Tim Rice - Jesus Christ Superstar: The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Album
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Free Music Notes for Jesus Christ Superstar: The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Album
Free Music Review: Ted Neely is G.....well, Jesus
Hit: 5 Stars
Amazing music, amazing cast. This colloboration is, in my opinion, the best ever. Barry Dennen is a decidedly twisted Pilate, and is potentially the best actor/singer in this version.Free Music Review: Marvelous Music
Hit: 3 Stars
Jesus Christ Superstar is definitely one of the greatests musical masterpieces of modern times. It is a Must-have for any appreciator of good music. The question is not whether to buy GCS or not; rather, it is: Which version of GCS is most worth buying?
This is very hard to answer, since each cast has its own beauty. JCS-appreciators must have as many versions as possible.
This is what I recommend to the connoiseur. To the general public, my advice is to listen to the Original Cast first. In what follows, I present a short comparison of these two (mostly well known) versions.
As an accomplished speciallist and connoiseur of JCS, I would rather recommend the Original Cast (Gillan/Head) than this version. From musical point of view, it is certainly better: the sound quality in the Soundtrack album is by far not the best.
In my opinion, Jewison's film is too commercial. Ted Neeley sings in a much too pathetic manner, and this is somewhat annoying. Although I like his performance, I claim, in contrast with many other reviewers, that he is not at all suitable for the role of Jesus of Nazareth -- at least from musical point of view. Rather, Ian Gillan's interpretation of Jesus is much more original. Considering, in addition, the richness of his voice, he is the ideal Jesus.
Both Carl Anderson and Murray Head have great voices -- everyone accepts this. Anderson sings even more attractively in some places. Murray's interpretational skills, however, are unique. It is Head that set the standarts for a good Judas.
Yvonne Elliman (Mary Magdalene) and Barry Dennen (Pontious Pilate) participate in both casts. In my opinion, their performance in the Soundtrack album is even more powerful. However, the obvious difference in the sound quality, together (most of all) with the better rendition of the leading roles in the case of the Original Cast, would definitely make me recommend the Original Cast. My advice for the general public is: listen to the Original cast first; if you like it, then buy this version, and/or the Broadway cast.
Free Music Review: So much good
Hit: 4 Stars
This is definitely the best overall album for the JCS songs, although (as has been said before) Then We Are Decided is fairly pointless. The problem that keeps this from 5 stars is Yvonne as Mary. By herself, she's not that bad, but if you can find the Sarah Brightman versions of Everything's Alright and I Don't Know How to Love Him, they're just magnificent. The one other thing is I personally like a different Overture, I think it's the one from the 20th Anniversery London edition.
But for this version specifically, Jesus and Judas are awesome, and Caiaphas' voice is as inimitable as it is incredible. Watching the movie helps a little, especially in Everything's Alright with the way Judas and Jesus interact.
Best songs... Heaven on Their Minds, This Jesus Must Die (tho I don't get the drumming thing), Gethsemane, Last Supper, and Trial Before Pilate.
Low points, like I said, Yvonne's singing style (scooooop everything) bothers the hell out of me, so I Don't Know How is really weak and Everything's Alright is also subpar, and the ending to Simon Zealotes isn't very technically sound, if you get my drift.
Anyway, get this CD. For sure.Free Music Review: Rik Mayall was hilarious!
Hit: 4 Stars
I watched this movie to see his part and was completely thrilled.Does anyone know if he sings the song "King Herolds song" on the soundtrack for this movie? thanks.Free Music Review: JUDAS AND SIMON SAVE THE SHOW...ALMOST.
Hit: 3 Stars
First off, the original jesus in this show was IAN GILLAN not Ted Neally.Take JUDAS & SIMON from the film and place them in the original london cast and there you have the best JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR.However these two from the film don't make this one worth buying.