There have been so many TRHS recordings released in the past couple of decades that it may seem silly to some to own so many albums of the same show. But each TRHS recording is different in its own way. Some are good, some not-so-good. Some are very easy to find, others may be near to impossible to track down. Here I will examine, chronicle, and review each TRHS album released. -Kevin Boycik
Be sure to also check out Kevin Boycik's web page, Sanity For Today, where these reviews were originally taken from (with permission).
This recording is entirely in Icelandic. Believe it or not, this production of TRHS was done by college students. The musical arrangements on this album (although they are very reminiscent of the arrangements of TRHPS at times) are good, but at times very downbeat. The performers sing the songs very well without trying to get comical or ridiculous sounding. The performers playing Brad, Janet, Riff-Raff, and Frank all sound very energetic and entertaining.
However, one major downer about this recording is that most of the songs are a bit downbeat, as opposed to the traditional arrangements. Some songs like "Science Fiction/Double Feature", "Hot Patootie, Bless My Soul", and "Touch-A, Touch-A, Touch Me" are arranged to sound like elevator music. Some Rocky Horror songs just sound better when they are upbeat and faster.
There really is not anything on this recording that is unique and unusual, but that does not make it a horrible album. Some fans tend to turn away from TRHS albums in foreign languages. (WHY?!?! You should know what they are singing!) Some TRHS recordings in other languages are fabulous (like the Norsk Versjon and the Finnish Cast recordings) and some are not (like the Original German Cast). This album is pretty average. It is entertaining, but I would only recommend it to the die-hard Rocky Horror fans and collectors.
By the time the 1992 Australian Cast album of TRHS was released, there were already several other TRHS albums released. Plus this was the third Australian Cast recording alone. So it is no surprise that the producers of this recording decided to change the traditional arrangements to the show's score and put out something new, fresh, and different. Well, this recording is very unlike most TRHS cast albums out there. The only exception is the 1995 New Zealand Cast album, which is almost identical to this recording except for having different performers.
The album itself was recorded to be more of a studio album than an actual recording of how the songs were performed on stage. In fact, I have talked to people who saw this production, and they have said that some songs on this recording are nowhere near how they were done on stage. But I have to give credit to the producers of this album for being somewhat original and giving fans another way to enjoy the wonderful music that makes up TRHS.
This album was the first recording released with the show's opening line: "Glad you could come tonight!" (Not even the complete 1990 London Cast: The Whole Gory Story album included this line) Then it goes into a completely new arrangement (and a fine one, too) of "Science Fiction / Double Feature". Almost every song on this recording has new arrangements. Some of them are good, some are not-so-good. For example, many of the songs end in fades. (A no-no on most soundtracks of musical cast recordings -- how many live theatre musicals have songs that fade?) Columbia's solo in "The Time Warp" sounds like a rap. The beginning of "Touch-A, Touch-A, Touch Me" sounds like the theme from Batman. Some songs have lyrics altered a bit. Both "Charles Atlas Song" and its reprise are combined into one song (I personally like it that way myself -- only on an album, though). In songs like "Planet Schmanet, Janet" and "Don't Dream It", certain verses and/or choruses are repeated. For some mysterious reason, there is no Rocky Horror performing on this recording. "The Sword Of Damocles" is not on the album, and Frank sings his floorshow solo.
One interesting new arrangement on this album is "Eddie's Teddy". On this recording, the song is transformed into a twangy country song. Personally, I think it is very hilarious, campy, and cute. But every other fan I know hates this particular arrangement. "I'm Going Home" (to me) sounds very much like a U2 song (even the Frank sounds like Bono).
Since this album is so different from the traditional TRHS, I find that most fans either really love this recording, or they really HATE it. I really love it. (After hearing so many cast recordings, it is refreshing to hear something new)
This album is missing the tracks: "The Sword Of Damocles" and "Science Fiction / Double Feature (reprise)". Plus, oddly enough -- the 'Wild And Untamed Thing' section of "Rose Tint My World" is not included. (This is the album's one weak point -- "Rose Tint My World" sounds VERY incomplete without it. Also, the album has a bonus track: "The New Time Warp". I guess this is supposed to be a remix of some sort. Maybe I'm just deaf, but I honestly cannot tell the difference between this version and the one earlier on the album. A CD single was also released in Australia containing "The New Time Warp" and "Sweet Transvestite". (1992, Columbia Records Australia, 658880 2)
This album was a very original recording until the 1995 New Zealand Revival album was released. These two releases are almost identical to each other. The main difference between the two is that many of the vocals are arranged differently. But if you dislike one of the two albums, you'll dislike the other as well.
Plainly speaking, I really enjoy this recording. But not too many people agree with me. I guess you just have to hear it to decide for yourself. In any case, whether you like it or hate it in the end, I recommend that you at least give it a chance.
The Christopher/Emery Company recording of TRHS is not an actual cast recording, it is instead considered a "studio cast" recording. What makes a "studio cast" recording different is that the performers are not an actual ensemble that performed TRHS, but instead a group of vocalists who recorded the songs, and that is it. This album became the first of what seems like a never-ending flood of "studio cast" recordings (such as the NSO Ensemble, Toronto Musical Revue, and Show Collection recordings). These studio cast recordings seem to be very cheaply put together and produced, totally lacking in originality. (Most of these albums just do bad imitations of TRHPS soundtrack) This is probably why most of them are priced so cheaply. It seems to me that since the performers on these studio recordings lack the experience of getting on a stage and actually performing the show in front of an audience, it SERIOUSLY prevents them from pulling off good, believable, enjoyable performances on the albums. This is the case with The Christopher/Emery Company recording.
First of all, after listening to this album for a few moments, it is quite obvious that this album is trying to dupe the TRHPS soundtrack. The whole album is totally unoriginal, and it should just be called: "The Christopher/Emery Company Tries To Sing The Original Soundtrack Album To TRHPS". The album's musical contents are entirely identical to TRHPS Original Soundtrack, which means that the album is missing the songs: "The Sword Of Damocles", "Once In A While", and "Planet Schmanet, Janet".
Although the performers sound like they're having fun, the album just is not entertaining. But I guess with a retail price of around $6.99 you shouldn't expect a whole lot.
This recording, sadly, really has no high points of merit, but "The Time Warp", "Eddie's Teddy", and "I'm Going Home" are especially bad. I'll even go so far as to question whether this recording is really legitimate. I wonder how these people got the permission/rights to release this recording.
Overall, I would only recommend this copycat recording to the die-hard RH audio junkies who just have to have everything; otherwise, stick to the movie soundtrack and the REAL cast albums.
This recording is a wonderful Rocky Horror album. It is probably also one of the most original TRHS recordings ever released. Although it is all sung/spoken in Finnish, it is a real treat to listen to.
Some of the songs on this album were recorded in a studio, while others are performed live in front of an audience. There are also several bits of dialogue on this recording. The musical arrangements are fantastic, and every performer on this recording is superb. The album's finest songs are "The Time Warp" and "Rose Tint My World", but each song is really fabulous.
One unique thing about this album is that there are two "hidden tracks" on the CD. (I think this is the only Rocky Horror CD to date with "hidden tracks".) The album ends with "Super Heroes", then there is about a minute of silence, and then it kicks into a nice, smooth, sweet version of "Science Fiction/Double Feature". Then, after that is over, there is more silence, and then the Narrator chimes in with a few lines of dialogue. (I am not sure what he is saying - it is in Finnish.)
This recording is a must-have to any Rocky Horror fan's audio library. Great performances, rockin', upbeat arrangements, originality, and a very unique style make this one of the best. Even if you do not understand a word of Finnish, this album is sure to please.
This recording is almost identical to the 1992 Australian Cast recording. The exact same musical arrangements are used, and the two recordings sound very much alike. Just like the 1992 Australian Cast, this recording takes a new approach to TRHS cast albums. The only difference is that this recording has an entirely different performing ensemble. But since the two sound so alike, it is very difficult to judge which one is the best of the two.
This recording features a fabulous "Science Fiction/Double Feature", which really gets this album off to a good start. Also, this album's versions of "Over at the Frankenstein Place", "Once in a While", and "Planet Schmanet, Janet" are pretty enjoyable as well. All the performers on this recording are quite energetic, and they all sound good. This recording's main weakness is that it is an almost complete replication of the 1992 Australian Cast. I am assuming the producers did not consider all the Rocky Horror fans who collect every recording, because if you have never heard the 1992 Australian Cast recording then this is really a fine cast recording. But for those die-hard completist fans, there is really nothing new here. This recording's other downers include "Eddie's Teddy" (personally, I like the country/western arrangement, but Dr. Scott sounds too much like a Nazi here) and an INCOMPLETE "Rose Tint My World".
This recording features the show's original spoken intro: "Glad you could come tonight!" as well as a bonus track: "The New Time Warp (Megamix)". This "megamix" features an extended version of the song that is slightly re-mixed, but it is nothing too fabulous. In summary, although this recording is not too original it is still quite entertaining and enjoyable.
Yes, this is yet another studio recording of The Rocky Horror Show, not an actual ensemble of people who performed the show on stage. So it comes as no surprise that this recording is really not that enjoyable.
Robin Cousins (Dr. Frank-N-Furter) is the only member of the ensemble that I know of who has actually performed in productions of TRHS, but this does not mean his performance transcends well to a recording. His Frank is very weak, and nothing to sit up and notice. Other disappointing aspects of this recording are Steve Butler and Cheryl Baker's Brad and Janet. Can you say lounge singers?? There is no emotion or energy put into any of the performances here, and the songs are just sung shallowly, which makes this entire recording very difficult to enjoy.
This album is a perfect example of what happens when great music is taken and mutilated by people who just care about money, and do not care about putting together an exceptional recording. I am sure the producers knew that there would be some Rocky Horror fans out there who would buy this piece of trash. The whole thing sounds like bad karaoke done by really amateur lounge singers. I would rather listen to "Hey Jude" by Bing Crosby.
Other very low points of this album: the chorus of "The Time Warp" (if this doesn't get your ears bleeding, nothing will) and Robin Cousins' ENTIRE performance. (Hey Robin, how about SINGING the part instead of speaking it through like you are reciting a lesson for an elocution teacher???) This is yet another recording I recommend only to the "gotta-have-it-all" die-hard fans. Otherwise, steer clear of this turkey.
This recording is more of a single than a full-length album. It was only released on CD and was only sold during the Aarhus Teatre's production of The Rocky Horror Show. Since this recording has never been available in stores and is less than ten minutes long, it is definitely one of the most interesting recordings released.
This recording contains only three songs: "The Time Warp", "Sweet Transvestite", and "Over at the Frankenstein Place". Oddly enough, this recording is sung in Danish but is really more of a combination of BOTH Danish and English. A lot of the lyrics are sung in English, which makes it a bit easier for some American Rocky Horror fans to enjoy.
The performances, musical arrangements, and production quality of this EP/CD are top-notch. It is very entertaining, but since there is so little on this recording it really just leaves the listener hungry for more. I think the highlight of this recording is "Over at the Frankenstein Place"; it's a very smooth, delightful track. But the other two are quite good, as well.
Not too much can be said about such a short recording. The music is good, the performers are above average, and even though the cover is very odd-looking, the artwork in the inner sleeve is very original and comical.
Since this production of The Rocky Horror Show has since closed, I would assume that this CD/EP will most likely never be given a second pressing release, making it even more difficult to obtain. I would recommend this CD/EP very highly (if you can come across it).
This is actually one of the best TRHS cast recordings that has been released in the past few years. The performances are quite good, the music is fantastic, and there is quite a bit of originality in the performing.
The recording opens with the show's spoken intro, "Glad you could come tonight!", and it also features something totally new to all TRHS recordings - an Overture. I am assuming that this overture is played at the beginning of this production, although I am not positive. Personally, being a big fan of musical theatre myself, I enjoy overtures in musicals. If they are presented in the right way, they can really give you a good, energetic feel for what you are about to see. (Like the fabulous Overture to Shock Treatment.) This "Overture" is basically "Sweet Transvestite" played on an organ, but it is something new so it is not all that bad. This recording features bits of dialogue in between the tracks, and at times it sounds reminiscent of the 1990 London Cast: The Whole Gory Story recording.
This album's biggest weakness is that it is missing TOO MANY of the show's songs. Gone from this recording are the songs: "Charles Atlas Song", "Charles Atlas Song (reprise)", "Once in a While", "Eddie's Teddy", "Planet Schmanet, Janet", "Rose Tint My World", and "Super Heroes". Why is this recording so incomplete? It is not even 45 minutes long, so there is room for another 25 minutes worth of music here. One added track is "The Time Warp (Euromix '96)". It is becoming a tradition to feature re-mixes and extended versions of "The Time Warp" on cast recordings. Both the 1992 Australian Cast and 1995 New Zealand Revival feature similar re-mixes. This re-mix, however, is pretty good. Clocking in at eight and a half minutes, it features a lot of dialogue and a few candid bits from the cast (probably goofs made during recording). Although this is a good track, I would rather the producers spend more time on recording a few more of the show's songs. One should NOT be allowed to release a TRHS recording and leave out "Rose Tint My World"; it is an essential track.
This is a pretty good recording, and if this is how the 1996/97 European Tour sounds live, I am sure it is a really good show. Pick this one up if you can get it.
This recording is yet another "studio cast" recording. However, this recording is nowhere as bad as some of the other studio cast recordings. First of all, it features actual British stage performers - some of whom have experience performing The Rocky Horror Show on stage. This recording is also the very first Rocky Horror recording to be recorded in Dolby Surround Sound. Listening to this recording with the proper surround-sound equipment is quite an experience. (How about that lightning?) Another thing that makes this recording pretty good is that it features the original musical arrangements from the Original London Cast by Richard Hartley.
This recording's main weakness is one that really hurts the whole album: the performers. Now, I know that they are not amateurs, but the performances on this recording are HORRIBLE, with the exceptions of Aidan Bell (Riff Raff) and Brian May (Eddie). Anita Dobson (The Usherette/Magenta) and Howard Samuels (Dr. Frank-N-Furter) are so bad they almost make your ears bleed. "Eddie's Teddy" sounds like a really bad easy-listening tune. It is really sad that this album has such great musical arrangements and a professional ensemble, but it is all made worthless with this miserable performing. For example, why does the entire cast feel the need to change some of the lyrics and speak silly dialogue during the songs? ("Won't someone take me home?" really does not need to be said while singing 'I'm Going Home' or "Look at that muscle!" during 'The Charles Atlas Song'). Also, it should be mentioned that Christopher Lee (The Narrator) is a veteran actor in motion pictures, Adam Caine (Rocky Horror) also performed the same part on the 1990 London Cast (The Whole Gory Story) recording, and Aidan Bell also released a solo version of "The Time Warp" on his album Time Warp. (That version is much better than the one on this recording).
This album's highlight is Brian May's performance, which is only one song: "Hot Patootie (Bless My Soul)". Brian May was the guitarist for Queen, and his involvement in this project came about because he has been romantically involved with Anita Dobson for several years now. "Hot Patootie" was NOT recorded with all the other music on this album. It was recorded separately with Brian's own back-up band, and Brian liked the final mix of the song so much that he considered releasing it as a single or including it on a future album. This is why the first two releases of this recording do not feature this track. The plans for a single release fell through, and the song finally appeared on the third release of this album. Rocky Horror fans first got to hear this track at the RHPS 20th Anniversary Convention in Los Angeles in October 1995.
I would not recommend this recording unless you are a die-hard Rocky Horror or Queen fan. Take my word for it, some of the performances on this recording are terrible. There is also really no need to get all three different releases of this recording, unless you are one of those "I've gotta have EVERYTHING" fans. One last note: I am also a serious fan of Brian May and Queen, and this recording takes two of my favorite obsessions and puts them together. The only track I EVER listen to on this recording is Brian's "Hot Patootie".
This recording is probably one of the worst Rocky Horror recordings in existence. Following in the footsteps of The Christopher/Emery Company recording, this album is yet another "studio cast" recording. The performers here have probably never had any experience with an actual production of TRHS. Just like The Christopher/Emery Company recording, this album is another rip-off of the movie soundtrack.
This is probably the most horrible of all the "studio cast" recordings; there are not even enough performers to fill the ensemble cast (only two males doing vocals). The singing is really bad, and it is all just too obvious that the performers are trying to imitate the Original Soundtrack to TRHPS album. Of course, since it would have been too difficult to be original, this album is missing the tracks: "Sword Of Damocles", "Once in a While", and "Planet Schmanet". How do Lou Adler and Richard O'Brien let these people get away with releasing such horrible rip-off albums?? Seriously, all the people who believe the Mexican Cast album is a sad rip-off of the Original Roxy Cast have probably never heard this copycat recording.
The album has little to be said about it. Some of the songs are really wretched, and the album's only favorable aspect is that it is so inexpensive in stores. (For collectors who have paid enormous prices on foreign cast recordings, this is a nice break for once)
The album's cover is also pretty disappointing, letting you know immediately that this is a poorly-made recording. The cover also states "Over 50 minutes of playing time" (WHY?!?!?! What does it even matter how long it is?), but the recording clocks in at just over 45 minutes. Can someone say scam??
This recording is definitely one for the die-hards only. Yes, it is tempting with its low, low price (I have seen it priced as low $1.99!) but it really is not worth it. Maybe I am being a bit unfair in reviewing this recording since I've only listened to it two or three times, but I could not bear to hear Richard O'Brien's immortal music yelped out the way it sounds on this recording. Honestly, if you are a die-hard collector, then pick one up for your collection. But if you are NOT a Rocky Horror audio junkie, please be advised: stay far, far away from this one!!!!
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Shawn McHorse