Which "Jesus Christ Superstar" CD is the best?

[FosseBoi]

Posted: 6/13/05 at 1:11am

I'm doing it(with reher. starting at the end of the month)and I'm not familiar wit it. SO I need to get the CD. ANy help would be appreciated(sp?)!THANKS!

Updated On: 6/13/05 at 01:11 AM

[frontrowcentre2]

Posted: 6/13/05 at 2:03am

The original concept album (DECCA) is still the best. The Broaway cast (also DECCA) is just highligts but has some changes in lyrics and an added song "Could We Start Again Please." The movie soundtrack is a more complete reading of the Broadway version but the sound quality is not very good. The later versions tended to make updates and changes to teh sound so you really should find out what your director is using as his reference.

[scotty]

Posted: 6/13/05 at 2:09am

In my opinion. The Aussie cast, with John Farnham and (John) Stevens. Timeless recording!

[FosseBoi]

Posted: 6/13/05 at 2:13am

Thank you both SOOOO much! I'll email him right now and ask him.

[Eastwickian]

Posted: 6/13/05 at 7:06am

Personally I prefer the 1996 London Cast (2CD black cover) as it's the first one I ever listened to. It's not quite as '70s sounding as the concept recording, and the singing and production quality is higher than the OBC/OLC/movie recordings.
Updated On: 6/13/05 at 07:06 AM

[phantom_tenor]

Posted: 6/13/05 at 7:29am

i like the original australian cast with marcia hines as mary magdeline and jon english as judas

Posted: 6/13/05 at 7:35am

I'm actually very partial to the latest London version with Steve Balsamo

[Princeton78]

Posted: 6/13/05 at 7:46am

My favorite is a 25th anniversary studio cast recording from the early 90's with Claire More, Keith Burns and Paul Nicholas. It's not easy to find anymore, but I love it.

[JudasIscariot]

Posted: 6/13/05 at 7:58am

The original concept album is great, but the movie soundtrack is better. The only problem is that some of the copies of the movie soundtrack are poor quality. Still, Ted Neely and Carl Anderson totally rule together, although Ben Vereen in the broadway cast is great.

[ChrisLovesShows]

Posted: 6/13/05 at 9:36am

I'm with those who say the original concept album -- I've just never heard any other version I liked better. I would buy this as your introduction to the score.

I do like the Australian recording which re-worked the arrangements in very catchy, original ways. It was a great, "fresh" take on the songs.

Updated On: 6/14/05 at 09:36 AM

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 6/13/05 at 10:05am

Go with the concept album.

[haverchuck]

Posted: 6/13/05 at 10:18am

Have you heard JCSS a Resurection? it came out in the mid-90's. It features the Indigo girls and a bunch of Georgia bands, its pretty cool, We did Superstar a year ago and I took a couple of their arrangements of some of the songs - it worked well. A different spin on things

[riv]

Posted: 6/13/05 at 10:21am

Original concept, all the way. Unfortunately, "Could We Start Again Please" wasn't written until the Broadway production. Too bad. Great recording.

[wickedrentq]

Posted: 6/13/05 at 10:51am

I dunno, I have the concept CD, certainly love it, but I feel like my favorite at least from listening to it in a CD store is the "soundtrack" of the DVD made in like 2003. The voices are just fantastic.

Also, nothing can compare to Michael Ball's "Gesthmane" from Andrew Lloyd Webber's Royal Albert Hall Celebrtation. Really wish I had that version of the song...

[timote316]

Posted: 6/13/05 at 10:56am

I don't like it when the CD cases are non-descript, especially when its a show that have tons of cast recordings available. I came across the one in the black box the other day, and it just says "The New Cast Recording", but lists no country or cast.

[paradox_error]

Posted: 6/13/05 at 11:12am

Australian Cast Recording - of course!

Posted: 6/13/05 at 11:18am

Just get one. You'll probably listen to it very few times.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 6/13/05 at 11:38am

The original concept recording and the 1992 Australian cast are my favorites followed quickly by the film soundtrack and the 1996 London cast. The 20th Anniversary recording is probably the worst I've heard. I absolutely cannot stand it.

Though there are many good recordings, I don't think any really captured the energy and unique sounds of the original recording. It may be missing Could We Start Again Please, but as far as I'm considered, it contains the definitive performances. Barry Dennon, Ian Gillan, Murray Head and Yvonne Elliman cannot be matched.

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 6/13/05 at 11:42am

Tony Vincent is on the 2001 "soundtrack" CD so of course that's the one I like best.

had they made a 2000 Broadway revival CD with him as Judas ... well... I'm still bitter that they never did. damn them...

[Paul LW]

Posted: 6/13/05 at 11:47am

After writing a 50 page research project on JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR---I kid you not.

I would recommend the Original Concept Album.

Those kids belt like there's not tomorrow, and what's hotter than that?

Right.

[hellacoolmichael]

Posted: 6/13/05 at 1:43pm

I've wondered this same question. I don't really like older version casts.

[wiggum2]

Posted: 6/13/05 at 4:55pm

I like the 96 London version

[redhotinnyc2]

Posted: 6/13/05 at 5:01pm

I'd get the concept album - its wonderful.

[Mayzie LaBird]

Posted: 6/14/05 at 12:22am

I definitely think the new and latest London version of JCS is the best! It has the best sound quality, and Glenn Cater and Jerome Pradon are both perfect for their roles!

[MTVMANN]

Posted: 6/14/05 at 1:23am

I'm in this show right now as Annas!!!!!! I bought the concept album to guide me and I LOVE IT!!!!!! It has Yvonne Elliman on it, whom I believe is the definitive Mary Magdalene, I really want to see the original movie, I saw the newer version and liked it!!!!!!