Music: Richard Rodgers; Lyrics: Oscar Hammerstein II. Based on Lynn Riggs' play Green Grow the Lilacs. What's there to say? One of the all-time greats. This expanded, restored CD of the film soundtrack was released in 2001 and is magnificent. Shirley Jones' vocals are breathtaking.
Music: Jerome Kern; Lyrics: Oscar Hammerstein II. Based on Edna Ferber's novel. This 1946 revival of Show Boat was given the "Rodgers & Hammerstein" treatment and turned into a more integrated musical drama than it originally was in 1927. A new final number, "Nobody Else But Me," was also written and is supposedly the last song penned by the great Jerome Kern. One of Columbia Records earliest cast albums before going on to take over the field.
I used to really hate this song. Then I had a good time with this really hot girl at a party this past weekend while it was playing on repeat. Now I only kinda hate this song.
Music: Jule Styne; Lyrics: Leo Robin. Based on Anita Loos' novel. A huge hit in its day. Most people will be familiar with this work because of the movie, but the delightful score was shamefully enviscerated in the film version. Carol Channing is terrific here. Unfortunately, this 1995 revival album has a reduced orchestration and doesn't provide the oomph a Jule Styne score requires. But it's still a very pleasant listen.
Music: Jule Styne; Lyrics: Leo Robin. Additional lyrics: Betty Comden & Adolph Green. Revision of the musical Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. This 1974 updating of Gentleman Prefer Blondes, containing many new numbers, tends to get treated as a bit of an oddity and curio. But I think the album is great fun. Channing is totally on here and the orchestrations and vocal arrangements are super.
Music: Richard Rodgers; Lyrics: Oscar Hammerstein II. Based on Ferenc Molnar's play Liliom. Soundtrack of the unsuccessful film version of Carousel. Well-sung, of course, but I've never found this recording to be thrilling.