Jesus Christ Superstar [Remaster] by Original Cast (CD, Sep-1996, 2 Discs, MCA Records USA)

I spent a good deal of my adolescence driving around with my friends, cruising the hot spots of my small southern town, listening to and singing along with this soundtrack blaring on my 8 track player.

Jesus Christ Superstar played a big role for my friends and for me during the early 70's. I have seen the play numerous times, and have purchased various versions of this rock opera, including the movie version. But to me, this is THE ultimate Jesus Christ Superstar soundtrack. Released as a concept album before the play ever hit the stage, this is the one that we old folks compare every other version to. This version contains terrific performances by hand-picked, top-notch musicians of the time as they ventured into the fairly new genre of rock opera. And these musicians did rock. There is no holding back, this is definitely a ROCK opera. No one since has given the performances of Murray Head and Ian Gillan (of Deep Purple) on this album. Ian Gillan (as Jesus) gives the performance of his lifetime, sending chills down your spine in such songs as 'Gethsemane' and 'The Temple'. Murray Head (Judas) gives a tremendous performance with 'Damned For All Time/Blood Money', "Heaven on Their Minds' and 'Superstar'. The other cast members are extremely talented also (including Yvonne Elliman as Mary Magdalene). I was overjoyed to be able to purchase this soundtrack on CD. The quality of the recording is excellent, nothing has been lost in the move from LP to CD. A libretto is even included in the CD.

Yes, I still have my old LP copy of Jesus Christ Superstar. It's a little ragged from being listened to so much, and there are notes in the edges of the pages of the libretto, from noting the bible verses to trace exactly where Tim Rice's words came from. Sadly, I do not have my 8 track tape or even the 8 track player itself (all good things must come to an end, I guess).

So, if you have never heard Jesus Christ Superstar, and are interested in listening to it for the first time, this is the version for you-start with the best! If you are a fan of REAL rock music and phenomenal vocals, this is the version for you! If you want to hear one of the first (and personally, I think the best) rock operas ever written, performed as it was meant to be, this is the one for you. Turn the volume up and enjoy!