Chess recordings - I HATE making choices

there is a great recording (in english) of the Danish cast from a few years ago...it's the only entire recording of the show.

I only own the London Concept, and it is ok. I am unsure of the other version.

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The OBC has a more theatrical feel to it. Sounds more like a real show than the concept recording. Both are good though but I prefer the OBC with Judy Kuhn. Love her.

I've not heard the Danish recording, but if it's a choice between the OBC and the Concept, I'd go with the Concept album. The OBC has some great perfomances (esp. Judy Kuhn), but the London recording is absolutely thrilling (everything sounds so BIG...the orchestra, the voices) and Elaine Paige sings the hell out of Florence's songs (the part was written expressly for her).

Completely trivial sidenote: I remember reading an interview with Sarah Michelle Gellar back when Buffy the Vampire Slayer was still on the air, and the interviewer asked her for her five "Desert Island Discs"; she included the OBC recording of Chess on her list (not quite sure why I found that interesting, but I did).

I am always the odd one out whenever this question comes out. I detest the original concept because of Elaine Paige's performance. Screech, Shout, Screech, Shout. It's a wonder one man would want her Florence, let alone two. shudder. My votes goes for the OBC. You get a more desirable Florence and no other Anatoly can hold a candle to the divine David Carroll, may he and his beautiful voice R.I.P.

Updated On: 7/23/05 at 05:33 PM

All of this is opinion, of course. It seems like we have diehards on both sides of the debate.

YEa - just the concept is more moeny lol

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