Which Jesus Christ Superstar Recording should I download for a first listening?
Original Studio Album or OBCR?
Both. Original studio recording is the double disc set, full originally released recording. OBC is highlights, and has added song "Could We Start Again, Please?" Both are valuable.
Also try the 1992 Australia Cast Recording
Possibly one of the best recordings out there!
Featured Actor Joined: 1/18/06
As a self-professed JCS expert. Out of the choices, I would highly recommend the concept album. The OBCR is sped way up, sounds amateur, and does not do justice to the score.
I second the Australian cast.
HOWEVER, if you want the absolutely best version of Jesus Christ Superstar, and you have access to itunes. I suggest you download the, what I believe, is the Amsterdam recording. It features Drew Sarich as Jesus and Serkan Kaya as Judas. It is only $12 and, I believe, the best JCS recording available. Do a search for either of those two names. The album cover is a white hand with ROCKOPER written under it. While the title is foreign, the album is sung completely in English.
If you really want a good JCS album, that's the one you want.
HOWEVER, if you want the absolutely best version of Jesus Christ Superstar, and you have access to itunes. I suggest you download the, what I believe, is the Amsterdam recording. It features Drew Sarich as Jesus and Serkan Kaya as Judas. It is only $12 and, I believe, the best JCS recording available. Do a search for either of those two names. The album cover is a white hand with ROCKOPER written under it. While the title is foreign, the album is sung completely in English.
If you really want a good JCS album, that's the one you want.
That would be the best, in my opinion, if it was complete.
I have the OBC and I love the piano arrangement at the beginning of "Could We Start Again Please." Do any other cast recordings use that arrangement or a similar one?
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/6/04
i have the studio cast recording with Steve Balsamo (i think that's his name) as Jesus and Joanna Ampil as Mary Magdalene.... i absolutely love this recording!
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/27/05
I definately like the Australian Cast recording as well, only issue is it is highlights only, not the entire show.
And yes, while I know everybody else pretty much dislikes the Amy Ray recording, but I have always had a real soft place for it.
Urban,
I am still waiting for Harry M Miller to release the rights to the full audio and video that was filmed in Melbourne during the run. It was due to air on channel ten in Oct of 1992, but was pulled along with Kate's version of "Everything's All Right", due to the chorus ( who mght have been the finest ever for any Australian production ) not being payed the right amount for the live recordings.
Absolutely, positively, the original concept album, available in full in a beautifully remastered 2cd set, missing only the beautiful Could We Start Again Please that came later on.
I have the same as eatlasagna and I love it. If you're into multiple recordings, then add it to your "to buy" list, even if it's only because the idea of Alice Cooper as King Herod just won't leave you alone.
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/27/05
The Chorus not being paid the correct amount? How the good heck can such a silly oversite occur? Eep. That is bad!
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/27/05
Honestly, I think that the movie soundtrack with Ted Neely and Carl Anderson is the best. Others may disagree, but...
"HOWEVER, if you want the absolutely best version of Jesus Christ Superstar, and you have access to itunes. I suggest you download the, what I believe, is the Amsterdam recording. It features Drew Sarich as Jesus and Serkan Kaya as Judas. It is only $12 and, I believe, the best JCS recording available. Do a search for either of those two names. The album cover is a white hand with ROCKOPER written under it. While the title is foreign, the album is sung completely in English."
I love Drew Sarich and would love to get this, but can't locate it online as a download. Could you please help with a link?
It is available on iTunes, though I'm not sure where to get an actual copy.
And I agree, the 2005 Vienna cast is my absolute favorite recording of the show and the first I ever heard.
Featured Actor Joined: 1/18/06
So it's Vienna, I knew it was somewhere around there!
Yes, I believe it is only available on itunes. If you can find it anywhere else, good for you! But it is dirt cheap on itunes and well worth it.
Granted it is not a complete recording, but you are not left wanting. It cuts a verse from "This Jesus Must Die" and most of "The Arrest". "Peter's Denial" is also gone, but like I said, nothing devastating.
The sound of crisp and clear. I have seen both Carl Anderson and Ted Neeley live and love them both. The movie recording is great, but it suffers from the "muffled" sound that seems usual in 70's recordings.
The Vienna recording is newly orchestrated, the sound is crisp and clear. You can hear ever note. Drew Sarich makes a better Jesus than a Judas. Just my opinion of course
Swing Joined: 4/1/08
I agree re the Australian Cast Recording. Fantastic orchestrations, very contemporary but respectful of the original. Voices are amazing. Really really worth trying out.
IMO - Original concept album or the 1996 London studio album.
Not heard the Amsterdam recording, may have to look that one up tonight....
I love the 2005 Wien (Vienna) Cast Recording! Please be aware that its not Amsterdam which is in an entirely different country. Just search "Drew Sarich" on iTunes and the recording will come up. I bought my hard copy from soundofmusic.de but this was a couple of years ago before the economy really went down the toilet so it would cost a lot now.
ETA: I just looked and you can download it from Amazon for cheaper I think than iTunes.
Amazon.com
Any recording without Yvonne Elliman...honestly hate her voice. She drags out all the notes and slides up and down like a bad snail!
IMHO Joanna Ampil is superior to her, as is Rene Castle.
The 1996 London Revival Cast would be my choice!
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/27/05
I can't stand Yvonne Elliman either, but I think that Ted Neely and Carl Anderson make up for her.
"I can't stand Yvonne Elliman either, but I think that Ted Neely and Carl Anderson make up for her. "
That's true. But I still think Steve Balsamos Getse...(hmmm how do you spell that one?...Ghetsemande?Getsemhande?Getsemhane? I give up)..of that song is the best version ever. His "See how I die" gives me something close to a musical orgasm!
The 2nd film soundtrack (yup it is a soundtrack)has got Tony Vincent as "Simon" and he is amazing in that!
I love Tony Vincent but I'm not a fan of the Jesus or Judas in that production for the London/Broadway revival. Though I am one of the few I think that actually liked the visual concept of that production.
I can't stand Serkan Kaya. Such awkward vocal choices.... yuck.
Of your two original choices, I'd say the original concept album. There's such a raw, distinct edge to the sound.
Of the newer albums, I recommend the 2002 German cast recording (stellar cast, sung in English.)
http://www.castalbums.org/recordings/6592
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