OMGitsASH
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Which Recording?Whew after having this account for around 2 months i actually decided to do something with it 
So i need help decided which Les Mis recording to get ..the broadway or the London
Ive listened to samples from each song of of Amazon the only problem is that i cant really compare because the 30 seconds of the song that is played is different for each CD
so which do you have?like better? suggestions?
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flying_pigs
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If it's between OLC and OBC then London without a shadow of a doubt. The cast is overall stronger and so is the orchestra. So London.
However, based on other recordings I'd go either for the Paris Revival or original London (again).
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Orestes Fasting
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There are lots of people around here who will defend the Broadway one to the death, but I think they're mostly people who had it for their First Ever Les Mis Recording and are thus slightly biased.  I'm slightly biased in favor of the London one, because it was the first one I listened to, but...
...if you can, get the Tenth Anniversary Concert recording. It has the strongest cast all-around of the English-language recordings, and includes a bit more of the show than the OBC or OLC. It's a little harder to come by, but it's not rare or anything.
If you can't find the TAC, I recommend the OLC, with the caveat that it's a little quirky and the cast is a little hit-or-miss. But the OBC has an equally patchy cast, and most of the best Broadway performers can be found in better form on the London recording--and the OBC is kind of boring, frankly. London is a lot more interesting to listen to.
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lesmisboy
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Original London cast. Or the Paris Revival - the best recording of Les Mis out there.
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EponineMNFF
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I like the OLC more, but if you want a recording that's closer to what Les Mis is today, then get the OBC. Qutie a few songs were cut or edited from the OLC.
EDIT: But I agree that if you can get the TAC, you should.
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OMGitsASH
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I'm listening to samples from the TAC right now and im leaning towards it....although I'm having trouble finding it
But which ,if any, has Gavroche's death?
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Mademoiselle Lanoire
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How are you having trouble finding it? You can get it off Amazon, and if you have a decent-sized CD shop in your town you can probably find it there too.
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OMGitsASH
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| Mademoiselle Lanoire wrote: | | How are you having trouble finding it? You can get it off Amazon, and if you have a decent-sized CD shop in your town you can probably find it there too. |
beacuse on Amazon the only way you can get it is from independant people..not directly from amazon and my mom (the one with the credit card) doesnt trust them
ill probably go to stores tommorrow but i doubt theyll have it knowing where I live
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Orestes Fasting
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Only the Complete Symphonic Recording has Gavroche's death, and if you're interested in a good recording rather than a complete one, you should probably go with the TAC or OLC.
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kitty17794
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I have and LOVE the CSR.  The TAC is also great. Both are good. I'm not a fan of the original London and Broadway recordings...but that's just me.
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EponineBarker
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| Orestes Fasting wrote: | | There are lots of people around here who will defend the Broadway one to the death, but I think they're mostly people who had it for their First Ever Les Mis Recording and are thus slightly biased. I'm slightly biased in favor of the London one, because it was the first one I listened to, but... |
The OLC was the first recording I listened to, but I'd say the OBC recording.
To me the:
OLC=asleep
Whereas the:
OBC=alive!
But that's just me.
The TAC and the Paris Revival are great too though.
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Jordan
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Get the CSR for the fact it's the most complete recording as of whichever date it was made and it includes Gavriche's death.
Get the OLC later.
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OMGitsASH
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I went to borders today and i found the TAC behind a Ludacris CD....very strange. Luckily i got the last copy.
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NotoriousFunnt
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I love the CSR, personally. The cast I'm not all too wild about, but the orchestra is excellent and that's always mattered a lot to me. They're bloody brilliant, you know, full orchestra goodness and all that. Philip Quast is also impressive as Javert, and Anthony Warlow as Enjolras makes it all *quite* worth it, I think. Warlow's performance is so powerful and has always struck such a chord with me whenever I listen...his "let others rise" still gets the hairs on my neck to stand up and I've been listening to it for years. Also the complete factor is really great.
If not this, I'd say the TAC. Great orchestra, amazing cast. I'd say get this anyway because it's amazing overall. Michael Maguire is good as Enjolras...doesn't quite live up to Warlow but he's still amazing, good stage presence. I'm not too fond of Colm Wilkinson as Valjean but the rest of the cast is impressive...Ruthie Henshall as Fantine is brilliant.
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Ghost
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CSR is a good introduction to the show. I would advice to buy that first.
OLC - Slightly different than what the show is today. A like the moody atmosphere of the recording and mostly due to the fact that the songs aren't too fast. Wilkinson's Valjean has more of a raw edge to it than on the other albums. Allam's Javert is well acted, LuPone sings well, Michael Ball sounds young and innocent and Alun Armstrong and Sue Jane Tanner make a good couple as the Thenardiers. Frances Rufelle is great too.
OBC - Somehow the sound is thinner and the tempos a little too fast for my taste. Wilkinson gives his best performance as Valjean here, I think. I like Rufelle here better too. Mann's vocals lack power. Randy Graff is a good Fantine, I don't like the Thenardiers having american accents. David Bryant is a bland Marius, Judy Kuhn and Michael Maguire are great.
CSR - as stated above the orchestrations sound brilliant and powerful. Morris does a good job as Valjean but he isn't anything too amazing. Quast is the ultimate Javert. Debbie Byrne's Fantine sounds similiar to Patti LuPone's and she acts the part very well. Barry James is the best-ever Thenardier, Gay Soper is a little screechy but still good. Michael Ball is in his prime and Anthony Warlow's singing is breathtaking. Tracey Shayne as Cossette is a little annoying, Kaho Shimada plays Eponine well, even though her voice isn't the strongest.
TAC - Wilkinson doesn't do as well as on the previous recordings, Quast gives his best performance as Javert, Ruthie Henshall is brilliant as Fantine, Armstrong & Gallowey are brilliant as the Thenardiers, Ball struggles with high notes as do MaGuire and Kuhn and Lea Salonga is a good Eponine.
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Fantine
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Actually, I was listening to the TAC recording and  !
Colm's singing is so unsteadily! I had never noticed it before, but (I've listened up until Lovely Ladies or so) he never completely finishes his singing in a neat way. I don't know exactly how to explain it, but well... I thought it was weird. 
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Quique
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^ That has always bothered me. I'd wonder why so many people miss that. You're the first I know of that has mentioned it!
Yeah, his voice isn't in the best of shape on that recording. It also sounds very 'limited' and strained at some points, almost as if he has a slight case of layryngitis, or something.
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Fantine
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I think people miss it because it is harder to notice on the video, because his acting makes up a great deal. But on the CD, you can't hide behind your acting skills.
I am just shocked at how bad he sings, really.
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Ghost
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Yes I've noticed. He definately has trouble with the lower notes and some others too.
Maybe he was a little sick or very nervous, I don't know.
You can't always be at your best.
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Quique
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It was definitely an off night or something because I've heard audio of him doing the role in Toronto a few years later and he sounded wonderful. It's only on the TAC that he sounds odd.
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eponine5
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I guess with recordings there are opportunities to perfect something and re-record songs, but the TAC had to be on that exact date and he only had one chance, despite the fact he might have been having an off night. It definately isn't because he was just older as he was amazing even last October. Having seen the TAC I was actually quite surprised.
About the recordings, the CSR cast is definately the weakest, however it is the complete show and as people have said, does have a great orchestra and some really good cast members. The TAC probably has the strongest overall cast, although personally I prefer the OLC, but that really depends on your own taste.
Just get all 4 
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Quique
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| eponine5 wrote: | | About the recordings, the TAC cast is definately the weakest on it, however it is the complete show and as people have said, does have a great orchestra and some really good cast members. |
You mean the CSR, right?
Cause the TAC isn't complete.
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eponine5
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Gah! Yes! 
*off to edit*
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Orestes Fasting
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The CSR is not a very good introduction to Les Mis. It's a good recording for fans to have because it's the full show, but Valjean is supposed to carry the show and Gary Morris just doesn't cut it. And none of the main female cast members deliver excellent performances--not even Kaho Shimada, who is amazing in Japanese but whose English is very jarring.
I'd say the TAC is the best intro recording for someone not familiar with the show, since it includes most of the major plot points and has an all-around solid cast. The OBC and OLC aren't bad introductions either. But the CSR is definitely a fan recording, not something to get if you're just starting out.
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OMGitsASH
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OKay...not to sound rude or anything...but i know the show and dont need to find a CD for an introduction as many people put in their suggestions. I saw the show when i was little and saw it again last weekend because i really didnt remember much. I only asked which recording to get because after seeing it again i decided to get it.I also only asked about the broadway or London because those were avalible on Amazon which is what I always use.
Thanks for the suggestions though
Above I metioned i got the TAC.
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Sweeney Hyde
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| Orestes Fasting wrote: | | The CSR is not a very good introduction to Les Mis. It's a good recording for fans to have because it's the full show, but Valjean is supposed to carry the show and Gary Morris just doesn't cut it. And none of the main female cast members deliver excellent performances--not even Kaho Shimada, who is amazing in Japanese but whose English is very jarring. |
I have to say that the CSR is the only recording of the show I have and I adore it. There are only a select few places where I don't like Morris's voice. I must say, though, that Shimada's performance is somewhat shakey...but one learns to get over such things. 
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The Very Angry Woman
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| OMGitsASH wrote: | | OKay...not to sound rude or anything...but i know the show and dont need to find a CD for an introduction as many people put in their suggestions. I saw the show when i was little and saw it again last weekend because i really didnt remember much. I only asked which recording to get because after seeing it again i decided to get it.I also only asked about the broadway or London because those were avalible on Amazon which is what I always use. Above I metioned i got the TAC.s |
Heaven forbid people end up in a deeper discussion than the OP hda imagined!
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OMGitsASH
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| The Very Angry Woman wrote: | | OMGitsASH wrote: | | OKay...not to sound rude or anything...but i know the show and dont need to find a CD for an introduction as many people put in their suggestions. I saw the show when i was little and saw it again last weekend because i really didnt remember much. I only asked which recording to get because after seeing it again i decided to get it.I also only asked about the broadway or London because those were avalible on Amazon which is what I always use. Above I metioned i got the TAC.s |
Heaven forbid people end up in a deeper discussion than the OP had imagined! |
I never said i had a problem about going off into deeper disscuisons ,like about Colm's singing or which CD they liked better. But after a while the people who were still going on what i first asked were giving suggestions about which CD would be a good introduction to the show. I figured that was because I put only that i wanted the OLC or OBC, even though there a a bajillion different Les Mis CD's. I said that i got the TAC so people could go into a deeper diccussion and stop helping me on a lost cause.
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Quique
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Most threads on this website veer off into different discussions. It's never just about the person who started the thread - and that's a good thing - because it makes things more interesting.
You're new. You'll get used to it.
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OMGitsASH
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| Quique wrote: | Most threads on this website veer off into different discussions. It's never just about the person who started the thread - and that's a good thing - because it makes things more interesting.
You're new. You'll get used to it. |
I'm not exactly new.....I've been on this website for years...but i never got an account because i saw no point since im lazy in posting when it comes message boards
i had this account for around 3 months before doing something with it
and as i said before
I said that i got the TAC so people could go into other diccussions and stop helping me on a lost cause.
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The Very Angry Woman
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| OMGitsASH wrote: | | I said that i got the TAC so people could go into other diccussions and stop helping me on a lost cause. |
I don't think anyone cares to help you anymore.
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OMGitsASH
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| The Very Angry Woman wrote: | | OMGitsASH wrote: | | I said that i got the TAC so people could go into other diccussions and stop helping me on a lost cause. |
I don't think anyone cares to help you anymore. |
Thats good, I dont need it anymore. Thanks for helping me make this thread die.
And no I'm not being sarcastic there.
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Mademoiselle Lanoire
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| OMGitsASH wrote: | | The Very Angry Woman wrote: | | OMGitsASH wrote: | | I said that i got the TAC so people could go into other diccussions and stop helping me on a lost cause. |
I don't think anyone cares to help you anymore. |
Thats good, I dont need it anymore. Thanks for helping me make this thread die.
And no I'm not being sarcastic there. |
This thread is dead? 
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OMGitsASH
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| Mademoiselle Lanoire wrote: | | OMGitsASH wrote: | | The Very Angry Woman wrote: | | OMGitsASH wrote: | | I said that i got the TAC so people could go into other diccussions and stop helping me on a lost cause. |
I don't think anyone cares to help you anymore. |
Thats good, I dont need it anymore. Thanks for helping me make this thread die.
And no I'm not being sarcastic there. |
This thread is dead? |
Yes i gave it the plague
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The Very Angry Woman
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| Mademoiselle Lanoire wrote: | | This thread is dead? |
No. It will be the Ted Neeley of musicals.net.
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Eponine93
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Ash, try to get over TVAW. Don't argue back, it won't work.
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Mademoiselle Lanoire
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| The Very Angry Woman wrote: | | Mademoiselle Lanoire wrote: | | This thread is dead? |
No. It will be the Ted Neeley of musicals.net. |
I'm afraid that one went over my head. 
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Moci
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| Mademoiselle Lanoire wrote: | | The Very Angry Woman wrote: | | Mademoiselle Lanoire wrote: | | This thread is dead? |
No. It will be the Ted Neeley of musicals.net. |
I'm afraid that one went over my head. |
First played Jesus in 'Jesus Christ Superstar' in 1971 and the later in the 1973 film. Has carried on playing the same role on a fairly regular basis in various tours and concerts and is currently touring in a national (American) tour of 'Jesus Christ Superstar', still playing Jesus. He's now thirty years older than Jesus was when he died.
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windbelle
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| Orestes Fasting wrote: | The CSR is not a very good introduction to Les Mis. It's a good recording for fans to have because it's the full show, but Valjean is supposed to carry the show and Gary Morris just doesn't cut it. And none of the main female cast members deliver excellent performances--not even Kaho Shimada, who is amazing in Japanese but whose English is very jarring.
I'd say the TAC is the best intro recording for someone not familiar with the show, since it includes most of the major plot points and has an all-around solid cast. The OBC and OLC aren't bad introductions either. But the CSR is definitely a fan recording, not something to get if you're just starting out. |
I agree that TAC is the best for newbies but I don't see why CSR can't be a good introduction to Les Mis. Listening to the whole show through from the beginning to the end could also be a great intro to the intact score of Les mis. And when people are not familiar with the show, they can't be too picky on the cast. ( And I don't find the cast of CSR all that bad.)
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The Very Angry Woman
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My problem with the CSR is not really the cast as individuals -- it's how they don't work together very well, which makes sense since so many of them had never even met.
If you still REALLY want the CSR, get it used. It's not hard to find used these days.
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EponineBarker
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| Quote: | | If you still REALLY want the CSR, get it used. It's not hard to find used these days. |
She's right. I ended up getting the CSR highlights used for like, $8.00.
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Kristin Chenoweth
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OLC CAST:
Jean Valjean-Colm Wilkinson. Colm delivers an amazing performance here...His "Bring Him Home" is really a treat to listen to. RATING: A
Javert-Roger Allam. One of my favorite Javerts, second only to Philip Quast. You can really hear his controlled rage, etc, in his voice. If only his rendition of "Stars" were a bit better. RATING: B+
Marius-Michael Ball. The undisputed Marius. Have yet to meet a person who can find a better Marius than Michael. Such a cutie! RATING: A+
Cosette-Rebecca Caine. Rebecca's rich, operatic soprano makes her voice one of the highlights of the CD. Cosette is a really hard role, requiring someone who has both technical prowess and emotional depth to make up for some of the more shallow lyrics, but Rebecca more than meets expectations. RATING: A.
Eponine-Frances Ruffelle. Her voice can be a little annoying at first, but I find that it adds to the raw emotion that Eponine should have. However, her technique isn't exactly perfect...RATING: B.
Fantine-Patti LuPone. Now, some really dislike her Fantine, but I don't find it all that horrible. Lacklustre, at times, but certainly not bad. RATING: C+
Enjolras-David Burt. His lack of vibrato during One Day More bugs me...He's one of the few Enjolrati who I dislike. I mean, he's pretty good, I guess...but I definitely didn't get the same, 'I would SO go to army with him' feeling that I got with most other Enjolrati. Rating: C.
Thenardier-Alun Armstrong. Rating: A-
Thenardiess-Sue Jane Tanner. Rating: B-
(Too lazy to do the Thenardiers in detail...)
Overall rating: B+
OBC:
Jean Valjean-Colm again! Well, this performance is of the same standard as the first. Rating: A.
Javert-Terrence Mann. I find his Javert to be an acquired taste...His clipped delivery bugs me, though. Rating: B-
Marius-David Bryant. While most think his Marius is horrible, I find that he has a nice voice (annoying vibrato, though). However, his acting is quite deplorable. No wonder he didn't get nominated for a Tony. Rating: B-
Cosette-Judy Kuhn. Many prefer her to Rebecca Caine, but I don't think she's as good, personally...But, I have to admit that the woman has one hell of a set of pipes. Rating: A.
Eponine-Frances again! Of the same standard as the OLC...Rating: B.
Fantine-Randy Graff. Okay, she annoys me. She wails at times. And her vibrato is annoying. Rating: C-
Enjolras-Michael Maguire. THE definitive Enjolras, IMO. Strong, gallant tenor; AMAZING acting skills...And can I take a moment to say hubba hubba? The man is a GOD! Rating: A+. And I'm gonna add an extra plus for looking so good. A++
Thenardier-Leo Burmester. Nothing wrong with him...but I think Alun Armstrong is more...sinister. Rating: B.
Thenardiess-Jennifer Butt. I didn't like her much...Rating: C.
OVERALL RATING: B
TAC:
Jean Valjean: Colm, yet again! I didn't like his vocals as much as on the OLC and OBC...Still amazing, though. Rating: A-
Javert: Philip Quast. The king of Javerts. Have yet to find anyone who even comes close. Rating: A+.
Marius: Michael Ball. Even better than on the OLC. Rating: A+. And let's add another plus for being so darn cute. A++
Cosette: Judy Kuhn. Not as good as on the OBC...but her high notes are sooo pretty. Rating: A-
Eponine: Lea Salonga. She over-enunciates a bit, but, otherwise, is an amazing Eponine. Her performance is a lot more 'by the book' than Frances's, too. I find Frances's performance to be a bit too...I dunno. Romanticized, I guess. Sentimental. Also, Lea's technique is much more sound. Rating: A.
Fantine: Ruthie Henshall. Crystal clear voice, and I can not figure out how one woman can put so much expression into her voice. But Ruthie does. Rating: A+
Enjolras: Michael Maguire again. Admittedly, Michael does foul up some of the high notes, but he's still a fine, fine Enjolras. I like his performance better here, but, if you want to go by voice alone, he does much better on the OBC. Rating: A. And let's give him a plus for still being so hot. A+
Thenardier: Alun Armstrong. Hilarious. Much better than on the OLC. Rating: A+
Thenardiess: Jenny Galloway. Hilarious. Rating: A+
OVERALL RATING: A+
Wow, that was long-winded and you probably didn't read it all. And it's just my opinion, so feel free to disagree...Anyhoodles, that was a longwinded way of saying that the TAC is the best recording I've heard.[/i]
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Colle
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Is that really you, Kristin?
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Eponine93
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Well, now that Lea Salonga found this site you can never be sure.
But if everyone was who they're usernames said they were, am I your favorite character in Les Mis?
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Orestes Fasting
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| Eponine93 wrote: | | But if everyone was who they're usernames said they were, am I your favorite character in Les Mis? |
I certainly hope not, or I'd have faced the firing squad long ago.
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windbelle
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| EponineBarker wrote: | | Quote: | | If you still REALLY want the CSR, get it used. It's not hard to find used these days. |
She's right. I ended up getting the CSR highlights used for like, $8.00. |
Well, the highlights abandons one of CSR's greatest merits.
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Fantine
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| Colle wrote: | | Is that really you, Kristin? |
She isn't.
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The Very Angry Woman
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| Colle wrote: | | Is that really you, Kristin? |
Yes, and I'm Laura Bell Bundy.
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Jordan
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| The Very Angry Woman wrote: | | Colle wrote: | | Is that really you, Kristin? |
Yes, and I'm Laura Bell Bundy. |
I'm Michael Crawford as previously discussed.
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Kristin Chenoweth
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| Colle wrote: | | Is that really you, Kristin? |
LOL, I wish! No, I just use that screen name a lot.
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Yip1982
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Would it be fair to just recommend both the CSR and the TAC? I know these may be pricey, but of the four major English recordings of Les Mis they sweep you along on this roller-coaster ride of emotions. No grudges about the OLC and OBC recordings, but these two are perhaps more exciting.
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chiggy321
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Personally, I'm in love with the OLC (l). The Tenth Anniversary one's good too. Don't like the CSR! Only thing that's good about it is that it's the whole recording other than that the arrangement's not great and the voices ain't as good.
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