Tradition [Original recording remastered]

Tradition [Original recording remastered]

ASIN: B000A5E6NW

Track Listings

1. Georgie

2. Fish in the Mill Pond

3. Julie Jenkins

4. Hushabye

5. Baa Nanny Black Sheep

6. Sheepy and the Goat

7. I Heard My Mother Weeping

8. Reuben's Train

9. Biscuits

10. Tucker's Barn

11. Give the Fiddler a Dram

12. And Am I Born to Die?

13. Marthy, Won't You Have Some Good Old Cider?

14. A-Roving on a Winter's Night

15. Arnold's Tune

16. Pretty Saro

17. Early, Early in the Spring

18. Little Maggie

19. Bill Banks

20. Rambling Hobo

See all 24 tracks on this disc

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
This delightful recording explores the roots of the legendary guitarist Doc Watson, made just as he was on the verge of national acclaim for his virtuosity in old-time music and traditional song. In these informal sessions, Doc and his extended family perform songs that constitute the bedrock of American old-time music, remembered both from ballads of British origin and uniquely-evolved songs in American tradition, embracing both Anglo-Appalachian and African-American repertoire, as well as early commercial country recordings. In particular, Doc's father-in-law Gaither Carlton emerges as a repository of otherwise-forgotten fiddle and banjo tunes. As Doc himself has commented, "the old-time fiddle tunes and the old-time ballads, there's never been anything prettier nor ever will be." Originally released in 1977. Digitally remastered from the original tapes.

Tracks:

No One Mourns the Wicked - Cristy Candler
Dear Old Shiz
The Wizard and I - Idina Menzel
What Is This Feeling? - Kristin Chenoweth
Something Bad - William Youmans
Dancing Through Life - Michelle Federer
Popular - Kristin Chenoweth
I'm Not That Girl - Idina Menzel
One Short Day - Kristin Chenoweth
A Sentimental Man - Joel Grey
Defying Gravity - Idina Menzel
Thank Goodness - Kristin Chenoweth
Wonderful - Idina Menzel
I'm Not That Girl (Reprise) - Kristin Chenoweth
As Long as You're Mine - Norbert Leo Butz
No Good Deed - Idina Menzel
March of the Witch Hunters
For Good - Kristin Chenoweth
Finale - Kristin Chenoweth

Amazon.com

One of the most common complaints about musicals is that the books are flimsy pretexts from which to hang numbers. Wicked runs into the opposite problem: it has a great plot, but too often the songs just get in the way. Based on Gregory Maguire's novel of the same name, Wicked tells us what happened between Glinda the Good and Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, before Dorothy showed up in Oz. And the show is lucky to boast a pair of ace leading women in the main roles. As Glinda, Kristin Chenoweth delivers a sensational star turn, displaying a crystal-pure voice and sharp comic timing; Idina Menzel lends her powerful pipes to the tricky role of Elphaba. Unfortunately, you wish they had better material to work with. Stephen Schwartz's pop score is often dragged down by overly synthetic orchestrations and sentimental lyrics (think Chicken Soup for the Witch). Still, at its best Wicked is a seductive slice of popular entertainment that could well give a younger audience a lasting taste for musical theater. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

Classic, classy, and funny.......2007-07-09

The songs that are funny are VERY funny, and the songs that are sad are very sad. It opens with "No One Mourns the Wicked", a song that in any other show would be the closing number (in other words, start off with a climax and build from there.). For my money the three best songs are the ironic "The Wizard and I" (the W.W.'s wishes for the future), "What is This Feeling" (the best song in the show, it uses the clichés of a love song to talk about W.W. and Glinda's mutual loathing. If you hum any tune for a week it will be this - unless it's . . .), and "Popular" (Glinda's witty I-Know-How-To-Make-You-Over romp). The much-praised "Defying Gravity" is ok, but really just your standard Broadway Empowerment Tune(tm) -- this generation's "Impossible Dream" from MAN OF LA MANCHA. Likewise "Dancing Through Life" has such a great tune that it was a shame to waste it on those silly lyrics. They should have reprised it later in the show for a different character with deeper lyrics. Still, cast album is going into heavy rotation on my CD player.

waiting for the dvd release..........2007-07-05

it can be considered a non-special musical broadway, one more of all the musicals... but it's not. The voice of Elphaba is very rare and moving, it's a surrounding voice.
the pitty of this musical: still haven't released it on dvd. What are they waiting for?

Excellent performance of an above-average musical.......2007-07-04

This is the original cast album from the Broadway show first produced in 2003 - music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, book by Winne Holzman based on the original novel by Gregory Maguire.

Subtle it aint but their are many musical highlights - "Popular", "A Sentimental Man", "Defying Gravity", and my own personal favourite "I'm Not That Girl".

The accompanying booklet is unhelpful in that it explains nothing about the plot of the musical.

The performances are excellent, so if you loved the show you will not be disappointed.

Wonderful! I Call It Wonderful It does sound wonderful..........2007-07-04

I love this cd i have never gotten to see it and for those people out there who only listen to musical cds they have seen you can compile the plot when listening to it pretty easily

WICKED-THE BROADWAY MUSICAL AND CAST.......2007-06-27

WONDERFUL,The words are the whole show. You must listen carefully to the words. I enjoyed the show and the album immensly.

Average customer rating:

Pure Entertainment
Curtains is hilarious
A Tough Act To Follow
6 stars
"Curtains " Origianl Broadway Cast

Curtains (2007 Original Broadway Cast)

Manufacturer: Manhattan Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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110 in the Shade (2007 Broadway Revival Cast)
Spring Awakening (2006 Original Broadway Cast)
Grey Gardens - A New Musical (2006 Original Broadway Cast)
The Pirate Queen (2007 Original Broadway Cast)
Company (2006 Broadway Revival Cast)

ASIN: B000PC1QKQ
Release Date: 2007-06-05

Tracks:

Overture
Wide Open Spaces
What Kind Of Man?
Thinking Of Him
The Woman's Dead
Show People
Coffee Shop Nights
In the Same Boat
I Miss the Music
Thataway!
The Man Is Dead
He Did It
In the Same Boat
It's a Business
Kansasland
Medley: Thinking Of Him/I Miss the Music
A Tough Act To Follow
In the Same Boat
In the Same Boat
Show People
Wide Open Spaces
A Tough Act To Follow

Amazon.com

Sadly, Curtains is the final entry in the long and fruitful partnership of lyricist Fred Ebb (who died in September 2004) and composer John Kander. While the show doesn't reach the heights of the team's previous masterpieces, such as Cabaret and Chicago, it's certainly a lot better than, say, their middling 1997 offering Steel Pier. Deliberately old-fashioned (it even features a real overture, something that's fast becoming a rarity), Curtains is a whodunit rolled into a musical--or vice versa. Set in 1959 Boston, it takes place backstage at a singing-and-dancing Western corker titled Robbin Hood. Someone gets killed, and a show tunes-crazy homicide detective (David Hyde Pierce) is called in. The plot is just a pretext for a series of very entertaining, characteristically brass-heavy songs that may not have the bite of old Kander and Ebb but are still very catchy. Above all, Curtains is (both thematically and stylistically) a love letter to old-school showbiz, and it's delivered on a silver platter by a cast of pros that includes the aforementioned Hyde Pierce, Kander and Ebb habituée Karen Ziemba, endearing Jason Danieley and, a notch above the rest, Debra Monk. Unsurprisingly, she chews the scenery and spits it right back in a pair of rowdy numbers: "Show People" and "It's a Business." --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Album Description

Curtains is an entertaining play within a play, as well as a "whodunit" new musical comedy featuring one of the last scores by legendary, Tony Award-winning songwriters John Kander and Fred Ebb (Cabaret, Chicago, New York, New York). Starring David Hyde Pierce (Spamalot, "Frasier") and Debra Monk, the Curtains original Broadway cast album is produced by nine-time Grammy Award-winner Jay David Saks.

Customer Reviews:

Pure Entertainment.......2007-07-10

Very entertaining. A fitting finale to the partnership of Kander & Ebb.
The story is immaterial to the music. A strong cast carries off what could be considered a nonsense piece. Plaudits all round to the cast, writers and producers.

Curtains is hilarious.......2007-07-09

David Hyde Pearce is excellent as the detective -- finally breaking away from his Niles Crane persona. He's not a great singer, but he sure can put over his songs. I was particularly impressed with Debra Monk who is delightfully catty and crude and she sings beautifully. The score is not Kander & Ebb's best, but the lyrics are clever and sometimes had be LMAOROTF.

A Tough Act To Follow.......2007-07-09

"Curtians" The Broadway Musical was fun and holds up "pretty good but not great" to the Kander and Ebb reputation but fortunately, their music holds up quite well!
The wonderful thing about this CD is, you can get the jist of the entire show and enjoy the CD for itself.

The music is good and the performing cast on the CD are a scream, with Debra Monk delivering the funniest lines. David Hyde Pierce brought home the TONY, and this CD is so good, it gives you a hint why.

6 stars.......2007-07-07

Since there are a load of good reviews already posted, I am only going to second everyone who gave it top rating. Kander & Ebb are already in the history of American popular song ('Cabaret', 'New York-New York' only two examples of their craft). Unfortunately, Mr Ebb passed on already. This swansong should be his best tribute.
Let Mr Kander live a long productive life (with kudos to Mr Holmes as well!)
This show is fun, funny and loaded with good Broadway tunes and witty lyrics (try "It's a Business" and you will get more than a chuckle.)
Superb production. All the stars possible and more.

"Curtains " Origianl Broadway Cast.......2007-07-05

I've seen the "Curtains" 4 times, I love listening to the CD and remembering my broadway experiences.

The Pirate Queen (2007 Original Broadway Cast)

Average customer rating:

Wonderful musical: Schomberg and Boublil have made it again!!
I Don't Understand Broadway Politics
I wish it stayed a bit longer
Beautiful and Amazing. A FANTASTIC musical gone away too soon!!
Soaring Melodies, Great Voices, Amazing Story!

The Pirate Queen (2007 Original Broadway Cast)

Manufacturer: Sony Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Curtains (2007 Original Broadway Cast)
Legally Blonde (2007 Original Broadway Cast)
110 in the Shade (2007 Broadway Revival Cast)
Spring Awakening (2006 Original Broadway Cast)
High Fidelity (2006 Original Broadway Cast)

ASIN: B000QTCY72
Release Date: 2007-07-03

Tracks:

Pirate Queen, Musical Play/Act 1. Prologue
Pirate Queen, Musical Play/Act 1. Scene 1. Clew Bay. The Pirate Queen
Pirate Queen, Musical Play/Act 1. Scene 1. Clew Bay. Woman
Pirate Queen, Musical Play/Act 1. Scene 2. Aboard the Pirate Queen. My
Pirate Queen, Musical Play/Act 1. Scene 3. Aboard the Pirate Queen. Her
Pirate Queen, Musical Play/Act 1. Scene 4. Queen Elizabeth's Bedroom. T
Pirate Queen, Musical Play/Act 1. Scene 4. Queen Elizabeth's Bedroom. R
Pirate Queen, Musical Play/Act 1. Scene 5. Clew Bay. The Choice Is Mine
Pirate Queen, Musical Play/Act 1. Scene 6. The Shebeen at Rockfleet. Bo
Pirate Queen, Musical Play/Act 1. Scene 7. Clew Bay. The Wedding
Pirate Queen, Musical Play/Act 1. Scene 8. Clew Bay. I'll Be There
Pirate Queen, Musical Play/Act 1. Scene 9. The Road to Clew Bay. A Day
Pirate Queen, Musical Play/Act 1. Scene 10. Clew Bay. Sail to the Stars
Pirate Queen, Musical Play/Act 2. Entr'acte
Pirate Queen, Musical Play/Act 2. Scene 1. Aboard the Pirate Queen. Ene
Pirate Queen, Musical Play/Act 2. Scene 1. Aboard the Pirate Queen. I D
Pirate Queen, Musical Play/Act 2. Scene 2. Clew Bay. If I Said I Loved
Pirate Queen, Musical Play/Act 2. Scene 3. The Queen's Court. The Role
Pirate Queen, Musical Play/Act 2. Scene 4. Cistercian Abbey in Clew Bay
Pirate Queen, Musical Play/Act 2. Scene 4. Cistercian Abbey in Clew Bay
Pirate Queen, Musical Play/Act 2. Scene 5. The Queen's Court. Surrender
Pirate Queen, Musical Play/Act 2. Scene 6. The Queen's Court - A Jail.
Pirate Queen, Musical Play/Act 2. Scene 7. Aboard the Pirate Queen. The
Pirate Queen, Musical Play/Act 2. Scene 8. The Queen's Court: The Queen
Pirate Queen, Musical Play/Act 2. Scene 9. Finale

Amazon.com

The Pirate Queen, with a score by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg (Les Misérables, Miss Saigon), took a critical beating when it opened on Broadway, but as this catchy cast recording demonstrates, that reception was really unnecessarily harsh. Set in the 17th century, the show (which closed after only 85 performances) tells the story of Grace O'Malley (Stephanie J. Block), an Irish ship captain and pirate who defied Queen Elizabeth I (Linda Balgord). The combination of that setting with the fact that the producers also brought us Riverdance means an overall Celtic flavor. But fans of Boublil and Schönberg should not fear. The duo delivers plenty of the over-the-top, super-emotional power ballads they're famous for--it's hard not to wonder what Celine Dion would make of songs such as "Woman" or "I'll Be There" (the latter sung by a man, but no matter!). Special kudos to Balgord, whose deliciously campy stage portrayal of Elizabeth I comes across well on "The Waking of the Queen," "The Role of the Queen," and two harpsichord-driven, vibrato-laden duets with Block, "She Who Has All" and "Woman to Woman." Also of note to fans of traditional singing is the participation of Áine Uí Cheallaigh (known from Riverdance) on several tracks. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful musical: Schomberg and Boublil have made it again!!.......2007-07-10

The first thing I must say is that after having been looking forward to the release of this recording, I was absolutely impressed the first time I played it on my Hi-Fi. No room for doubt: if you enjoyed Les Mis as well as Miss Saigon and Martin Guerre, this duo of French composers won't let you down at all once more. On the contrary The Pirate Queen sounds incredibly fresh and in my opinion succeeds admirably. We shouldn't forget that Les Miserables was not much hailed by the critics either when it first opened (probably by the same critics that today would place it among the finest achievements in recent musical history). The real pity of this recording is that it isn't a complete recording and although the synopsis of the story at the beginning is quite complete and you can fill the gaps easily, still you very much miss listening to every single word and music from this powerful musical. Let's hope this complete recording is released in the future.
I wouldn't like to finish without mentioning the incredible quality of the voices of this cast. All of them are absolutely fantastic, giving their respective roles a quality of involvement in the story very rare in musicals nowadays. You could say this is not a musical for a single singer to stand out. All of them contribute to a wonderful whole, something you can very well appreciate after the second or third listenings.
All in all a great achievement and I hope that the production finally makes it to the West End because it the recording is brilliant in itself, it must be certainly a sublime treat to watch this musical on stage. Once more bravo to this incredible pair of composers, Schomberg and Boublil!!

I Don't Understand Broadway Politics.......2007-07-09

Can someone help me understand the politics of Broadway shows? It seems to me that, as long as the audiences like a show, it should be ok, right? Did "The Pirate Queen" really close down just because the critics & the Tony Awards didn't like it?

I wish it stayed a bit longer.......2007-07-08

I loved the Musical, and sure, the music is reminicent of many a Boublil & Schonberg works (nothing wrong with that.) However, this show took such a critical beating, it closed on Broadway before it's time. Broadway unfortunately can be brutal.

I find this CD enjoyable associating it (scene by scene) with the show which was I thought was magnificent. I am not sure if a listener who has not seen the Musical can appreciate it. Thus I can not give the CD five stars on it's own merit.

The CD is okay, but it is nothing compared to the spectacle of magnificent acting, music, and dance that was The Pirate Queen on Broadway.

Beautiful and Amazing. A FANTASTIC musical gone away too soon!!.......2007-07-07

The Pirate Queen, i can say since i saw it, was an amazing musical. The cast recording is nothing less. Every part of the music is beautiful. The vocals are amazing, especially the performances by Stephanie J. Block and Hadley Fraser. The instrumentals are also beautiful, displaying traditional Irish music and traditional English music, where each applies. The emotion in the actors voices is clear and touching and leaves you fighting on their side and hating the bad ones. One becomes completely enthralled in the beautiful story of this musical.

This recording deserves nothing less than 5 stars. If you loved Les Mis and Miss Saigon, you will certainly love this. I also recommend this to fans of Riverdance. Anyone who loves musicals at all will enjoy this music. I HIGHLY recommend this!

Soaring Melodies, Great Voices, Amazing Story!.......2007-07-07

The only reason I do not give this recording 5 stars, is that I am a rather harsh critic, and feel that full stars should only be given to CDs that are truly phenomenal (for example- the Dream Cast recording of "Les Miserables", another Boublil/Schonberg musical).

That being said, I highly recommend this CD if:
A) you are a fan of "Les Miserables"/"Miss Saigon"/Broadway musicals in general,
B) you want to hear some of the finest voices in Broadway's recent history,
C) you are intrigued by the amazing, epic (and true!) story of Grace O'Malley, the first female chieftan of an Irish clan (not to mention a fearless pirate, a fierce swordswoman, and a mother),
D) you just love good music- particularly moving ballads with soaring melodies.

Standout performers/tracks: "I'll Be There" and "Surrender" (both sung by the incredible Hadley Fraser, whose voice evokes comparisons to both Raul Esparza and Michael Ball), "Here On This Night" and "If I Said I Loved You" (lovely love duets featuring Fraser and the equally talented Stephanie J. Block- these songs are very reminiscent of "Miss Saigon", for those familiar with that work), "She Who Has All", and my personal favorite, "Sea of Life" (Block with the men's ensemble... AMAZING song, gorgeous lyrics).

Broadway critics were WAY too harsh on this short-lived show. I wish I could have seen it while it was in New York... Or better yet, may this epic show have a more successful revival in store!

Jersey Boys (2005 Original Broadway Cast)

Average customer rating:

Jersey Boys
Like being there
A step back in musical time
Great music, but missing too much
Jersey boys win my heart

Jersey Boys (2005 Original Broadway Cast)
Ronald Melrose , Ken Dow , Anik Oulianine , Stephanie Cummins , Deborah Hurwitz , Kevin Dow , Joe Payne , Larry Saltzman , Dave Spier , Bill Hayes , Randall Andos , Bob Milikan , Debra Shufelt , Maxine Roach , Belinda Whitney , Cenovia Cummins , Eric de Gioia , Louise Owen , Robin Zeh , Sarah Schwartz , Shinwon Kim , Christian Hoff , Daniel Reichard , Donnie Kehr , Erica Piccininni , J. Robert Spencer , Jennifer Naimo , John Lloyd Young , Sara Schmidt , Tituss Burgess , Steve Orich , and Bob Gaudio
Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Very Best of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons
The Drowsy Chaperone (2006 Original Broadway Cast)
Grey Gardens - A New Musical (2006 Original Broadway Cast)
Spring Awakening (2006 Original Broadway Cast)
The Color Purple (2005 Original Broadway Cast)

ASIN: B000BFH2QY
Release Date: 2005-11-01

Tracks:

Ces Soirees la'
Early Years Medley
Cry For Me
Backups Medley
Sherry
Big Girls Don't Cry
Walk Like A Man
December, 1963
My Boyfriend's Back
My Eyes Adored You
Dawn (Go Away)
Big Man In Town
Dialog: A Little Trouble
Beggin'
Dialog: See How You Handle It
Medley Listen Listen
c'mon marianne
Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You
Working My Way Back To You
Fallen Angel

Amazon.com

Although it squarely falls in the "jukebox musical" category, Jersey Boys doesn¹t try to integrate its songs in an artificial plotline. The show tells the story of the early-1960s group the Four Seasons, and the musical numbers tend to be introduced in context, as when songwriter Bob Gaudio comes up with a tune, or the quartet performs a show. This allows Jersey Boys to flow better than some of ill-fated peers, and the actors can shine without having to bend backward to accommodate an inane book. The show's most (only) daring move is to start with a hip-hop-tinged French-language version of "December 1963 (Oh, What a Night)," an actual hit in France in 2000. After that it's all VH1-biopic territory, but it's done with so much flair, taste and energy that the ride's a fun one. The Four Seasons had enough hits ("Sherry," "Big Girls Don't Cry," "Rag Doll," etc.) to easily fill an evening at the theater, so it's left to the cast to do right by them. And it does, particularly John Lloyd Young as the band¹s star lead, Frankie Valli. Young hits all the falsetto notes and brings real freshness to the part. His "Can¹t Take My Eyes Off You," a second-act peak, is signed, sealed and delivered with a star's acumen. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Album Description

Recounting the rich history and reliving the timeless sounds of the phenomenal Frankie Vallie & The 4 Seasons, the new Broadway musical Jersey Boys answers the musical-and philosophical question, "How did four would-be wise guys from Newark, NJ, become one of the greatest chart-topping successes in pop music history?" Jersey Boys celebrates legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito, and Nick Massi who, as the 4 seasons, wrote their own songs, invented their own identity, and sold 175 million records worldwide-all before they were 30.

Customer Reviews:

Jersey Boys.......2007-07-08

Purchased CD prior to seeing the show when visiting USA in '06. A fun lively show - the CD now captivates those fond memories of not only the foot tapping music & show but also our special time in New York.

Like being there.......2007-07-05

Have seen the play twice. This album lets me relive the experience anytime anyplace. A great piece of Rock n roll history.

A step back in musical time.......2007-07-05

My wife and daughter didn't know about the Four Seasons but I did. When I told them I wanted to see the musical on stage, there was no interest so I bought this product and they heard it in the car. We went to the stage musical soon after and we have listened to the entire disk so many times I've lost track. I created a Four Seasons monster in my daughter. She's fifteen and has memorized most of the songs and sings along while we are driving somewhere.

Great music, but missing too much.......2007-07-04

I saw this play at age 16 with no idea who the Four Seasons were, but instantly fell in love with it. The problem is, this soudntrack cuts a two hour play into less than an hour on CD. Most of the dialouge is missing, only including enough to let each member of the group at least say something. I know many play soundtracks cut out dialouge, but what confuses me is why this stretches to the music as well. What is there is amazing, but I don't understand why most of the songs are cut to half, and sometimes even a third or fourth of their original lengths. I love this CD, just be aware that you are hardly getting any story, just clips of lots of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons songs. So, great music and dialouge, just not enough for a musical soundtrack.

Jersey boys win my heart.......2007-07-03

what a wonderful album-brings back such wonderful memories
they don't write songs like this enough today

Legally Blonde (2007 Original Broadway Cast)

Average customer rating:

Legally Blonde (2007 Original Broadway Cast)

Manufacturer: Ghostlight
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Curtains (2007 Original Broadway Cast)
The Pirate Queen (2007 Original Broadway Cast)
Hairspray (Soundtrack to the Motion Picture)
110 in the Shade (2007 Broadway Revival Cast)
High Fidelity (2006 Original Broadway Cast)

ASIN: B000R7I3NW
Release Date: 2007-07-17

Amazon.com

Like Wicked, this show is a girl-friendly extravaganza; the main difference--and it's a big one--is that the score of Legally Blonde is better. Based on the hit Reese Witherspoon movie, the zippy, frothy show tells the story of SoCal, pink-loving sorority girl Elle Woods, who enrolls at Harvard Law and goes on to prove that appearances can be deceiving. The opening number, "Omigod You Guys," gives an idea of what the Broadway-pop score by Laurence O'Keefe (Bat Boy--The Musical) and Nell Benjamin is up to, embracing its over-the-top cheer with goofily infectious energy. Sure, a couple of numbers feel a bit derivative (the show with the witches has "Popular," this one has "Positive"), and the Celtic detour ("Ireland") is rather puzzling, but overall the songs are firing on all cylinders. Just check out the use of a marching band on "What You Want" for instance. Laura Bell Bundy (Amber von Tussle in Hairspray) is a charming Elle, and she delivers numbers such as "So Much Better" with the requisite elan. But this is not a one-woman show, and Bundy is surrounded by a crack team, including the endearing Christian Borle as Elle's love interest Emmett, power-piped Orfeh as hairdresser Paulette and up-and-comer Leslie Kritzer as Delta Nu's Serena. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

110 in the Shade (2007 Broadway Revival Cast)

Average customer rating:

It's not 110%
Beautiful music
Great music and cast, needs updated book
A Gentle Musical with an Excellent Cast!
Small show, big emotions

110 in the Shade (2007 Broadway Revival Cast)

Manufacturer: P.S. Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Musical Theater | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Curtains (2007 Original Broadway Cast)
Spring Awakening (2006 Original Broadway Cast)
Grey Gardens - A New Musical (2006 Original Broadway Cast)
Company (2006 Broadway Revival Cast)
The Pirate Queen (2007 Original Broadway Cast)

ASIN: B000PMG9GW
Release Date: 2007-06-12

Tracks:

Another Hot Day
Lizzie's Comin' Home
Love, Don't Turn Away
Poker Polka
The Hungry Men
The Rain Song
You're Not Fooling Me
Cinderella
Raunchy
A Man and a Woman
"She Walked Out On Me..."
Old Maid
Evenin' Star
Everything Beautiful
"Stay and Talk..."
Melisande
Simple Little Things
Little Red Hat
Is It Really Me?
Wonderful Music
The Rain Song (reprise)

Amazon.com

More than four decades after its Broadway debut, the Roundabout Theatre's 2007 revival of 110 in the Shade is a glorious showcase for soprano Audra McDonald, and an eloquent statement for an underrated and neglected work. Based on N. Richard Nash's play The Rainmaker, 110 in the Shade tells the story of a Texas town stuck in a blistering heat wave. Lizzie (McDonald), the daughter of a local widower (Broadway veteran and TV star John Cullum), has resisted all suitors, including the sheriff (Christopher Innvar), until a potential huckster named Starbuck (Steve Kazee) arrives in town promising to bring rain ("The Rain Song"). Just like Marian the librarian, Lizzie thinks she sees right through the scam ("You're Not Fooling Me"). McDonald shines in her solos ("Love, Don't Turn Away," "Old Maid"), but Cullum, Innvar, and Kazee also get their moments either in duets with McDonald ("A Man and a Woman," "Simple Little Things," "Is It Really Me?") or by themselves. 110 in the Shade is obscure compared to Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt's most famous work, The Fantasticks--none of its songs ever entered the popular culture like "Try to Remember"--but it's a beautiful, evocative score that is tailor-made for McDonald's rich voice. It's also much more sumptuous than The Fantasticks, even in Jonathan Tunick's pared-down, Tony-nominated orchestrations. (Also nominated were McDonald, Cullum, lighting designer Christopher Akerlind, and the show itself for Best Revival of a Musical.) P.S. Classics puts out its usual first-rate package, with color photos, introduction by Peter Filichia, synopsis, and libretto. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

It's not 110%.......2007-07-05

The CD is well produced and Audra McDonald is wonderful, but most of the music sounds dated and old fashioned. Maybe that's because the show is dated and old fashioned.

Beautiful music.......2007-07-05

I saw this recently on Broadway, and it was an incredibly compelling show. Who knew? I had never heard of it. Audra sounds absolutely magnificent on this cast recording. Her songs alone make it a worthwhile purchase. Add great supporting singers and fun orchestrations, and you have a memorable album to add to your collection.

Great music and cast, needs updated book.......2007-07-01

I've long loved the music of this show and the cast was no disappointment. It's a hidden gem like Most Happy Fella that is often overlooked. I heard online interviews with the Director of this production who mentioned that they took liberty with the original script and revised it to reflect current times. I liked the fact that Lizzie was an independent woman and spoke her mind. I cringed throughout the play when it was constantly brought up that she could face the fate of ending up an old maid. As I explained to my 10 year old daughter years ago there was a stigma for unmarried women even more than today. And it was considerable. But this is 2007 and I would have changed this. While I loved the fact that John Cullum so ably showed his love for his daughter and concern for her as a person throughout the show, I doubt it is realistic that a father would encourage someone like Starbuck to have a one day fling with her. Or that she could be so influenced by his character even though Starbuck, a con man had redeeming qualities. I would have changed the book and story and tried to show her strength of character. Maybe she would have been better off without either of them.

A Gentle Musical with an Excellent Cast!.......2007-06-17

"110 in the Shade" is just a sweet little musical that has been under the radar since its original Broadway debut but this beautifully designed revival has brought the show to new heights thanks to the wonderful and talented Audra McDonald. She not only holds her own but completely steals every scene when she starts to sing. The cast is strong and very talented. Steve Kazee is going to have a bright future on the New York Stage and Christopher Innvar is excellent. The songs are sweet and simple. The down fall is how dated the show feels as far as the social placement of women go. The show is sweet, and Audra McDonald is amazing.

Small show, big emotions.......2007-06-15

I've been a fan of Jones and Schmidt's music since the original cast recording of THE FANTASTICKS came out in 1960. All of their scores for the theatre are wonderful and 110 IN THE SHADE is one of their very best. The original production of 110 was before I lived in New York, but I did see the City Opera revival in the 1990s with Karen Ziemba, which I liked a lot. But the new production is far and away more moving. In the theatre there was not a dry eye in the house at intermission or at the final curtain. To my surprise this new recording had the same effect on me. In a perfect world there would have been a bigger cast. (I think there are five, count `em, five townspeople.) The only place the new recording suffers in comparison to the original is in the choral numbers. These songs demand a bigger chorus. But to my surprise, the streamlined orchestrations work just fine. I always felt that the orchestrations on the original cast recording at times overwhelmed the songs, but I think these new Jonathan Tunick orchestrations really support and emphasize the gorgeous Harvey Schmidt melodies. There have been a few minor lyric changes that I found jarring at first simply because I'm so used to the original ones. I understand that these were made in order to accommodate Political Correctness and to make certain high vowels easier to sing. Fortunately there are only a few of them. There's a song included in this version that was not on the original recording, "Evening Star," sung by Starbuck. It has the same melody as the beginning of "Another Hot Day." I like the song because it adds depth to Starbuck's character. Alas, the overture is not included in this version. (The overture was left off the original vinyl LP because there wasn't room for it, but was included on the CD reissue.) The voices on this recording are for the most part excellent. McDonald, of course, is just terrific. The men's voices took some getting-used-to for me. Christopher Innvar has the right quiet manly presence on stage for the reclusive sheriff and that quality comes across on the recording. I just wish his sense of pitch were more certain in his first song. He hits the notes, but rather tentatively, I think. As Starbuck, Steve Kazee has the show's most difficult role. His interpretation is more offbeat than the others I've seen and it works. His Starbuck faces an uncertain future; he's not a superman who's going nowhere but up. The voice is a little quavery for my taste, but, I don't mind it as much now that I've gotten used to it. 110 IN THE SHADE is a musical, but the emotions are big enough for opera. This recording gets five stars from me because it's extraordinarily affecting on a deep, emotional level. It's gorgeous. I'd recommend it without any hesitation at all.

Monty Python's Spamalot (2005 Original Broadway Cast)

Average customer rating:

Loved it
Get ready to laugh until you cry!
A Lot of Spam
Love, love, love this soundtrack!
Hamalot!

Monty Python's Spamalot (2005 Original Broadway Cast)
Eric Idle , John Du Prez , Tim Curry , David Hyde Pierce , and Hank Azaria
Manufacturer: Decca Broadway
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0007OY2TE
Release Date: 2005-05-03

Tracks:

Tuning
Overture
Historian's Introduction to Act I
Finland/Fisch Schlapping Dance
Monks Chant / He Is Not Dead Yet
Come With Me
Laker Girls Cheer
The Song That Goes Like This
He Is Not Dead Yet - Play Off
All For One
Knights of the Round Table/The Song That Goes Like This (Reprise)
Find Your Grail
Run Away!
The Intermission
Historian's Introduction to Act II
Always Look On The Bright Side of Life
Brave Sir Robin
You Won't Succeed On Broadway
Diva's Lament (What Ever Happened To My Part?)
Where Are You?
His Name Is Lancelot
I'm All Alone
Twice In Every Show
Act II Finale
Always Look On The Bright Side of Life - Company Bow

Amazon.com

As gleefully silly yet wickedly smart as the beloved British comedy troupe and their 1975 cinematic savaging of the Arthurian legend that inspired it, this adaptation of Monty Python and the Holy Grail by MP's Eric Idle and longtime musical co-conspirator John Du Prez has much more on its feverish agenda than merely trashing King Arthur and firmly upending his Round Table. The film's plot remains largely intact, but its core songs ("Knights of the Round Table," "Brave Sir Robin") and comic thrust have been both expanded and satirically redirected, a musical comedy shotgun that takes dizzy aim at pop culture in general, and Broadway in particular. After typically Pythonesque distractions that somehow find us in "Finland..," stars David Hyde-Pierce, Tim Curry, Hank Azaria and company get busy conjuring the Lady of the Lake with the unlikely help of "Laker Girls..," while cast members Sara Ramirez and Christopher Sieber deliciously skewer contemporary Broadway cliches via the loopy showstopper "The Song That Goes Like This," a tune whose reprise also deliciously sends up every overwrought stage diva from Merman to Minelli. Idle has shrewdly ripped off--well, interpolated--Life of Brian's "Always Look On the Bright Side" for the new show, and even a snatch of "The Lumberjack Song" in "He Is Not Dead Yet." "You Won't Succeed on Broadway" reveals the frankly Semitic secret to stage success, and the French get can-canned on "Run Away!" Meanwhile, our bravest knight is de-closeted on the Manilow-mauling "His Name is Lancelot" before the familiar sound of clomping coconut shells brings down the curtain on the season's goofiest if satirically dead-on comic delight. --Jerry McCulley

Have Fun with More Irreverent Musicals

Urinetown
The Rocky Horror Picture Show
The Frogs

Zanna Don't
Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Avenue Q

Customer Reviews:

Loved it.......2007-06-26

The play was great, and so is the CD. Even my partner, who's generally not a Monty Python fan, says it's "hysterical."

Get ready to laugh until you cry!.......2007-06-25

Being in the unfortunate position of living in a country where Music Theatre is virtually dead, I thought `what the heck' I'll purchase this just to see what it's like. I've never been a huge Holy Grail fan, and have only seen the movie one or two times. This musical is the first musical cast recording that has an independent storyline that you can actually gauge from the recording. It's so refreshing to actually WANT to listen to the entire recording from start to finish more than a handful of times. Most musicals have a few awesome songs that have you keep coming back for more but this musical has so much continuity that I can't help but listen from start to finish.

Don't read what some of the other commenter's have written. This is brilliant and hilarious. And if you have a slightly warped sense of humour you'll love (and appreciate) this musical so much more.

P.S. I love the songs that reference "The song that goes like this." This is supposed to be repetitive to mock its self and Broadway. It is also more comprehensive than some may lead you to believe... however just remember its called `Spamalot' not `Holy Grail' so don't expect too many Holy Grail references.

A Lot of Spam.......2007-05-22

Great CD if you like someone who can laugh at themselves. The play mocks the whole broadway musical experience. Listening to it can almost make sitting in traffic bearable...no I wouldn't go that far, but the songs are funny and will put you in a good mood.

Love, love, love this soundtrack!.......2007-05-18

The show was so much fun, and now getting to hear the soundtrack brings all the funny bits right back. These tunes are infectious! Even my 3-year-old hums them to himself. Any Monty Python fan should own this.

Hamalot!.......2007-05-15

Overall, pretty good. I liked the inclusion of various other Python bits (Always Look on the Bright Side of Life, Finland, etc.), but there was an appalling lack of Tim Curry on this album (Um, hello? Rocky Horror, anyone?). Also an over-reliance on songs with lyrics like, "This is how this song goes," or "Every show has a song like this." Some more inventive lyrics would have been welcome. (Mr. Idle, meet Mr. Brooks!)

Still, pretty good. Buy it for $11 or less & you won't feel taken.

Dreamgirls: Music From The Motion Picture [2-CD Deluxe Edition]

Average customer rating:

"You Will LOVE This CD!!!"
Your Goin' To Love this!
Ok
Quite forgettable
Dreamgirls

Dreamgirls: Music From The Motion Picture [2-CD Deluxe Edition]
Original Soundtrack
Manufacturer: Col/Urban Soundtrax
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Dreamgirls (Two-Disc Showstopper Edition)
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Dreamgirls

ASIN: B000JLQQ2G
Release Date: 2006-12-05

Tracks:

I'm Lookin' For Something- Performed by Maxi Anderson, Charlene Carmon,
Goin' Downtown-Performed by Durrell Babbs, Luke Boyd, Eric Dawkins,
Takin' The Long Way Home-Performed by Michael Leon Wooley
Move-Performed by Jennifer Hudson, Beyoncé Knowles, Anika Noni Rose
Fake Your Way To The Top-Performed by Jennifer Hudson, Beyoncé Knowles,
Big (Jazz Instrumental)
Cadillac Car-Performed by Laura Bell Bundy, Jennifer Hudson, Beyoncé
Steppin' To The Bad Side -Performed by Hinton Battle, Jamie Foxx,
Love You I Do-Performed by Jennifer Hudson
I Want You Baby -Performed by Jennifer Hudson, Beyoncé Knowles, Eddie
Family- Performed by Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Hudson, Beyoncé Knowles,
Dreamgirls -Performed by Jennifer Hudson, Beyoncé Knowles, Anika Noni
Heavy-Performed by Jennifer Hudson, Beyoncé Knowles, Anika Noni Rose
It's All Over-Performed by Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Hudson, Beyoncé
And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going -Performed by Jennifer Hudson

Tracks:

I'm Somebody-Performed by Beyoncé Knowles, Sharon Leal, Anika Noni Rose
When I First Saw You-Performed by Jamie Foxx
Patience-Performed by Eddie Murphy, Keith Robinson, Anika Noni Rose
I Am Changing-Performed by Jennifer Hudson
Perfect World-Performed by Steve Russell
I Meant You No Harm/Jimmy's Rap-Performed by Eddie Murphy
Lorrell Loves Jimmy/Family (Reprise)-Performed by Beyoncé Knowles,
Step On Over-Performed by Beyoncé Knowles, Sharon Leal, Anika Noni Rose
I Miss You Old Friend-Performed by Loretta Devine
Effie, Sing My Song *-Performed by Jennifer Hudson, Keith Robinson
One Night Only-Performed by Jennifer Hudson
One Night Only (Disco)-Performed by Beyoncé Knowles, Sharon Leal,
Listen-Performed by Beyoncé Knowles
Hard To Say Goodbye-Performed by Beyoncé Knowles, Sharon Leal, Anika
Dreamgirls (Finale)-Performed by Jennifer Hudson, Beyoncé Knowles,
Curtain Call
Family (End Title)- Performed by Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Hudson, Beyoncé
When I First Saw You (Duet)-Performed by Jamie Foxx, Beyoncé Knowles
One Night Only (Dance Mix) *-Performed by Beyoncé Knowles, Sharon
And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going (Dance Mix) *-Performed by Jennifer
Patience (Composer Demo) *-Performed by Henry Krieger* Bonus Tracks

Amazon.com

The big question about this soundtrack is: how's she doing? No, not Beyoncé, silly--how's Jennifer Hudson doing? And more specifically, how's she doing by "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going"? To this reviewer's ears, she doesn't top the original Effie, Jennifer Holliday--or even Lillias White, from the 2001 Dreamgirls in Concert. On the other hand, Hudson isn't afraid to pullout all the stops, whipping herself up into a total diva frenzy as the song gets caught up in an unstoppable crescendo. As for Beyoncé, she adapts superbly to the 1960s- and 1970s-tinged material, though "Listen"--a ballad that also appears on her own B'day album--lacks the spirit that infuses the classic tunes on this album. For make no mistake: this is hard-hitting, high-octane music, infused with an urgency and passion that makes most contemporary R&B albums sound timid. When Hudson and Beyoncé duke it out on "It's All Over," or when the "One Night Only" ballad gets reinvented as the dance-floor burner "One Night Only (Disco)," the sheer energy flowing from the speakers is transporting.

Note that this two-CD Deluxe Edition features a larger booklet and additional tracks, including dance remixes of "One Night Only" and "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going," as well as composer Henry Krieger's demo of "Patience." --Elisabeth Vincentelli

More from the Dreamgirls Cast

B'day, Beyoncé

American Idol season 3: Greatest Soul Classics, (Featuring a track from Jennifer Hudson)

Unpredictable, Jamie Foxx

Album Description

Dreamgirls Deluxe Edition features cast performances by Beyonce' Knowles, Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Hudson & Eddie Murphy which includes: 2 CD-Set * 36 songs * 36 page lyric and photo booklet

Customer Reviews:

"You Will LOVE This CD!!!".......2007-06-27

I just got my CD and I love it... My favorite songs is Listen, I am Changing and Of course the NO.#1 HIT--"I'm telling you I'm not going"
Just Purchase it and you will not be disappointed.!!!!!

Your Goin' To Love this!.......2007-06-20

I was very sceptic about this adaptation. I was very dissapointed in Evita when they chose populairty over talent. I am a fan of Madonna and Beyonce but the performance by Beyonce is amazing.
In answer to T.T.'s remarks. RENT THE MOVIE! Gosh, a movie cost 4 bucks at the rental store. And there is very little talking. Most f the songs are like they are in the movie. But anyways...
THe performance is atstounding. I think that this album goes right up there with The Sound of Music and the Wizard of Oz and Chicago (never seenthis one, too young).
The songs are movig and the add ons are amazing. Listen is my Favorite, but more of that latter.
The Performances:
Beyonce- Beyonce was born to be Deena. Infact she mirrors Denna a whole lot (see Wikipedia - Destiny's Child). She delivers a superb performance, better that the original Bway Deena. Dreamgirls is phenominal.

Jennifer Hudson - Well what can I say but SIMON COWELL YOU WERE WRONG! And as she sings in I am Changin' AND NOTHING IS GOING TO STOP[HER]

Anikki Nonni Rose - Sorry if I spell her name wrong, but it is very odd. Honey if there was n unsung heroe of this film it would be her. Her phenominal and most of the time hilarious performance is what adds character to the film. Esp. when they brake Jimmy up with them she delivers a hilarious speech.

Eddie Murphie - Wonderful, Who knew he could sing.

Jamie Fox - GREAT!

Best Songs:
Move - Amazing! Wonderful beat. And SHAKE IT ON!
Cadilac Car - Wonderful song, esp. If you have a crappy car or a real Cadilac car
Steppin' To the bad Side - WONDERFUL, BEST SONG OF THE WHO MOVIE
I Love you I Do-lovely
Dreamgirls-Just hair raising
IT's All Over - Cuss a lot, I know, but amazing adittude though. Don't let little ones listen to this one.
And I am Telling You I'm Not Going - Just bye the CD for this song. I can't put in words the emotions in this song.
I Am Changing- Beautiful
Effie Sing my Song-Not in the movie but amazing
One Night Only- great
Disco version- great, but would have loved the wooshing like in the movie. A little too long, but when you see the extended version you will get the longer version and think WHY DID THEY CUT IT????!?!?!?
Listen - AMAZING SPECTACULAR! SUPER! IENIBOIWEBWEJKFDIVLEFB!
Dreamgirls Finale - " " (same as above)
Family (End Credits)- Better than the ordinary version for reasons I can't explain.

1 Dissapointment:
When I first saw you was a gereat song in the film, but in the original cast it was after Dreamgirls (To Sig. that Deena and Curtis were Together)
and it was reprised with an argument about Deena's Dreams. IT WAS ONE OF THE BEST SONGS! but they cut out Deena and the purpose of the song was lost, but it is still wonderful.

My Only Thin is Get the Orginal Bway Cast and this CD. The Orig. Bway cast has a cool One Night Only Too. Try Them both. They have diff. textures, but are both truly amazing.

Ok.......2007-06-03

Apart from Beyonce singing Dreamgirls, this album doesn't bring much. It's a dud. Most of the songs are just a lot of talking not actual singing. The movie was good, and I think it's better to watch that and listen to the songs. Unlike the soundtrack "Casino", which I can listen to and enjoy without seeing the movie, I can't with this. they should have done what most movies do and pick a bunch of great oldies by other artists back in the day to create the movie/soundtrack. and i'm also very sick of Jennifer Hudson. sure she can hit high notes, but she only sounds like she's screaming. her voice is not appealing. i rather listen to Beyonce's voice any day; it's easier on my ears. i also don't like how she's so arrogant and ungrateful to Idol. i don't think she's going far with that kind of stink attitude. it just shows you're a sore loser.

Quite forgettable.......2007-05-15

I've had this CD for several months now and I hardly ever listen to the music. I'm surprised how uninteresting it is to me. Yes, there are some good musical moments on this CD and Jennifer Hudson can sing, but she also screams too much, in my opinion, and I think she was extremely overrated in this performance. I just don't love listening to her sing on this CD.

Dreamgirls.......2007-05-12

The music is more intense watching the movie. I didn't enjoy the CD as much without the movie.

Average customer rating:

I CAN HEAR THE BELLS
My New Obsession
Hairspray CD
You Can't Stop the Beat!
My #1 Fave show!

Hairspray (2002 Original Broadway Cast)
Marc Shaiman , Scott Wittman , Marissa Jaret Winokur , Harvey Fierstein , and Kerry Butler
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Monty Python's Spamalot (2005 Original Broadway Cast)

ASIN: B00006AALQ
Release Date: 2002-08-13

Tracks:

Good Morning Baltimore
The Nicest Kids In Town
Mama, I'm A Big Girl Now
I Can Hear The Bells
(The Legend of) Miss Baltimore Crabs
It Takes Two
Welcome To The 60's
Run And Tell That!
Big, Blonde And Beautiful
The Big Dollhouse
Good Morning Baltimore Reprise
(You're) Timeless To Me
Without Love
I Know Where I've Been
(It's) Hairspray
Cooties
You Can't Stop The Beat

Amazon.com

The cast recording for the Broadway musical of John Waters's 1988 paean to dance, music, big beautiful women, and integration is a sheer delight. It's wonderfully upbeat all the way through, with a classic feel that's in keeping with the story's setting in the early 1960s. The characters come alive in these songs, from Marissa Jaret Winokur's (Tracy Turnblad) opening lines in "Good Morning Baltimore" to the stunningly upbeat finale, "You Can't Stop the Beat." The music is by Marc Shaiman, whose recent projects include South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut, as well as a number of film soundtracks, and his compositions are simultaneously solid and exuberant. Shaiman and Scott Wittman's lyrics brim over with the unreserved passions and primary-color emotions that made the film so successful. Regardless of one's familiarity with the story or the stage production, it's hard to avoid the appeal of this recording; even the less cheerful songs are awash in bright colors, without disrespect for their subjects. --Genevieve Williams

Customer Reviews:

I CAN HEAR THE BELLS .......2007-05-18

YOU SHOULD BUY THIS CD WHEN YOU WANT THAT LIITLE PICK ME UP. ALSO VERY GOOD THING TO LISEN TO ON THAT TRIP TO WORK OR SCHOOL OR EVEN CLASS IF YOUR IN COLLEGE.

My New Obsession.......2007-02-07

I've been lingering over this CD for the past few weeks and finally decided to buy it and so happy I did so. This is all I've been listening to for the past few days.

From the great opener 'Good Morning Baltimore' to the best closing song I've ever heard, 'You Can't Stop the Beat', this recording is a gem.

One of my favorite songs on this soundtrack is 'The Nicest Kids in Town'. It has that kind of beat that's hard to not dance to. Another favorite is 'Mama, I'm A Big Girl Now'. It reminds me of the songs of Leslie Gore. My favorite line comes from Amber von Tussle "Once upon a time I used to dress up Ken/but now that I'm a woman I like bigger men/And I don't need a Barbie doll to show me how".

'(The Legend of)Miss Baltimore Crabs' is a glorious song for the villain. With wonderful drumming and violins in the background, Velma von Tussel has a great solo song.

'It Takes Two' is such a great slow song. I can just imagine a 1960's prom. Everyone slow dancing and the lights low. A band set up on the stage. I can't help sing along.

'Welcome to the 60's' is another wonderful song. It seems to be everyone's favorite. It's one of mine too. Harvey Fierstein is great as Edna.

'Big, Blonde, & Beautiful' is another good song. A good message to all big girls to be proud of yourself. Ignore what everyone says about you and strut. "Bring on that pecan pie/pour some sugar on it/Sugar don't be shy"

'(You're) Timeless to Me' is such a cute song between Wilbur and Edna.

'Without Love' is my number one favorite on this recording. Link proclaiming his love to Tracy who's locked up in solitary confinement and Seaweed proclaiming his love to Penny who's tied up on her bed. "Darling I'll be yours forever/'cause I never wanna be/Without love/so darling throw away the key"

'I Know Where I've Been' is a glorious gospel song. Sung by Motormouth Maybelle about her experiences and having learned from them.

'Cooties' is such a childish sounding song but it's the kind of song that should have it's own dance. It's too much fun.

The little song that follows 'You Can't Stop the Beat' is so funny and dark. I don't know the name, I just refer to as 'Blood on the Pavement'. "Don't drink and drive/please keep your head/Or come graduation day/you'll be dead".

I recommend this soundtrack to everyone. It's the kind of soundtrack that doesn't sound like a musical soundtrack.

Hairspray CD.......2007-01-14

If you loved the Broadway, you'll love this cd. A friend heard me playing the cd and asked what radio station I was listening to so he could tune in.

You Can't Stop the Beat!.......2006-11-30

I could try to come up with a more clever title for this review, but the title of the last track says it all about the soundtrack from the Broadway show Hairspray. I went reluctantly ($110 per ticket) on my last trip to NYC, and found to my surprise that I enjoyed the show and then adored the soundtrack--every number is performed with great gusto and excitement. "Good Morning Baltimore", sung by Marissa Winokur as Tracy Turnblad, the portly dance-crazed teen from 1963 Baltimore, gets the show off to a great start. "The Nicest Kids in Town" takes you back to the days of American Bandstand and its local knockoffs. "The Bells" was one I knew before seeing the show as my daughter and her friends sang (or at least lip synched) it at a drama camp talent show. "It Takes Two", a teen idol number sung by the character Link, sounds much better to me that the real Frankie Avalon/Ricky Nelson tunes of the early '60s that are its models. Other great songs, many with a civil rights theme following from the story of the film, follow, topped off by "Cooties"--an insult song sung by Tracy's rival Amber Von Tussle, and the showstopping (literally) finale "You Can't Stop the Beat", which sounds more urgent with every listen. Along the way the songwriters include some clever and slightly subversive lyrics--Tracy sings about the "rats on the street" who "all dance round my feet"; Linc croons that "Liz, she has her Dick"; and Penny Pingleton is ready to "call the NAACP" if anyone challenges her love for her African-American boyfriend Seaweed. Some have said that Hairspray is the Grease of the 21st century, but to me it's much better-more human; and also significantly better than the '80s comedy film on which the musical was based. We await with excitement and trepidation the film musical, which could hardly improve on the stage show, but in any event we'll get to hear those great songs again.

My #1 Fave show!.......2006-10-23

I heard this show is closing in 2007, while a movie's coming out Independence Day 2007!

My fave Hairspray songs are:

1. You Can't Stop The Beat
2. Good Morning Baltimore
3. Without Love
4. I Can Hear The Bells
5. Mama I'm a Big Girl Now
6. Run and Tell That
7. The Nicest Kids in Town
8. Big Blonde and Beautiful
9. Welcome To The 60's
10. The Big Dollhouse

The Lion King (1997 Original Broadway Cast)

Average customer rating:

Choose this one over the movie soundtrack...
Best musical soundtrack ever!!!
We love the Lion King
Great Soundtrack for a Great Musical
Go see the show, just don't buy the CD there

The Lion King (1997 Original Broadway Cast)
Elton John , Tim Rice , Heather Headley , and Mark Mancina
Manufacturer: Disney
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000001M1B
Release Date: 1997-11-14

Tracks:

Circle Of Life
Grasslands Chant
The Morning Report
The Lioness Hunt
I Just Can't Wait To Be King
Chow Down
They Live In You
Be Prepared
The Stampede
Rafiki Mourns
Hakuna Matata
One By One
The Madness Of King Scar
Shadow Land
The Lion Sleeps Tonight
Endless Night
Can You Feel The Love Tonight
He Lives In You (Reprise)
Simba Confronts Scar
King Of Pride Rock/Circle Of Life

Amazon.com

An Oscar win might suggest a score that would need a miracle to be bettered--but this colorful stage adaptation of Disney's The Lion King does so with flair. Composers Mark Mancina and Lebo M worked closely together to fuse the movie's many disparate elements. Where there was a veritable army exercising creative influences for the animated tale, this brings it all under the wings of a like-minded few. This is genuinely apparent as one track flows into the next. The African rhythms--both vocal and in instrumentation--come across as authentic and original all at once. No doubt this is largely through Mancina's passion for peculiar instruments and the possibilities suggested from nightly live performances. "Grasslands Chant" is a good place to hear this. The hit favorites are here of course, but both "Circle of Life" and "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" are pleasingly unrecognizable with chorus and shifting beats. Better still is the likelihood they will now be eclipsed by some of the new numbers. Mancina's own "He Lives in You" being a strong contender. With a sound mix as crisp as you'd hope to find, this is rousing stuff. --Paul Tonks

Customer Reviews:

Choose this one over the movie soundtrack..........2007-06-28

I bought this cd after seeing the show on broadway. If you like the African-influenced music present in the movie version of the Lion King, all of the original is present here as well as some really good new stuff. My favorite of the new songs is "Shadowland", which really just takes some recognizable background music from the movie and adds lyrics to it. other standouts include "He Lives in You", which you may have heard if you saw The Lion King 1 1/2, and the song Simba sings after his father has died.

I took off one star because I am not a fan of the singer portraying Scar in this recording, and I don't like most of his songs or those the hyenas sing. But the excellence of everthing else makes up for it.

Best musical soundtrack ever!!!.......2007-05-19

Awesome music!!! My kids love it, I love it! Everyone loves it!! I could listen to it over and over and not get sick of it!!!!

We love the Lion King.......2007-05-17

We had just gone to NY in March 07 and saw the play live. The CD is just as beautiful and the music brings tears to my eyes. My five year old knows all the words. We play it on the way to school and back everyday. He particularly likes "I just can't wait to be King".

Great Soundtrack for a Great Musical.......2007-05-13

This soundtrack is just as breathtaking as watching the musical and brings back all of the memories of NYC! This is the original cast recording, so if you've seen the production recently, most of the actors aren't the same; just keep that in mind.

Go see the show, just don't buy the CD there.......2007-03-04

I purchased this CD after seeing the U.S. tour. The show is amazing, go see it. I just say not to buy the CD there because there's a 300% markup! This exact CD is sold at the show's gift shop for $30...look what Amazon has it for. It's a great show, the music is better than that of the film. Enjoy!

Album Review:

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