Re: I'm listening to...

> I don't often need a "Les Mis" fix, but when I do, this is the recording
> I go to. So what are YOU listening to?

I've been having a Heart of Darkness experience... yes, folks, I've
been subjecting myself to the Complete Works of Patti LuPone.  (Well,
nearly complete.  I don't own The Robber Bridegroom, the library
system didn't have a copy, and I just don't care enough to order it
from amazon.)  There is an explanation - this goes back to the
argument with the friend who insisted Bernadette Peters can do no
wrong and Patti can do no right.  And, well, after a week of being
really submersed in Patti-dom, I can see where he's coming from.  She
has some really great performances -- her Patti Lupone Live album that
she recorded just before starting rehearsals for Sunset Blvd is a
definite highlight.  (Speaking of highlights, it's odd that the
highlights version of this recording omits many of the best
performances.  Definitely worth tracking down the 2-disc version.)
And I still like a lot of her early work, especially The Baker's
Wife.  And she's pretty good in Sunset.  But oy can I not stand her
Anything Goes, or her Irving Berlin Album, or...  you get the picture.

I've also been immersing myself in recordings of songs from Annie Get
Your Gun.  (There is some overlap - Patti's recorded four of the
songs.  Her Moon****ne Lullabye is a keeper.  The rest?  Not so much.)
Today I listened to the Lincoln Center recording for the first time in
years.  This is the recording that initially turned me off the score
many years ago, until I heard Merman's earlier recording and realized
it wasn't the score that was the problem, it was Merman's late-career
mannerisms (something she and Patti have in common, in differing
degrees).  What I've discovered is that my taste in AGYG changes with
the times.  Five years ago, the Raitt/Martin version was my favorite.
Now?  I'm not sure.  I've been gravitating to Barbara Cook's cabaret
renditions of the scores.

(Of course, I listen to a gazillion cast albums each week, so this
week has also included the 40s revival of Show Boat - love it! - the
2003 British Anything Goes - don't love it - the 30th Anniversary Cast
Album of Annie - eh, has its moments - and a bunch of others that have
slipped my recollection.