MusicRatty: VARIOUS ARTISTS (CONCEPT ALBUMS AND THEMED COMPILATIONS)

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VARIOUS ARTISTS (CONCEPT ALBUMS AND THEMED COMPILATIONS) - Jesus Christ Superstar (1970)

2008-06-10 06:34:58 by Editor in Progarchives.com (Progressive rock and related latest reviews)

This is one of the earliest progressive rock opera ' Musicals' released and may well have been Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's first contribution. A very solid double album which is continuous play throughout each side to it's end on 'John 19:41'. The album opens with the highlight song IMO being ' Overture' sung by Murray Head who plays Judas Iscariot. There is an array of fine artists contributing to vocals on Jesus Christ Superstar, namely Ian Gillan, Murray Head, Yvonne Elliman ( what has happened to her?), and other names such as being Chris Spedding lending musical input. The story of Jesus Christ and his impending downfall is well delivered in this fine rock opera musical. A rock opera release when the flower power scene was still alive and the older generation frowned on this hippie like rendition of the scriptures. Thankfully this great work was embraced by the majority and it holds up well with a strong cult following the this present day.

Yvonne Elliman singing ' I don't know how to love him' is an extraordinary affirmation of love for Jesus. Probably better conveyed in this medium too. Other great excerpts are ' Pilates Dream', The Last Supper' , ' Gethsemane and 'Judas's death'. A much praised and sadly sometimes overlooked classic from 1970. But if you like the idea of a progressive musical' as a concept then I can think of no better way than starting with Jesus Christ Superstar. Excellent material and highly recommended.

by Chris Stacey

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