War Of The Worlds, The - Jeff Wayne

Advantages: Epic, Immersive, Brilliant, Rock Opera at its finest
Disadvantages: None

...Wayne Musical Version of The War of the Worlds. As a youngster, I can remember listening to this and being absolutely frightened out of my skin. It was great. It was also probably the first record I ever owned. That and a Shadows album which I used to play along to with my pretend guitar. I'd kept that double-vinyl album for a number of years, right into my adulthood, then I stupidly sold my entire vinyl collection in preparation for the plethora ...
...through, I've finally added The War of the Worlds to my collection. My main concerns were going to be, how would this live up to my expectations as a child? Would the impact still be the same? Would my musical tastes have changed so much in all this time? Well, although I no longer mistake the sausage-dog draught-excluder for a slithering alien tentacle, I can honestly say it's still as haunting and memorable as ever. The first time you spin that ... Read review

Advantages: Gripping, excellent stuff
Disadvantages: Can scare you, not for younger listeners.

≈≈A Little History≈≈ War of the Worlds was originally written by H.G Wells back in 1898 and was later aired on the radio by Orson Wells on 30th October 1938; Orson Wells could not comprehend what mass hysteria his play would cause to the people in America. People who tuned into the show after it had begun actually believed that Earth was at war with Mars and that the human race was set for destruction. In 1953, a film adaptation ...
...Album≈≈ I first heard War of the Worlds when I was 10 years old and always being into old movies and such like I squirreled the double record version that my parents owned upstairs one evening and set it going and was instantly a fan. I have since bought my own record copy of this musical as well as having bought an up to date double CD version. There has been several remixes and highlights released over the years but in my mind these ... Read review

Advantages: Very Good music, good story
Disadvantages: a bit long winded

This is the ultimate best audio story in the world. period. as soon as the speaking begins you are gripped by this deep and friendly yet slightly chilling voice. Over 2 CDs and 8-9 Tracks including the catchiest Rock music ever. The story is first person, and follows the story of a reporter and his experience when the martians invaded. Throughout the story we cheer as the humans start to fight back then groan as it fails. Then we are crying becuase ...
...crazed vicar who decides that the martians are the devils. Finlay we meet up with a soldier, who we met up with earlier in the story, and he decides to build and underground city. however it turns out that he is insane. Finaly we find out how the Martians meet there sticky (or snotty) end which i wont mention. ps it does put a dampner on the film doesnt it. The music is all sung by backing singers, which sadly means that i cant name them, however ... Read review

Advantages: An exvellent buy that brings a classic story to life
Disadvantages: May not be suitable for young kids. They may find some parts scary

...version of the well known War of the Worlds book by H.G Wells. Through the established talents of top music stars including David Essex, PhilLynott, Julie Covington and Justin Hayward the story of the martian invasion of earth is told through narration(by Richard Burton) and music. This 2 cd set is best listened to in a darkened room and quite load. This helps build the atmosphere as the story starts with the martian ships landing across the world ... Read review

Advantages: Atmospheric and haunting music, strong cast, suitable for all ages
Disadvantages: none spring to mind

...Since its original release in 1978, Jeff Wayne's musical version of War of the Worlds has been a mainstay in record collections the world over. Unsurprisingly when the leap to CD showed no signs of slowing down, Mr Wayne was one of the first to make the jump (extremely successful too I may add) into digital music. H. G. Wells classic novel about a martian invasion of Earth does not, at first glance seem to be suitable material for a musical rewriting, but this has not only kept the original's atmosphere and story (unlike the rather disappointing movies that have sprung up over the last few decades), but in certain places the presence of the music and cast actually add a little something to them. The entire cast do a spectacular job, but I think a certain few shine above the others. Richard Burton is perfectly suited to the leading... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Has a unique quailty about it , mixes by n-trance, hybrid, apollo 440
Disadvantages: Secound CD did'nt seem as Good

...Its war of the worlds brought up to day with mixes by apollo 440, hybrid, n-trance, Mister Joyboy etc. The whole feel of this album is very good and very dramtic and at times very intense, which i love, I love the fact that it is so far away from all the summery trance complications which can get a bit tired and abit boring thought good in their own way they don't say much about my life, in a sense war of worlds maybe compleat sci-fi but its easyer to relate too and is set compleatly apart from everything else. Theres just something just so unique and different about this album, I admitt I did'nt even did'nt like it that much when I first heard it, but its not something which really hits you straight away it just growns on you more with each play, the only thing I did't like is the secound CD which is a bit of a let down after all... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Best band on the planet, a good mix of heavy and mellow
Disadvantages: Only one, but you'll need to read this to find out

...a small section on synths which reminds me of War Of The Worlds by Jeff Wayne, it's an almost flute effect. This is into another short melodic section and back into another instrumental. There is so much going on in this track, such vast changes, and you find that there are so many different themes, that you will only hear once. Into another demonic sounding section with pounding drums and some fantastic use of the 2 guitars. This heads off into another riff which sounds slightly odd and off key, though it's not at all, and then back into Opeth's angelic mellower side, and more "ahhh" vocals which seem far away at first and then brought to the main focus. "Devil cracked the earthly shell Foretold she was the one Blew hope into the room and said: "You have to live before you die young"" 10/10 **The Baying Of The Hounds - 10... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful