Bacchanal/1969 [Original recording remastered]

Bacchanal/1969 [Original recording remastered]

ASIN: B0002LHQG8

Track Listings

1. Three King Fishers

2. Love Is Blue

3. Theme from The Valley of the Dolls

4. Bacchanal

5. Sunshine Superman

6. Some Velvet Morning

7. Look of Love

8. Divided City

9. Dear Prudence

10. Sealed With a Kiss

11. Both Sides Now

12. Walk Away Renee

13. You Won't See Me

14. Michael from the Mountains

15. Stormy

16. In My Life

17. I've Just See a Face

18. Until It's Time for You to Go

19. Somewhere I Belong

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
UK twofer combines the psychedelic jazz guitarist's 1968 & 1969 albums. Rev-Ola. 2004.

Tracks:

The Ballad Of Sweeney Todd
No Place Like London
The Worst Pies In London
Poor Thing
My Friends
The Ballad Of Sweeney Todd
Gren Finch And Linnet Bird
Ah, Miss
Johanna
Pirelli's Miracle Elixir
The Contest
The Ballad Of Sweeney Todd
Johanna
Wait
Kiss Me
Ladies In Their Sensitivities
Kiss Me

Tracks:

Pretty Women
Epiphany
A Little Priest
God, That's Good!
Johanna
By The Sea
Not While I'm Around
The Judge's Return
The Ballad Of Sweeney Todd

Amazon.com essential recording

Despite being known for her televised sleuthing these days, Angela Lansbury once managed to both spook and delight Broadway audiences as the maker of very particular delicacies in Victorian London. In this macabre extravaganza, Lansbury's Nellie Lovett is the accomplice of Len Cariou's Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. After he slashes his victims, she turns them into her meat pies' main ingredient. For this most ghoulish of shows, Sondheim looked for inspiration in the way the music is used in horror and suspense movies, particularly in the soundtracks of Bernard Herrmann. The winner of nine Tony Awards in 1979, Sweeney Todd may not be Sondheim's most accessible score, but its operatic complexity (it is almost entirely sung-through) makes it darkly spellbinding. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Album Description

A Classic Stephen Sondheim Musical Available Now at a New Low Price!

Features bonus tracks, digitally remastered and new liner notes.

Customer Reviews:

Sweeney Lives!.......2007-05-14

"Sweeney Todd" was and is Sondheim's grand masterpiece, Tim Doyle notwithstanding, and this recording is the grand masterpiece of Sweeney Todd recordings. Listen to Len Cariou's voice -- magnificent! (And he was suffering from a bad cold/sore throat, supposedly caused by the fake earth the gravediggers used to shovel in the beginning minutes of the Broadway version of the musical). Angela never sounded better than on this remastered CD. On a small system like a boombox or a portable you won't notice a big improvement on the original CD, but on a room system you will feel the difference. The "bonus" tracks are a total waste of CD space. Couldn't they have found a rehearsal tape or a demo or something??? I think so.

I remember my mother driving me to the Korvette's Dept store at the Blue Star Shopping Center to get the original Sweeney Todd LP (yes, that's how old I am...). I played it to death, almost literally. I think I went through another LP set and a casette tape set before CDs came out. In my mind, nothing will ever beat that LP for sound and emotion and power, but this remastered CD is the next best thing.

A Masterpiece.......2007-05-06

Sweeney Todd is arguably one of the greatest musicals ever written. It has gorgeous melodies, witty and poetic lyrics, and a thrilling plot. The CD also showcases one of the best casts Broadway has ever seen.

Angela Lansbury is sensational as Mrs. Lovett, Sweeney's "partner in crime". She delivers every song in a brilliant British music hall style, and every track she is on stands out. She is luminous.

Len Cariou is simply marvelous. While most people know (the highly overrated George Hearn) from the video, in my mind Len remains the definitive Sweeney. He plays the part with a brooding intensity and shocks as well as chills. His "Ephiphany" is possibly the best track on the album. A thrilling performance.

The rest of the cast is also spectacular. Ken Jennings is a very sweet and heartbreaking Tobias. Victor Garber delivers "Johanna" with a strong voice. Sarah Rice also does very well as Johanna, both sh a Garber are a delight in "Kiss Me".

This is a cast ablbum every true Broadway fan should own. It is, in a word, magnificent.

Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street .......2007-01-13

Only need one word to review this CD. Great

If you're going to hear a musical..........2006-09-04

...make it this one!

Sondheim's 'Sweeney Todd' has been described as quasi-operatic, so unending is the musical flow in this masterpiece. The plot is twisted and insidious, but something that many can take a sort of perverse pleasure in watching unfold. Angela Lansbury as Mrs. Lovett is the jewel of this recording. Heartbreaking in 'The Worst Pies in London,' Lansbury also manages to sound obsequious and nasty ('God, that's good!') and even slightly insane (the final scene). Len Cariou as Sweeney Todd may feel a bit underpowered at times, but it all goes to underscore the differences between the Todd character's outward appearances and inward struggle.

The supporting cast rises to the challenge, with an especially wide-eyed Toby and a very fruity Pirelli. The chorus is powerful and borders on the edge of manic insanity in such gripping moments as 'City on Fire.' My personal favorite from this set is the crazed, joyous counterpoint of three soloists and the chorus all singing atop each other in 'God, that's good!'

This is a beautiful recording and a triumph of the 'musical' genre. Don't miss it!

Good but...........2006-06-16

Sondheim is regarded as being a "musical genius" but I would strongly disagree. While his music is certainly complex (bordering on chaotic), he has yet to evoke any emotion or passion in his music. His melodies are pretty, witty, complex or intellectual. Never gorgeous.

With that said, Sweeny Todd is definitely his best work. There are a few good numbers in here. "Joanna" is a pretty tune and so is "Not While I'm Around" but, again, not gorgeous. My personal favorite has always been "Kiss Me", a lyrically witty love declaration between the two young lovers.

Everyone always criticizes Andrew Lloyd Webber's music, which, in my opinion, is often luscious, sweeping and dramatic. It evokes the days of Puccini and even Rogers & Hammerstein. I'll admit Andrew Lloyd Webber is far from brilliant and he is famous for using the most insipid lyricists in the history of musical theatre, but Sondheim's music is incapable of approaching the gorgeousness of Webber's work. Now I will say that if you attend a Sondheim musical, you're in for an intellectually stimulating experience.

Just because music is intellectual does not mean it's wonderful. Sometimes intellectual is just that. When I go to the theatre, I want to be moved, not quizzed. Sondheim needs to learn how to compose melodies that, at least, follow some form or structure and don't simply drift off into A-tonal murkiness. An audience can't be expected to cry or experience emotions if the music isn't lifting them or taking them anywhere.

On last thought...
Phantom of the Opera is the longest running show on Broadway...and there's a reason! It's moving. You'd have to have a heart of stone not to be moves by the sweeping melodies. You can point out all of the show's shortcomings but you cannot deny that most of Webber's score is gorgeous. No matter who you are, if you go see Phantom of the Opera you will be moved. You could also see Sweeny Todd on Broadway and find it interesting and amusing. To say the least, you'll walk out of the theatre thinking, "Wow I was just intellectually stimulated! ALL RIGHT!"...and that's about it.

Webber's music IS musical theatre, Sondheim's music is like a sea of watercolors that bleeds into a murky mess.

They're Playing Our Song (1979 Original Broadway Cast)

Average customer rating:

great music
An old favourite worthwhile re visiting
Broadways best
They're Playing Our Song
Tuneful Little Broadway Gem

They're Playing Our Song (1979 Original Broadway Cast)
Marvin Hamlisch , and Carole Bayer Sager
Manufacturer: Decca Broadway
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000001FEH
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Fallin'
Workin' It Out
If He Really Knew Me
They're Playing My Song (His)
They're Playing My Song (Hers)
Right
Just For Tonight
Entre Act (Instrumental)
When You're In My Arms
If He Really Knew Me (Reprise)
I Still Believe In Love
Fill In The Words
They're Playing Our Song (The Bows)

Customer Reviews:

great music.......2007-03-18

I was fortunate to see the Broadway musical back in the late 1970s. The love story of Marvin Hamlich and Carole Bayer Sager was done so well, I wish they would remake it again.

An old favourite worthwhile re visiting.......2007-01-12

I recently went to a small production of Theyre Playing Our Song and it made me recall just how catchy and "boppy" this show was - and rather than get out the old LP thought maybe i should buy the DVD - it may not be the best nor lavish musical - but if you want to bring a smile to your face and remember a fun time - this certainly fits the bill!

Broadways best.......2005-10-25

A little known musical from Hamlisch on the tails of A Chorus Line. This love story with book by Neil Simon is a real gem and it's fun to hear Luci Arnez.

They're Playing Our Song.......2005-09-19

I saw the original broadway play. The CD tells the story without anyone having to see the play and does it beautifully. It is a fun cd to listen to and brought back wonderful memories of my trip to the Big Apple and everything good about broadway.

Tuneful Little Broadway Gem.......2004-08-26

An excellent no-frills musical from the 1970's with an impeccable pedigree - music by Marvin Hamlisch, lyrics by Carole Bayer Sager, and a script by Neil Simon (allegedly based on the actual Hamlisch/Sager relationship). The stars were Robert Klein and a dazzling Lucie Arnaz (daughter of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz). The only other cast members were three boys and three girls - basically backup singers and dancers - who had the habit of suddenly appearing from within the scenery to act as the leads' alter egos.

The plot was simple enough - egotistical and mega-successful composer takes on a new lyricist - a kooky, insecure incurable romantic still bruised by a recently ended affair. Of course, the two are totally different and dislike each other on first sight. But anyone who has ever seen a musical knows they are destined to end up together.

This musical with just two characters worked because of the rapid-fire dialogue, the fast-paced direction, the clever sets, the larger than life performances, and the songs. I'm always surprised that songs from They're Playing Our Song have not become standards because it is such a solid and inventive score. The uptempo title song and others such as "Workin' It Out" had the same sort of catchy hooks as the disco music of the time. But better than that, the show was filled with soulful and reflective ballads such as "Fallin'", "If He Really Knew Me", "Just For Tonight", and "I Still Believe In Love". In fact, the score is much stronger - and stands much better on its own - than the one from Hamlisch's other great success A Chorus Line.

Lucie Arnaz lit up Broadway with her performance in this show and it's easy to hear why on this CD. A lesson current producers could learn from They're Playing Our Song is that a musical doesn't have to be big to be good.

By the way, there is also a recording available of the London cast in which Tom Conti conclusively proves that the Brits are no better at doing American accents than Dick Van Dyke was at being a cockney in Mary Poppins!

Oklahoma! Broadway (1979 Broadway Revival Cast)

Average customer rating:

Not Complete, but the Best Recording of Oklahoma!
good revival of the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic
Oklahoma! is GRAND
You'll Love This One!!!
You'll Love This One!!!

Oklahoma! Broadway (1979 Broadway Revival Cast)
Oscar Hammerstein II , Christine Andreas , and Laurence Guittard
Manufacturer: RCA Victor Broadway
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Oklahoma! Selections from the Theatre Guild Musical Play: A Decca Broadway Original Cast Recording (Original 1943 Broadway Cast)

ASIN: B000002W4N
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Overture - N/A
Oh, What A Beautiful Mornin' - Laurence Guittard
Laurey's Entrance - Christine Andreas
The Surrey With The Fringe On Top - Laurence Guittard
Kansas City - Harry Groener
I Cain't Say No - Christine Ebersole
Many A New Day - Women's Chorus
It's A Scandal! It's A Outrage! - Bruce Adler
People Will Say We're In Love - Laurence Guittard
Pore Jud Is Daid - Laurence Guittard
Lonely Room - Martin Vidnovic
Out Of My Dreams - Women's Chorus
The Farmer And The Cowman - Ensemble
All Er Nuthin' - Christine Ebersole
People Will Say We're In Love (Reprise) - Laurence Guittard
Oklahoma Finale: Oh, What A Beautiful Mornin' (Reprise) - Company

Customer Reviews:

Not Complete, but the Best Recording of Oklahoma!.......2006-02-04

This is a terrific recording of the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic. Christine Andreas is a FANTASTIC Laurey, bringing real independent spirit and a vivacious energy to "Many a New Day", while soaring with a her lovely soprano over her big ballads, "Out of My Dreams", and "People Will Say We're in Love", a duet with Laurence Guittard, who sings all of his songs with warmth, heart, and beautiful voice.

Harry Groener is the ideal Will Parker, and Christine Ebersole is the best Ado Annie on record, bringing tons of humor and a healthy, strong belt to "I Cain't Say No".

Martin Vidnovic's Jud is in very good voice, and although her doesn't bring the emotional turmoil to "Lonely Room" that Shuler Hensley does on the 1998 London Recording, he comes in a very close second.

The rest of the cast is in fine shape, the orchestra plays at ideal tempos, the sound is crystal clear, and the orchestrations are vibrant and fantastic.

Not including the dream ballet is a disapointment, but other than that, this is the best recording of Oklahoma!, due to the sparkling cast and terrific orchestrations.

good revival of the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic.......2003-09-29

This cast album to the acclaimed 1979 Broadway revival of OKLAHOMA! is a perfect testament to its amazing cast and the everlasting legacy to the genius of Rodgers and Hammerstein.

Laurence Guittard (A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC) and Christine Andreas (MY FAIR LADY, ON YOUR TOES) headlined the revival as the starcrossed lovers Curly and Laurey, respectively, with the delightful Mary Wickes in her element as Aunt Eller.

Making their Broadway debuts as the secondary couple Ado Annie Carnes and Will Parker were, respectively, Christine Ebersole (42ND STREET) and Harry Groener (CRAZY FOR YOU). Martin Vidnovic (THE KING AND I) played the menacing farmhand Jud.

Laurence Guittard has a warm and resonant voice, which is well-suited to the role of easygoing Curly, and he sings a gorgeous version of "Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'". Dulcet-toned Christine Andreas is a perfect Laurey, singing a thrilling and yes, dreamy, version of "Out of My Dreams", whilst her rendition of "Many a New Day" turns into a jaunty anthem of defiance. Utterly delightful.

Christine Ebersole, who won a Tony for the 2001 revival of 42ND STREET, is a perfect fit for the comical soubrette role of Ado Annie Carnes. Her "I Cain't Say No" drips with humour, while her duet with Harry Groener in "All 'Er Nuthin'" is perfectly-performed.

Given the huge abundance of OKLAHOMA! cast albums available, this one may not seem essential; but the perfect cast and top-drawer performers of Laurence Guittard, Christine Andreas and Christine Ebersole make it one of the best.

Oklahoma! is GRAND.......2001-08-18

I saw this production twice when it came to Oklahoma City on it's way to Broadway. It is the best yet, and this CD captures the energy of that show very well. All of the performers are first rate and the memory of the cast singing "OKLAHOMA!" up to the footlights still sends chills down my spine. The show will be back on Broadway in 2002 for the Richard Rodgers 100th Birthday celebration.

You'll Love This One!!!.......2000-10-09

Probably one of the most engaging recordings of this Rodgers and Hammerstein classic. Christine Andreas will move you with her haunting version of "Out of My Dreams". Christine Ebersole is right on the money as "Ado Annie". Her "I Cain't Say No" captures all the country bumpkin innocence needed and will have you chuckling. The highlight "Oklahoma" is performed the way Rodgers and Hammerstein intended, with all the vocal harmonies distinctive. The inclusion of the great stage, television and motion picture character actress Mary Wickes is only a sweet bonus to the collection of fine performances here.

You'll Love This One!!!.......2000-10-09

Average customer rating:

Not Bad
Wonderful !!!
Old tunes, old cast, touching stories.
Old tunes, old cast, touching stories.
under-rated musical masterpiece

Ballroom (1979 Original Broadway Cast)
Billy Goldenberg , Sally-Jane Heit , John Hallow , Original Broadway Cast , Alan Bergman , and Marilyn Bergman
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000025FD
Release Date: 1992-11-24

Tracks:

Overture: The Stardust Waltz
A Terrific Band and a Real Nice Crowd
A Song for Dancing
One By One
Dance Montage (Cha-Cha)
Dreams
Somebody Did All Right For Herself/Dreams
Tango
Goodnight Is Not Goodbye
I've Been Waiting All My Life
I Love To Dance
More Of The Same
Fifty Percent
I Wish You A Waltz

Customer Reviews:

Not Bad.......2006-07-26

So when I ordered this CD i didnt expect much from it. Its older, and about ballroom dancing. But the music is quite soothing, and not at all "old." The show is sweet and intamite with lots of duets. But the star voice is definitly Lynn Roberts. Wow has she got a sweet smooth voice. So in short, this is one for amature collectors, and up. Probably not the best for someone who likes Wicked, but thats the only show they know. Favorite Song: "I've Been Waiting All My Life"

Wonderful !!!.......2004-09-12

"Ballroom" was based on a T.V. movie, titled "The Queen of the Stardust Ballroom". The show was a flop, but an interesting idea none the less. Columbia, thankfully, perserved this fascinating score that needs to be rediscovered. If you have never heard of the authors, do not worry, neither had I. They were mainly Hollywood writers, but their material is 100% broadway gold. Loudon gives the great material her all, which makes songs such as "Fifty Percent" seem all the more charged with emotion. The opening number is excellent, and so is much of the dance material. All in all, a great score that needs a revival. It would put today's "Europop" musicals to shame.

Old tunes, old cast, touching stories........2003-03-23

A touching love story told by the incredible old-timers of theater in their golden years. Dorothy Loudon soars. Buy it for "Fifty Percent" if for anything. The song makes me wrench and it will make you sob too. Buy it for that. Buy it for her. Buy it for the music that makes you want to dance.

Old tunes, old cast, touching stories........2003-03-23

under-rated musical masterpiece.......2002-10-01

BALLROOM is a fantastic musical. It has a huge cult following by Michael Bennett fans and Broadway musical-lovers alike. The score is an exciting blend of old-fashioned waltzes combined with the pulsating rhythms of the 70's disco scene.

The story concerns Bea Asher (Dorothy Loudon - who also created the role of Miss Hannigan in the original cast of ANNIE), who, after losing her husband, discovers a new life at a dingy ballroom in the Bronx. There, she meets Alfred Rossi (Vincent Gardenia), a married man, whom she begins to have a love affair with. Bea knows that she will never truly 'have' Alfred for herself, but is more than willing to play second-fiddle even if her pride is what takes the fall.

The music is gorgeous; as with other "concept musicals", most of the songs have nothing to do with the plot, and most are sung by the singers at the ballroom (played by Lynn Roberts and Bernie Knee). Stand-outs in the score are "Dreams", "I Love to Dance", "A Terrific Band and a Real Nice Crowd", "Somebody Did All Right for Herself", and - the real show-stopper - "Fifty Percent", sung for all its worth by Dorothy Loudon.

Tracks:

Marvin's Giddy Seizures
How The Body Falls Apart/Your Lips And Me
My High School Sweetheart
Set Those Sails
My Chance To Survive The Night
I Am Wearing A Hat (Marvin Takes A Wife)
How Marvin Eats His Breakfast
A Breakfast Over Sugar
Whizzer Going Down
High School Ladies At 5 O'clock/The Rape Of Miss Goldberg By Marvin
The Nausea Before The Game/Love Me For What I Am
Michael's Final Words From How America Got It's Name/Your Lips And Me (Reprise)...
Another Sleepless Night
In Trousers (The Dream)
I'm Breaking Down/Bonus Track
Bonus Track

Customer Reviews:

THOSE WERE THE DAYS.......2005-02-26

Brilliant!!. I saw the original off broadway "March.."and revival of
"In Trousers" in the 80's. i liked them alot. but revisiting them now i'm really impressed with "In Trousers" . The lyrics are inventive and fun and the music is great! I'D SEE a show like this over "les miz saigon of the opera" any day.

THIS ALBUM IS MUSICALLY/ LYRICALLY unique!.......2002-09-23

there is no music like Wiliam finns music....
these actors are wonderful as well..all of them...
They performed this recording like a show, even more so..
The songs are pretty much all brilliant, unique, and captivating. These are well made songs,....
Finn was well deserving of the Hutinson Fellowship he received for musical composition.
He will go alongside Sondheim as one of the all time greats...

So much fun, and so moving.......2002-04-30

How could you go wrong with 3 Tony Award Nominees????? Mary Testa, Chip Zien, and Alison Fraser! It's amazing! Plus the one cast member I was not familiar with, Joanna Green, is also superb. Just so you know.. the songs on the cd are not in the same order they are in my script. The closing number on the cd (not counting the bonus track) is actually the opening number. "Marvin's Giddy Little Siezures" which opens the cd is in the middle of the show. This is why it seems so helter-skelter. I don't why it was done like this... but it was. The show's performances sell it though. The performances are enfused with pathos, but they all have great comedic timing as well. William Finn's music is incredibly catchy, but also complex. Although poorly recorded, it's wonderfully performed, and a must have.

Part One of the 'Marvin' Trilogy Is Worth a Listen.......2001-01-22

William Finn's best known work, "March of the Falsettos" and its companion piece (and sequel) "Falsettoland" found commercial success on Broadway in the early 1990's including a Tony Award for Finn's superlative score. In the Broadway outing, the raucous "March..." made up the first act while the more sobering "Falsettoland" comprised act two. As a pair of one act musicals, these two pieces tell a very complete and emotionally engaging story about a previously "straight" married man (Marvin) who leaves his wife and son for a male lover. His wife, Trina, rebounds by marrying Marvin's psychiastrist, and the entire dysfunctional family deals with love, hate, life and death. But that's not "In Trousers." "In Trousers" pre-dates these two musicals by at least another decade and tells in a much more disjointed fashion the story of Marvin's early years. Marvin appears here in various stages of his pre-Falsettos life, as spoiled fourteen year old, horny young student lusting after the exotic Miss Goldburg, and romantic young swain smitten with a touchingly innocent and vulnerable Trina. Here we get the nuts and bolts of Marvin and Trina's past: the rise and fall of their mistake of a marriage, and Marvin's first meeting with Whizzer Brown (who is only sung about here, and will not appear as a character until "March of the Falsettos"). As a piece of theater, "In Trousers" succeeds musically more than dramatically. The story telling here is more patchwork than anything else, and may be hard for audiences to grasp who are not familiar with the future storyline. There are some extraordinary tunes, though. "Pass the Sugar, Please" details the collapse of a ten year marriage over breakfast while "Love Me For What I Am" is full of hope and longing by people who believe there is life left in a failing relationship. The four member cast is wonderful, headed here by Chip Zien and Alison Frasier. Zien would later go on to play the role of Mendel the psychiatrist in the Falsetto musicals while Michael Rupert took over the role of Marvin. Still, Zien is every bit as powerful and moving as Marvin proving his true versatility as an actor (and if you want to SEE him prove his chops, pick up a VHS or DVD of "Into the Woods" where his performance as The Baker is a real masterpiece). "In Trousers" belongs in your library if you love William Finn's work, especially the moving Falsetto musicals.

A GREAT musical that presages Finn's later career!.......2000-11-01

Ok, maybe I'm in the minority, but I really think that 'In Trousers' is, musically and lyrically, every bit the equal, and in some cases, superior to the other two entries in The Marvin Trilogy! Internal consistency has never been Finn's strong suit, and it IS difficult to figure out exactly what is going on in this song cycle, but each of these songs is really a gem all by itself. All four of the performers are excellent, and Zien and Fraser are incomparable. Frasers' 'Love Me For What I Am' is truly heartbreaking. After wearing out TWO copies of the LP, I am thrilled to finally have the CD available.

Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street (Highlights from the 1979 Original Broadway Cast)

Average customer rating:

sweeney terrific
Great Music . Great macabre story.
Too scary
Sondheims 2nd Masterpiece
Flawless

Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street (Highlights from the 1979 Original Broadway Cast)
Stephen Sondheim , Angela Lansbury , and Len Cariou
Manufacturer: RCA Victor Broadway
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000002W7E
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Prelude/The Ballad of Sweeney Todd: Attend the tale of Sweeney Todd...
No Place Like London/The Barber And His Wife
The Worst Pies In London
My Friends/The Ballad of Sweeney Todd: Lift Your Razor High, Sweeney!...
Johanna
The Ballad of Sweeney Todd: Sweeney pondered and Sweeney planned.../Wait
Kiss Me/Ladies in Their Sensitivities
Pretty Women/Epiphany
A Little Priest
God, That's Good!
Johanna
By The Sea
Not While I'm Around
Final Sequence (Excerpt)/The Ballad of Sweeney Todd: Attend The Tale of Sweeney Todd...

Amazon.com

Stephen Sondheim's Victorian horror thriller Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street is probably his most viscerally powerful score, realized to perfection by the original 1979 cast. Len Cariou plays the murderous title character with both menace and tragedy, while Angela Lansbury provides a grotesquely comic performance as Mrs. Lovett, his lover and partner in crime. At 73 minutes, this highlights CD is extremely generous but still omits over a half-hour from the complete recording. What's missing: the coloratura aria "Green Finch and Linnett Bird," the complete barber-contest sequence, the judge's flagellation number, much of the background of the show's central mystery, and a fair amount of connecting music. Yes, it's a good bargain, and it's convenient to have so much good music on a single CD, but any omission from this monumental score is one too many. If you're serious about Sweeney, spring for the two-disc set. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

sweeney terrific.......2007-02-19

The original Sweeney Todd cast can't be bettered. The sound transfer is pretty good, and the only problem is that some of the tracks from the show aren't on the CD.

Great Music . Great macabre story. .......2007-01-04

Lansbury and Cariou are royalty. Their musicanship and performances are special. Combined with Sondheim they're all impeccable. Chilling and VERY sophisticated music from Sondheim. It's one of his finest accomplishments. This will give you goosebumps for it's musical beauty and during it's most thrilling & scary moments. Own this.

Too scary .......2006-08-10

This broadway show is too scary and ominous such as an organ playing ominous music, then the organ starts screaming. It hurt my ears (I was using a pair of Sony Headphones), scared me and made me want to turn it off. How dreadful. I rather listen to something less scary than this.

Sondheims 2nd Masterpiece.......2006-07-22

An American classic, one of the greats, though I feel that Follies is Sondheims greatest acheivement, this is a close second. Saw a preview performance, then saw it again shortly after the opening. Several changes had been made, all for the better. The Flagellation Song had been removed, mercifully. It's been restored in subsequent productions, and always at the audiences discomfort. ?? Anyway, the original production was huge, in sets, performances and music, and it was grand in every sense of the word. Classic performances by Lansbury (one of maybe 3 of the great broadway actresses of all time) and Cariou.
As the other reviewers have already stated, this CD makes you want the complete recording. However, I enjoy this CD when I don't have the time or concentration to listen to the entire score.

Flawless.......2006-05-30

Angela Lansbury is clearly the best Mrs. Lovett, her interpretation is on the dot. She is absolutely bone chilling. Len Cariou's strong baritone is thrilling and his portrayal of Todd is right on the dot. The only downer of this recording is the fact there is no Green Finch and Linnet Bird, a great modern aria sung by Johanna. This, in my oppinion, is Stephen Sondheim's best musical. The orchestration is one of Sondheim's most complex, his counterpoint is awe-inspiring. If you plan on getting this CD, don't. Get the complete original cast! You simply must hear it in its intirety.

Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street (1979 Original Broadway Cast)

Average customer rating:

Sweeney Lives!
A Masterpiece
Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street
If you're going to hear a musical...
Good but....

Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street (1979 Original Broadway Cast)
Stephen Sondheim , Angela Lansbury , Cris Groenendaal , Len Cariou , and Victor Garber
Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Sweeney Todd - The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street
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ASIN: B000002W4L
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Prelude
No Place Like London
The Barber and His Wife
The Worst Pies in London
Poor Thing
My Friends
The Ballad of Sweeney Todd: Lift your razor high, Sweeney!...
Green Finch and Linnet Bird
Ah, Miss
Johanna
Pirelli's Miracle Elixir
The Contest
The Ballad of Sweeney Todd: Sweeney pondered and Sweeney planned
Wait
The Ballad of Sweeney Todd: His hands were quick, his fingers strong...
Johanna
Kiss Me
Ladies in Their Sensitivities
Pretty Women
Epiphany
A Little Priest

Tracks:

God, That's Good
Johanna
By the Sea
Wigmaker Sequence
Not While I'm Around
Parlor Songs
Final Sequence
The Ballad of Sweeney Todd

Amazon.com essential recording

Album Description

A Classic Stephen Sondheim Musical Available Now at a New Low Price!

Features bonus tracks, digitally remastered and new liner notes.

Customer Reviews:

Sweeney Lives!.......2007-05-14

A Masterpiece.......2007-05-06

Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street .......2007-01-13

Only need one word to review this CD. Great

If you're going to hear a musical..........2006-09-04

Good but...........2006-06-16

Average customer rating:

Charming, really charming...
A great find for people who miss the classic sound of Broadw
A Forgotten Treasure

Carmelina (1979 Original Cast Members)
Burton Lane
Manufacturer: Original Cast Record
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000004CT3
Release Date: 1995-03-23

Tracks:

Overture - Orchestra
Act One: Prayer/It's Time For A Love Song - Georgia Brown/Paul Sorvino
Act One: Why Him? - Georgia Brown
Act One: I Must Have Her - Paul Sorvino
Act One: Someone in April - Georgia Brown/Grace Keagy
Act One: Signora Campbell - Georgia Brown/Grace Keagy
Act One: Love Before Breakfast - Georgia Brown/Paul Sorvino
Act One: Yankee Doodles Are Coming To Town - Chor
Act One: One More Walk Around The Garden - Gordon Ramsey/Howard Ross/Bernie Knee
Act One: All That He Wants Me To Be - Jossie De Guzman
Act Two: Carmelina - Paul Sorvino
Act Two: The Image Of Me - Bernie Knee/Gordon Ramsey/Howard Ross
Act Two: I'm A Woman - Georgia Brown
Act Two: Finale - Georgia Brown/Paul Sorvino

Customer Reviews:

Charming, really charming..........2006-08-22

Based on the Melvin Frank film "Buona Sera, Mrs. Campbell" (1969), one of the best comedies with Gina Lollobrigida in the leading role, the story sets in the small italian village of San Forino, where a woman has accepted money from three american former GI's (Peter Lawford, Phil Silvers and Telly Savalas) who think they fathered her child during the Second World War. There's a Veteran Celebration and the three men are coming back to town. Mrs. Campbell is worried since the men will discover they've been cheated for almost 20 years. "There never was a Mr. Campbell. As I didn't know who the father was I made up the name out of a soup can label that I had at sight. The other label I saw was Coca Cola, but I couldn't call myself Carmelina Coca Cola, so I chose Campbell...", explains the troubled lady in the musical adaptation. The result of this Broadway version (slightly different from the movie)is more than satisfactory: it actually shines and delights you. Most of the songs with music by Burton Lane and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner & Joseph Stein are beautiful, melodic and easy to remember. Actually, "Carmelina" is one of those soundtracks which melodies you hum and whistle after you've heard them just a couple of times. It's that sort of soundtrack that sounds old-fashioned but captures the musical essence of the great Broadway shows. I did not see the stage production (which was a box office flop), yet I wonder how it could fail with such great music. The booklet is quite informative, with information on Burton Lane, members of the cast and a detailed account of the story line. After listening to this album, some images from the George Cukor film "My Fair Lady" came up to my mind which - I think - defines this album entirely. It's that moment when Eliza Doolittle is introduced to the Queen who - impressed by her beauty - softly states: "Charming, really charming..."
Get it soon, before it goes out of print. If you've got a nostalgic soul, you'll love it.

A great find for people who miss the classic sound of Broadw.......1998-06-16

I had the great fortune of seeing "Carmelina" on Broadway. It closed, not so much because it was a bad show (it wasn't), but because the producers didn't have enough money to keep it open until word of mouth spread around town. But luckily, the music was recorded, and if you like the lush sounds of great Broadway melodies, you'll love this album. It has wonderful music, great lyrics, combining to form tunes that make sense. Don't pass up this cast album! And if you like it, I would suggest you go out and look for "The Baker's Wife," featuring Patti Lupon and Paul Sorvino. It's another lost classic.

A Forgotten Treasure.......1998-05-06

Based (but not officially) on the film "Buena Serra, Mrs. Campbell," this stage musical didn't fare well on Broadway, but the recording shines. First, there is the wonderful score by Burton ("Finian's Rainbow") Lane and Alan Jay ("Camelot") Lerner. The song "One More Walk Around the Garden" is worth buying the CD, but there are many more fine numbers as well. Georgia ("Oliver!) Brown is in top form in every song, especially "I'm a Woman." If you love exploring Broadway shows, try this one on for size.

Average customer rating:

Songbook (1979 Original London Cast)
Monty Norman , and Julian More
Manufacturer: Drg
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Windy City

ASIN: B000000PI2
Release Date: 1996-01-23

Tracks:

Songbook
East River Rhapsody
Taking Picture Show
Mister Destiny
Your Time Is Different To Mine
Pretty Face
Je Vous Aime Milady
Les Halles
Olympics Song
Nazi Party Pooper
I'm Gonna Take Him Home To Momma
Bumpity Bump
The Girl In The Window Victory V
April In Wisconsin
Vocal Gems From Musical Happy Hickory
I Accuse
Messages
I Found Love
Don't Play That Lovesong Any More
Golden Oldie
Climbin'
Nostalgia

Sugar Babies: The Burlesque Musical (1979 Original Broadway Cast)

Average customer rating:

RUN, DON'T WALK, TO FIND A COPY
THE BEST BROADWAY CD EVER!!!!!!
Ann Miller could belt out a tune 'til the roof came off!

Sugar Babies: The Burlesque Musical (1979 Original Broadway Cast)
Jimmy McHugh , and Arthur Malvin
Manufacturer: Varese Sarabande
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000014TT
Release Date: 1993-10-26

Tracks:

Overture
A Good Old Burlesque Show
Introduction: Welcome To The Gaiety
Let Me Be Your Sugar Baby
Travelin': In Louisiana/I Feel A Song Comin' On/Goin' Back To New Orleans
The Broken Arms Motel
Sally
Don't Blame Me
Immigration Rose
Little Red School House
Sugar Baby Bounce
Introduction
Mr. Banjo Man
The Candy Butcher
Entr'acte
I'm Keeping Myself Available For You/Exactly Like You
I'm In The Mood For Love
I'm Just A Song And Dance Man
Warm And Willing
Father Dear, Father Dear/The Boss Upstairs
Cuban Love Song
The McHugh Medley: I Can't Give You Anything But Love/I'm Shooting High/When You And I Were Young Maggie Blues/On The Sunny Side Of The Street
You Can't Blame Your Uncle Sammy

Customer Reviews:

RUN, DON'T WALK, TO FIND A COPY.......2005-08-21

It seems that the only albums I review are obscure and/or out of print.

About a year ago after a lot of searching on e-bay and other places, I finally located a copy of SUGAR BABIES. I lost out on my first bid, but a second copy showed up and I was extremely happy to be the lucky bidder. I found the recording highly enjoyable, but since it was out of print, I did not write a review. (Mistake) Nor did I consider checking out Varese Sarabande's website. (Second mistake.)

Even though Mickey Rooney gets first billing, it is Ann Miller who really shines on this recording. She's proof that sometimes things -- and people -- get better as they age. She was in top form for this album, and her performance is worth the price. At 56, she could sing and dance practically everyone else under the carpet.

Featuring a number of great songs by Jimmy McHugh and new material by Arthur Malvin, the show is an affectionate tribute to burlesque and even includes some lame, off-color jokes. The whole thing is delivered with gusto and style.

Running for 1208 performances and nominated for 8 Tony Awards, it went on to tour America with Carol Channing and Robert Morse in the leading roles. (The second National Tour headlined the original stars.) Audiences in New York and all over America enjoyed the show. You will too.
Go for it!

THE BEST BROADWAY CD EVER!!!!!!.......2005-08-19

Sugar Babies is worth every penny you spend on it!
But, it is out of print. [...]I recomend this cd to everyone who loves tap dancing, good songs, and great laughs!

Ann Miller could belt out a tune 'til the roof came off!.......2002-06-05

I was unfamiliar with Ann Miller when I first saw this show in Hollywood, CA during its tour. I only knew her as an MGM has-been with a lot of eye makeup. Well, after seeing Sugar Babies I became a life-long fan of the fabulous treasure named Ann Miller. What an incredible performer, with enough energy to power the lights of Broadway on her own. She is reknown as a great tap dancer, but she strangely has never been acknowledged as an amazing singer that could really belt out a tune. This soundtrack is amusing, exciting and heartwarming. Nothing about it, however, can compare to the incomparible Ann Miller.

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