Musical Version of the War of the Worlds - Jeff Wayne

[Audioholics]

<A href="http://www.audioholics.com/productreviews/avsoftware/cd_other/JeffWaynesWaroftheWorlds.php"><IMG style="WIDTH: 100px; HEIGHT: 100px" alt=[jeffwaynewaroftheworlds1] hspace=10 src="http://www.audioholics.com/news/thumbs/jeffwaynewaroftheworlds1_th.jpg" align=left border=0></A>Sitting in Reference System 2 (which was in transition to the new RBH Sound CinemaSITE speakers), Clint sticks in a disc and says, “Take a listen, this is so cool.” Suddenly, I’m assaulted by this retro 70’s disco electronic stuff. I look over at Clint who, with a huge smile on his face, says, “Awesome, isn’t it?” Ack. The 70’s. Music inspired by cocaine binges and polyester. Fast forward a few months and I’m opening the mail and out pops the very same discs with a note from Clint, “See if you like this as much as me.” Crap. Read on for my surprisingly honest review of this musical piece...

[Read the Review]

 

[Shadow_Ferret]

Wow. I had a hard time with the definate 70s hatred of that review, especially when I come from the POV that I grew up in that decade and consider it's music infinately superior to any decade before or since. Yes, it had disco, but the existence of disco was a mere footnote on the musical page that was the 70s.

I will agree that the 70s were a crappy era for movies and fashion though.

That said, I took the 70s comments with a grain of salt and read any disparaging remark about it in regards to this recording as a backhanded "compliment."

In other words, I think I will have to check this disc out, especially when it has some of the greatest voices of the 70s involved.

 

[Tom Andry]

Wow. I had a hard time with the definate 70s hatred of that review, especially when I come from the POV that I grew up in that decade and consider it's music infinately superior to any decade before or since.

Hatred might be too strong of a word...unless you are talking about disco...then it's not strong enough. Most of that was tongue in cheek and I apologize if it came off too harsh. Regardless of the 70’s bashing (and there was a lot) this is only the 2nd album I've given all 5's. That is as big a compliment as I can give.

 

[dropbear]

nice but ...

I have the limited edition box set to this album recently released here in Australia. Managed to get the things signed by Jeff Wayne as well. Such a geek I am.

Anyway, Not sure why one would listen to the stereo verision or even DTS 96/24. The disc I have is a hybrid SACD multichannel disc and it is amazing how much i had missed back when listening to the ole' LP or even the CD in later years.

The SACD versionis a must hear and recommend Audioholics check it out.

 

[victoriacoffee]

It's dated, but it's cool.

When I read that this was to be released in SACD version I knew exactly what to do. When I was younger I stayed with my oldest brother for a week while he was stationed in Austin, TX. At the time, he had a nice stereo setup and I enjoyed putting on the headphones, kicking back, and listening to all his lps. He was very meticulous in his care for them and often cautioned me on how to properly handle the vinyl. I, on the other hand, was the typical younger brother, in my pre-teen years with no appreciation for the finer things. On this particular visit, I noticed an interesting cover. It was Jeff Wayne’s War of the Worlds. After taking in the artwork, I immediately put on side one and began to listen. Wow! The music and story both intrigued and scared me, especially ULLAs and the thumping base. That first night, I has a hard time sleeping.

The next day, and every day after that, I would take a listen. And as fate would have it, I put a couple of good scratches on, much to the chagrin of my brother. When he found out, he was completely devastated. Being a young Air Force enlisted man, married with one son, the thought of having to replace the album was frustrating. I think for the first time I felt a shamed with myself. That was 27 years ago.

The box set arrived at his door step not two days after the official release. Since mine had arrived the same day, I gave him a call that evening. He sounded like a young boy who had just received his first bike on Christmas morning. My cross had been lifted.