Which cast recordings of the season should I purchase?

[Roger246]

Posted: 7/5/10 at 2:02am

Hey everyone,

I only have the cast recordings of the revivals of A Little Night Music and Finian's Rainbow from this season. Which cast recordings of revivals and original scores do you think are the "must haves" of this season?

[choitoy]

Posted: 7/5/10 at 2:17am

Aside from the two CDs you listed, the other three CDs from this season that I've been listening to a lot are:

"Promises, Promises" - The show sounds really great (though if you have money to splurge, and they haven't sold out of it already, you should get Kritzerland's 2 disc OBC set also. Great remastering job on this one that makes it sound as fresh as the revival cast).

"Fela!" - No matter what you think of the show, the music on disc is really propulsive and entertaining, if you like world music along with your showtunes (which I do). There's enough dialog included on the recording to still give a story, which is nice so it doesn't seem like just a cover album of Fela's songs.

"American Idiot" - OK, now this sounds like a cover album of Green Day songs, but I still end up listening to this a lot.

[Mildred Plotka]

Posted: 7/5/10 at 2:24am

Promises, Promises, Everday Rapture, and (next month) Sondheim on Sondheim. Off-Broadway: Scottsboro Boys and Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson when they're released.

I liked American Idiot and Addams Family better on disc than on stage.

Memphis' flaws are more present on disc (especially the wretched lyrics).

I can't make it through much of Fela!.

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 7/5/10 at 3:05am

I have bought Promises, Promises and Memphis. Both are entertaining to listen to and have good music, but neither of them are incredible or spectacular. I would recommend buying them both. I have also heard Everyday Rapture's recording is great, but I have not had the chance to buy it yet.

[Janki]

Posted: 7/5/10 at 3:37am

Personally I LOVE "Everyday Rapture!" and "American Idiot!", cause both of them get me in a great mood! But then again, all the cast recordings I've bought this year ("A Little Night Music", "Fela", "Memphis", "The Addams Family", "Promises, Promises!" and "Finian's Rainbow", "Kristina in Concert") I really like. A good year for cast recordings in other words. Now I'm just waiting for "Sondheim on Sondheim" and the London recording of "Legally Blonde (Omigod You Guys!)

[Aswatrowinkenbo]

Posted: 7/5/10 at 3:59am

Get "Promises, Promises" for sure! "American Idiot" is great too. I could live without "Memphis". It has a couple great songs, but it's not one of those albums I listen through completely over and over.

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 7/5/10 at 11:02am

-memphis!
-promises
-finian's
-night music

[perfectlymarvelous]

Posted: 7/5/10 at 11:24am

I'd suggest Promises, Promises, American Idiot, Everyday Rapture, and Sondheim on Sondheim when it's released.

[tazber]

Posted: 7/5/10 at 11:27am

Since you already have ALNM I would say definitely American Idiot and Memphis.

[goldenboy]

Posted: 7/12/10 at 9:44am

I loved Memphis in the theatre on on first hearing/seeing in the theatre. The orchestra really got me going in the theatre. After listening to the score on the Cast Album--- the score is not that great and not hummable. It just has a good beat (you know like Dick Clarke- you can dance to it) I would run to see Memphis but pass on the Cast Album.

The Adams Family - took a major critical drubbing. Yes it is terribly flawed in book but after listening to the cast recording, the music and lyrics are a lot of fun and hummable.
The orchestrations quite impressive with a big Broadway Sound. AFter listening to the album, I think this score deserved a best score nomination. It should not be punished for the faulty book. Definitely a buy.

Promises Promises- one of my favorite musicals. Kristen is great on this album and Sean, while better in person, still does well. I love the score. Still prefer the original but worth a buy.

Fela- I try to get through it but... it just doesn't interest me that much. You can pass.

Finian's Rainbow- lovely score sung by the imcomparable Cheyenne Jackson and Kate Baldwin. They are both dreamy in looks and voice. And Terry White Rocks! I always love this score. Christopher Fitzgerald disappoints as Og but definitely a buy.

La Cage - I detest everything about this revival and Douglas Hodge. Would definitely not buy when it comes out.

Have not heard Little night music, American Idiot or Everyday Rapture.

[Roger246]

Posted: 7/12/10 at 11:24am

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I purchased Kritzerland's 2 disc OBC of "Promises, Promises" and will probably pick up "Everyday Rapture" as well.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 7/12/10 at 11:29am

Promises, Promises
American Idiot
Everyday Rapture
Memphis
Finian's Rainbow

Updated On: 7/12/10 at 11:29 AM

[twinbelters]

Posted: 7/12/10 at 12:09pm

Marc Blitzstein's Regina coming from Arkiv July 20.
Masterworks Broadway Opens Their Vault and FINALLY releases Regina.