Let me start off by saying that I adore Xanadu. I've seen it twice and have adored everything about it. Nothing would make me happier than to see the show rewarded come awards season. The cast is stunning in the theatre.
That said....
I'm not impressed by the CD. I'd been waiting for a week and was thrilled to recieve it yesterday. I immediately turned on "I'm Alive," which is actually my favorite song from the show. I was highly dissapointed. The energy, some great lines, a few sections and the driving drum beat were all missing. On top of all this, the vocals, minus Kerry, were sketchy at best. The ensemble/muses sound like a community theatre group, yet they don't in the theatre.
Kerry also comes across throughout the CD as being very nasally, which is an insult to her voice. Her duet with Cheyenne in the title song is actually painful. The band sounds tinny and muted and the thrill of the songs in the theatre is gone. I did enjoy Mary and Jackie, "Suddenly" and "Magic."
I couldn't help but think that this is one of those shows that screamed to be recorded live for the cast recording.
Oh well.
Just wanted to share....no flaming please...I love the show, but I was just dissapointed by the CD.
"Y'all have a GRAND day now"