A STRANGE LOOP Original Broadway Cast Recording Thread- Page 2
A STRANGE LOOP Original Broadway Cast Recording Thread
A STRANGE LOOP Original Broadway Cast Recording Thread#25
Posted: 6/10/22 at 9:55am
Finally listened through the whole thing.
Comparatively speaking, both Ushers (Owens and Spivey) have their strengths and weaknesses when it comes to the score. Owens was able to bring bombast and cheekiness to numbers like “Exile In Gayville” and “Writing A Gospel Play”, but lacked vulnerability and quietness for the songs toward the end of the show, which I handily tip the hat to Spivey.
I will say that there were some moments on the OCR that were missing on the OBCR - most notably in “Tyler Perry Writes Real Life”. Considering James Jackson Jr. EATS UP the Harriet Tubman role on stage, I was surprised at how muted it felt on recording and it was a bit of a letdown. Also, with “Exile In Gayville”, the different “profiles” felt sped through and didn’t land like they did on the OCR or live.
L. Morgan Lee still knocks out “A Sympathetic Ear”, but I think the real MVP of the album is John-Andrew Morrison. His performance on the OBCR was unequivocally the most consistently good and unchanged across all three mediums and each time I listen to “Periodically”, I find myself rooting for him more and more over Matt Doyle for the Featured Actor Tony (which, honestly, he may actually nail down since Doyle picked up all the awards Morrison was already previously eligible for in 2020).
The comparisons, however, will never erase the fact that this is a must-listen score and it’s importance and originality cannot be overstated.
A STRANGE LOOP Original Broadway Cast Recording Thread#26
Posted: 6/10/22 at 10:07am
THIS IS INCREDIBLE!!!
A Strange Loop is really special, folks. Jackson's music is catchy, his lyrics are dense, witty, and insightful, and Jaquel Spivey's voice is like butter. Spivey paints a stunning picture of an imperfect person who wrestles with his thoughts and beliefs, and feels the urge to change himself. Can someone say Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Musical?
Though it mainly sounds like a Broadway pop-inspired score, I love how Jackson taps into other styles for a bit as well, most notably some gospel during "AIDS Is God's Punishment".
The plot follows a Black, queer artist (and probably resonates most among those demographics), but I feel its story is universal — for anyone who looks in the mirror and has not fully accepted themself, this show is for you.
The ensemble of "thoughts" is full of standouts, and I'm glad a couple of them were recognized with Tony nods.
I hope this takes Score and Orchestrations on Sunday, and oh how I would love to see this live. Now excuse me as I try to get "Inner White Girl" out of my head.
A STRANGE LOOP Original Broadway Cast Recording Thread#27
Posted: 6/10/22 at 10:09am
(double post)
A STRANGE LOOP Original Broadway Cast Recording Thread#28
Posted: 6/10/22 at 10:52am
Would someone with more familiarity with the show kindly point out the changes between this Broadway cast album and the original cast album? Are there any revised lyrics and if so which ones?
Stand-by Joined: 5/30/19
A STRANGE LOOP Original Broadway Cast Recording Thread#29
Posted: 6/10/22 at 11:20am
- Intermission Song - OBCR
- Today - OCR
- We Wanna Know
- Inner White Girl - OCR
- Didn't Want Nothin' - OCR
- Exile in Gayville - OCR
- Second Wave - OCR
- Tyler Perry Writes Real Life - OCR
- Writing a Gospel Play - OCBR
- A Sympathetic Ear - OCR
- Inwood Daddy - OCR
- Boundaries - OCR
- Periodically - OBCR
- Didn't Want Nothin' (Reprise) - OBCR
- Precious Little Dream / AIDS Is God's Punishment - OBCR
- Memory Song - OCR
- A Strange Loop - OBCR
This is just personal preference. I think Larry is a superior vocalist to Jaquel, but think that Jaquel's "Intermission Song" and "A Strange Loop" are stronger. Larry's "Inner White Girl" and "Memory Song" are just so expressive.
I think the mixing on the OBCR is more balanced, but overall think the vocals better on the OCR. I like new "Periodically" but prefer the original "A Sympathetic Ear".
Broadway Star Joined: 11/22/17
A STRANGE LOOP Original Broadway Cast Recording Thread#30
Posted: 6/10/22 at 1:07pm
As another poster mentioned, the OCR is just warmer, this one is sharper which is okay. I like that the two albums are different. The Thoughts are all the same people and equally brilliant on both. I prefer the OCR overall but "Inwood Daddy" and "Boundaries" are better on this album because the former is clearer and the latter does not have any breath control issues. "A Strange Loop" is the final song and it's supposed to pack an emotional punch. Larry destroys this song emotionally and has BIG energy, while Jaquel sings it much more quietly and sadly. Both wonderful actors but I prefer Larry's version.
What an incredibly special musical. 
A STRANGE LOOP Original Broadway Cast Recording Thread#31
Posted: 6/10/22 at 9:23pm
I am not crazy about the mixing job on this recording. Some ensemble vocals get a bit lost compared to the OCR. It is not as crisp. However, I much prefer Jaquel over Larry on the recordings. I feel more emotion from Jaquel on the recording. I did not see Larry live but just loved Jaquel when I saw it. I will probably compile my own playlist between the two.
A STRANGE LOOP Original Broadway Cast Recording Thread#32
Posted: 6/10/22 at 10:09pm
Haven't seen the show yet - next week but I totally prefer listening to what I can of the OCR over the OBCR as I'm not really a fan of the whole score in general.
A STRANGE LOOP Original Broadway Cast Recording Thread#33
Posted: 6/10/22 at 10:19pm
uncageg said: "I am not crazy about the mixing job on this recording. Some ensemble vocals get a bit lost compared to the OCR. It is not as crisp. However, I much prefer Jaquel over Larry on the recordings. I feel more emotion from Jaquel on the recording. I did not see Larry live but just loved Jaquel when I saw it. I will probably compile my own playlist between the two."
Interesting, I think the OBCR is mixed much more clearly. You can hear all the different vocal parts and instruments much more clearly. The vocals are pushed really far forward, even.
If anything, there's a thinner quality to the new recording. Perhaps that's what someone meant by the warmth of the OCR.
Excited to have this, though.
A STRANGE LOOP Original Broadway Cast Recording Thread#34
Posted: 6/10/22 at 10:25pm
BJR said: "uncageg said: "I am not crazy about the mixing job on this recording. Some ensemble vocals get a bit lost compared to the OCR. It is not as crisp. However, I much prefer Jaquel over Larry on the recordings. I feel more emotion from Jaquel on the recording. I did not see Larry live but just loved Jaquel when I saw it. I will probably compile my own playlist between the two."
Interesting, I think the OBCR is mixed much more clearly. You can hear all the different vocal parts and instruments much more clearly. The vocals are pushed really far forward, even.
If anything, there's a thinner quality to the new recording. Perhaps that's what someone meant by the warmth of the OCR.
Excited to have this, though."
I am finding the opposite. I have only listened to the first 4 songs in earbuds. But I started switching back and forth during certain parts of songs. I think the tracks with just, or mostly, Spivey are fine.
A STRANGE LOOP Original Broadway Cast Recording Thread#35
Posted: 6/11/22 at 10:58am
I think the new recording is mostly great but Exile in Gayville is BRUTAL to listen to. The mixing is horrendous. I know the lyrics and can’t even understand most of the lyrics.
A STRANGE LOOP Original Broadway Cast Recording Thread#36
Posted: 6/11/22 at 11:06am
n2nbaby said: "I think the new recording is mostly great but Exile in Gayville is BRUTAL to listen to. The mixing is horrendous. I know the lyrics and can’t even understand most of the lyrics. "
It sounds like it was recorded in an empty warehouse on a single microphone.
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/13/04
A STRANGE LOOP Original Broadway Cast Recording Thread#37
Posted: 6/11/22 at 11:39am
I’ll truly never understand what happened with the sound mixing from PH to Broadway. I could understand every lyric at PH and it added so much to the experience, especially as a first time viewer/listener.
I prefer the Off Broadway recording, but I’m enjoying this regardless of the mixing issues. The mixing is at least better on the album than it is at the Lyceum, but that’s a low bar. It’s such a shame. And somehow, the sound mixing is purposefully bad…? So odd.
A STRANGE LOOP Original Broadway Cast Recording Thread#38
Posted: 6/11/22 at 4:02pm
WiCkEDrOcKS said: "I’ll truly never understand what happened with the sound mixing from PH to Broadway. I could understand every lyric at PH and it added so much to the experience, especially as a first time viewer/listener.
I prefer the Off Broadway recording, but I’m enjoying this regardless of the mixing issues. The mixing is at least better on the album than it is at the Lyceum, but that’s a low bar. It’s such a shame. And somehow, the sound mixing is purposefully bad…? So odd."
The biggest and only complaint about the show seems to be the horrendous sound mixing issues at the Lyceum. Why is it that they can't resolve this if everyone is complaining about it?! My question then and I haven't seen the show as of yet - next week...How did they get a TONY nomination:
BEST SOUND DESIGN OF A MUSICAL - DREW LEVY
Broadway Star Joined: 11/22/17
A STRANGE LOOP Original Broadway Cast Recording Thread#39
Posted: 6/12/22 at 3:47pm
As discussed extensively, it's a choice they are making for the show.
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/13/04
A STRANGE LOOP Original Broadway Cast Recording Thread#40
Posted: 6/12/22 at 4:34pm
EllieRose2 said: "As discussed extensively, it's a choice they are making for the show."
Yes, I mentioned that. Which, as I said, is what makes it even more baffling.
Broadway Star Joined: 11/22/17
A STRANGE LOOP Original Broadway Cast Recording Thread#41
Posted: 6/12/22 at 5:08pm
I was answering Robbie's question. And yes, totally agree with you.
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/13/06
A STRANGE LOOP Original Broadway Cast Recording Thread#42
Posted: 10/4/22 at 9:44am
During the interview, the cast of "A Strange Loop" surprised Hudson with a video message, as Jackson and Hudson announced that they will collaborate on a reimagined version of the musical's song "Boundaries" as a bonus track on the "A Strange Loop" cast album.
https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/VIDEO-Jennifer-Hudson-Michael-R-Jackson-Announce-New-A-STRANGE-LOOP-Musical-Collaboration-on-THE-JENNIFER-HUDSON-SHOW-20221004
A STRANGE LOOP Original Broadway Cast Recording Thread#43
Posted: 10/4/22 at 9:59am
Am I missing something? Or are they just going to release the track, and add it to the cast recording online?
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/13/06
A STRANGE LOOP Original Broadway Cast Recording Thread#44
Posted: 10/4/22 at 1:57pm
My assumption is that it will be on a CD release, which would also be a good tactic to sell units… to make it exclusive.
Understudy Joined: 5/11/22
A STRANGE LOOP Original Broadway Cast Recording Thread#45
Posted: 10/4/22 at 2:50pm
The CD version of the Cast Recording is being released November 4th. It’s currently available for pre-order on Amazon.
A STRANGE LOOP Original Broadway Cast Recording Thread#46
Posted: 10/4/22 at 7:05pm
It would be great if they did it exclusive on the physical release. B&N did the same with the 2008 Gypsy recording - eight bonus tracks on their CD and vinyl release - and if they already announced it on national television, I’m hoping it’s already been finished and put in it’s place. We shall see!
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/13/06
A STRANGE LOOP Original Broadway Cast Recording Thread#47
Posted: 10/17/22 at 12:17pm
The original Broadway Cast Recording of A Strange Loop, Michael R. Jackson's Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning musical will be released on CD on Friday, November 4. The album is currently available in digital and streaming formats. The Broadway premiere of the show - directed by Tony Award nominee Stephen Brackett, choreographed by Raja Feather Kelly, and produced by Barbara Whitman along with Page 73 Productions, Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company and Playwrights Horizons - is running at the Lyceum Theatre (149 West 45th Street) through January 15, 2023. A Strange Loop was nominated for 11 Tony Awards®, making it the most-nominated show of the Broadway season, and won "Best Musical," and "Best Book of a Musical." To stream or download the album, or pre-order the CD, please visit ghostlightrecords.lnk.to/AStrangeLoopPR
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