This is so cool Lee. I didn't think I'd see anybody doing the JC Superstar album. As soon as I seen it, I clicked on it. I love this album & imo, the album is way better than the movie. Don't get me wrong, the movie is awesome to & Ted Neeley & Carl Anderson do a great job & I even saw them performing it live twice. But Ian Gillian & Murray Head is Judas, those two are just fantastic. I feel the music is better on the album to. Yvonne Elliman is Mary Magdalena on both the album & movie. I can't wait for you to hear Ian doing Gethsemane. Besides Child In Time live Made In Japan, which you said you will be doing, besides that, I think Gethsemane is his best performance, just amazing. Thanks for doing this Lee.
@@L33Reactsso glad your playing this, can’t be the same Joe Cocker, he was touring America with the Maddogs and Englishmen Would not have been in a secondary role, specially after Woodstock.
@@L33Reactswhen you get to “I don’t know how to live him”, Yvonne Elliman will blow you away. This version is the definitive version of this Tim Rice plays on it, but just composing
I actually heard this the first time in a High School English Class. W were exploring different ways to present literature ( the teacher insisted this story was literature). We only heard the first side in that first class and then discussed the music and words. It just plain blew our minds. I bought this LP on the way home that day. Even my mother a devout Catholic said it was nice music. I still have that LP and later purchased the CD of the same performance. I liked the move but for me this version is the one.
Main players[26] Ian Gillan - Jesus Christ Murray Head - Judas Iscariot Yvonne Elliman - Mary Magdalene Victor Brox - Caiaphas, High Priest Barry Dennen - Pontius Pilate Supporting players Brian Keith - Annas John Gustafson - Simon Zealotes Paul Davis - Peter Mike d'Abo - King Herod Other players Annette Brox - Maid by the Fire Paul Raven - Priest P. P. Arnold, Tony Ashton, Tim Rice, Peter Barnfeather, Madeline Bell, Brian Bennett, Lesley Duncan, Kay Garner, Barbara Kay, Neil Lancaster, Alan M. O'Duffy, Terry Saunders - Background vocals Choir conducted by Geoffrey Mitchell Children's choir conducted by Alan Doggett on "Overture" The Trinidad Singers, under the leadership of Horace James, on "Superstar" Musicians Neil Hubbard - electric guitar Henry McCullough - electric guitar, acoustic guitar Alan Spenner - bass guitar Chris Mercer - tenor sax J. Peter Robinson - piano, electric piano, organ, positive organ Bruce Rowland - drums, percussion Other musicians Norman Cave, Karl Jenkins - piano Mick Weaver - piano, organ Andrew Lloyd Webber - piano, organ, Moog synthesizer Mike Vickers - Moog synthesizer Alan Doggett - principal Conductor, Moog synthesizer Strings of the City of London Ensemble Clive Hicks, Chris Spedding, Louis Stewart, Steve Vaughan - guitar Jeff Clyne, Peter Morgan, Alan Weighall - bass guitar Harold Beckett, Les Condon, Ian Hamer, Kenny Wheeler - trumpet Anthony Brooks, Joseph Castaldini - bassoon Andrew McGavin, Douglas Moore, James Brown, Jim Buck Sr., Jim Buck Jr., John Burdon - horns Keith Christie, Frank Jones, Anthony Moore - trombone Ian Herbert - clarinet Chris Taylor, Brian Warren - flute Bill LeSage, John Marshall - drums Production Alan O'Duffy - chief engineer
@@L33Reacts Back when it came out was my age 14, and the year that us Catholics (back then) made our Holy Confirmation. Because I was a public school kid, the local parish required 1 hour catechism classes for 6 weeks prior to confirmation day ceremony. The nun assigned those classes consisted of playing JCS album spread out with discussions about the content. It has to be mentioned that at the time, it the album was a slight bit controversial to the older hard core, extremely pious Catholic hierarchy. But in that moment in the 70s the social views were changing. All I remember was how blown away we were with the music, and vocals. I enjoyed the movie ( for the visual aspect), but the album version is my favorite. Looking forward to the rest of the reaction .
Great album!! Knew the lyrics front to back within a couple of weeks when it came out. 'Everything's Alright' obviously came on after 'Heaven On Their Minds', not 'What's the Buzz'. Oh, well, no worries, we'll get to it by and by. Cheers, can't convey how surprised I was to see this album cover in the thumbnail. Cool surprise. 🖖🏼😊🎶❤️🍁❤️✨️🕊
This Era of music was a Renaissance, to the extent it moved to Broadway. Hair , Godspell and above all SUPERSTAR were amazing. Seeing Jesus Christ Superstar on the stage was a emotional and enlightening. It brought me closer to my god.
This Jesus Christ Superstar that you are now listening to is the soundtrack of the music to be performed in the play. It was recorded and paid for in hopes that popularizing the songs would help advertise and create interest in the play. Which it did. The album sold, the song Jesus Christ Superstar was a big hit both in 1971 and again in 1973 with the release of the film; and later the song I Don't Know How To Love Him became a minor hit for Yvonne Elliman as well. The play was such a success that it ran for three years straight. Each year with different actors playing Jesus and Judas. On the original 1971 Broadway play it was Jeff Fenholt as Jesus and Ben Vereen as Judas. In 1973 the play had Ted Neeley and Carl Anderson; the two who would go on to do the movie as well. Now, although this soundtrack represents the music from the play, it is not the recording of the cast of the play. Because it was advertised as the soundtrack to the play, this is a distinction that most people do not pick up on. Only Barry Denman as Pontius Pilate and Yvonne Elliman as Mary Magdalene, are both in the play, in the movie and on both soundtracks. Neither Ian Gillian as Jesus or Murray Head as Judas, were ever part of the cast of the original 1971 play. So that seems something worth noting.
All of these are just so damn good! I've had this album for decades now, but I haven't really sat down and just really listened to it, and that was really nice to do that just now. Phenomenal.
I wore this album out when it came out,pretty much can sing along with all the lyrics. I saw Ted Neely perform this rock opera twice and I love him,but Ian Gillan is the standard bearer for this part of Jesus. It’s a masterpiece of art.
Ian Gillan of Deep Purple fame is Jesus here. Judas, Murray Head, had a couple of great hits in Europe: "Say it ain’t so Joe" and "One night in Bangkok" … worth checking out.
My father and I crossed through a line of protesters to see the off-broadway production in 1971. The line-up was basically the same, but Neely played Jesus. Definitely an influential piece of work then and now. 👍
Thanks for all the great reaction you do Lee. This is definitely the best version of JC Superstar imo. Gillain's vocals are awesome and Judas is sung by Murray Head, Mary Magdalene by Yvonne Elliman. More Info for this version including all of the performers can be found at en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesus_Christ_Superstar_(album)#. By the way, the last track you played was not the third track "What's the Buzz", but the album's fourth track "Everything's Alright". Keep up the good work!
I was about 14 or 15 when JCS came out. I wore that album out, but I still have it. When the movie came out, I couldn't have been more disappointed. I definitely did not like Ted Neely in the role, I thought he was weak, and very 'un-Jesus like'. I saw the Broadway play and Ben Vereen played Judas and he was just awesome. A few years ago PBS did a very good version with John Legend as Jesus, and it was really, really good.
@@nanook8721I felt the same way when I saw the movie. This version is so amazing and the movie didn't come close. Same with Hair-I'd only ever heard the Broadway recording, which is great. The music and singing in the movie was just disappointing.
Some Jehovah guys came up to me in the park, ‘do you believe in god’, I said which one? They stepped back. I said I like Ganesh, being a friend to elephants. And Odin and Freya had a lot going for them. They said, no, GOD. I pretended to be dumb, yeah, I heard you, which one? I took guilty pleasure in upsetting their day.
The original alum came with a booklet that listed all the musicians and cast members. It also contained a full libretto. I'm surprised you can't find that online.
I was 17 when JCS was released in 1970. I bought the 8-track tape and it was instant love. In fact, when it became a Broadway show in late 72, my girlfriend and I had our first grown-up type date and went into the city to see it. (we'd been together for a year at that point) We dressed up like adults do, had dinner at a very nice NYC restaurant and then off to the show. Obviously, a memorable night.
Your story matches mine almost exactly except I bought the album and my girlfriend and I drove from the Oregon coast to Portland to see it on a winter night. To see it on the stage was an experience beyond my wildest dreams. Later in life I took my oldest daughter to it, with Ted and Carl in the lead parts, and then a few years later took all three of my children to see Ted and Carl do it again. Just a masterpiece.
Ooh, you did the movie, now the best version. I’ve loved this album so much since a music teacher played it in class. Overwhelming in places and very honest 😊
@@L33Reacts Finally got my me-time. Wow, this will be good… Yeah, it’s exactly the one I had on vinyl ❤️ Thanks for the extra track. I think Hosanna was cut from the movie and this is your first time? Sensational track. It is heart-rending; when I listen I live it and cry a lot. Whatever distorted kernel of truth there is to the Biblical story as we know it, this gets there for me ❤️
You are excellent! Enjoyed every minute. First time seeing this live, I was overwhelmed. Tears, chills, inspiration. I wasn’t raised in a religious household. First time I believed was because of this album…not the usual way. ❤ You are incredibly knowledgable and intellectual. Love your reactions.
@@L33Reacts Don't assume that. I was familiar with the film version first, and heard all these great things about the brown album. I checked it out, and it's good, but I remember thinking, why do so many people it's better than the film version, I don't think it is. I much prefer the film version. Neeley's Gethsemane, with all that grit and intensity, gives me goosebumps. No one else's version does that for me. The film's Last Supper is so much better than any other version of it. Dennen's Pilate is superior in the film. And Carl Anderson... there are no words. I do love the instrumentation and Murray Head's performance in Heaven on Their Minds. That guitar tone is so awesome. Murray Head was awesome throughout. I think he captured his character much better than Gillan and his interpretation of Jesus. And I am a huge Gillan and Deep Purple fan. At the end of the day, the 1970 and 1973 versions are all that really matter. I don't care at all for any of the more recent interpretations. Enjoy!
My mom got the record for the church Library when it came out, so we got to listen to it at home. eventually, I had it memorized, sang it through on a bus returning from DC with a friend, alternating parts, it was great
I bought this when it came out and saw the film. I played this to death. Absolutely loved it. Earlier this year i went to the stage show. Pure nostalgia. It was very true to the film.
This version does not have the track “could we start again”, which was written for the play performance then included in the movie. On the 25 Anniversary album, it was performed differently than the movie version.
oh yes i cannot wait to get to gethsemane.. ted's version is one of my favorite finds on the channel so it will be tough to beat but i have faith in ian...
Yvonne Elliman worked with many artists. Most well known as CLapton's background singer for several years. Sang on his version of "I shot the sheriff", among many others. She and Marcy Levy shared BG vocals on all of the "SLOWHAND" album.
@@L33Reacts Fantastic. I played that album constantly when teenager (I’m now 66). Saw live performance 3 times. Watched the movie, etc. It made me believe at that time.
So glad you are doing this original album version - it is light years superior to ANY of the subsequent versions, recorded, filmed, or live. It's a shame ALW didn't leave this as it was - with all the rawness and spontaneity of a great first take - but instead dabbled in small changes here and there that, sadly, were not improvements. The Jesus/Judas/Mary M vocals on this album are unmatched, and the songwriting, both lyrics and music, is genius from first note to last. Outstanding choice!
Gonna be the first one to contend you are wrong. The movie version (especially the vocal performances) is so much better than the album version. E.g. just listen to how Murray Head here cannot sustain the first JESUUUUUS scream in HOTM for longer than a second and compare with how it's screamed pretty much perfectly by Carl Anderson in the movie version. And don't get me started how weak and inane Gillan sounds compared to Neeley.... I mean there IS a reason why they re-recorded the whole damn thing for the movie, lol.
@@johangalician620 Yes, the 1970 version is the original, and it's good, but the 1973 soundtrack took it to another level. I get that people like the original version best... I get it. I'm a huge Ian Gillan fan but his orgasmic noises and over-screaming don't do it for me. Neeley's delivery is better. I prefer Neeley's Gethsemane too. Carl Anderson... there are no words. The film's version of the Last Supper blows any other version away. Elliman and Dennen improve on their 1970 performances. I do really love the 1970 version of Heaven on Their Minds though. The guitar sound and Head's performance are great. Murray Head was great on the 1970 version. I prefer Murray Head's performance on the Brown Album to Gillan's.
Yes ❤ doesn't matter that decades pass! Just incredible!!! I was 14 and changed forever, wish I could make my tablet louder 😊 Yes, Judas in the movie could not have been more perfect. I still feel the movie is the best, especially the way it was on location! Great to watch your reaction and comments, so glad you love this! The music is mind-blowing for sure ❤❤❤
This came out when I was 19. Had to ask for a new album as I wore the first one out. I like this album and the movie album. Can't lie, my faith is strong and brings me joy. It's who I am with all my legions of imperfections. Beyond that, I love this as a piece of art, carefully crafted and fleshed out. Thank you for this great pick. Blessings all, truly.
1970....2 friends from high school and I were in our first year at university of houston. That summer we had gone out to the Chihuahuan desert in west Tx and picked a bunch of peyote. We were music lovers and when Superstar came out we went out to a lake cabin , took some of the peyote, and listened to this album for the first time ever. What an experience!!
❤🎶❤🎉 I bought this vinyl when it came out! I watched the movie 3 times!! You either hated or loved it!! I fell in love immediately, what's not to love about a biblical movie with hard hats!! 😂 My parents invited their Minister and wife over for dinner and to watch JCS, held their breath and they loved it!! Lee, thought of Mr Farris, he'd probably love it too!!! 😊 🤩!!
I saw the play on broadway, I believe it was ‘71. I was gobsmacked. Yvonne Elliman was angelic. Went home and bought the album the next day. I’m glad to see it’s still having such an impact on new listeners today. Good show man.
The overture is just so amazing, a gorgeous preview of everything to come. It's almost impossible for me to start this album and not play it through to the end.
Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice wrote "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat" BEFORE Jesus Christ Superstar. You might enjoy it. There are bits in that which foreshadow JCS.
This came out when I was 8 - I first heard it when I was 9 or 10 . Listened to it constantly through elementary and high school. Memorized every note. I still believe that it is vastly superior to the movie both vocally and musically. The bass lines blow my mind!
Back in 1972 when I was 16 my best friend and I went to see the Sydney production of Jesus Christ Superstar about 12 times. I remember there were Christians protesting outside the theatre some nights and one night we were evacuated because of a bomb threat. Loved Superstar back then and still love it today.
Back in the early seventies, we were treated to listening to this album over a couple of days during my grade school music class! Received it as a birthday gift during Easter!
After watching the film in the cinema, I saved up my pocket money to buy this album, I played it soooo much, I drive my family nuts but what a brilliant album to go with the movie. I am going to watch the film again it’s available on Prime, memories , thanks 🏴🏴🏴
You reacting to the movie is how I found you, so you know I'm here for this!! thank you!! adding - I'm not religious, but I was fed a steady diet of many different musicals from a very early age. I was born at the end of 1969, so I don't remember a time that this didn't exist. Saturday mornings I'd wake up to the sound of whichever musical my Mom chose that week, and that's when she'd clean the house. 🥰
Love this. Blew me away at the time. Around 1994 a bunch of friends did this play/musical touring Italy. It was great fun! Soundtrack to a cosmic crime drama. I can't imagine belting this out night after night on stage... must take a toll on your vocal cords.
I was brought up Catholic, we were supposed to go to church on Good Friday. One year, either 1971 or 1972, my sisters and I convinced our parents to let us listen to Jesus Christ Superstar rather than go to church. :) A few of these songs really stand out in my memory, and none of them were ever in the rotation on the oldies stations, though three or four were played on the radio back then.
Did no one else listen to this reaction? Didn't anyone else notice that it skipped over "What's The Buzz?" & went into "Everything's Alright" instead? That's not how the album goes!
I happily forgo the visual to gain this audio experience. This album is the most important music experience in my life. I grew up on it. I love it as much at a 60 year old as I did as a 7 year old!! I just found your channel! Instantly subscribed!!! Looking forward to the journey with you!!
I first got this album when I was in Junior High in the 70s. I bought it at least 2 more times over the years. Such a great album. I do love the movie as well.
Yvonne Elliman "If I can't have you" cover written by the Bee Gees. She is the only one I know. I think I have all of her albums. She is soft rock. Ill give you more later.
Bro…. Yes he does. It’s incredible how they stick with you. I remembered almost every word. I only watched it once! (I did listen to Ted’s gesthemane a million times tho) I probably butchered the spelling but oh well lol
Murray head is the opening vocal as Judas. I love how you were ready : "have you forgotten how put down we are". Murray Head killed it. In "damned for all time "his range is crazy. So I sent you some money. Plus I demanded reactions.
This was the very first recording of Jesus Christ Supporters. It is known as the London Concept album, a studio recording before it was every produced onstage. It's the version I grew up with and memorized every note inflection! I consider it the definitive version.
Doing the album version (original cast recording) is the only way to hear it. I saw the London production in 1975, and was hooked for life…. Somehow the tracks got switched. What’s The Buzz comes before Everything’s Alright but whatever….. not one bad not or phrase or word or chord in this whole production…. Imho
Judas- Murray Head Jesus- Ian Gillian Marry Magdalene- Yvonne Elliman Priest- Paul Raven Caiaphas- Victor Brox Annas-Brian Keith Siman- John Gustafson Pontius Pilate- Barry Dennen Maid by the fire- Annette Bronx Peter- Paul Davis King Herod- Mike D'abo
This is the recording I listened to, over and over, btw. The one with Ian Gillian as Jesus. The album was made first because they couldn't find backing for the stage production, but the album hit big, of course, and the rest is history. Main Players Ian Gillan - Jesus Christ Murray Head - Judas Iscariot Yvonne Elliman - Mary Magdalene Victor Brox - Caiaphas, High Priest Barry Dennen - Pontius Pilate Supporting players Brian Keith - Annas John Gustafson - Simon Zealotes Paul Davis - Peter Mike d'Abo - King Herod Other players Annette Brox - Maid by the Fire Paul Raven - Priest P. P. Arnold, Tony Ashton, Tim Rice, Peter Barnfeather, Madeline Bell, Brian Bennett, Lesley Duncan, Kay Garner, Barbara Kay, Neil Lancaster, Alan M. O'Duffy, Terry Saunders - Background vocals Choir conducted by Geoffrey Mitchell Children's choir conducted by Alan Doggett on "Overture" The Trinidad Singers, under the leadership of Horace James, on "Superstar"
Ian Gillan, Murray Head, Yvonne Elliman, and the wonderfully malevolent Victor Brox as Caiaphas -- the best version of this play by a mile. It's not even vaguely close. Even the band rocks.
Several years ago there was a production of "Jesus Christ Superstar" on NBC. John Legend was Jesus. Alice Cooper was also in it.. I think he was King Herod.
The songs are great, but the vocal performances are completely off the charts. Ian Gillan has never been better. Barry Dennen's Pilate is fantastic. When this came out, there was nothing like it.
Yeah that’s a tough act to follow no matter what lol but I loved Ted’s Jesus tho so.. we will see. I love Ian’s voice too though so it’s gonna be a win win 😂👍
That was friggin' awesome lol. Part two will be next Saturday! Cant wait! Friday nights are about to be CRAZY now for me lol
Yes, I can't wait. I love the movie.
This is so cool Lee. I didn't think I'd see anybody doing the JC Superstar album. As soon as I seen it, I clicked on it.
I love this album & imo, the album is way better than the movie.
Don't get me wrong, the movie is awesome to & Ted Neeley & Carl Anderson do a great job & I even saw them performing it live twice. But Ian Gillian & Murray Head is Judas, those two are just fantastic. I feel the music is better on the album to.
Yvonne Elliman is Mary Magdalena on both the album & movie.
I can't wait for you to hear Ian doing Gethsemane.
Besides Child In Time live Made In Japan, which you said you will be doing, besides that, I think Gethsemane is his best performance, just amazing.
Thanks for doing this Lee.
@@DavidRold-pt3ng of course! Thank you for watching David. I can’t wait to hear it! That was my most replayed song from the movie.
@@L33Reactsso glad your playing this, can’t be the same Joe Cocker, he was touring America with the Maddogs and Englishmen
Would not have been in a secondary role, specially after Woodstock.
@@L33Reactswhen you get to “I don’t know how to live him”, Yvonne Elliman will blow you away.
This version is the definitive version of this Tim Rice plays on it, but just composing
This blew us away when it first came out!
I actually heard this the first time in a High School English Class. W were exploring different ways to present literature ( the teacher insisted this story was literature). We only heard the first side in that first class and then discussed the music and words. It just plain blew our minds. I bought this LP on the way home that day. Even my mother a devout Catholic said it was nice music. I still have that LP and later purchased the CD of the same performance.
I liked the move but for me this version is the one.
Main players[26]
Ian Gillan - Jesus Christ
Murray Head - Judas Iscariot
Yvonne Elliman - Mary Magdalene
Victor Brox - Caiaphas, High Priest
Barry Dennen - Pontius Pilate
Supporting players
Brian Keith - Annas
John Gustafson - Simon Zealotes
Paul Davis - Peter
Mike d'Abo - King Herod
Other players
Annette Brox - Maid by the Fire
Paul Raven - Priest
P. P. Arnold, Tony Ashton, Tim Rice, Peter Barnfeather, Madeline Bell, Brian Bennett, Lesley Duncan, Kay Garner, Barbara Kay, Neil Lancaster, Alan M. O'Duffy, Terry Saunders - Background vocals
Choir conducted by Geoffrey Mitchell
Children's choir conducted by Alan Doggett on "Overture"
The Trinidad Singers, under the leadership of Horace James, on "Superstar"
Musicians
Neil Hubbard - electric guitar
Henry McCullough - electric guitar, acoustic guitar
Alan Spenner - bass guitar
Chris Mercer - tenor sax
J. Peter Robinson - piano, electric piano, organ, positive organ
Bruce Rowland - drums, percussion
Other musicians
Norman Cave, Karl Jenkins - piano
Mick Weaver - piano, organ
Andrew Lloyd Webber - piano, organ, Moog synthesizer
Mike Vickers - Moog synthesizer
Alan Doggett - principal Conductor, Moog synthesizer
Strings of the City of London Ensemble
Clive Hicks, Chris Spedding, Louis Stewart, Steve Vaughan - guitar
Jeff Clyne, Peter Morgan, Alan Weighall - bass guitar
Harold Beckett, Les Condon, Ian Hamer, Kenny Wheeler - trumpet
Anthony Brooks, Joseph Castaldini - bassoon
Andrew McGavin, Douglas Moore, James Brown, Jim Buck Sr., Jim Buck Jr., John Burdon - horns
Keith Christie, Frank Jones, Anthony Moore - trombone
Ian Herbert - clarinet
Chris Taylor, Brian Warren - flute
Bill LeSage, John Marshall - drums
Production
Alan O'Duffy - chief engineer
@@smffeb58 hey, thank you so much! I screenshotted this lol
@@L33Reacts Back when it came out was my age 14, and the year that us Catholics (back then) made our Holy Confirmation. Because I was a public school kid, the local parish required 1 hour catechism classes for 6 weeks prior to confirmation day ceremony. The nun assigned those classes consisted of playing JCS album spread out with discussions about the content. It has to be mentioned that at the time, it the album was a slight bit controversial to the older hard core, extremely pious Catholic hierarchy. But in that moment in the 70s the social views were changing. All I remember was how blown away we were with the music, and vocals.
I enjoyed the movie ( for the visual aspect), but the album version is my favorite.
Looking forward to the rest of the reaction .
Great album!! Knew the lyrics front to back within a couple of weeks when it came out. 'Everything's Alright' obviously came on after 'Heaven On Their Minds', not 'What's the Buzz'. Oh, well, no worries, we'll get to it by and by.
Cheers, can't convey how surprised I was to see this album cover in the thumbnail. Cool surprise.
🖖🏼😊🎶❤️🍁❤️✨️🕊
@@L33ReactsMurray Head was Judas.
One Night In Bangkok was his big hit song.
Best musical ever i still listen to it 50 yrs later
Fiddler on the Roof is a close second on my list
Same. Showtunes are the best house-cleaning music, too. 😃
Difficult to describe its impact upon release in 1970. thanks for getting to The Album...
Yay. So happy you decided to do this. The album is so much better then the movie.
brah so true
Much like "Hair".....the movie sucked. The broadway show was amazing
This Era of music was a Renaissance, to the extent it moved to Broadway. Hair , Godspell and above all SUPERSTAR were amazing. Seeing Jesus Christ Superstar on the stage was a emotional and enlightening. It brought me closer to my god.
I agree wholeheartedly. I never thought back in my time something like "Jesus Christ Superstar" was even possible. Blessings.
This Jesus Christ Superstar that you are now listening to is the soundtrack of the music to be performed in the play. It was recorded and paid for in hopes that popularizing the songs would help advertise and create interest in the play. Which it did. The album sold, the song Jesus Christ Superstar was a big hit both in 1971 and again in 1973 with the release of the film; and later the song I Don't Know How To Love Him became a minor hit for Yvonne Elliman as well. The play was such a success that it ran for three years straight. Each year with different actors playing Jesus and Judas. On the original 1971 Broadway play it was Jeff Fenholt as Jesus and Ben Vereen as Judas. In 1973 the play had Ted Neeley and Carl Anderson; the two who would go on to do the movie as well.
Now, although this soundtrack represents the music from the play, it is not the recording of the cast of the play. Because it was advertised as the soundtrack to the play, this is a distinction that most people do not pick up on. Only Barry Denman as Pontius Pilate and Yvonne Elliman as Mary Magdalene, are both in the play, in the movie and on both soundtracks. Neither Ian Gillian as Jesus or Murray Head as Judas, were ever part of the cast of the original 1971 play.
So that seems something worth noting.
All of these are just so damn good! I've had this album for decades now, but I haven't really sat down and just really listened to it, and that was really nice to do that just now. Phenomenal.
Judas (on the 1970 album) was sang by Murray Head
Remember "One Night in Bangkok" with the Siamese chess motif?...that Murray Head.
I wore this album out when it came out,pretty much can sing along with all the lyrics. I saw Ted Neely perform this rock opera twice and I love him,but Ian Gillan is the standard bearer for this part of Jesus. It’s a masterpiece of art.
Ian Gillan of Deep Purple fame is Jesus here. Judas, Murray Head, had a couple of great hits in Europe: "Say it ain’t so Joe" and "One night in Bangkok" … worth checking out.
That's Ian Gillan as Jesus!
It sure is! That’s what reminded me to get to this honestly 😂 doing so much deep purple lately
My father and I crossed through a line of protesters to see the off-broadway production in 1971. The line-up was basically the same, but Neely played Jesus. Definitely an influential piece of work then and now. 👍
Too bad they were protesting instead of sitting in the audience. I used to have a boss who assumed it was blasphemous until she saw it.
Yvonne Elliman who was Mary Magdalene in the movie did “Everything is Right”
Thanks for all the great reaction you do Lee. This is definitely the best version of JC Superstar imo. Gillain's vocals are awesome and Judas is sung by Murray Head, Mary Magdalene by Yvonne Elliman. More Info for this version including all of the performers can be found at en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesus_Christ_Superstar_(album)#. By the way, the last track you played was not the third track "What's the Buzz", but the album's fourth track "Everything's Alright". Keep up the good work!
Album better than the movie. Glad you went for it
💯
I was about 14 or 15 when JCS came out. I wore that album out, but I still have it. When the movie came out, I couldn't have been more disappointed. I definitely did not like Ted Neely in the role, I thought he was weak, and very 'un-Jesus like'. I saw the Broadway play and Ben Vereen played Judas and he was just awesome. A few years ago PBS did a very good version with John Legend as Jesus, and it was really, really good.
@@nanook8721I felt the same way when I saw the movie. This version is so amazing and the movie didn't come close.
Same with Hair-I'd only ever heard the Broadway recording, which is great. The music and singing in the movie was just disappointing.
@@nanook8721 John Legend over Ted Neeley, eh? Hmmm...
Some Jehovah guys came up to me in the park, ‘do you believe in god’, I said which one? They stepped back. I said I like Ganesh, being a friend to elephants. And Odin and Freya had a lot going for them. They said, no, GOD. I pretended to be dumb, yeah, I heard you, which one? I took guilty pleasure in upsetting their day.
You hardly upset their day, friend.
The original alum came with a booklet that listed all the musicians and cast members. It also contained a full libretto. I'm surprised you can't find that online.
Absolutely the best, musically! I played this with headphones on so much in my teen years, I know it note-for-note at this point.....
I was 17 when JCS was released in 1970. I bought the 8-track tape and it was instant love. In fact, when it became a Broadway show in late 72, my girlfriend and I had our first grown-up type date and went into the city to see it. (we'd been together for a year at that point) We dressed up like adults do, had dinner at a very nice NYC restaurant and then off to the show. Obviously, a memorable night.
Your story matches mine almost exactly except I bought the album and my girlfriend and I drove from the Oregon coast to Portland to see it on a winter night. To see it on the stage was an experience beyond my wildest dreams. Later in life I took my oldest daughter to it, with Ted and Carl in the lead parts, and then a few years later took all three of my children to see Ted and Carl do it again. Just a masterpiece.
This album! The songs are just solid gold. Fantastic production.
Ooh, you did the movie, now the best version. I’ve loved this album so much since a music teacher played it in class. Overwhelming in places and very honest 😊
Yup it was due time I got to this one! I’m glad I finally did. I remember every word lol
@@L33Reacts Finally got my me-time. Wow, this will be good… Yeah, it’s exactly the one I had on vinyl ❤️
Thanks for the extra track. I think Hosanna was cut from the movie and this is your first time? Sensational track.
It is heart-rending; when I listen I live it and cry a lot. Whatever distorted kernel of truth there is to the Biblical story as we know it, this gets there for me ❤️
You are excellent! Enjoyed every minute. First time seeing this live, I was overwhelmed. Tears, chills, inspiration. I wasn’t raised in a religious household. First time I believed was because of this album…not the usual way. ❤
You are incredibly knowledgable and intellectual. Love your reactions.
When a work of art crosses generations then you know its a work of ART.
@@michaelz9892 it truly is a work of art. The movie was incredible, honestly. and I know this will be even better
@@L33Reacts Don't assume that. I was familiar with the film version first, and heard all these great things about the brown album. I checked it out, and it's good, but I remember thinking, why do so many people it's better than the film version, I don't think it is. I much prefer the film version. Neeley's Gethsemane, with all that grit and intensity, gives me goosebumps. No one else's version does that for me. The film's Last Supper is so much better than any other version of it. Dennen's Pilate is superior in the film. And Carl Anderson... there are no words. I do love the instrumentation and Murray Head's performance in Heaven on Their Minds. That guitar tone is so awesome. Murray Head was awesome throughout. I think he captured his character much better than Gillan and his interpretation of Jesus. And I am a huge Gillan and Deep Purple fan. At the end of the day, the 1970 and 1973 versions are all that really matter. I don't care at all for any of the more recent interpretations. Enjoy!
My mom got the record for the church Library when it came out, so we got to listen to it at home. eventually, I had it memorized, sang it through on a bus returning from DC with a friend, alternating parts, it was great
I guess she didn't understand that the message is that Christ was not a god.
Yvonne Elliman as Mary Magdalene & that Sweet sweet voice. By far my fav aling with "I don't know how to love Him!" She's Amazing!!!
I bought this when it came out and saw the film. I played this to death. Absolutely loved it. Earlier this year i went to the stage show. Pure nostalgia. It was very true to the film.
This version does not have the track “could we start again”, which was written for the play performance then included in the movie. On the 25 Anniversary album, it was performed differently than the movie version.
I Don't Know How to Love Him (Yvonne Elliman) | Jesus Christ Superstar (1973) | TUNE
I love, love this album. We were blown away when it came out. I had just became a teen and started growing my hair out ... "far out man."
The best is yet to come…
oh yes i cannot wait to get to gethsemane.. ted's version is one of my favorite finds on the channel so it will be tough to beat but i have faith in ian...
This is the first 8-Track I bought for my car.
Yvonne Elliman worked with many artists. Most well known as CLapton's background singer for several years. Sang on his version of "I shot the sheriff", among many others. She and Marcy Levy shared BG vocals on all of the "SLOWHAND" album.
What a great movie!!!
Yes it is. My only movie reaction so far. I loved it.
First heard this in school eighth grade 12 years old, eventually memorized the whole thing. My sister took me to see the play. Still love this!
Yes! Yes! Yes! Can’t wait.
It's happening!! Its gonna be a whole month thing, but we're gonna do the whole thing! it's about time.
@@L33Reacts Fantastic. I played that album constantly when teenager (I’m now 66). Saw live performance 3 times. Watched the movie, etc. It made me believe at that time.
I haven't heard this in 30 years. Thank you ❤
So glad you are doing this original album version - it is light years superior to ANY of the subsequent versions, recorded, filmed, or live. It's a shame ALW didn't leave this as it was - with all the rawness and spontaneity of a great first take - but instead dabbled in small changes here and there that, sadly, were not improvements. The Jesus/Judas/Mary M vocals on this album are unmatched, and the songwriting, both lyrics and music, is genius from first note to last. Outstanding choice!
Gonna be the first one to contend you are wrong. The movie version (especially the vocal performances) is so much better than the album version. E.g. just listen to how Murray Head here cannot sustain the first JESUUUUUS scream in HOTM for longer than a second and compare with how it's screamed pretty much perfectly by Carl Anderson in the movie version. And don't get me started how weak and inane Gillan sounds compared to Neeley.... I mean there IS a reason why they re-recorded the whole damn thing for the movie, lol.
@@johangalician620 Yes, the 1970 version is the original, and it's good, but the 1973 soundtrack took it to another level. I get that people like the original version best... I get it. I'm a huge Ian Gillan fan but his orgasmic noises and over-screaming don't do it for me. Neeley's delivery is better. I prefer Neeley's Gethsemane too. Carl Anderson... there are no words. The film's version of the Last Supper blows any other version away. Elliman and Dennen improve on their 1970 performances. I do really love the 1970 version of Heaven on Their Minds though. The guitar sound and Head's performance are great. Murray Head was great on the 1970 version. I prefer Murray Head's performance on the Brown Album to Gillan's.
Yes ❤ doesn't matter that decades pass! Just incredible!!! I was 14 and changed forever, wish I could make my tablet louder 😊 Yes, Judas in the movie could not have been more perfect. I still feel the movie is the best, especially the way it was on location! Great to watch your reaction and comments, so glad you love this! The music is mind-blowing for sure ❤❤❤
My parents had this record when it came Out…I listened to it as an elementary school kid and was amazed at how much it rocked
This came out when I was 19. Had to ask for a new album as I wore the first one out. I like this album and the movie album. Can't lie, my faith is strong and brings me joy. It's who I am with all my legions of imperfections. Beyond that, I love this as a piece of art, carefully crafted and fleshed out. Thank you for this great pick. Blessings all, truly.
1970, that is something, huh. Another brown colored album cover. Thanks Lee.
We can’t name one bad brown album and that is kinda freaky lol
Loved the movie. Mom dropped me and my girlfriend off to watch at the movies in 7th grade. Now I’m 65 and still watching.
1970....2 friends from high school and I were in our first year at university of houston. That summer we had gone out to the Chihuahuan desert in west Tx and picked a bunch of peyote. We were music lovers and when Superstar came out we went out to a lake cabin , took some of the peyote, and listened to this album for the first time ever. What an experience!!
OMG this album is my lifelong obsession. My mom played this nonstop when I was a kid and I never ever get tired of it.
❤🎶❤🎉 I bought this vinyl when it came out! I watched the movie 3 times!! You either hated or loved it!! I fell in love immediately, what's not to love about a biblical movie with hard hats!! 😂
My parents invited their Minister and wife over for dinner and to watch JCS, held their breath and they loved it!!
Lee, thought of Mr Farris, he'd probably love it too!!! 😊
🤩!!
I saw the play on broadway, I believe it was ‘71. I was gobsmacked. Yvonne Elliman was angelic. Went home and bought the album the next day. I’m glad to see it’s still having such an impact on new listeners today. Good show man.
The overture is just so amazing, a gorgeous preview of everything to come. It's almost impossible for me to start this album and not play it through to the end.
Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice wrote "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat" BEFORE Jesus Christ Superstar. You might enjoy it. There are bits in that which foreshadow JCS.
This came out when I was 8 - I first heard it when I was 9 or 10 . Listened to it constantly through elementary and high school. Memorized every note. I still believe that it is vastly superior to the movie both vocally and musically. The bass lines blow my mind!
Back in 1972 when I was 16 my best friend and I went to see the Sydney production of Jesus Christ Superstar about 12 times. I remember there were Christians protesting outside the theatre some nights and one night we were evacuated because of a bomb threat. Loved Superstar back then and still love it today.
Back in the early seventies, we were treated to listening to this album over a couple of days during my grade school music class! Received it as a birthday gift during Easter!
OMG. Guess I should have expected this from you. This is so 🔥🔥🔥 enjoy the irony of a story where Judas is the hero . Keep it rockin' Now 🎶🎶🎵🎶🔥💯🔥💃🔥🕺🔥
After watching the film in the cinema, I saved up my pocket money to buy this album, I played it soooo much, I drive my family nuts but what a brilliant album to go with the movie. I am going to watch the film again it’s available on Prime, memories , thanks 🏴🏴🏴
After Heaven on Their Minds should be What's the Buzz/Strange Thing Mystifying, then Everything's Alright
This was groundbreaking, sonic food for the soul. Gillan, Head and Elliman fan bloody tastic!!!!!
Thanks for keeping your word! lol
Great reaction!
The original blows the movie out of the water! Thanks, Lee!
You reacting to the movie is how I found you, so you know I'm here for this!! thank you!!
adding - I'm not religious, but I was fed a steady diet of many different musicals from a very early age. I was born at the end of 1969, so I don't remember a time that this didn't exist. Saturday mornings I'd wake up to the sound of whichever musical my Mom chose that week, and that's when she'd clean the house. 🥰
Love this. Blew me away at the time. Around 1994 a bunch of friends did this play/musical touring Italy. It was great fun! Soundtrack to a cosmic crime drama. I can't imagine belting this out night after night on stage... must take a toll on your vocal cords.
I was brought up Catholic, we were supposed to go to church on Good Friday. One year, either 1971 or 1972, my sisters and I convinced our parents to let us listen to Jesus Christ Superstar rather than go to church. :) A few of these songs really stand out in my memory, and none of them were ever in the rotation on the oldies stations, though three or four were played on the radio back then.
I've played drums for the play five times now, and I'd gladly play it again.
Great song
Yvonne Elliman toured with Clapton as one of his background singers as well as on a few of his albums. That is her you hear on I Shot the Sheriff.
Sorry L33, but ‘what’s the buzz’ was missing…
Did no one else listen to this reaction? Didn't anyone else notice that it skipped over "What's The Buzz?" & went into "Everything's Alright" instead? That's not how the album goes!
Yes I noticed that! 😮
local theatre group did this play with Gary Cherone from Extreme as guest star a few years ago
I happily forgo the visual to gain this audio experience. This album is the most important music experience in my life. I grew up on it. I love it as much at a 60 year old as I did as a 7 year old!!
I just found your channel! Instantly subscribed!!!
Looking forward to the journey with you!!
I first got this album when I was in Junior High in the 70s. I bought it at least 2 more times over the years. Such a great album. I do love the movie as well.
I watched that movie with you dude. So cool you’re doing this album.
I was in high school when this album was released, about wore out the 8 track tape listening to it in my car.
Been waiting for this since you did the other last Easter! Yay!
I had to come back to it! It had been long enough lol 😂
Me too!
I'm not religious but this was one of my most played albums during my undergrad days. Just amazing talent!
Yvonne Elliman "If I can't have you" cover written by the Bee Gees. She is the only one I know. I think I have all of her albums. She is soft rock. Ill give you more later.
I remember buying this album!!
Great album, takes me back to the seventies.
That Webber guy sure can write some good tunes huh!?
Bro…. Yes he does. It’s incredible how they stick with you. I remembered almost every word. I only watched it once! (I did listen to Ted’s gesthemane a million times tho) I probably butchered the spelling but oh well lol
@@L33Reacts,actually, that's pretty close. It's the Garden of Gethsemane, pronounced "Geth-seh-manee."
Yvonne Elliman - Mary Magdalene
Murray head is the opening vocal as Judas. I love how you were ready : "have you forgotten how put down we are". Murray Head killed it. In "damned for all time "his range is crazy. So I sent you some money. Plus I demanded reactions.
I cannot wait to hear the rest! That was so fun.
Phenomenal album.
This was a studio album the flesh out the concept. Later it was a play. Years later the movie.
why won't youtube let me click like 5 times?
This was the very first recording of Jesus Christ Supporters. It is known as the London Concept album, a studio recording before it was every produced onstage. It's the version I grew up with and memorized every note inflection! I consider it the definitive version.
Doing the album version (original cast recording) is the only way to hear it. I saw the London production in 1975, and was hooked for life…. Somehow the tracks got switched. What’s The Buzz comes before Everything’s Alright but whatever….. not one bad not or phrase or word or chord in this whole production…. Imho
It's so cool you're doing this. I just found it so I'll write more on part 2.
If you ever get a chance to see a live production of this musical-- do it! ☮
Judas- Murray Head
Jesus- Ian Gillian
Marry Magdalene- Yvonne Elliman
Priest- Paul Raven
Caiaphas- Victor Brox
Annas-Brian Keith
Siman- John Gustafson
Pontius Pilate- Barry Dennen
Maid by the fire- Annette Bronx
Peter- Paul Davis
King Herod- Mike D'abo
This is the recording I listened to, over and over, btw. The one with Ian Gillian as Jesus. The album was made first because they couldn't find backing for the stage production, but the album hit big, of course, and the rest is history.
Main Players
Ian Gillan - Jesus Christ
Murray Head - Judas Iscariot
Yvonne Elliman - Mary Magdalene
Victor Brox - Caiaphas, High Priest
Barry Dennen - Pontius Pilate
Supporting players
Brian Keith - Annas
John Gustafson - Simon Zealotes
Paul Davis - Peter
Mike d'Abo - King Herod
Other players
Annette Brox - Maid by the Fire
Paul Raven - Priest
P. P. Arnold, Tony Ashton, Tim Rice, Peter Barnfeather, Madeline Bell, Brian Bennett, Lesley Duncan, Kay Garner, Barbara Kay, Neil Lancaster, Alan M. O'Duffy, Terry Saunders - Background vocals
Choir conducted by Geoffrey Mitchell
Children's choir conducted by Alan Doggett on "Overture"
The Trinidad Singers, under the leadership of Horace James, on "Superstar"
Murray Head is Judas on this album
Someone else probably mentioned this, but the third song wasn't 'What's The Buzz', it was 'Everything's Alright'.
Ian Gillan, Murray Head, Yvonne Elliman, and the wonderfully malevolent Victor Brox as Caiaphas -- the best version of this play by a mile. It's not even vaguely close. Even the band rocks.
Was in a Catholic middle school when it came out. A couple of hip young Nuns would play in class at the end of the day...
🌸 feels kind of haunting, doesn't it
Several years ago there was a production of "Jesus Christ Superstar" on NBC. John Legend was Jesus. Alice Cooper was also in it..
I think he was King Herod.
The songs are great, but the vocal performances are completely off the charts. Ian Gillan has never been better. Barry Dennen's Pilate is fantastic. When this came out, there was nothing like it.
Hard to top Ian Gillian
Yeah that’s a tough act to follow no matter what lol but I loved Ted’s Jesus tho so.. we will see. I love Ian’s voice too though so it’s gonna be a win win 😂👍
I love this!! Best version ever! I also really love Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Great music, but a lot different from this.
Religion, Seventies- style. Classic rock. I still know all the words.