Gypsy recording ratings

Ok as most of you will know we in the Uk are currently enjoying Imelda Stanton in full show stopping mode in Gypsy - with the 40 year gap between the last West End version and most of us missing the Bette Midler video its like seeing a brand new show and a stunning one at that as while we knew the songs we hadn't seen the show.

So having fallen totally for this musical and started the rounds on getting the versions any hints on the ones to get or miss

Patti Lupone - Bernadette Peters - Bette Midler and Tyne Daley seem easy and cheap to get on CD

Dame Angela Lansbury version does not seem to be currently out on CD or download Amazon had one CD via a seller at around $300! - the vinyl lp can be picked up easily and cheap so would be cheaper to buy that and a vinyl usb player! . Seems odd her version is so hard to get as it does seem to have some of the best reviews

The Rosalind Russell version is again about on vinyl but no CD (I have already have picked up hints this is the last version to look for)

Currently I have the Imelda one and the original Broadway cast with Ethel herself (and Jack Quincy " Klugman which was a surprise)

Any others about?

This one has to be heard to be believed:

She was so good in Funny Girl--and then this happened?

Well, her for-me's are memorable...and that last note!

Updated On: 6/29/15 at 08:10 PM

Merman's is the best in every possible way. It even has better sound quality than all the others (by some miracle)

Patti Lupone's version is the first Gypsy cast recording I've gotten introduced to. It's my favorite. And I own all of them.

I try to sing Patti's Some People everyday haha

I would rank them:

LuPone (great lead performance, supporting cast and quality)

Peters (great lead performance, decent supporting cast)

Lansbury (great lead performance, terrible orchestrations)

Merman (I prefer the way the stars above try to 'act' the role)

Imelda (I don't find anything particularly interesting about this recording)

Daly (terrible lead vocal performance on record ).

Like fine wine, olives and uncircumcised penises, Bernadette's voice is an acquired taste.

From the NYtimes

"Working against type and expectation under the direction of Sam Mendes, Ms. Peters has created the most complex and compelling portrait of her long career"

"What may be the angriest, most disturbing version ever of 'Everything's Coming Up Roses.'