The 1976 Studio Cast Recording
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Jeff Wayne's original cast recording of an adaptation of H.G. Wells The War of the Worlds is often described as the last hurrah of prog rock - a lurching, campy version of the story featuring far too much keyboard playing. What this description omits is that it is precisely this fact that makes this recording such a masterpiece! From the opening moments, as the great Richard Burton (journalist) intones "no one would have believed, in the last years of the 19th Century, that human affairs were being watched...", the CD has the listener hooked. Even as early as the end of this opening of Burton's, Jeff Wayne's inspired musicianship can be seen. The main musical theme of the piece is introduced following Burton's immortal "slowly, but surely, they drew their plans against us". During the instrumental that follows, the listener can practically feel the flash of the heat ray and the sheer terror of Earth's population as the Martians attack - and this is just the equivalent of the overture! By far the most outstanding performance is Burton's journalist. His calm unflappability, even when relating his realisation that his girlfriend was at risk from the Martians, is both incongruous in the extreme and marvellous under the circumstances. David Essex as the Artilleryman is also very strong. His early mix of nervousness and "just following orders" mentality is communicated very effectively, and his reappearance to build a "brave new world" is portrayed with just the merest hint of a man going insane. Of course, no review of "War of the Worlds" would be complete without mention of "Forever Autumn". This song, recorded by David Essex to some measure of success, was not designed with "War" in mind and yet still fits quite well into the story. As a song, it is easily the equal of any work of pop from a comparable period and is well worth hearing. Also featured are the vocal talents of Justin Hayward, the lead singer for The Moody Blues, Thin Lizzy's Phil Lynott & Julie Covington, as well as the musical talents of Jo Partridge, Herbie Flowers, Chris Spedding and Jeff Wayne himself. To securely purchase your own copy of this masterpiece just click on the following icon:
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