I also listened to the Amazon samples, and I'm just wondering is that going to be the audio quality of the cast recording? Thanks so much, can't wait to hear peoples thoughts!
EDIT: removed the link cause y'all get offended easily
This one sounds completely unremarkable. I'm usually a fan of revival cast recordings and I'm sure the production is great but the recording sounds so lifeless compared to the original cast album.
Maybe you aren't a fan of the smaller orchestrations? They sound great in the theater. This is the sound the composers originally wanted, not the grand Tunick orchestrations.
LOL. Yeah, if someone could give me a copy that I could download before I buy it, that would be great. Because I'm totally going to buy it once I already have a copy.
Jordan Catalano said: "LOL. Yeah, if someone could give me a copy that I could download before I buy it, that would be great. Because I'm totally going to buy it once I already have a copy. "
yep. I hope the mods delete that ridiculous Reddit link. With affordable streaming services available, there's no need to illegally download cast albums, which harms this small industry. And of course it doesn't hurt to buy the actual album!
The omission of the act one finale still puzzles me and I don't understand why they felt the need to include the "Reunion" track as just an instrumental track. The reduced orchestrations don't really bother me but the cast sounds as if they were instructed to just sing pretty and not show any emotion in their voices. This is a weird one for me. It's a rare instance where I think I still prefer the original cast album over the new one.
My CD arrived yesterday and its a vast improvement over the first production. This one is compulsively listenable where the other one felt bloated and I rarely listened to it. The voices are glorious and the stripped down approach is very intimate.
"The sexual energy between the mother and son really concerns me!"-random woman behind me at Next to Normal
"I want to meet him after and bang him!"-random woman who exposed her breasts at Rock of Ages, referring to James Carpinello
I am in complete agreement with Bettyboy. I have an appreciation for the OBCR now, but it definitely has a bloated quality to it.
Cats, I am also so disappointed by the omission of the Act 1 Finale, especially because it's one of Erivo's best moments. If you haven't seen this production yet, I think you are picking up on the detached vibe that Erivo has for act one. It's not a lack of emotion, but she was very clearly directed to act detached from the other characters and story until she finds love with Shug and especially finding the letters from Nettie. In Act two she finds her confidence and voice, and becomes a self-assured woman who has no issue standing up to Mister. She creates such a beautiful and powerful journey. Also, her interpretation of the music and lyrics is very different from LaChanze's, definitely more quiet and introspective.
It's nice to hear that they recorded some music and dialogue not heard on the OBCR, but I'm also surprised that they cut Celie's "I Curse You Mister" in addition to the cut act 1 finale.
I'll never understand what goes through their heads in the recording studio when they decide that the act one finale isn't all that important for the listener at home. Even when it's a scene and not an actual song it's an important part of the structure and affords the person listening a better understanding of that structure. The upcoming American Psycho London cast album has done the exact same thing and there are other examples as well and even shows that will leave out the act two finale which is even more frustrating.
After first listen-through, I gotta say I'm not a fan. The cast sounded absolutely incredible live when I saw it, I just don't get why this doesn't sound as good. There are parts I love, Danielle in particular sounds amazing, but it really lacks emotion, and in my opinion, the instrumentation is far too quiet- especially in I'm Here.
There is literally no way to buy the album in Australia, as soon as it's made available I will purchase it. Why don't you quit being a self-entitled arse and stick to the discussion?
I love the orchestrations, the singing is great but I too think it lacks a little heart, the actors prioritized singing well rather than showing emotions.
It's killing me that I have to wait until the 19th to listen to the soundtrack, and I can only hope its available o itunes or digitally, Im jealous of everyone on here who has already heard it