensemble
  15. Dancing Queen- Louise Plowright,Jenny Galloway
  16. Good Morning Baltimore- Marissa Jaret Winokur
  17. Movin' Out- Michael Cavanaugh,Band
  18. I Go To Rio- Hugh Jackman,Company
  19. Defying Gravity- Kristin Chenoweth,Idina Menzel

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Fabulous for any Broadway-lover.......2007-01-30

Packs into 5 CD's a sampling of Broadway tunes from the 20's thru (almost) today, mostly from original cast recordings. Includes not just well-known hits, but also some lesser-known gems. Sound quality is first rate, booklet is informative too. Have given this as a gift to several friends with rave reviews.

5 out of 5 stars Top Shelf.......2007-01-04

This is THE definitive collection of Broadway hits. I have other collections, and none of them measure up. A great deal of care was obviously taken in compiling and presenting this box set. It covers a lot of ground, starting with some long-forgotten but still very enjoyable hits from the days of yore, and finishing with present-day favorites. To the best of my knowledge, the recordings are by those who made them famous. You won't be disappointed.

5 out of 5 stars TERRIFIC CD'S.......2006-03-23

THESE BROADWAY MUSICALS CD'S ARE A BROADWAY LOVERS DREAM. WITH EACH SONG, MEMORIES COME FLOODING BACK. BOTH THE FAMILIAR AND THE FORGOTTEN SONGS ARE A TRUE LISTENING PLEASURE. IF YOU LIKE BROADWAY, YOU'LL LOVE THIS SET.

5 out of 5 stars Great Collection of Broadways greatest Songs .......2005-06-14

This Collection was perfectly made it has almost all the most famous Broadway songs on this 5 cd set. The Music is great and has Broadways greatest treasures like "Memory""People""With One Look""Give my regards Too Broadway" just to name a few of this numerous cd set with over 100 songs. This is a great buy if you like musicals or The music of Broadway

5 out of 5 stars Great Compilation!.......2005-01-17

If you are a fan of the Broadway Musicals, this is a collection that you should purchase. Since I got the 5 disc set I've enjoyed listening to it. The majority of the songs are done by the original singers. The collection is priceless considering that you will have over 100 songs from popular musicals since the beginning of Broadway
Jesus Christ Superstar
Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • Comparison isn't fair...
  • Updated and relevant
  • Best version of this famous Musical
  • A beautiful Mary!
  • An anticlimatic quest, but still good
 Jesus Christ Superstar

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  1. Jesus Christ Superstar
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ASIN: B00005AREN
Release Date: 2001-03-27

Tracks:

  1. Overture - Shaun Henson/Mark Carroll/Nick Holmes/Perry Douglin/Stuart De La Mere/Billy Carter...
  2. Heaven On Their Minds - Jerome Pradon
  3. What's The Buzz?/Strange Thing, Mystifying - Matthew Cross/Kevin Curtin/Paul Vickers/Mykal Rand/Paul Keating/Gerard Bentall/Grant Anthony...
  4. Everything's Alright - Renee Castle/Jerome Pradon/Glenn Carter
  5. Hosanna - Frederick B. Owens/Glenn Carter
  6. Simon Zealotes/Poor Jerusalem - Tony Vincent/Glenn Carter
  7. Pilate's Dream - Fred Johanson
  8. The Temple - Glenn Carter
  9. I Don't Know How To Love Him - Renee Castle
  10. The Last Supper - Matthew Cross/Kevin Curtin/Paul Vickers/Mykal Rand/Paul Keating/Gerard Bentall/Grant Anthony...
  11. Gethsemane (I Only Want To Say) - Glenn Carter
  12. King Herod's Song - Rik Mayall
  13. Could We Start Again, Please? - Renee Castle/Cavin Cornwall
  14. Judas' Death - Jerome Pradon/Michael Shaeffer/Frederick B. Owens
  15. Trial Before Pilate (Including The 39 Lashes) - Fred Johanson/Frederick B. Owens/Glenn Carter
  16. Superstar - Jerome Pradon
  17. Crucifixion - Glenn Carter
  18. John Nineteen: Forty-One - Glenn Carter/Jerome Pradon/Renee Castle/Fred Johanson/Rik Mayall/Frederick B. Owens...

Amazon.com

Jesus Christ Superstar has been the definitive rock musical ever since its 1972 stage premiere in London. Revived to great acclaim in the late 1990s, it has everything you'd expect from a blockbuster: great songs, strong characterization, and, crucially, a cracking good story. This release is based on the 1998 London production (also available on video and DVD). For the revival, director Gale Edwards pulls few punches in her efforts to draw a modern interpretation from a gifted cast. Pilate's cronies are sinister Darth Vader look-alikes. The whole thing has a hard, brutal edge, which both startles and thrills. And anyone who dismisses musicals as lightweight confections could do worse than look at the way Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice treat Judas: this is a complex, well-written role. The performances are largely excellent: Jerome Pradon's Judas shines, and Renee Castle's Mary reinvents "I Don't Know How to Love Him" as a delicate exploration of her dilemma, far removed from its usual overblown treatment. Rik Mayall's relentlessly mugging Herod is less of a bonus than he would like us to believe, but he will doubtless appeal to his fans. And the quality of Glenn Carter's singing in the title role makes up for a slight deficiency in the charisma department. --Piers Ford

Customer Reviews:

2 out of 5 stars Comparison isn't fair..........2007-06-12

..but unfortunately, life isn't fair, so this Jesus Christ Superstar will always be compared to the original stage version and to the Norman Jewison film, and because of that, it will always come up lacking. Glen Carter and Jerome Praden can't even begin to touch the performances given by Ted Neely and Carl Anderson. Jerome Praden in particular is so bad as to be almost painful to listen to.

Where Carl Anderson's Judas comes off as a tragic, almost Shakesperean-like character, Jerome Praden's Judas is just whiny and annoying! Fortunately, he has Fred Johannson's performance as Pilate to share the pain with.

Glen Carter gives it a decent effort, but in the most dramatic moments just can't deliver the emotional punch. It's like he's trying too hard a, or maybe its just that he's attempeting to be a Ted Neely wannabe in those moments, and that's just not going to happen!

The only cast member who seems to be able to hold her own is Renee Castle as Mary Magdalene. She makes the role her own, and maybe it's because she's not hamming it up like the majority of the other major players.

This version packs none of the emotional punch that earlier versions have offered to the listener. My advice is to buy the original theatrical soundtrack or the 1973 film version and leave this one to end up in the bargain bin of your local Wal-Mart!

5 out of 5 stars Updated and relevant.......2006-12-19

I know there are lots of people who hate any "new and improved" versions of classics, and this is certainly one people can get very vocal about.

However, the most common version of this rock opera was from the '70's, and it was very edgy for the time. After 25+ years, it had become kind of cheesy and really dated.

This version brought back the edginess Rice and Webber went for in the 1970's, proving that with a slightly different sound, the musical itself is able to stand the test of time and effect new audiences in the same way it effected the first fans almost 30 years ago.

The three leads (Jesus, Judas and Mary Magdalene) are all wonderful, but Jerome Pradon (I probably totally messed that name up, the guy who played Judas) was simply amazing, and you can hear in his voice as well as see in his expression (on the DVD) how torn the character really is.

I absolutely recommend this to any fan of Tim Rice/Andrew Lloyd Webber, the musical itself, or just to anyone who appreciates good music and an imaginative take on Biblical Scripture.

5 out of 5 stars Best version of this famous Musical.......2005-07-24

I thoroughly enjoyed the DVD - it was certainly the best version of this well known musical. The Soundtrack did not disappoint as the performers put their heart and souls into this edition. I don't think I have ever heard such meaning and expression put into each song in this musical.
To squeeze the tracks on to one disc several songs were left out.
This is my only criticism - in the 25th Anniversary edition of Jesus Christ Superstar as a soundtrack two discs contain the whole production. Perhaps this could have been done with this important revised edition of Jesus Christ Superstar.

5 out of 5 stars A beautiful Mary!.......2005-04-05

I absolutely love Renee Castle as Mary in this version. As others have said, she adds emotion to the character that seems to be lacking in other versions. Also, the arrangement is amazing. I saw the DVD of this version first, and after watching it and the bonus material, I had to have the CD. I highly recommend this!

4 out of 5 stars An anticlimatic quest, but still good.......2005-04-01

After falling in love with the movie, I went out to a store, searched for the soundtrack, and when I couldn't find it, I had a staff member help me look for it. After at least 10 minutes of searching, I finally found it, and being the stupid person I am, in my excitement I forgot to check how they fit it all in one CD. Of course, I became extremely frustrated that some of my favorite songs, and the most important ones at that, were cut out. By excluding "And so We are Decided" and "Damned for all time/ blood money", it causes much confusion as to why things are happening and who certain people are. For instance, why would Judas commit suicide if he never betrayed Jesus to the soldiers, and where did the blood money come from that he speaks about in his death scene? Of course, I went on ranting to my friends right away, but I decided to keep the CD for what it did have. I still am dissappointed that they left out good music and left in a song like "John Nineteen, Fourty-One", which had little, if any importance. I found that part of the reason I loved the music so much was also becuase of the film itself. The music is better appreciated when you can see what the actors are doing, such as in "trial with Pilate" (the one that they left in becuase of the lashes, and instead took out the first meeting with Pilate,which is aone of my favorites and brilliantly done) and "Herod's Song", along with others. It is just not the same effect, even though I can see it in my mind.
However, it was a good soundtrack in itself. If they would have been willing to spend a bit more money and maybe instead put all of the songs, including the ones they decided to throw out in this CD, it would have been 5 stars from me. But my friend and I agree that the Really Uselful Group could have done better, although we doubt it was them that made the decision, and rather, they let Sony tell them which songs THEY liked. Deeply dissappointed, guys. And Jerome Pradon- how could you let them degrade you like that, along with the other actors, by letting them cut out stunning performances in order to save money? Here's the deal: It doesn't matter how much money you spent on it, because the profits would probably be a lot better if it had those songs. I would have reccomended it to many people, but alas, I only do so to support such fine actors and singers that were way too ignored. Well, now I'm getting upset. So while I don't think you should just not get it at all becuase of a few flaws, I do certainly hope that they will rethink their decisions and would highly reccomend a full soundtrack if they were wise enough to make one.
Jesus Christ Superstar
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • It would be sacrilege for me to criticize this I suppose ...
  • The Best Webber Ever
  • My God... !!!!
  • What's the Buzz? I'll tell you what's happening...
  • Whats the buzz
 Jesus Christ Superstar
Andrew Lloyd Webber , Tim Rice , and Murray Head
Manufacturer: Mca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  1. Jesus Christ Superstar (Special Edition)
  2. Godspell (1971 Original Off-Off-Broadway Cast)
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  5. Hair - The American Tribal Love Rock Musical (1968 Original Broadway Cast)

ASIN: B000002OCS
Release Date: 1990-07-02

Tracks:

  1. Overture - Alan Doggett/City Of London Ensemble
  2. Heaven On Their Minds - Murray Head
  3. What's The Buzz/Strange Thing Mystifying - Pat Arnold/Tony Ashton/Peter Barnfeather/Madeline Bell/Brian Bennett/Lesley Duncan/Kay Garner...
  4. Everything's Alright - Yvonne Elliman/Pat Arnold/Tony Ashton/Peter Barnfeather/Madeline Bell/Brian Bennett/Lesley Duncan...
  5. This Jesus Must Die - Pat Arnold/Tony Ashton/Peter Barnfeather/Madeline Bell/Brian Bennett/Lesley Duncan/Kay Garner...
  6. Hosanna - Pat Arnold/Tony Ashton/Peter Barnfeather/Madeline Bell/Brian Bennett/Lesley Duncan/Kay Garner...
  7. Simon Zealotes/Poor Jerusalem - Pat Arnold/Tony Ashton/Peter Barnfeather/Madeline Bell/Brian Bennett/Lesley Duncan/Kay Garner...
  8. Pilate's Dream - Barry Dennen
  9. The Temple - Pat Arnold/Tony Ashton/Peter Barnfeather/Madeline Bell/Brian Bennett/Lesley Duncan/Kay Garner...
  10. Everything's Alright - Yvonne Elliman/Ian Gillan
  11. I Don't Know How To Love Him - Yvonne Elliman
  12. Damned For All Time/Blood Money - Murray Head/Brian Keith/Victor Brox/Andrew Lloyd Webber

Tracks:

  1. The Last Supper - Pat Arnold/Tony Ashton/Peter Barnfeather/Madeline Bell/Brian Bennett/Lesley Duncan/Kay Garner...
  2. Gethsemane (I Only Want To Say) - Ian Gillan
  3. The Arrest - Murray Head/Ian Gillan/Paul Davis/Pat Arnold/Tony Ashton/Peter Barnfeather/Madeline Bell...
  4. Peter's Denial - Annette Brox/Paul Davis/Pat Arnold/Tony Ashton/Peter Barnfeather/Madeline Bell/Brian Bennett...
  5. Pilate And Christ - Barry Dennen/Pat Arnold/Tony Ashton/Peter Barnfeather/Madeline Bell/Brian Bennett/Lesley Duncan...
  6. King Herod's Song (Try It And See) - Mike D'Abo
  7. Judas' Death - Murray Head/Pat Arnold/Tony Ashton/Peter Barnfeather/Madeline Bell/Brian Bennett/Lesley Duncan...
  8. Trial Before Pilate (Including The 39 Lashes) - Barry Dennen/Victor Brox/Ian Gillan/Pat Arnold/Tony Ashton/Peter Barnfeather/Madeline Bell...
  9. Superstar - Murray Head/Andrew Lloyd Webber
  10. Crucifixion - Ian Gillan
  11. John Nineteen Forty-One - Jesus Christ Superstar

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars It would be sacrilege for me to criticize this I suppose ..........2007-02-06

Written and first performed in the time of Andy Warhol and Coca Cola's "I'd like to teach the world to sing" advertisement, Sir Andrew Lloyd Weber's perhaps greatest work was more than just a musical story of the life of Jesus, although we can easily forget that now. It was, much like a Warhol, a way of speaking to that very vanilla heart of whitebread America. It was taking our most sacred myth and rendering it in the language of the people, and bringing it out of the refuge of the church and placing it on display right along with Coke, Pepsi, Rolling Stones, Marilyn Monroe, and all the great icons of the Western World, and subjecting it to the same overexposure and banality.

Sir Weber smashed that boundary between sacred and profane with this work portraying Jesus and the 12 disciples as a bunch of squabbling hippies, which were not in short supply in those days; the days when John Lennon made the famous remark that the Beatles were now "bigger than Jesus." Read the libretto of this work, and then read Tom Wolf's "Electric Kool-Aid Acid Tests" if you disagree.

But perhaps the story of Jesus deserved and needed to be placed in the same marketplace of ideas that Coca Cola and Led Zeppelin lived in. Whether this was right or wrong, whether the story of Jesus deserved to be subjected to the same appreciation as a Dr. Pepper ad is not something I will debate -- much. I just know that's what happened. Jesus went Platinum, just like Kiss, just like the Beatles, and Jesus Christ complaining to the Lord that "You're far too keen on where and how but not so hot on why" has been forever burned onto my consciousness. I grew up with JCS, and I've known every word and note by heart and have ever since I was 12 or so.

So JCS, like The Lord of The Rings, The Beatles or "Stairway to Heaven," is yet another culture phenomenon I can't stand any more due to overexposure. Also because as I've grown older the general shallowness of it has become offensive. But such is the fate of all Warhol-style "pop" icons. To properly appreciate Jesus, however you approach him, within your own heart or through study, you have to reach deeper than this cliche-ridden rock opera.

And cliche-ridden as it is, it remains an absolutely brilliant work of composition in both the music and lyrics, and also a telling portrait of late 20th C America; Americans who only went to church on Christmas Eve or Easter Morning were grooving to JCS in the millions. The real religion for many of us was the Rock and Roll, and JCS was missionary work for a profane age; a way of reaching out to us. And Sir Weber was very much a product of his era, and indeed a brilliant composer.

I cannot stand JCS now, any more than I can tolerate "Cats." But I can acknowledge the cultural icon that it is, just as I can appreciate a print of Marilyn Monroe at the dentist's office. That is what Sir Weber hath wrought ultimately. But the fact that you have to look deeper for the real living spirit, that has always been and will always be true.

5 out of 5 stars The Best Webber Ever.......2006-10-01

I loved the recent review about Jesus Christ Superstar. From the reading of Judas' fate to the chill down the spine. I heard this music for the first time when I was only 13 (back in Bulgaria) and it stayed with me ever since. I still get the chill down my spine when I hear Pilate's Dream. Like most Europeans, I am an atheist of course, however, I adore the biblical stories and their philosophical depth. I find Webber's genius to be just incredible. Nothing in his later works compares to JCS. I would recommend to everyone to SEE the fantastic Australian production of JCS on DVD, which Webber thought is the closest to his vision. I liked the slightly slower pace of music there. The choreography is most amazing, no less amazing than Ian Gillan's famous performance of I Only Want To Say. The look of everyone on this DVD is just incredible. Perhaps only Jesus is somewhat weaker, especially in comparison to Judas and everyone else. It is fascinating to see how Webber's music affects people the same way across different cultures. (vgarkov@mbc.edu)

5 out of 5 stars My God... !!!!.......2006-03-29

If I could give this 10 stars, it still would not be able to describe how amazing, moving and powerful this recording is. Ian Gillan is the ONLY Jesus; do not even attempt to put Ted Neeley in the same galaxy as Ian. As everyone before me has agreed, noone has EVER equaled his performance in Gethsemane. Murray Head's Judas is a complex and tragic character; a victim of God and of fate. I realise that this will rub some of you the wrong way, so I will bring up something in this review that has really stayed with me since I was able to comprehend the sick idea of fate and "God's will". The last words of Judas and Pilate's dream.
Judas' last words:

"My mind is in darkness now! My God... I am sick, I've been used... and you knew all the time!!! My God, I'll never, ever know why you chose me for your crime?! Your foul, bloody crime! You have murdered me! You have murdered me, murdered me, murdered me, murdered me, murdered me, murdered me, murdered me!!!"

In his last moments on Earth, Judas realises that his sole reason for existance, the reason he was born was to betray a man whom he really did love. The same fate with Barry Dennen's Pontius Pilate. If you listen to the last verse of "Pilate's Dream" it sends a chill down your spine:

"Then I saw thousands of millions crying for this man; and then I heard them mentioning my name and leaving me the blame..."

Pilate DID NOT WANT to have Jesus die. He saw that He was innocent; but, God intended Pilate to sentence Jesus to death and even a dream could not change God's will and so, now and forever, Pontius Pilate will be considered the man who killed Jesus. Pretty disturbing if you ask me. I realise that I have probably ruffled alot of feathers or gotten a few proverbial goats. If any one would like to discuss this with me, I'd be happy to talk and philosophise with you. My email address is above and I welcome all people for a friendly discussion. Thank you.


P.S. I am anything but religious; however, from Ash Wednesday through Ascension Day, the only music that gets played in my car is this CD.

5 out of 5 stars What's the Buzz? I'll tell you what's happening..........2005-08-14

The 70's version is absolutely the best. Murray Head and Ian Gillen's powerful vocals and emotional performance are fantastic and simply cannot be matched by Ted Neeley's somewhat whiny vocals. Although Carl Anderson made the Judas role his own. I think this musical is one of the best representations of what the 70's had to offer. Try it out...you are going to love it!

5 out of 5 stars Whats the buzz.......2005-04-16

I'll tell you what the buzz is, it the greatest "Rock Opera" of all time. Its not the greatest show of all time, and it is not my all time favorite, but its in the top three, right up there with Godspell and Hair. What seperates JCS from those two is its epic fell to it. Its grand scope, as only a Webber/Rice musical can be. It was in my opinion the team's best musical and arguebly Webber's best of his career( no offense to Cats, Evita, Jospeh and Phantom fan's, i love these shows too). It was the musical that put Webber and Rice on the map. The stars of the show are Murray Head as Judas, Ian Gilliam as Jesus, Yvonne Elliman as Mary Magdalene and one of my heros of the performing arts, Barry Dennen as Pilate. I know almost all songs by heart. THe overture is one of the best I heard, Heaven On Their Minds is a good tone setter, This Jesus Must Die, sung by Caiaphas, you gotta love the bass in his voice, and as contrast you have a winey Annas, a very high tenor. The first showstopper is Simon Zealotes a plea to Jesus to help the jews rise up against the Romans, but Jesus won't do it. Pilate's Dream is a good development song for Pilate, letting the listiner know that his decison to kill Jesus was not entirley his. Of course the big hit song is I Don't Know How To Love Him, sung wonderfully by Elliman. At first I didn't like this song, but know it is starting to grow on me. The last number of the first act, Damned For All Time, is the song where Judas decides to betray Jesus. The last lines always give me goosebumps. The second act is also very powerful, the Last Supper was moving with great performances by Head and Gilliam, the only problem, and it has been a problem in most JCS shows, is the horrid screeching. If you never heard the show before it goes very high, its a rock opera, but there are always screeching. Gethsemane is my favorite song in the whole show, Gilliam sings well, but if you want to hear a better version of it, listin to Ted Neely on the movie soundtrack, he can hit those notes better.The funnist song is Herod's Song, the only romp of the show. The last and greatest song in this show is the hit Superstar,an amazing piece sung by Judas, taunting Jesus after he is sent to die. I never listin to the Crucifixion song, its really painful and sad. John Nineteen:Forty one instrmental is beautiful. This is a great album and it if you like this show, see the movie and buy its album.
Land of My Fathers: 100 Great Welsh Choir Favourites
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    		Land of My Fathers: 100 Great Welsh Choir Favourites

    Manufacturer: Castle Pulse
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

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    1. Favourite Welsh Choirs
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    ASIN: B0009SOFXG
    Release Date: 2005-08-01

    Tracks:

    1. Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer (CWM Rhondda) - Caerphilly Make Voice Choir
    2. Land of My Fathers - Caerphilly Make Voice Choir
    3. Dies Irae
    4. Men of Harlech
    5. You'll Never Walk Alone
    6. Cadwyn O Emyn Donau Cymreig: Joanna (Trad./Elfion Wyn)/Crugybar (Trad.
    7. Old Folks at Home
    8. Il Liza Jane
    9. Faust/Soldier's Chorus - Caerphilly Make Voice Choir
    10. Vergine Degli Angeli
    11. Ballard of Rourke's Drift - Cwt-Y-Collen Choir
    12. My Hero
    13. God Bless the Prince of Wales - Caerphilly Make Voice Choir
    14. German Mass/Gloria
    15. German Mass/Sanctus
    16. Misbles/Master of the House/On My Own/Drink with Me/Empty Chairs at
    17. All Through the Night - Caerphilly Make Voice Choir
    18. Arwelfa
    19. Invictus
    20. Softly as I Leave You

    Tracks:

    1. Diolch l'R L
    2. Hine E Hine (Maori Lullaby)
    3. Pererin Wyf (Amazing Grace)
    4. Tribute to the USA: America the Beautiful (Ward/Bates)/God Bless ...
    5. Memories of Martha
    6. I Lombardi/The Crusaders' Chorus - Treorchy Male Choir
    7. Myfanwy - Treorchy Male Choir
    8. Tales of Hoffman/Barcarolle
    9. Creation's Hymn
    10. In the Spirit!
    11. Shall We Gather at the River
    12. Nos a Bore
    13. Very Best Time of Year
    14. Soon Ah Will Be Done
    15. Thanks Be to God
    16. Flower That Shattered the Stone
    17. Rhys - Treorchy Male Choir
    18. Where Shall I Be?
    19. Bywyd y Bugail
    20. Lord's Prayer

    Tracks:

    1. Ave Maria
    2. Pearl Fishers/Divine Brahma
    3. She Was Beautiful (Cavatina) - Treorchy Male Choir
    4. Cymru Fach
    5. Nidaros
    6. Jacob's Ladder - Treorchy Male Choir
    7. Watching the Wheat
    8. Pan Ddaw y Saint (When the Saints Go Marching In)
    9. Misbles/Stars
    10. Rachie
    11. Pirates of Penzance/With Cat-Like Tread - Treorchy Male Choir
    12. There Is a Balm in Gilead
    13. Rise Up Shepherd and Foller
    14. My Lord, What a Mornin'
    15. Bryn Myrddin
    16. Jesus Christ Superstar/Medley: Jesus Christ Superstar/Hosanna/The Last
    17. Finnish Forest (Suomen Salossa)
    18. Nabucco/The Glory of Israel
    19. Ride the Chariot
    20. Tydi a Roddaist - Treorchy Male Choir

    Tracks:

    1. Y Nefoedd
    2. Phantom of the Opera/Think of Me
    3. Morte Christe (When I Survey the Wondrous Cross)
    4. By Babylon's Wave
    5. I'm Gonna Sing
    6. Where Could I Go But to the Lord?
    7. Holy City - Treorchy Male Choir
    8. Mefistofele: Ave Signor, Degli Angeli
    9. Senzenina (Zulu Chant)
    10. That's All I Want from You
    11. Deep Harmony - Treorchy Male Choir
    12. Give Me Jesus
    13. Just a Closer Walk with Thee
    14. My Wish for You
    15. Jeptha/Waft Her Angels
    16. Mose in Egitto/Prayer
    17. Be Still My Soul (Finlandia Hymn)
    18. God's Choir in the Sky
    19. Floral Dance - Treorchy Male Choir
    20. Smilin' Through

    Tracks:

    1. Calon Lan
    2. True Love
    3. Mor Fawr Wyt Ti (How Great Thou Art)
    4. Aberystwyth
    5. Comrades in Arms
    6. Cats/Memory
    7. They Led My Lord Away
    8. State Fair/It's a Grand Night for Singing
    9. When I Fall in Love
    10. Let's Face the Music and Dance
    11. Windmills of Your Mind
    12. How Soon
    13. Non Nobis Domine
    14. Rhythm of Life
    15. Kalinka
    16. Sound an Alarm
    17. Neapolitan Trilogy: It's Now or Never (Di Capua/Schroeder/Gold)/Mo ...
    18. Turandot/Nessun Dorma
    19. Christus Redemptor
    20. Ann Evening's Pastorale

    Album Details

    Choirs Include the Morriston Orpheus Choir, the Pontadrddulais Male Voice Choir, the Caerphilly Male Voice Choir, the Cwrt-y-gollen Choir, the Treorchy Male Choir and the Lucknow Male Voice Choir.
    Jesus Christ Superstar (Highlights from the 1971 Original Broadway Cast)
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • Jesus Christ Superstar CD's
    • Of all the versions, this one is the best. Sorry, purists.
    • The Second Recording of the Rock Opera
    • Not the Best
    • THE BEST JCSS RECORDING
    		 Jesus Christ Superstar (Highlights from the 1971 Original Broadway Cast)
    Andrew Lloyd Webber , Tim Rice , Ben Vereen , Jeff Fenholt , and Yvonne Elliman
    Manufacturer: Decca U.S.
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

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    1. Jesus Christ Superstar (Special Edition)
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    5. Pippin (1972 Original Broadway Cast)

    ASIN: B00008QSBZ
    Release Date: 2003-04-01

    Tracks:

    1. Heaven On Their Minds - Ben Vereen
    2. Everything's Alright - Yvonne Elliman
    3. This Jesus Must Die - Alan Braunstein
    4. Hosanna - Jeff Fenholt
    5. Pilate's Dream - Barry Dennen
    6. I Don't Know How To Love Him - Yvonne Elliman
    7. Gethsemane (I Only Want To Say) - Jeff Fenholt
    8. King Herod's Song - Paul Ainsley
    9. Could We Start Again, Please - Yvonne Elliman
    10. Judas' Death - Ben Vereen
    11. Trial Before Pilate - Barry Dennen
    12. Superstar - Ben Vereen
    13. John Nineteen: Forty One - Chorus

    Amazon.com

    Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's Jesus Christ Superstar is most familiar from its original concept recording or film soundtrack, so it's a long-overdue treat to have the 1971 original Broadway cast finally available on CD. It's a great listen, anchored by Ben Vereen's powerhouse performance as Judas, complemented by Jeff Fenholt as Christ and, from the original recording and the film, Yvonne Elliman and Barry Dennen as Mary Magdalene and Pilate, respectively. The major drawback, however, is that there's only 44 minutes of highlights, or roughly half the score, so this CD should be considered a complement to the other recordings rather than the definitive version. The selections are intelligent, however, and include the ballad "Could We Start Again Please?" (which was written after the original concept recording) and a puzzling "I Don't Know How to Love Him" in which Elliman either plays with or loses track of the rhythm. The booklet includes photos and notes on the show and the Broadway production. --David Horiuchi

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Jesus Christ Superstar CD's.......2006-11-10

    I ordered 2 of the CD's, one for myself and one for a very close friend. They both arrived in exactly condition and in an extremely timely manner. Although this is an older released musical piece, it brought back fond memories and allowed me to recapture moments from my past that were very uplifting.

    5 out of 5 stars Of all the versions, this one is the best. Sorry, purists........2006-06-01

    I always thought the concept album had a garage-bandy sound to it, and a thin production sound typical of the era (like "Tommy"). The Broadway album is comparatively fuller (still 70's sounding) but makes much better use of the orchestra, and better mixed as well. The string swells sweep you away, the cymbal crashes give you chills. Jeff Fenholt couldn't front Deep Purple, but he makes an excellent Jesus, earnest and conflicted. Murray Head holds nothing to the passion and soul of the great Ben Vereen. Yvonne Elliman is slightly more mature in the role of Mary Magdalene on Broadway and clearly more comfortable, and Barry Dennen seethes and conflagrates as Pilate much more than on the concept album. Overall, more emotion comes through, which figures since they actually performed it in front of live audiences. In a way, the Broadway album is the definitive version because it is from the first performing cast of JCS, not a crew hired for a one-off.
    It's a shame the full song list isn't included on the Broadway album, but the highlights really are the best parts, and the song "Could We Start Again", not on the concept album, is Webber & Rice at the top of their show-ballad game.

    4 out of 5 stars The Second Recording of the Rock Opera.......2006-03-31

    All was not well in 1969 when two baby-boomers decided to write a rock opera based on the last days of Jesus of Nazareth. The analogy held a startling, brilliant poignancy at that time. Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber no doubt were seeing what had happened to the youth of the modern age. Having become disillusioned with the hypocrisy and emptiness of their parents’ establishment, the younger generation experienced a void in their psyche that formerly religion, fortune, and family had filled for their parents. These kids wanted something more substantial, more meaningful, and as a result they through themselves headfirst into the new age – distancing themselves as much as humanly possible from their parents’ in clothing, in speech, in attitude, and of course, in music.

    Yet, no one could foresee the force with which that void would compel these kids to attach themselves with their musical idols. If these kids were turning away from organized religion for the answers, they found it in their rock stars. Rock stars became the Gods of their generation – spreading a gospel of subversion, peace, understanding, and individualism. These kids had found the answer they were looking for. Somehow, identifying with an Elvis, or a Hendrix, or a Lennon offered the sense of validation we were looking for. Much the same way in which the early Christians were looking for a sense of validation when they turned to their own superstar – the meager son of a carpenter, born in Bethlehem around the year 4 BCE.

    Objectively speaking, this recording is just slightly below the quality of the Original 1970 Concept Recording. About half the music is present (and that which is here is either subjected to truncation or sped-up tempo-wise), but considering how soon after the release of the Concept Recording this was recorded, it probably made more financial sense.

    Ben Vereen as Judas is in less flexible voice than Carl Anderson (who later understudied the role) had been when he appeared in the film. There is a slight edge to the sound which is at times soulful and captivating. His "Heaven on Their Minds" is filled with musically interesting moments where he takes the vocal line and creates swells and curlicues. Jeff Fenholt is in very good form as Jesus. He had a strikingly clean baritone voice with a very effective extension (which we get to hear in his excellent, though unfortunately rushed, "Gethsemane").

    The unfortunate case with both the leads, however, is that they seem to miss a certain weight to their portrayals that Murray Head and Ian Gillan (on the Concept Recording) understood full out. Part of the issue was poor direction on the part of Tom O'Horgan (who just previously had brought "Hair" to Broadway), whose production concept was based on pure, unabashed spectacle at the expense of a deeper pathos. This can be seen in the production photographs, one of which appears on the cover. (It's Fenholt in an enormous fabric "caccoon" which, in the production, he would lift up to form even more enormous "wings.") Offshoots of this: "This Jesus Must Die" is reduced to pure camp and "Superstar" gets a boost of adrenaline. The former is unfortunate, the latter actually works quite well.

    Elliman and Dennon sound more or less the same here than on their subsequent recordings. (Elliman's voice, though, seems to have mellowed nicely.) A pleasant surprise, however is Paul Ainsley as King Herod. His "King Herod's Song" is probably the most musically and vocally satisfying performance of that song I've heard to date. The orchestrations are pretty much kicked-up versions of those used for the Concept Recording, and add a dynamic level to the show.

    This will never replace the Concept Recording (or perhaps the 1970 Film Soundtrack), and certainly should not be anyone's introduction to the work. It certainly would make an excellent companion to either of those two, however.

    3 out of 5 stars Not the Best.......2005-07-10

    I love this musical, and any soundtrack from it is amazing. however, if you're having difficulty picking which version, i would suggest the movie soundtrack before this one. Judus is no where near as good, which was a dissapointment. however, the songs were still very good. What else can Andrew LLoyd Webber be?

    4 out of 5 stars THE BEST JCSS RECORDING.......2004-05-20

    THIS CD IS THE BEST JCSS RECORDINGS...IT JUST DOSN'T HAVE THE WHOLE "THIS JESUS MUST DIE" SONG. IT DOSN'T PLAY THE WHOLE THING! THE COVER DOSN'T EVEN MAKE SENSE. [I'M STILL WANDERING WHAT IT IS] BEN VEREEN IS A GREAT JUDAS...PROBOBLY THE BEST ONE. BARY DENEN IS NOT GOOD IN THIS PRODUCTION. HE SOUNDED LIKE HE WAS GONNA THROW UP OR HAD A DRY TROUGHT. HE IS BETTER IN THE ORGINAL CONCEPT CD. THE MAJOR PROBLEM IN THIS CD IS IT WASN'T COMPLETE. REALLY, I HAVN'T SEEN A COMPLETE JCSS CD THAT I DON'T HAVE IN 5 MONTHS! THEY ONLY GIVE OUT THE HIGHLIGHTS CDS. WHO WOULD WANT TO LISTEN TO 13 OK SONGS IN A GREAT MUSICAL? NO ONE. THE PICTURES IN THE CD LOOKED CRAZY. I NEVER WANT TO SEE THE PICTURE OF THAT KING HEROD AGAIN. YOU SHOULD BUY THIS CD IF REALLY LIKE THE MUSICAL.
    Jesus Christ Superstar
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • JCS Remastered Abbey Roads May 2006 Review
    • THE BEST VERSION OF ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER'S CLASSIC
    		 Jesus Christ Superstar

    Manufacturer: Decca Broadway
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

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    ASIN: B000BSM27U
    Release Date: 2006-05-23

    Tracks:

    1. Overture
    2. Heaven On Their Minds
    3. What's The Buzz? / Strange Thing, Mystifying
    4. Everything's Alright
    5. This Jesus Must Die
    6. Hosanna
    7. Simon Zealotes / Poor Jerusalem
    8. Pilate's Dream
    9. The Temple
    10. Everything's Alright (reprise)
    11. I Don't Know How To Love Him
    12. Damned For All Time / Blood Money

    Tracks:

    1. The Last Supper
    2. Gethsemane (I Only Want To Say)
    3. The Arrest
    4. Peter's Denial
    5. Pilate And Christ
    6. King Herod's Song
    7. Could We Start Again, Please?
    8. Judas' Death
    9. Trial Before Pilate (Including The 39 lashes)
    10. Superstar
    11. Crucifixion
    12. John Nineteen: Forty-One

    Album Details

    2005 Digitally Remastered (At Abbey Road Studios) Deluxe Edition of the Critically Acclaimed London 1996 Cast.

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars JCS Remastered Abbey Roads May 2006 Review.......2006-05-24

    This is the newly re-released and Remastered Edition of the West End 1996 Production of JCS Starring Steve Balasmo, Joanna Ampil and Zubin Varla. First I have to comment on the new packaging. 2cd in a slim case with slip cover and new lyric book. The best thing about the new release is the colored photos from the production! I was actually under the impression that this was the production that inspired the new movie "RENT/PUNK" style version, but judging from the pictures it's anything but that! The pictures are set in the time of Christ's crucifixion. You get a glimpse of the amazing sets and costumes. Joanna Ampil's a beautiful Mary and Steve and Zubin look great as Jesus and Judas. If you're interested in the new release the must have the "Digitally Remastered at Abbey Roads Studios London Deluxe Edition" black sticker on it!

    I have the Original Concept CD, Broadway CD with , Australian 1994 CD and 25th Anniversary CD (which is pretty much a joke). This is my favorite version all together. The orchestrations have been slightly changed and updated, including a final ending to "Heaven on their Minds," "Everything's Alright" and "Gethsemene" which finally seems to get some closure instead of the annoying fade outs on the previous CDs. THERE AREN'T ANY FADE OUTS IN LIVE PERFORMANCES!

    Steve Balasmo tackels the title role of Jesus with fierce intensity. "Gethsemane" is literally the showstopper when he raises his key much higher when he gets to "See how I DIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEE!" He holds it for, including starting with "See how I die" for 24 seconds. Another reviewer said it was a G above High C. Simply and utterly amazing. But Steve's voice is an aquired taste in the role of Jesus. In comparing him to Ted Neeley, Steve has a soft beautiful Tenor quality while Ted's is hard and sharp at the edge's. Ted screams his way through "Gethsemene" and it's amazing, but Steve's rendition is done with more of a pop-rock sound that is easier on the throat than all the screaming Ted and the other Jesus's do. All versions are amazing, but I prefer this one over all. (For all you Steve Balasmo fans out there you can catch him on the cast recording of "Notre Dame De Paris." He plays Phoebus and sings the amazing "Torn Apart")

    Zubin Varla is a great Judas, much stronger than Jerome Pradon, but is no Carl Anderson or Ben Vereen. Although I like Jerome's acting all we have is Zubin's voice to go by and I prefer listening to Zubin. His "Heaven on their Minds" is near perfect with amazing Orchestral sounds and vocal riffs. His acting is superb too. Carl and Ben sing more souful and Zubin has more of the edgy rock sound. All are great.

    Joanna Ampil (of "Miss Saigon" fame, you can hear her as Kim on the "Complete Recording of Miss Saigon, 2CD) is a little weak, timid, and shy to portray the role of the prostitute Mary Magdeline. Original Yvonne Elliman seemed to capture every essence of the character. Claire Moore, original Ellen of Miss Saigon does a fine job of Mary on the 20th Annv CD, but Joanna's voice is beautiful and soothing, but sounds too technically clean. This is a Rock Opera so I need a little more umpf. I needed her to let loose some more in the repeating finale of "Everything's Alright". Although she's not bad at all, but seems to get lost among the belters.

    Glenn Carter is Simon on this CD, you might all know him as Jesus in the new DVD vesion of Jesus Christ Superstar that was released a few years back. HE does well as Simon, belting all those notes out. David Burt is a good follow up as Pilate since Barry Denon played the part 3 times in the 70s. "Could We Start Again Please" is hauntingly beatiful. The rest of the cast does the CD justice.
    Overall I would say this is the best recording. There are some performers here and there that are better on other recordings, but it's impossible to have the ultra perfect cast, for that you would have to create a mix tape.

    Also on Remastered Re-Release
    Joseph London Cast
    Aspects of Love (Brilliant Re-Release)
    Sunset Blvd (Glenn Close)
    Cats London
    Cats Broadway
    Song and Dance London
    Starlight Express

    5 out of 5 stars THE BEST VERSION OF ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER'S CLASSIC.......2005-12-15

    Jesus Christ Superstar was Andrew Lloyd Webber's first big success and the second musical he did with, in my opinion, his best lyricist, Tim Rice. The show evoked much controversy when it first appeared in 1970, since the story of the Christ's final days is mainly told from the Judas' point of view and not always according to the Gospels. Hence Mary Magdalene mentions that she is in love with Jesus and after the last supper the Apostles are a bit drunk.

    Jesus Christ Superstar is considered as a turning point in modern musical-theatre. It presented something entirely different from past musicals: the plot was new and distinct, the lyrics did not sound shallow and the characters were precisely defined. Also, the piece was entirely sung-through so that the music and the plot became one. All the new musicals afterwards will use some of the new characteristics Superstar introduced leading to almost complete abandonment of the styles that the 50-is and the 60-is used in musicals.

    Over the years there were quite a few recordings, however, this one can be considered definite. Both Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice overlooked its making acting as producers, Lloyd Webber making the orchestrations. The cast was mainly assembled from the revival production that run in London from 1996 until 1998, but this recording is known as the studio cast, since Alice Cooper was called in for the role of King Herod. The score is certainly one of the best Webber has ever written; the pure rock sound of the orchestra is simply amazing. When compared to the older recordings, this one has a more polished score and the sound, i.e., the use of the guitars, drums etc, sounds more modern and appropriate. Tim Rice's lyrics are suitable and witty, fitting perfectly with the score.

    The cast on this recording made a fantastic job. Steve Balsamo as Jesus is a perfect match in both physical and vocal sense. His voice range is amazing and ranges from smooth and soft to extremely high. The way he holds his voice and hits the notes in "Gethsemane" left me with my mouth opened. One can feel the pain, sadness and unwillingness to finish his task and be crucified. His performance is absolutely amazing. The same thing can be said for Zubin Varla, who plays Judas. His voice is appropriately husky and his solos bring the house down. A clear distinction can be seen between his and Balsamo's voice. Joanna Ampil as Mary Magdalene is reasonable, although she sounds a bit too pathetic for my taste. Alice Cooper is hilarious in his "King Herod's Song", exactly as it is meant to be. The supportive cast was also wisely chosen, David Burt is strong and yet uncertain Pilate, the malice felt in Peter Gallagher's Caiaphas is just perfect. The orchestral performance is spotless. The score ranges from rock numbers to wonderful and touching ballads. The full libretto with cast photographs is included in the booklet.

    In the end, I would recommend this recording of Jesus Christ Superstar not only to anyone interested in the very best that the modern musical-theatre has to offer, but also to fans who are looking for the definite recording.

    Music:

    1. Jesus Christ Superstar (Highlights from the 1971 Original Broadway Cast) [Original recording remastered] [Cast Recording]
    2. Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (1973 London Studio Cast) [Cast Recording] [Cast Recording]
    3. Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (1991 London Revival Cast) [Cast Recording] [Cast Recording]
    4. Judy Garland In Hollywood: Her Greatest Movie Hits - Original Soundtrack Performances 1936-1963 [Soundtrack]
    5. L' Harmonie Des Campagnes
    6. Li'l Abner (1956 Original Broadway Cast) [Original recording remastered]
    7. Little Shop Of Horrors: Original Cast Album (1982 Off-Broadway Cast) [Cast Recording]
    8. Lord of the Rings: At Dawn in Rivendell
    9. Martin Guerre (1999 UK Tour Cast) [Cast Recording]
    10. Me And My Girl: The Lambeth Walk Musical (1985 London Revival Cast) [Cast Recording] [Import] [Cast Recording]

    Music

    Music