Best Godspell Recording?

[LeadingMan051990]

Posted: 3/11/06 at 6:25pm

Hey you guys i really want to buy a Godspell recording as I have never seen or listened to the show before. Which recording would everyone reccomend?

Thanks

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 3/11/06 at 6:39pm

2000 off-Broadway cast recording...

[Dancinqueen123]

Posted: 3/11/06 at 6:40pm

2000 off broadway

[daspazoo]

Posted: 3/11/06 at 7:07pm

The 2000 Off-Broadway is my favorite, BUT the orchestrations/arrangements are unique to that production alone. This is not the version of the show that is usually performed or even available for liscensing.

If you had to pick a stater recording, I would pick the 1993 London Studio Recording. It's hard to find in stores, but I put a link to it on Amazon below. This recording has all the material (as currently liscensed) without the dated sound of the original recording. Bonus: a young Ruthie Henshall singing 'Turn Back, O Man.' The original would be my second choice though, and then pick up the 2000 Off-Broadway if you find you like the material.

I don't care for the movie soundtrack, and it also lacks a great deal of material (even if it does have the original version of Beautiful City), and the 2001 Touring Cast is, well, kind of embarassing.
GODSPELL 1993 London Studio Cast

[bjivie2]

Posted: 3/11/06 at 7:08pm

Daspazoo's got it right. If you're doing the show, DON'T get the 2000 revival. If you just like the music, then that's the best recording.

[JACXR71]

Posted: 3/11/06 at 8:56pm

Is anyone a fan of the 2001 touring cast recording? It was the first one I heard so I've always been partial to it, but of course I agree that the 2000 off-bway version is great.

[daspazoo]

Posted: 3/11/06 at 11:52pm

2001?
Well, it's interesting. But I'm not partial to Jesus' off-key singing. "God Save the People" is a painful, to my ears anyway.

[spiderdj82]

Posted: 3/11/06 at 11:53pm

2000 off-off broadway

[ShbrtAlley44]

Posted: 3/11/06 at 11:59pm

If you're not familiar with the show, definitely the original off-Broadway cast. I'm partial to the movie soundtrack, but it's missing two songs, so that's kind of annoying.

I like the 2000 cast but I find it rather kills the spirit of the show by making it a pop album. I'd recommend it later, when you're more familiar with the show.