Chicago CD - Which One to Buy?

I have 2 versions -- the movie, and the revival cast with Bebe Neuwirth and Ann Reinking. I like the "All that Jazz" on the movie soundtrack better, but I like the rest of the other better. I'm still looking for an OBC of Chicago.

~D

Two different opinions - any others?

Andrew

HAHHAHA I'm here.. I spent the weekend in the city so I've been kinda scarce the past few days.. Umm let's see. Well I have all the CD's but I'd have to say my pick for favorite isn't technically one you can buy, so yeah. lol

I like each individually. I like the 1975 (which I believe I got at a local Tower Records) for Chita and Gwen, I like the revival for Ann (Reinking), I like London because it has all the "small" parts in the show not included on the revival CD (ie: Roxie Monologue, Act One Finale), I like the movie soundtrack because of "I Move On" and the fact that while the songs are all the same they have (at least to me) a very different feel to the. And of course, I love the Argentina CD because nothing spells fun like Chicago in Spanish

I dunno that this helps you at all... but that's my take on each of them...

y siga el jazz...

CJR

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Updated On: 6/16/03 at 09:22 AM

Awwwwwee Thanks. I try!

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I love both the original cast recording with Gwen Verdon and Chita Rivera and the Bway revival with Ann Reinking and Bebe Newirth. I have not heard the entire London cast recording so i can't comment on that one.

The movie soundtrack is ok but seems to lack something. Can't quite put my finger on what that is. Maybe it's that the orchestrations sound too Hollywood as does much of the vocal. I would suggest you listen to al three and decide which you prefer. Large music stores are now able to offer customers the opportunity to sample anything they have in stock. Of course, you could do as I did....get all three recordings

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I say the London Cast. Ruthie Henshall is drop dead phenomenal.
Ute Lemper is amazing. Mama Morton belts and tears up that song like you've never heard it. And Billy Flynn's a favorite too!

But Chita's 1975 cast recording is leagendary as well. Gwen Verdon is a legend herself, but unfortunately her voice wasn't ever strong. Chita's "When Velma Takes the Stand" and "All That Jazz" are superior, and almost unmatched. "A Little Bit of Good" is absolutely the best rendition. You CANNOT tell it's a man.

i HATE, repeat HATE the new Broadway cast, it's so damn boring compared to the others.

My opinion though :)

Andrew...do yourself a favor and buy the OBC with Verdon and Rivera. Tastes may change but on Broadway there has yet to be a revival since 1960 that has improved the original cast.
The OBC is beyond expectations and the only thing to recommend the recent Encores! revival which transferred to Broadway is the "Honey Rag" which was not recorded on the OBC.

Yours for a Better Broadway!

i think ruthie is the best roxie i have heard!!! all of the roxies sound weak. i loooooove the way ruthie belts the end of funny honey!!!! and all of her other songs!!! and i cant decied between chita and bebe