Which version do I buy...help.. [Archive]

Slipper

31-01-2005, 11:36 AM

Please please please please please please go for the original london concept recording (or at least try to compare the two).................

'I don't know' by both Mary & Judas are spell binding and Gillan as Christ...well he set the standard that all have since been compared

Please read these reviews http://www.priceclash.com/jesus-christ-superstar-original-london-concept-recording

Customer reviews of Jesus Christ Superstar (Original London Concept Recording)

Simply the best of all JCS Recordings - 10/10

I have been a fan of this rock opera since early childhood. Of the numerous recordings of this classic masterpiece this 1970 original edition with Ian Gillan in the lead is still without doubt the best. Having heard several other recordings and seen the show live twice I can also highly recomend of the many versions, the 1996 Steve Balsamo production and the new stage production with Glen Carter in the lead.

However due to the sheer power of Ian Gillan and in my opinion the even greater voice of Murray Head as Judas, with Yvonne Ellimans exceptionl Mary Magdalene And Barry Dennen as Pilot (both of who were the most compelling parts in the original 74 Motion Picture that suffered from the lack of Gillan and Head in its cast) this has to remain the most enjoyable and superbly crafted version EVER! and will probably never be topped.

The cast do not just give you the enjoyment of great voices but like a true opera their voices act out the parts of this story conjuring up a great mental scene. What more can I say other than - Simply the best of all JCS Recordings available.

The First and The Best!!!!!!!!!! - 10/10
This is it! Often imitated but never duplicated. The original concept album of one of the greatest pieces of music ever written. Murray Head is the ultimate Judas as he , just by his voices shows a 3 dimentional character who is confused and yet very frustrated with Jesus. Ian Gillian is a perfect Jesus as his voices was the ground work for every actor to play the role in the later versions. His range and emotion is unparalled! Barry Dennen and Yvonne Elliman are Pontius Pilate and Mary Magdelane. The played those roles in this version, the broadway version and the movie version. It is as if those songs were written for them. The music is superb and dates it to the early 70's which makes it all the more fun to listen to and the overall recording can make *you* imagine how it would have looked visually as if the performers acted it out while sing the songs.

Absolutely Essential To A Rock Library - 10/10
I agree with everything in the Mort Trader review - except that Ted Nealie's performance in anyway touched Ian Gillian's - the movie sound track is desicated compared to this version - i was a Deep Purple fan - but i never heard Gillian sing with the depth of emotion presented here - he'll be remembered for this performance - the emotion laden lyrics are chilling - i generally like alternate interpretations - the Cure's version of Purple Haze is KILLER - but as other's have mentioned - this is a ROCK opera -this album is one of the defining albums in rock history - i used to listen to my dad's vinyl secretly when he was out with my mother (i was 11 when it was released) i know every word of the lyrics to this day - and im not one that picks up lyrics easily - rarely has a rock band been so organiclly integrated with orchestra as on this recording

Add A Touch Of Hate For Rome - 8/10

Ignore the absolutely horrible film based on this record, forget that Christ is sung by the lead singer from Deep Purple and Mary Magdelane sung by a woman who's next American hit came off SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER, and forget the mountain of tripe Andrew Lloyd Webber has forced on the human race in the last 20 years: JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is a great LP.

It is dramatic in a way Webber never again touched. Of course, working with a story most of the western world knows backwards and forwards, it's easy enough to inject forshadowing, but the ominous feeling hanging over so much of this LP gives every tune an edge that you feel to your bones.

Yvonne Elliman is angelic on "Everything's Alright" and "I Don't Know How To Love Him," Victor Brox and Barry Dennen demonic on "This Jesus Must Die," Mide D'Abo is downright McCartney-esque on "Try It And See," and Ian Gillan rocks in a way Broadway has never seen.

And the tunes are really good. Even the instrumental portions--many of which were swiped by advertisers (the intro to "Simon Zealotes," for instance) for years--are unforgettable. Will this LP open spiritual doors? I dunno. Buy it for the music. Leave the rest to...well, whoever you leave that sort of thing to.