Bring Me Home

1. Temptation Took Control of Me and I Fell

2. There Is No End

3. Soul of Sadness

4. I'll Be Long Gone

5. Bring Me Home

6. Tonight, The Sky's About to Cry

7. Seven Bridges Road

8. and Behold

9. Deliver Me

Bring Me Home,Mother Earth,Wounded Bird Records,Blues-Rock,Contemporary Blues,Pop,Rock,Rock/Pop

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Bring Me Home

Average customer rating: BEST OPERA MUSIC EVER Time well spent. Great Score, But Highlights Missing Critical Songs Buy the full version, please Argh Matey!

Les Miserables (Highlights from the 1987 Original Broadway Cast) Alain Boublil , Claude-Michel Schonberg , and Colm Wilkinson Manufacturer: Decca U.S. ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Soundtracks | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Highlights From The Phantom Of The Opera: The Original London Cast Recording (1986 London Cast) Selections From Cats (1982 Original Broadway Cast) The Best Of Rent: Highlights From The Original Cast Album (1996 Original Broadway Cast) Miss Saigon (Original 1989 London Cast - Highlights) Disney's Beauty and the Beast: The Broadway Musical (Original Broadway Cast Recording) ASIN: B000084TRM Release Date: 2003-01-28

Tracks:

1. Overture/Work Song
2. I Dreamed a Dream
3. Who Am I?
4. Castle on a Cloud
5. Master of the House
6. Stars
7. Do You Hear the People Sing?
8. A Heart Full of Love
9. One Day More
10. On My Own
11. A Little Fall of Rain
12. Drink with Me
13. Bring Him Home
14. Javert's Suicide
15. Empty Chairs at Empty Tables
16. Wedding Chorale/Beggars at the Feast
17. Finale

Amazon.com

While not overly generous at 55 minutes, the highlights album of the 1987 original Broadway cast recording of Les Miserables is intelligently selected and likely to prove satisfying to most fans. It includes the best-loved numbers of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg's score, beautiful ballads ("Bring Him Home," "I Dreamed a Dream") and rousing anthems ("One Day More," "Do You Hear the People Sing?") alike, but eliminates some choral numbers ("Lovely Ladies"), redundancies ("Red and Black"), and connective tissue that propels the plot along ("Valjean Arrested," "Come to Me (Fantine's Death)"). Sure, a more perfect selection could have lasted longer than half of the two-disc set's 104 minutes by adding "At the End of the Day" and "In My Life," among others, but it's still a good representation on a convenient single disc. Of course, those who always want to re-create the theatrical experience will never be satisfied with a highlights album.

Re-creating their roles from the London production, Colm Wilkinson plays the heroic Valjean and Frances Ruffelle is the despondent Eponine. Randy Graff (Fantine), Terrence Mann (Javert), David Bryant (Marius), Judy Kuhn (Cosette), Michael Maguire (Enjolras), and Leo Burmester and Jennifer Butt (the Thénardiers) fill out the cast. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

BEST OPERA MUSIC EVER.......2006-11-03

This is the BEST!! I would highly recommend this to anyone who likes this kind of music!

Time well spent........2005-09-14

Each member of the Les Miserables cast stands to deliver this musical to its audience. Within moments we are transported to France during their Restoration. We experience sadness, laughter and, indeed, want to join in their crusade. The music and deliverance, in my opinion, is excellent.

Great Score, But Highlights Missing Critical Songs.......2005-08-05

Composers Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg's score for "Les Miserables" is simply brilliant and the spectacular Broadway cast, led by Colm Wilkinson, Randy Graff, Terrence Mann, and Frances Ruffelle, help bring this incredible music to life!

While I normally enjoy "highlight" cds, this one clocks in at a mere 55 minutes and could have easily included a couple of additional tunes (thus losing one star). Most notably missing: "At The End Of The Day", "Come To Me", "Red And Black", and "In My Life". The show's most memorable songs, however, are included.

Best tracks:

I Dreamed A Dream
Master Of The House
Stars
Do You Hear The People Sing
On My Own
A Little Fall Of Rain
Bring Him Home
Empty Chairs At Empty Tables

Great cast, great score ... even a good buy. But I would suggest the full double-disc score instead.

Buy the full version, please.......2005-01-20

Highlights are never worth it. You will never get the little in-between songs which make a show complete, montages will be cut together badly instead of being full songs as they should be...so much is left out. This is a fantastic show and deserves to be heard in full.

Argh Matey!.......2004-11-22

"Highlights" albums are not the full show, blah blah blah... THIS TAKES UP ONLY ONE SPACE IN YOUR CD RACK INSTEAD OF TWO LIKE THE FULL RECORDING. I rest my case.

Average customer rating: Arguably "The Best" English "Merry Widow "

Léhar: The Land of Smiles; The Merry Widow; The Count of Luxembourg (Highlights) Manufacturer: Class. for Pleas. Us ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Lehár, Franz | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Johann Strauss II: Die Fledermaus; The Gypsy Baron (Highlights) Offenbach: La Belle Helene; Orpheus in the Underworld; La Vie Parisienne (Highlights) Offenbach: Orpheus in the Underworld / Burgess, Watson, etc (Highlights) The Best of Operetta, Vol. 3 The Best of Operetta, Vol. 2 ASIN: B00009KHY2 Release Date: 2003-09-02

Customer Reviews:

Arguably "The Best" English "Merry Widow ".......2006-09-12

This is the "Merry Widow" with English translation by Christopher Hassel sung by June Bronhill. I loved this rendition ever since I first heard it in about 1960. What's to love? First the translation is the best I've heard. The language doesn't sound "stilted" as some others. And, you can understand almost every word sung. Plus, the famous song, "Vilja" has some wording that moves me every time I hear it: The soprano sings, "Love me and I'll DIE for you!" with the word "die" somewhat emphasized. I don't know, there's just something "powerful" about someone saying they'd "die" for love! AND, at the end of "Vilja" the chorus and soprano raise to a crescendo hitting a high note together. In many renditions the chorus is heard but not the soprano on the final high note. In THIS version, the soprano, June Bronhill, can be heard rising to the final high note with an incressing crescendo and fortissimo louder than the chorus and holding the final high note---which gives a very thrilling effect as she holds that final note, I assure you!

The "problem" is that this June Bronhill, Reid, and Hassel version is hard to find on CD. For example, this CD is made in Holland and "there is one left" so it says on Amazon. But, if you can find it, I think it would be very much worth a listen. Then, after hearing it, if you think there's a "better" Merry Widow, please let ME know! Thanks. Email:boland7214@aol.

Average customer rating: ...And I Fell

Bring Me Home Mother Earth Manufacturer: Wounded Bird Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music General | Blues | Styles | Music Blues Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Mother Earth Make a Joyful Noise Living with the Animals Satisfied Poor Man's Paradise ASIN: B0009NSDNO Release Date: 2005-06-21

Tracks:

1. Temptation Took Control of Me and I Fell
2. There Is No End
3. Soul of Sadness
4. I'll Be Long Gone
5. Bring Me Home
6. Tonight, The Sky's About to Cry
7. Seven Bridges Road
8. and Behold
9. Deliver Me

Customer Reviews:

...And I Fell.......2005-08-13

I bought the LP back in the day and based on Tracy Nelson's killer performance of "Temptation Took Control Of Me And I Fell", this recording warrants its reissue and purchase. The 30-second clip gave me goosebumps!

Average customer rating:

Emily Dickinson in Song: Dwell in Possibility Manufacturer: Gasparo Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Copland | Copland, Aaron | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Hoiby, Lee | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Larsen, Libby | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Lori Laitman: Becoming a Redwood Mystery: Songs of Lori Laitman Song: A Guide to Art Song Style and Literature ASIN: B00029LNV4 Release Date: 2004-06-29

Average customer rating:

Memories of Days Gone By The 5 Satins , and Fred Parris ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD ASIN: B000LZEA50

Product Description

25 later sides from the 60s and 70s by the Five Satins featuring the lead vocals of Fred Parris - Can I Come Over Tonight?/ Remember Me/ No One Knows/ Your Memory/ Downtown/ On A Lover's Island/ Raining In My Heart/ Lonely Hearts/ You Can Count On Me/ Bring It On Home To daddy/ Dark At The Top Of My Heart/ I'll Be Hanging On, etc.

Average customer rating:

Hey Mr. Producer!: The Musical World of Cameron MacKintosh Martin Koch Manufacturer: Polygram ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Irish Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Soul | Live Albums | R&B | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music ASIN: B000023ZUQ Release Date: 1998-08-25

Tracks:

1. We Said We Wouldn't Look Back [Salad Days] - Martin Koch
2. Cats Overture [From Cats] - Martin Koch
3. Food Glorious Food [From Oliver!] - Workhouse Children
4. Wouldn't It Be Loverly [From My Fair Lady] - Gillian Lynne, Liz Robertson, Company
5. Quit Professor Higgins [From My Fair Lady] - Company
6. Rain in Spain [From My Fair Lady] - Jonathan Pryce, Liz Robertson,
7. Get Me to the Church on Time [From My Fair Lady] - Peter Bayliss, , Company
8. I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face [From My Fair Lady] - Jonathan Pryce, Liz Robertson
9. Introduction (Show Medeley) - Julie Andrews
10. One Two Three [The Fix] - John Barrowman
11. Little Shop of Horrors - Wendy Mae Brown, Dawn Hope, Femi Taylor
12. Somewhere That's Green [Little Shop of Horrors] - Ellen Greene
13. Suddenly Seymour [Little Shop of Horrors] - Ellen Greene, Teddy Kempner
14. Day by Day [Godspell] - Company
15. I Get a Kick Out of You [From Anything Goes] - Laurie Holloway, Marian Montgomery,
16. Variations [Song and Dance] - Julian Lloyd Webber, , Company
17. Unexpected Song [Song and Dance] - Bernadette Peters
18. Nicer in Nice [The Boyfriend] - Jasna Ivir, Company
19. I Love a Lassie [Lauder] - Scottish Power Pipe Band
20. Five Guys Named Moe/Is You Is or Is You Ain't My Baby? [Five Guys ...] - Trent Armand Kendall, , , ,
21. Pick a Pocket or Two - Russ Abbot, , ,
22. As Long as He Needs Me [From Oliver!] - Sonia Swaby
23. Introduction - Julie Andrews
24. I'm Martin Guerre - David Campbell
25. How Many Tears? [Martin Guerre] - Maria Friedman
26. Heat Is on in Saigon [From Miss Saigon] - David Campbell, , Lea Salonga, Company
27. Wedding [From Miss Saigon]
28. Last Night of the World [From Miss Saigon] - David Campbell, Lea Salonga
29. This Is the Hour [From Miss Saigon] - Company
30. American Dream [From Miss Saigon] - Jonathan Pryce, Company

Tracks:

1. Phantom of the Opera [From The Phantom of the Opera] - Lisa Vroman, Colm Wilkinson
2. Music of the Night [From Phantom of the Opera] - Colm Wilkinson
3. Broadway Baby [Follies] - Maria Friedman, Julia McKenzie
4. Oh, What a Beautiful Morning [From Oklahoma!] - Hugh Jackman
5. Carousel Waltz/Ballet [From Carousel] - Dana Stackpole, Company
6. Porch Scene [From Carousel] - Hal Fowler, Barbara King, Joanna Riding, Dana Stackpole
7. You'll Never Walk Alone [From Carousel] - Joanna Riding, Company
8. Introduction - Ned Sherrin
9. Side by Side [Company] - David Kernan, Millicent Martin, Julia McKenzie, Ned Sherrin, Stephen Sondheim
10. You Could Drive a Person Crazy [Company] - Maria Friedman, Ruthie Henshall, Millicent Martin, Lea Salonga
11. Send in the Clowns (A Little Night Music) - Judi Dench
12. Losing My Mind [Follies] - Michael Ball
13. Being Alive [Company] - Bernadette Peters
14. You've Gotta Have a Gimmick [From Gypsy] - Michael Ball, Judi Dench, Maria Friedman, Ruthie Henshall, David Kernan, , Dean Martin, Julia McKenzie, Bernadette Peters
15. Introduction - Stephen Sondheim
16. Duelling Pianos - Andrew Lloyd Webber, Stephen Sondheim,
17. Poisoning Pigeons in the Park [Tom Foolery] - Tom Lehrer
18. Jellicle Songs [From Cats] - Brian Blessed, , Paul Nicholas, Company
19. Memory [From Cats] - Elaine Paige
20. At the End of the Day [From Les Miserables] - Company
21. Stars [From Les Miserables] - Philip Quast
22. Do You Hear the People Sing? [From Les Miserables] - Hal Fowler, Company
23. On My Own [From Les Miserables] - Lea Salonga
24. Bring Him Home [From Les Miserables] - Colm Wilkinson
25. One Day More [From Les Miserables] - Michael Ball, Hal Fowler, Ruthie Henshall, Tammi Jacobs, Teddy Kempner, Philip Quast, Lea Salonga, Colm Wilkinson, Za
26. We Said We Wouldn't Look Back [From Les Miserables] - Cameron Mackintosh

Album Description

Subtitled the Musical Word of Cameron Mackintosh. Import only 56-track collection. A live recording at the Lyceum Theatre in London, in the presence of her majesty the Queen and HRH the Duke of Edinburgh. In aid of the Royal National Institute for the Blind and the combined theatrical charities. Universal.

Average customer rating:

Like No Other Sound Turtle Creek Chorale Manufacturer: Turtle Creek Chorale ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | New Age | Styles | Music Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music ASIN: B00004W1NC Release Date: 2001-08-02

Tracks:

1. Behold Man
2. Simple Gifts
3. America the Beautiful
4. Star Spangled Banner
5. Psalm 150
6. Bridge Over Troubled Waters
7. When I Fall in Love
8. Bring Him Home
9. Let's Call the Whole Thing Off
10. Once Upon a Time
11. In This Heart of Mine
12. I Shall Miss Loving You
13. Looking Forward
14. Who Will Heal the World
15. Who Will Heal the World [Multimedia Track]

Tracks:

1. Soon-Ah Will Be Done
2. Swingin' With the Saints
3. Gloria Fanfare
4. Ave Maria
5. Gloria
6. Peace, Peace
7. Spaseniye Sodelal (Salvation Is Created)
8. Nessun Dorma
9. Majesty and Glory of Your Name
10. Never Ever
11. Let Me Be the Music
12. Lux Aeterna
13. I Have Loved
14. Awakening
15. We Shall Overcome

Average customer rating: The Title Is Accurate.

Great Musicals Manufacturer: RCA Victor Broadway ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Bernstein | Bernstein, Leonard | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Overtures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Musicals | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Encores from Encores! Brian Stokes Mitchell Barbara Cook at the Met with Special Guests Build a Bridge South Pacific in Concert from Carnegie Hall ASIN: B00005LN5W Release Date: 2001-08-07

Tracks:

1. Candide: Overture - Orchestra
2. Fiddler On The Roof: Prologue - Tradition - Zero Mostel And Company
3. Hello, Dolly!: Dancing - Carol Channing And Company
4. Cabaret: If You Could See Her - Alan Cumming
5. Ain't Misbehavin': Honeysuckle Rose - Ken Page/Nell Carter
6. Guys And Dolls: Sue Me - Faith Prince/Nathan Lane
7. Sweeney Todd: The Worst Pies In London - Angela Lansbury
8. Ragtime: New Music - Mark Jacoby/Marin Mazzie/Steven Sutcliffe/Brian Stokes Mitchell/Audra McDonald/Company
9. Titanic: Lady's Maid - Original Cast
10. How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying!: Rosemary - Matthew Broderick/Megan Mullally
11. Les Miserables: Bring Him Home - Colm Wilkinson
12. Falsettos: Unlikely Lovers - Lewis Cleale/James Sasser/Farah Alvin/Kristin Woodbury
13. Parade: All The Wasted Time - Brent Carver/Carolee Carmello
14. The Sound Of Music: Do-Re-Mi - Rebecca Luker And Company

Customer Reviews:

The Title Is Accurate........2002-02-21

I'll be honest - I mainly bought this CD for one song - the new recording of William Finn's "Unlikely Lovers" from Falsettos.

In fact, there is a sticker on the front of the Great Musicals CD which states the following - "Unlikely Lovers from Falsettos is new to CD."

This isn't really correct. This particular recording of that wonderful second act song is new, but the song itself was previously recorded and released on the original cast recording of Falsettoland many years ago. I have also read a review of another (unauthorised?) CD recording made in Michigan of Falsettoland.

Anyway, this new recording is so powerful and emotional, I'm glad I bought the CD.

Readers might be interested to know that the 2001 recording of U. Lovers was made at Joe's Pub in January - the same place where Finn's Infinite Joy was recorded.

To the best of my knowledge, U.L. wasn't performed in the live show. I believe this as in an interview, Finn stated that the only song from Falsettos they were to perform in Infinite Joy was The Baseball Game (wonderfully conveyed by Stephen DeRosa on the CD). Also, in this new recording of U.L., unlike the recordings on Infinite Joy, there isn't any audience reaction. I suspect that the cast made this recording before or after audience arrived.

Loved this new version. It's accompanied by a solo piano. Lewis Cleale has a more traditional male voice (light baritone?) than Michael Rupert's higher, head, some might say "character" sound. Both are more than pleasant on the ear.

Also, on this recording, there's an a cappella section towards the end of the song; on the lyrics "...let's pretend..." Quite affecting.

As for the rest of the album, well all the tracks are gems in one way or another. Particular favourites of mine include -

"Lady's Maid" from Titanic. With it's "up down up" three note/syllable melody structure (millionaire, constable, engineer) it is immediately catchy, and is a great example of an "I'm about to start a journey, so wish me luck as I go" type of show song.

"All The Wasted Time" from Parade. Loved the almost folk influenced sound and the soaring voices; including Carolee Carmello who is heard on Infinite Joy.

"New Music" from Ragtime. It 'builds' beautifully and is a great example of the work of a contemporary song writing team - the highly talented Flaherty and Ahrens.

I suppose the thing is, that many musical theatre buffs will already have many of these songs on CD. However, you many not have THESE recordings - e.g. - the "If You Could See Her" from Cabaret is from the 1998 version, the "Do-Re-Mi" from (what else?) The S.O.M. is the 1998 recording.

If one was being picky, the following points might be made -

For a CD celebrating RCA's 100th anniversary, this collection is somewhat 'top heavy' - 9 of the 14 tracks - almost 65% were recorded in 1992 or later.

Also -

With a number of the American based performers, even when they are portraying non-Americans, their native accent is still recognisable. This is particularly noticeable on track 14 - "Do-Re-Mi" ("...Here, I'll make it easier for you...") and, to a lesser extent; track 2 - "Prologue - Tradition" from Fiddler ("...trying to scratch out a pleasant simple tune...")

But when one is dealing with material and performances of this level, such points are minor quibbles.

All in all, a very fine CD which has made a welcome addition to my collection.

Average customer rating: Great, definitely go with this and TAC Awesome Bought it used - thank God! magnificent! Mixed Feelings

Les Miserables - The Complete Symphonic Recording Claude-Michel Schonberg Manufacturer: Relativity ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Contemporary | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Similar Items: One Hundred Flowers Little Ol' Cowgirl The Low-Carb Cookbook: The Complete Guide to the Healthy Low-Carbohydrate Lifestyle with over 250 Delicious Recipes Target Costing: The Next Frontier in Strategic Cost Management Sapphire and Steel - The Complete Series ASIN: B000003BVK Release Date: 1990-05-22

Tracks:

1. Prologue
2. Valjean's Soliloquy (What Have I Done?)
3. At The End Of The Day
4. I Dreamed A Dream
5. Lovely Ladies
6. Fantine's Arrest
7. The Runaway Cart
8. Who Am I?-The Trial
9. Fantine's Death
10. The Confrontation
11. Castle On A Cloud
12. Master Of The House

Tracks:

1. The Bargain-The Waltz Of Treachery
2. Look Down
3. The Robbery-Javert's Intervention (Another Brawl)
4. Stars
5. Eponine's Errand
6. The ABC Cafe-Red And Black
7. Do You Hear The People Sing?
8. Rue Plumet-In My LIfe
9. A Heart Full Of Love
10. The Attack On Rue Plumet
11. One Day More!
12. At The Barricade (Upon These Stones)
13. On My Own
14. Building The Barricade
15. Javert's Arrival
16. Little People
17. A Little Fall Of Rain
18. Night Of Anguish
19. First Attack

Tracks:

1. Drink With Me
2. Bring Him Home
3. Dawn Of Anguish
4. The Second Attack (Death Of Gavroche)
5. The Final Battle
6. The Sewers-Dog Eats Dog
7. Javert's Suicide
8. Turning
9. Empty Chairs At Empty Tables
10. Every Day (Marius And Cosette)
11. Valjean's Confession
12. The Wedding Chorale- Beggars At The Feast
13. Epilogue (Finale)
14. Bonus Track

Customer Reviews:

Great, definitely go with this and TAC.......2005-08-31

Right now, there are four official English-language versions of Les Miserables: the Original London Cast Recording, the Original Broadway Cast Recording, the Complete Symphonic Recording, and the 10th Anniversary Concert Recording. Les Mis' addicts are best served by purchasing all recordings, as they showcase different stages (as in the OLC and the OBC) of the development of this mega-musical, as well as the interesting variations in presentation and performances by the different casts and orchestras.

If you're the average musical-theater listener who can't afford to buy all available English-language recordings, however, my advice would be to get the CSR (due to the fact that it's "complete") and the TAC recording (due to the fact that performer- and performance-wise, it's leaps and bounds better than all of the other recordings). You deserve no less.

Awesome.......2005-07-03

I can't believe all the negative comments about Gary Morris. He is so much better in the role than Colm Wilkinson. I've seen Gary perform the part three times and there is NO better Jean ValJean (seen the play 14 times). It's an international cast and some of the accents do take time getting used to. But the power of the music supercedes it all. Listen with your heart people. It's so incredible.

Bought it used - thank God!.......2005-06-17

"Les Miserables" is a marvelous musical; a stunningly faithful interpretation of Victor Hugo's masterpiece, with an inspiring storyline and unforgettable characters. There are 2 reasons for buying a Les Mis CD - (1) you've seen a performance and want ONE CD to remind you of it or (2) you've become a les Mis junkie (like me) and want multiple versions so you too can hold forth on the rival merits of Andy Warlow vs Michael Maguire, Patty LuPone vs Ruthie Henshaw, Frances Ruffelle vs Kaho Shimada vs Lea Solonga. If you are in the first category, you really want the Tenth Anniversary Concert. The TAC has the complete storyline (albeit slightly abridged), it was recorded live (so there's an unique intensity and chemistry between performers), and from top to bottom it has by far the best cast.

However, if you're a serious Les Mis fan, you should buy this CD (in addition), simply because it does have the complete score. (The trouble with THAT is that it includes practically the only misstep in the whole script - if Jean Valjean has his number branded on his chest, then how is it credible that someone else will be convicted in his place?) I bought it for that reason and to hear other interpretations of the roles (in particular Andy Warlow's). I have all 4 versions, and they have all have their pluses and minuses, but frankly, I'm glad I didn't pay full price for this one. This version has a rather weak cast in general, but that does add to the fun arguing about it. On the plus side, it has Philip Quast ( THE BEST Javert, but he's even better on the TAC), Michael Ball (THE BEST Marius, also on the OLC and TAC versions), and Andy Warlow (a stirring Enjorlas for sure, but not THAT much better than Michael Maguire on the OBC and TAC). The scenes at the barricade are the best part of the CD. Kaho Shimada is an uneven Eponine, OK sometimes, less so at others. Debbie Byrne (Fantine) is OK, but I don't find her as moving as Patty LuPone (OLC) or Ruthie Henshaw (TAC). Tracy Shayne (Cosette) is irratating, not nearly as sweet as Judy Kuhn (OLB and TAC) or even Rebecca Caine (OLC). I find Barry James and especially Gay Soper (M. and Mme. Thenardier) grating as well.

I really miss Colm Wilkinson (OLC, OBC and TAC). OK, he has a unique singing style, but such heart. Not always perfect, but so powerful and emotional. All his solos and "Confrontation" just stop me dead in my tracks. The sweetness and purity of his "Bring Him Home" and "Epilogue" move me to tears. But really, there must be someone else who can do at least an adequate job or the show wouldn't have run so long in so many venues. I am willing to listen to another interpretation, but not this one. This is the central role in the play, it really can't survive without a good performance here. Gary Morris is horrible as Jean Valjean, cringe-provoking at times, merely weak at others. He's totally overmatched by Quast in "Confrontation" and by everyone in "One Day More" and "Epilogue". I haven't tried the recommendation of one reviewer of listening while squinting and shaking my head hard, but I don't see how that will help. Morris's "What have I done?", "Bring Him Home" and "Valjean's Confession" make me cover my ears or send me running for the fast forward button, although "Who am I?" isn't so bad. (I just tried the head shaking trick, it didn't help.)

magnificent!.......2005-06-15

Ok, I admit it. I have long been a fan of musicals, but I was only exposed to Les Mis a few months ago. My roommate loaned me this recording, and I fell in love. I played nothing but this soundtrack for the next several weeks.

As this is the only recording I've heard fully, I cannot give any comparisons between the performers here and those on other versions, but I do wish to give my general impression of the cast.

*Gary Morris (Valjean) - he has a strong, clear voice with which it is hard to find fault. He sings with emotion and passion, and I cannot imagine ever tiring of hearing him as Jean Valjean. If I had to give a complaint, it would be that I could imagine a voice with a little more distinct character...something a little riskier for the part of someone so complex.

*Philip Quast (Javert) - wow, I love deep voices, and his is so rich! I love when he hits the low note near the beginning of "Confrontation" ...I've seriously replayed that part over and over again just because it sends shivers through me...haha, I think you get the idea. This guy is good.

*Debbie Byrne (Fantine) - her voice took some getting used to because at first it seemed to me a little uncontrolled, almost like she could capture the fullness of the sound but not quite hit the notes. However, the more I listen to her, the more I enjoy her. Her voice has a wonderful texture, something you totally miss when listening to the super-clear, trilling sopranos that seem to be found all over most other musicals.

*Kaho Shimada (Eponine) - her voice took a little getting used to as well. I was a little confused until I realized she was Japanese, for though I wouldn't say you hear an accent, her voice does have a very different quality to it. Still, I enjoyed her performance very much. Her voice is trembling with emotion the entire time, almost like she can hardly control it...it is quite moving.

*Tracy Shayne (Cosette) - wow. I'm sorry, is Cosette supposed to be this shrill? Turn it off! While I'm impressed at some of the notes she hits, I don't think it's supposed to make you want to cover your ears.

*Michael Ball (Marius) -Ball makes Marius, a rather annoying character if you ask me, into someone actually likable, if not lovable. He's passionate and romantic, but not vapid. Probably my favorite vocal performance.

*Gay Soper and Barry James (the Thernardiers) - their voices are rather grating, but that's the point, right? Very entertaining performances...particularly in "Master of the House" (which, it's true, somehow manages to be stuck in your head all day).

*Anthony Warlow (Enjorolas) - very appropriate voice...manly and vibrant. If he doesn't make you want to go out and fight, then there's no help for you!


Overall, the performances were wonderful. I highly recommend this CD. A great recording of a great musical!

Mixed Feelings.......2005-04-20

I bought this recently, and it was an object lesson in why I ought to research an item before purchasing it.

For me, it's truly a toss-up as to whether this is a recording worth purchasing. The main benefit-a far from insignificant one-is that it is a complete recording full of much more materiel than can be found on the London or Broadway cast recordings. Basically, I was far from satisfied. The liner notes are error ridden, and the casting was not as good as possible. Gary Morris struck me as too young for the part, and Gay Soper (Mme. Thenardier) has a voice akin to the sound of fingernails on a chalkboard. But, in the absence of a complete Broadway recording, this still may be the best version available to buy. Be sure, however, to supplement it with another version. (The Tenth Anniversary recording might be the best.)

Average customer rating:

The String Quartet Tribute to PJ Harvey Manufacturer: Vitamin Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Compilations | Rock | Styles | Music Tributes | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Peel Sessions 1991-2004 PJ Harvey - On Tour: Please Leave Quietly Is This Desire? Uh Huh Her Volta ASIN: B0002DB5GS Release Date: 2004-07-13

Tracks:

1. 50ft Queenie
2. Good Fortune
3. Down By The Water
4. O Stella
5. A Place Called Home
6. C'Mon Billy
7. Dry
8. Rid Of Me
9. The Sky Lit Up
10. The Wind
11. Victory
12. To Bring You My Love

Product Description

1. Good Fortune
2. To Bring You My Love
3. Down By The Water
4. C'Mon Billy
5. The Sky Lit Up
6. The Wind
7. Rid Of Me
8. 50ft Queenie
9. Dry
10. O Stella

Bonus Tracks:
11. Victory
12. A Place Called Home

Format: CD

Rap Music:

1. British Tour 75 [Import]
2. Can You Still Feel?
3. Chicago Box (Bonus DVD) [Box set] [Enhanced] [Original recording remastered]
4. Chinese Vacation
5. Closed
6. Collection [Import]
7. Common Bond [Original recording remastered] [Import]
8. Different Worlds: Definitive Vandenberg [Import]
9. Dreamland Manor [Import]
10. Ensam [Original recording remastered] [Import]

Rap Music

rap music

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