#26
Posted: 4/12/05 at 10:55pm
So... I had my first listen to the full "Altar Boyz" cast recording today. It sounds like it will be a decent translation from the show to the CD... I say this because "Altar Boyz" is a show that relies very heavily on the energy inherent in the LIVE aspect of the performance. I won't lie- I missed the overamplified bass that reverberates the auditorium in the live show. A few of the songs fail to maintain the concert feel that makes the musical so fun and refreshing to watch; rather, the tracks sound synthetic and a bit overproduced. This occurs in one of my favorite songs in the entire show, "Rhythm in Me", which is riddled with odd techno vocoder effects that I'm not particularly fond of. Some of the dance breaks are whittled down, which is disappointing. Also (and this happens with almost all cast recordings, so I wasn't totally taken by surprise), there are bits of dialogue that could have easily been included on the recording that are sadly cut out.
Now, here are the positives: The cast is in terrific form on this album. They all sound great, especially on their solo numbers. One of the biggest disappointments that I had with the album was the cut dialogue before Mark's "Epiphany"; however, Tyler rocks the house during that track, so I've decided not to complain anymore. :) There is some interesting new orchestrations on the album... It is very apparent on tracks like "Something About You", which has an interesting new synth drum loop in the background. Also, I can appreciate the harmonies at the end of the number now that they aren't overshadowed by audience laughter... although it is true that Mark's antics make the song. Andy Karl's fabulous voice really shines through in "Body, Mind, and Soul", and this makes me infinitely happy because I always feel like his performance is very underrated. Finally, I like the fact that songs on the album are clear enough that I can understand all of the lyrics... I've seen the show countless times, and there were some little things that I just picked up on with this first listen to the CD.
On a scale of 1-10, I'd give the album an 8 simply because the energy level that is present in the live show just isn't consistent here. I can watch the show again and again and not get bored whereas I can see myself getting tired of the CD after several listens.
Now, here are the positives: The cast is in terrific form on this album. They all sound great, especially on their solo numbers. One of the biggest disappointments that I had with the album was the cut dialogue before Mark's "Epiphany"; however, Tyler rocks the house during that track, so I've decided not to complain anymore. :) There is some interesting new orchestrations on the album... It is very apparent on tracks like "Something About You", which has an interesting new synth drum loop in the background. Also, I can appreciate the harmonies at the end of the number now that they aren't overshadowed by audience laughter... although it is true that Mark's antics make the song. Andy Karl's fabulous voice really shines through in "Body, Mind, and Soul", and this makes me infinitely happy because I always feel like his performance is very underrated. Finally, I like the fact that songs on the album are clear enough that I can understand all of the lyrics... I've seen the show countless times, and there were some little things that I just picked up on with this first listen to the CD.
On a scale of 1-10, I'd give the album an 8 simply because the energy level that is present in the live show just isn't consistent here. I can watch the show again and again and not get bored whereas I can see myself getting tired of the CD after several listens.
"Goodness is rewarded. Hope is guaranteed. Laughter builds strong bones. Right will intercede. Things you've said I often find I need, indeed. I see the world through your eyes. What's black and white is colorized. The knowledge you most dearly prized I'm eager to employ. You said that life has infinite joys."
Updated On: 4/12/05 at 10:55 PM
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