#1
Posted: 7/25/06 at 2:44pm
We have already compiled a basic library of original cast recordings as a reference list for collectors starting out:
https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?thread=863740#1345147
Because I did not include cast albums of current (recent) shows many people have PM'd me asking what CD's of current/recent shows are worth having.
There are OCR's like the recently closed LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA that are endless sources of enjoyment no matter how many times they are played, joining classics like SWEENEY TODD, COMPANY, HELLO DOLLY!, MY FAIR LADY and OKLAHOMA!
Some shows come across better on CD than in the theatre. THE WEDDING SINGER has produced a highly enjoyable disc, joining the flops like GOODBYE GIRL, WOMAN OF THE YEAR and STEEL PIER that remain favourite listens.
Some, like LESTAT are recorded but never officially released.
Some, like LION KING are show so dependent on visual spectacle that the recordings fail provide enjoyable listens and turn the spotlight on weak or mediocre lyrics.
Shows like SPAMALOT offer excellent souvenirs but give away too many jokes, so I do not recommend listening to them in advance of seeing the show.
Then there are cast albums that after one listen you never want to hear again. (For me it would be the London OCR of MAMMA MIA.)
So, lets have some fun here.
Name a cast album (ONE please) of a current (or recent show, say within the last 2 years) that you never tire of listening to.
Next, ONE that you feel is better on disc than in the theatre.
Then, ONE show not recorded that you wish had been.
ONE that is better to see than listen to.
ONE where it better to see the show first then get the OCR if you want a souvenir f the evening.
And finally ONE that you have played once and never again.
https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?thread=863740#1345147
Because I did not include cast albums of current (recent) shows many people have PM'd me asking what CD's of current/recent shows are worth having.
There are OCR's like the recently closed LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA that are endless sources of enjoyment no matter how many times they are played, joining classics like SWEENEY TODD, COMPANY, HELLO DOLLY!, MY FAIR LADY and OKLAHOMA!
Some shows come across better on CD than in the theatre. THE WEDDING SINGER has produced a highly enjoyable disc, joining the flops like GOODBYE GIRL, WOMAN OF THE YEAR and STEEL PIER that remain favourite listens.
Some, like LESTAT are recorded but never officially released.
Some, like LION KING are show so dependent on visual spectacle that the recordings fail provide enjoyable listens and turn the spotlight on weak or mediocre lyrics.
Shows like SPAMALOT offer excellent souvenirs but give away too many jokes, so I do not recommend listening to them in advance of seeing the show.
Then there are cast albums that after one listen you never want to hear again. (For me it would be the London OCR of MAMMA MIA.)
So, lets have some fun here.
Name a cast album (ONE please) of a current (or recent show, say within the last 2 years) that you never tire of listening to.
Next, ONE that you feel is better on disc than in the theatre.
Then, ONE show not recorded that you wish had been.
ONE that is better to see than listen to.
ONE where it better to see the show first then get the OCR if you want a souvenir f the evening.
And finally ONE that you have played once and never again.
Cast albums are NOT "soundtracks."
Live theatre does not use a "soundtrack." If it did, it wouldn't be live theatre!
I host a weekly one-hour radio program featuring cast album selections as well as songs by cabaret, jazz and theatre artists. The program, FRONT ROW CENTRE is heard Sundays 9 to 10 am and also Saturdays from 8 to 9 am (eastern times) on www.proudfm.com