Best Anything Goes Recording?

There are quite a few out there, so I thought I'd ask for recommendations.

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I definately 2nd Patti's version. It's so much more upbeat and fun.

Yeah, I guess Patti's overalli is the best way to go.

Smaxie, that's SCARILY accurate.

I'm partial to the 1988 (1987? Whatever) with Patti recording, but the studio cast from 1988 (the one with Kim Criswell) is definitely, definitely worth having.

Also, I may be lying about the year, I don't know if it's 1988.

Another vote for Patti!

Ok I'm going to be different. I definitely vote against the Patti recording. She does not clearly sing any of the words and it is a big mush. If you like clever Cole Porter lyrics, which I am a huge fan, this is not the best recording for you. If you like pretty music then yeah teh orchestrations are better. I still go with the original offbroadway cast recording!

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Definitely the revival recording with Patti LuPone or the 2003 London recording with John Barrowman. Both are must haves. The London version also includes the additional song "There'll Always Be a Lady Fair".

Thank you all. I've been meaning to get a recording for awhile, but I had no idea there were so many to choose from until I searched on Amazon.

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The EMI re-creation of the original 1934 version has wonderful orchestartions, but since no one does the show using that script and score if you are looking for a recording that documents the production you have seen or done this isn't for you. Also some of the singers are too much voice (Von Stade) or too little (Gilford).

Epic's 1962 cast documents the revised version done off-Broadway and the standard performing edition in use for community theatres. It sounds very thin, however, and the singers are shrill.

The 1987 (October 19, 1987 it opened) Patti LuPone version is another revision and has a full Broadway-style orchestration. If you can't take Patti LuPone the exact same program was recorded in London with Elaine Paige. I enjoy both of these vesrions.

The recent London revival with John Barrowman is essentially the 1987 version.

Avoid the DRG/studio cast version with Mary Martin, it's deadly dull. The film soundtrack with Bing Crosby (on Decca) has nothing to do with the stage show except for 5 of its 9 songs.

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I too recommend the Elaine Paige version. This uses a larger orchestra than was used at the Lincoln Center.

The 1989 London recording with Elaine Paige is my favorite. I prefer her voice to Patti's especially for the song "Anything Goes."

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