Ok guys, since I consider you to be the "authority" I'm planning on buying a few cast recordings on amazon.com
My list so far:
Caroline, or Change
Assassins
tick...tick...BOOM!
Sweeney Todd (OBCR)
The Last Five Years
I'm thinking of adding Parade to that list but I need some feedback on that.
Any suggestions of new additions or getting rid of a recording already on the list is greatly appreciated!
Thanks-AG
I will say, without shame, that I have recently fallen in love with the SEUSSICAL OBCR.
And have re-fallen in love with the RAGTIME OBCR.
HAHA I don't think I'm interested Seussical...how is it Priest?
I really like Parade. Not sure it would be number 6 on my "gotta have" list, but it's worth owning. Too bad it didn't stick around longer.
What is your top 6? I need some good Broadway...I've had Wicked on for too long.
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/4/04
Try some classic OBCs- My Fair Lady, Company, A Little Night Music, and Cabaret, for instance.
Thanks guys, I have to rework this list...I'm trying to keep it to 5 at the most. It's damn hard.
1) Sweeney Todd OBCR
2) Company OBCR
3) Into the Woods OBCR
4) Follies (1985 Concert)
5) Les Miserables
6) Gypsy/West Side Story
7) Kiss Me, Kate (Revival)
No particular order except for Sweeney being number one.
Also check out the albums:
Bernadette Peters: Sondheim, etc.
Mandy Patinkin Sings Sondheim
De-Lovely (Soundtrack)
I LOVE listening to...
1) Violet
2) Company (OBC)
3) The Baker's Wife (Sorvino/Lupone, not the london recording)
4) City of Angels (OBC)
5) March of the Falsettos/Falsettoland
then to throw in the obvious and new
The Wild Party (LaChiusa) and I just fell in love with Caroline or Change. Amazing stuff.
To be honest, the first time I listened to MF & FL I wasn't all that into it. The characters really begin to grow on you though. Some of the lyrics are absolutely hysterical, while others you just say, "huh?" That's what I love about this score though, everytime you listen to it, you find something new. I music directed Falsettos this past winter (both shows put together as one full musical) and I didn't want it to end. Which is more than I can say for most of the 50 shows I've either been in or music directed.
First of all, if you can get it from 6 to 10 dollars off or more, buy them used. Amazon has a great track record with on-line sellers and lately I've been getting all of my CDs used for a lot cheaper than the original price and it's great. I say SWEENEY TODD is also a great choice, but I don't like the OBC as much as I like the concert cast, but that one is out of print and around 30 to 40 bucks used...
So, Aspiringguy, are you starting from scratch with your collection or do you already have some? There are some Broadway "basics" that you just have to have, like Les Mis, and PTO, and West Side Story, Into the Woods, Rent,etc but half the fun of picking up Broadway CD's is getting surprised (hopefully "good" surprised) by shows that you don't know anything about. A show like Sideshow that the "hinterland" never heard anything about (I live in Michigan) was a great find for me and I love it! I've got about 100 shows on CD and there are only a few that I regretted buying and don't pull out for an occasional listen. Good luck!
100 shows??? wow! that's really awesome!
i thought i had alot.
No I'm not starting from scratch lol, I have about...15. I have some "standards" like POTO, Les Miz, Into the Woods and some newer ones like Songs for a New World, Taboo, Wicked, and Avenue Q. Just looking to expand my collection with some really good musical theater.
these are always hard questions becasue everyone has their favorites...
Caroline
Ragtime
March of Falsettos/Falsettoland
A Little Night Music
Sweeney Todd (Lupone/Hearn concert)
also, be nice and some member may be willing to send you "duplicates" the may have....you know, those double gifts we got and never returned and they are still in their shrink-wrap and we are too lazty to sell them on amazon
Thanks for the suggestions guys!
I've compiled a list of 10...which needs to be narrowed down to 5 lol
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/18/03
parade is GREAT! Carolee carmello is phenominal.
Sweeney Todd OBCR
A Little Night Music
Last 5 Years
Caroline, or Change
Assassins
tick...tick...BOOM!
Company
Parade
Cabaret
Sideshow
Since I'm definitely getting Sweeney and Caroline...I need to choose three more from that list.
Go with Company, Assassins and Cabaret as the final three.
which Assassins (I don't mean to start a new thread -- there are many of those) ---
Videos