Xanadu on Broadway (Original Broadway Cast Recording 2007)
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Free Music Notes for Xanadu on Broadway (Original Broadway Cast Recording 2007)
Free Music Review: Great cast recording
Hit: 5 Stars
Love the music, its really good stuff. I saw the show on broadway and it was hilarious and fantastic, was thoroughly impressed!Free Music Review: A Tough Balancing Act...
Hit: 4 Stars
Although somewhat charming in it's own special way, "Xanadu" was truly an awful movie. Although the movie took "The Fall," the soundtrack launched 5 singles into the U.S. top twenty and was "Suddenly" a big hit "All Over the World." The soundtrack contains terrific music which has had many of us "Dancin'" for nearly thirty years. I find that the music has held up well over the years, almost as if "Suspended in Time" and must admit that "Xanadu" is one of the most played albums on my i-pod.
On a more serious note (sorry), it had to be difficult to produce the new Xanadu. Obviously, the producers couldn't take the plot of the original movie very seriously, but they were using the beloved soundtrack and needed to somehow update and incorporate the songs without losing the charm and "Magic."
Overall, I think that all involved have done an admiral job of balancing the kitsch with the art.
At first listen, I wasn't sure what I thought of the new "Xanadu." I was caught off-guard by the Monty Python-ish Australian accent ("The Ministry of Silly Accents?") of Kerry Butler. I was also disappointed that nothing seemed as moving as the original "Suddenly" by Olivia Newton-John and Cliff Richards," and nothing seemed as delightful and timeless as the original "Whenever You're Away From Me" by Olivia and Gene Kelly.
However, after a few listens, the new 'Du worked it's "Strange Magic" on me, and I became quite enamored.
To me, the album seems just a tad silly when compared to the original soundtrack (duh), so I have had to try and just enjoy it on it's own merits.
The producers have been quite honest about the fact that this is not high drama. In fact, the soundtrack is fun, quirky, and literally has me laughing every time I hear it.
Kudos for the new song arrangements. Due to the lighthearted nature of the production, it took me a few listens to realize how brilliantly the arrangers have re-envisioned the original compositions.
Furthermore, and without exception, the cast is remarkably talented and performs the material to perfection.
It's not my favorite track, but I was particularly impressed by the vocals by Mary Testa and Jackie Hoffman in "Evil Woman."
I have also decided that the singing ability and comedic timing of Kerry Butler are - if I might also temporarily pretend to speak Australian - Ace! The addition of some of her dialogue has become one of my favorite aspects of the recording.
However, I reiterate, all the vocals performances are excellent.
The new 'Du includes four songs not on the original soundtrack - "Have You Never Been Mellow," "Fool," "Strange Magic" and the above mentioned "Evil Woman." Probably because these numbers are by the same composers (John Farrar & Jeff Lynne) and originally performed by the same artists (Olivia & ELO) that brought us the original "Xanadu," their addition seamlessly enhances the new recording.
I have a suspicion that if I were to experience the Broadway show, and/or somehow forget the original performances from the movie, I would probably give this recording a 5 star rating. Fortunately for all of us, Gene Kelly is simply not forgettable. And in Xanadu, neither are Olivia, Cliff, or ELO.
If you are hoping for a faithful remake of the Xanadu Soundtrack, or a companion piece to it, you may be disappointed by the Broadway recording.
If you want something fun and (kind of) original, with some of the best music on Broadway - yes, I have heard more - I highly recommend this cd.
Free Music Review: Suddenly the wheels are in motion...
Hit: 5 Stars
This Broadway recording is a great tongue in cheek musical of the film that took inself too seriously at the time and didn't get the cult following until years later. If you are a FAN-adu, you owe it to yourself to give this a well deserved listen.Free Music Review: It certainly du!
Hit: 4 Stars
If you ever saw the original Xanadu film, consider yourself blessed, not cursed. For now, you have the background to fully understand and appreciate this wonderful homage/parody that was adapted/written by Douglas Carter Beane. In the new Broadway production, Cheyenne and Kerry bring an under-recognized score to life!! Farrar and ELO wrote some amazing songs. It is only ashamed that the other creative forces (not you, Olivia) involved in this film screwed up. There's really no other way to put it but: Cheyenne rocks!! Kerry rules!!Free Music Review: Kerry Butler is paid to sing lke this?
Hit: 1 Stars
Wow, I bought this disc solely based on my affection for the original motion soundtrack to Xanadu...And I warn you not to make the same mistake I did. Kerry Butler's voice is so horrendously nasil it will annoy and anger you all at once. Really, were the producers of this show deaf? Admittedly, yea, that sounds insulting and juvenile, but I really can't fathom the quality of a voice like hers translating to entertainment for anyone. She's like the popular chick in high school who got the lead in the senior play simply because she was blonde and perceived pretty, which of course interprets talent these days. But kidding aside, this is worse than camp, beyond kitsch, yet incomprehensibly meant to entertain. I could have been--and did try to be--more lenient on this recording, but really, it is Kerry Butler's vocal that kills it, even when the unenthusiastic and amateurish instrumental behind her and the other vocalists (who are quite capable, by the way) is hard to forgive. I apologize to those of you who are adoring this adaptation, but tell me, what are you hearing?