Forgive me if we have covered this before, but what cast recording is the worst out of the shows you like?
I like Xanadu a lot. But, I felt that the recording was badly produced and it showed when listening to the CD.
Oddly enough, I feel the exact opposite way. When seeing the show, I was almost disappointed by it's lack of connection with the OBCR. I think it depends on which you experience first. For instance, I LOVE the recording of Don't Walk Away, but the stage performance separates it so much that it loses some of its impact.
Doyle's Sweeney Todd. The show was one of the most electrifying theater experiences I've ever had, but the production flaws on the cast recording make it literally unlistenable for me. I'm glad they worked out the issues for Company, because that album's production values are much better, but I wish they'd figured it out sooner, so I could relive that experience a little bit more accurately.
Also, though I don't hate it, the Spring Awakening cast recording is very poorly produced. "Mama Who Bore Me (Reprise)," for me one of the strongest moments in the show, is completely flat on the recording.
I don't hate the OBCR of Drowsy Chaperone but I don't think ir did the show justice at all.
Follies, OBCR, with its trims, cuts, and overall bad sound quality, has to top the list as the worst recording of a truly remarkable show (and cast).
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/15/05
Most of the recent new cast recordings sound too... clean for me.
Follies. By cutting so much of the show to fit it on one LP, they lost so much of what made Follies Follies in terms of texture and character.
Updated On: 7/30/08 at 04:21 AM
Legally Blonde. Enough said.
I adore Spelling Bee, but the recording just can't capture the magic of that show
While I don't hate it I don't think THE WIZ really was a good representation of the show. No warmth.
The Dreamgirls OBCR. I guess "Hate" isnt an accurate term to use, I still love that recording I just wish it was the complete recording. I understand why the whole thing wasnt recorded, but still, I would KILL to hear some of that music sung by the OBC. The updated version released a couple years back was nice (including It's All Over, etc) but it still sucks to not be able to hear the full versions of One Night Only, I Meant You No Harm, etc.
I'm probably one of the few people on here that likes "Young Frankenstein", but the cast recording (mainly Roger Bart) is so blah. He just sings. He doesn't put feeling into it. It is so much better live (or as good as YF can be)
I love Spring Awakening, but the recording does it no justice. Where are the new Touch Me lyrics, or the harmonies during Purple Summer??
Broadway Star Joined: 2/21/06
I'm probably one of the few people on here that likes "Young Frankenstein"
Im another. Good, campy fun. It isn't "My Fair Lady" but I like it for hat it is.
I actually think Spring Awakening sounds much better than it ever did (or does) live.
Wicked - I LOVE the show (Have seen it 15 times in London), however i HATE the OBCR as it makes the show seem VERY dull and boring,
I think the same can be said for any rock show (Rent etc.) as the big rock parts always seem to be toned down alot!
I love Xanadu, but the obcr would had been better served had it been recorded live in the theatre.
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/20/05
I am a passionate lover of Xanadu. It don't HATE the recording by any means (I have several copies -- one for my car, one for my apartment, one as a traveling companion) but feel the recording doesn't capture the full joy of the show. It seems like it was a rushed job and also that more music could have been included. Just my opinion. I'll always value it.
Wicked
The Drowsy Chaperone
Broadway Star Joined: 6/5/03
The Rocky Horror Show revival cast recording. With the exception of maybe a couple of tracks, it captures none of the energy and excitement of the show.
I too love Xanadu (obv). But the cast recording, not so much. I got a friend tickets for Christmas, and as a way of presenting them to her, put the CD in and started playing it. To be honest, I had a moment where I was thinking, "Oh my God, this doesn't really sound that good and she's not going to get it..."
Luckily, she did!!
I like the recording as a whole, but that little snippet of "Ease on Down the Road" at the very beginning--before the gorgeous "Feeling We Once Had"--comes close to spoiling THE WIZ for me.
I wasn't particularly impressed by the Rent OBCR. It's noticeably slower than the actual show and doesn't capture the energy that makes the show so great.
"The Rocky Horror Show revival cast recording. With the exception of maybe a couple of tracks, it captures none of the energy and excitement of the show."
I disagree. I think this is one of the most vibrant recordings in recent years with the cast giving the same superb performances they gave on stage. Rocky Horror will always be something best experienced live, but I think this is the best recording they could have made of this wonderful production without actually filming it.
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