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Post by queenofthehours on Dec 7, 2014 14:55:10 GMT
Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of the Worlds (1978)
Tracks - The Coming of the Martians 1 - The Eve of the War 2 - Horsell Common and The Heat Ray 3 - The Artilleryman and The Fighting Machine 4 - Forever Autumn 5 - Thunder Child The Earth Under the Martians 6 - The Red Weed (Part 1) 7 - The Spirit of Man 8 - The Red Weed (Part 2) 9 - The Artilleryman Returns 10 - Brave New World 11 - Dead London 12 - Epilogue (Part 1) 13 - Epilogue (Part 2)
Jeff Wayne's War of the Worlds is a retelling of the novel by H. G. Wells and is the 39th best selling album of all time in the UK. The album was recorded at Advision Studios in London between May 18, 1976 and June 30, 1977 and was one of the first recorded on 48 tracks, using two synchronised 24 track Studer A80s.
Wayne worked virtually 24 hours a day at the time. In the hours when he wasn't working on the album he also produced records for other artists and wrote and recorded music for TV advertisements. Richard Burton was at the top of Wayne's list of possible Narrators and when asked, Burton agreed immediately. In fact he had just read the H G. Wells novel in his spare time while performing in a play. Burton's contract was for five days to be in the studio as needed, each day being up to 12 hours, but being the professional that he was he managed to complete everything in one day.
I chose this album for many reasons. One being that anything with Justin Hayward in seems to go down well on this website. Another is that this LP means an awful lot to me. This was the record I was listening to when I first fell in love with ELO and it bridges the gap between that band and the classical music I usually listened to before. I had only listened to classical for many years and recognised enough symphonic structure and depth in TWOTW's music for me to wonder if prog rock was really classical music in disguise. A few months later Jeff Lynne appeared in my life and I swear that if it hadn't been for this LP I wouldn't have fallen so heavily for his synthesised pop magic. I was in the mood for epic pop music and Mr Lynne was there at the right time to provide it. TWOTW's mix of classical, orchestral and epic ideas with well thought-out accessible pop tunes was the best of both worlds for me; without Jeff Wayne I couldn't have loved Jeff Lynne.
There is a new, modern version out now with Gary Barlow taking Justin's place and Liam Neeson taking Burton's. In fact, the very week that the new album was released Jeff Lynne was taking part in Radio 2's Tracks of My Years with Ken Bruce who always seemed to get our Mr Lynne's name mixed up with Mr Wayne's! Even Carl Wayne's name was added into the confusion. There's a lot in common between both Jeffs - both know their was around a studio and are quite happy to put in the hours to get the work done. Both are clearly musical and production geniuses with equally genius ideas and both compose truly wonderful pop songs. Maybe TWOTW could be a futuristic, spacey counterpart to Out of the Blue as both were recorded and released at a similar time.
I hope everyone enjoys the album and if not will judge the music on it's storytelling merits.
(Ignore the last two tracks on the video as they are not part of the original album)
George Herbert, The Journalist – Richard Burton The Sung Thoughts of The Journalist – Justin Hayward The Artilleryman – David Essex The Voice of Humanity – Chris Thompson Parson Nathanial – Phil Lynott Beth, Parson Nathaniel’s Wife – Julie Covington The Heat Ray – Jo Partridge The Voice of NASA – Jerry Wayne
Guitars – Chris Spedding & Jo Partridge Bass guitar – Herbie Flowers Drums – Barry Morgan Percussion – Barry De Souza, Roy Jones & Ray Cooper Synthesizers – Ken Freeman Piano & Harpsichord – Jeff Wayne Piano on The Red Weed – Paul Hart Tar, Santur & Autoharp – George Fenton
This link has more information about the recording of the record -
www.thewaroftheworlds.com/thestory/default.aspx
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Post by livinthing on Dec 7, 2014 15:06:32 GMT
What an excellent choice. Back in 78/9 in junior school,our teacher decided that instead of normal lessons she would play this all the way through. I have the special edition CD released a few years back.
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Post by Horacewimp on Dec 7, 2014 15:07:00 GMT
Great choice QOTH I love War of The Worlds album, some people used to think it was done by Jeff Lynne I seem to remember.
Recently got the new version with Gary Barlow etc on it, not as good as the original though.
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Post by jefflynnenut on Dec 7, 2014 17:09:41 GMT
This was my next choice!!!!!!! As an avid Moody's fan and Lizzy freak as well, this album ticks ALL!!!!! the boxes for me! As soon as I opened up the page a chill ran down my spine! It is my 1st/2nd (OOTB/WOTW) "I still cannot decide" desert island disk. As it has been (polluted) by Z lister "celebs" over the past decade I have found my self giving a wide berth to the new re recorded stuff however I have caught the live shows twice in the first year and I am the proud owner of various clothing items and you will usually find me dressed in said attire! I cannot even begin to explain what this album is too/for me! I won't do it justice! But this is the granddaddy of all my musical taste and it was my first "turn on". Without this album and the effect it had on me E.L.O. probably would have passed me by. As a fine detail watercolourist the illustration and concept has actually shaped my career today. (And no I am not blowing this out of proportion). My first encounter of this album was a cassette played on the first sony walkman so about 1981? My late Dad would put me on the crossbar of his bicycle and cycle me down into the countyside by the canals with a pair of fishing rods in the hot summer days and while he cycled my young eggshell mind was being blown away as I imagined these "invaders" coming and picturing in my mind when I would close my eyes that my dad was cycling away from them and saving us both! So actually it also is probably one of my favourite moments with my late dad. So when I seen the OOTB album for the first time in '86 it was a natural progression for TWOTW. 1. THE EVE OF THE WAR. Richard Burtons NO ONE WOULD HAVE BELIEVED IN THE LAST YEARS OF THE NINTEENTH CURTURY, THAT HUMAN AFFAIRS WERE BEING WATCHED FROM THE TIMELESS WORLDS OF SPACE!!! Cut like glass with the volume up max.....AND THEN......DUH DUH DUHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!. The best intro to an album ever...(TIME,FTM,SECRET) INCREDIBLE!!! 2. HORSELL COMMON. dum dum dum dum di dum di dum di dum duhhhh dum!!!!! The bass line by Herbie Flowers seems to creep in from nothing...(Genius) accompanied by "Two feet of shining screw projected when......SUDDENLY THE LID FELL OFF!!!!). Picture a 6 year olds imagination..(TWO LUMINOUS DISK LIKE EYES APPEARED ABOVE THE RIM, A HUGE ROUNDED BULK, LARGER THAN A BEAR ROSE UP,SLOWLY, GLISTENING LIKE "WET LEATHER" ITS LIPLESS MOUTH QUIVERED AND SLATHERED, AND SNAKE LIKE TENTICLES WRITH AS THE CLUMSY BODY HEAVED AND PULSATED) HOLY S**T!!! I was terrified!! Bahahahah. What a wordsmith! "I CANNOT BELIEVE I CAN STILL REMEMBER THESE WORDS WITHOUT THE ALBUM!, THEY'RE TATTOO'D INTO MY PSYCHE!" 3.The ARTILLERYMAN AND THE FIGHTING MACHINE. Ilove the buzz guitar played by Joe Partridge...I figure thats where the song (Never had girl like you before" by Edwin Collins) most likely was taken from? The sound of the strings, Moog and Arp keyboards whizzing and machine gun like drumming all fill the imagination of a "take over" so perfectly! I can here E.L.O. all over this album...I'm sure Jeff Lynne must have gone crazy for it!!!!!! The closing of this track with the Tolling of the "House of Commons bell" closing this chapter.....and straight into sheer audio orgasm...... 4. FOREVER AUTUMN. Did Paul Vigrass and Gary Osbourn crawl into Justin Haywards head and steal this from his genius brain??? It's a moody blues track without the Moody's or Justin's writing? SHEER ECSTACY for me.....I will NEVER tire of this song....Richard Burtons narration bring us to the hopeless conclusion that man COULD be doomed and his Love Carrie is being whisked away from him and he is powerless...Beautifully imaginary, so meloncholy.....and then.....were back!!!!! 5. THUNDERCHILD...Powerhouse Chris Thompson vocally brings us to the triumphant THUNDERCHILD!! as depicted on the album cover. But the machine "Melt her valient heart" after she successfully defeats one of the tripods!!! Unbelievable Vocal acrobatics from Chris.....Farwell Thunderchild! 6. THE RED WEED. Heartbeats....sinister piano roll..(The vegetation that gives Mars its red appearance had taken root)..even the earth is succuming to these aliens...music beautiful and drifty and takes your imagination to the rapid growing of the tenticles....2:50..the sun dawns...and it grows and it grows....3:24 piercing guitar, moog and strings.....Was Jeff Wayne listening to the Dame?....And thennnnn... 7.THE SPIRIT OF MAN. Fantastic narration from both Phil Lynnot and Julie Covington R.I.P. BOTH. The pull between hopelessness and sense. Between the two characters are playing out the struggles of the entire human race. 8. THE RED WEED PT 2. The horrifying truth of what the aliens are harvesting from out planet!....Love the bass and screaming concluision!!!STOPPPPP! 9. THE ARTILLERYMAN RETURNS. The great David Essex arrives with hope and plans for the future and he's prepared to build NOW! 10. BRAVE NEW WORLD. And he sings the latter. 11. DEAD LONDON. Nothing, desolate, empty...the sad moog and harmonics of the electric guitar ringout the dirty, burned out crumbling nothingness that is London......eerie guitar and....uuuullllaahhhhhh! and STOP! 12. DUH DUH DUHHHHHHH!!!!!!. He has nothing to give...nothing left and dawning on him they are dead!!!! Hope, Joy and excileration from the hi hat work on the drums and the upbeat music stir you into a spirit uplifting excitment!!! Whilst we failed in our fight..BACTERIA! BACTERIA! THE WERE DOOOMMMED!!!!!CONCLUSION!!!!!!!! 13. EPILOGUE 1. JOYOUS, AND SWAYING STRINGS....THE JOINING OF PEOPLE AGAIN...HIS LOVE CARRIE RETURNING....BUT...are we safe?, will they return?, when? will life ever be the same?... 14. EPILOGUE 2 (NASA). Ground control to major Tom....Contact, Contac,cont.........Green mist...OH S********T!!!!!! I AIN'T EVEN GONNA BOTHER PUT A RATING ON THIS ALBUM. I think y'all catch my drift!!!! Good Choice, well done!
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Post by jrmugz on Dec 7, 2014 21:37:12 GMT
Never even heard of it, qoth, but it sounds like it will be totally awesome. Already love "Forever Autumn" from my "Best of the Moody Blues" CD.
Can't wait to play it this week, and look for my feedback later in the week!!!
Jim
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Post by queenofthehours on Dec 8, 2014 16:53:07 GMT
Sorry for sneaking your choice jefflynnenut , but it's clear great minds think alike!
I really didn't think anyone would have heard it let alone adored it. I love your review, it perfectly describes the power of the album; I agree with it all. It's a contender for my desert island disk too. Well, winner really - who could get bored of TWOTW? It keeps on giving with every listen.
The first time I encountered the story was by reading the novel for A-Level and I'm sure jefflynnenut would agree that it's a total waste of time watching the movie versions of TWOTW as they are about as close to the book as Jeff Lynne is to this year's X-Factor winner. The only true interpretation of the H. G. Wells classic is this musical version.
Some fun Burton out-takes - Listen out for the Great One's difficulty pronouncing the place-name "Billericay". Proof that even a legend can be mortal.
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Post by jefflynnenut on Dec 8, 2014 18:57:59 GMT
Sorry for sneaking your choice jefflynnenut , but it's clear great minds think alike!
I really didn't think anyone would have heard it let alone adored it. I love your review, it perfectly describes the power of the album; I agree with it all. It's a contender for my desert island disk too. Well, winner really - who could get bored of TWOTW? It keeps on giving with every listen.
The first time I encountered the story was by reading the novel for A-Level and I'm sure jefflynnenut would agree that it's a total waste of time watching the movie versions of TWOTW as they are about as close to the book as Jeff Lynne is to this year's X-Factor winner. The only true interpretation of the H. G. Wells classic is this musical version.
Some fun Burton out-takes - Listen out for the Great One's difficulty pronouncing the place-name "Billericay". Proof that even a legend can be mortal.
Lovin this Queeny! I have the collectors Edition and all of this is on it!
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Post by Horacewimp on Dec 12, 2014 14:54:41 GMT
I have been thinking all week what to write but JLN's review sums up my feelings exactly. This was the second album I bought after OOTB, I had to save up some time for it as it was another double album and so expensive. Nothing I can think of since has surpassed these two albums, I'm not sure if that is good or bad but I have such happy memories of them. TWOTW got it home checked out the booklet and pictures which came with it and was blown away, then to the record from the initial tones of Richard Burton "No one would …" to the NASA guy at the end I had never heard anything like it a complete story on four sides of vinyl. So I'm not going to dissect each song, whats the point the whole album is fantastic, I'm now off to listen to it again.
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Post by unomusette on Dec 13, 2014 19:51:12 GMT
What a brilliant choice, I've never owned this but of course I've heard the singles and have heard it in full in the (distant) past as my ex was a big fan of it. For a start it's a great idea for a concept album, plus it has an epic range of talent on board. Add the stunning artwork and it's halfway to being a winner before you even start listening. The Eve of the War - The immortal Burton kicks things off, I like the way it just goes straight into his narration without a load of build up. Then comes the overture with its fabulous clear and layered sound thanks to Jeff Wayne's production skills, it's the best kind of opening. You just know you're in for a treat. Horsell Common and The Heat Ray - Neat, the way the train shunting effects merge into the song. LOVE the description of the Martian, no wonder JLN was spooked as a kid. And we meet the heat ray, eek! Great funky guitar work on this, which goes with the balalaika sound to evoke something foreign and threatening. The Artilleryman and The Fighting Machine - Cor! David Essex sounds young. Nice bit of battlefield scene-setting. Ullaaaarrrghhhh! Forever Autumn - It's a classic, and even better with the narration interspersed. I remember hearing an interview with Justin Hayward when the album came out, he said Jeff Wayne had arranged it all perfectly even to the pitch of his voice so that all he had to do was turn up and sing. Love the description of the Rout of Civilisation, shivers down the spine time. Thunder Child - Reminds me of something America might have done as it begins, brings a bit of hope to the story...hurray, a tripod's down...oh no! Disaster! But the steamer got away, phew! The Earth Under the Martians and The Red Weed (Part 1) - It's all gone a bit desolate. Again this paints a vivid picture of the smothering invasion. It does go on a bit, but it all adds to the atmosphere and gives you a chance to go and get a cup of tea/vat of cheap red The Spirit of Man - SO good to hear Phil Lynott again. And Julie Covington too, her voice is always a treat to listen to. Great dramatic song with lots of chances for Phil to do some ranting and Julie to soothe, love it. The Red Weed (Part 2) - Ewww, so that's what they're up to, how horrid. I shall drink more wine to calm my nerves. The Artilleryman Returns - More funky guitar, nice. Brave New World - David Essex could really do with some acting lessons. This is a great song though, and well sung. Are things about to get better? Erm....maybe not right away... Dead London - The end has come for those pesky invaders. Great atmospheric description of the desolation of London and happy, triumphant return to the Eve of the War tune. Epilogue (Part 1) - Hmm, maybe it's not all good news, don't be too complacent. Always good advice at any time. Epilogue (Part 2) - See? I told you so! I'm sure he had a good reason, maybe his pension needed topping up, but I don't see why Jeff Wayne made another version of this. The parts I heard sounded either much the same (eg Gary Barlow and Forever Autumn) or not as good (who could rival Richard Burton ffs?) I enjoyed listening to this very much, feels like I have "must hear" classic under my belt and, unlike a lot of "must hear"'s, it was no chore at all. Thanks to queenofthehours for sharing
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Post by queenofthehours on Dec 14, 2014 20:02:47 GMT
My review is going to look very poor coming after other people's better ones but I did my hard work choosing the album! As Horace said, what's the point dissecting the whole album when it's so fantastic? An impossible task! One day I'll write a whole essay on this fantastic album and publish it but until that time comes these are just a few thoughts:
The Coming of the Martians
The Eve of the War – A synth masterpiece; probably the most famous piece of music on the whole album: half symphony half pop. This track sets up the mood of the story along with an early appearance of the heat ray. Jeff’s moment of genius here is to incorporate Justin’s vocals into the piece without breaking the momentum.
Horsell Common and The Heat Ray – Possibly my favourite track as it features a lot of George Fenton. It starts off quietly, linking to the previous track without a break. Jeff uses a lot of FX on this in order to get across as much of the story as possible, especially on the eerie unscrewing of the cylinder. The best part is the unnerving guitar as the Heat Ray – better than TV or movie FX could ever be.
The Artilleryman and The Fighting Machine – David Essex plays the Artilleryman. Here, both he and the Journalist travel to London. The leitmotif of the ‘The Eve of the War’ and the Heat Ray appear here to indicate the Martian’s attack and their cry of “Ulla” is heard. All the music here providing better SFX than any Hollywood team ever could.
Forever Autumn – Big Ben leads us into the most famous song on the album. A lovely, plaintive track sung by Justin Hayward, with some great strings, showing the humanity that the Martians are seeking to destroy.
Thunder Child – Chris Thompson sings the part of the Voice of Humanity here describing the action of the battle between the ship and the Martians. Where the album has the near impossible task of presenting an action sequence without visuals it manages to succeed where even film fails by mixing music, song and narration. The result is even more gripping as it allows the listener to create the picture.
The Earth Under the Martians The Red Weed (Part 1) – How to depict growing plant life in music? Jeff does it so well with the creepy sci fi sounds used here. Not only can you hear the plant spreading you also hear its menace.
The Spirit of Man – Phil and Julie - a great, almost operatic duet. The dramatic high point of the album as characters reflect on the impossible situation.
The Red Weed (Part 2) – The creepy Martian music again indicating nothing but a bad end and a horrible death for everyone.
The Artilleryman Returns / Brave New World – David Essex again. I’ve always liked the guitar here. It might be a mad idea, to build a world underground, but this song makes you believe it’s possible.
Dead London – Jeff uses the motifs from earlier to remind us of what has gone before.
Epilogue (Part 1) / Epilogue (Part 2) - The joy of humanity’s restoration - yet what is still out there in space?
This was a life-changing album for me. Thanks to all who listened to it and those who wrote reviews. It's great to know that others hold this album in as a high regard as I do!
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Post by Horacewimp on Dec 14, 2014 20:26:15 GMT
Reading on Wikipedia it seems the album didn't have international success as it only lists chart positions for UK, Holland and Australia, this would seem to fit in with the reviews so far.
I would be interested to hear what some of the forum members in other countries think of the album as it might be their first time hearing it.
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Post by jrmugz on Dec 14, 2014 21:55:09 GMT
OK, here is my review of "Jeff Wayne's War of the Worlds".
I did something unique when reviewing this and channeled the late great Robin Williams to review it through me.
So here is what he said about each of the songs:
1. The Eve Of The War - "Ho, just what we need after racial killings and terrorist attacks, a war of the worlds! The first song is pretty cosmic, well we're all going to get killed by Martians, let's make a nice cosmic dance groove to spread the news! Look out heavy explosion, might blow the cover off of all of Bill Cosby's rape cover-ups!" 2. Horsell Common And The Heat Ray - "The suspense thickens with this and the next song, as we get near The Dark Side of the Moon." 3. The Artilleryman And The Fighting Machine - "As Archie Bunker would say 'See the previous comment, hah?'" 4. Forever Autumn - "So they're not here, must have needed to use the restroom? Anyways, a killer classic song with an amazing Justin Hayward vocal, even though Graeme has the edge! It's the war of the worlds, The Moody Blues vs. U2!!! " 5. "Thunder Child" - "Thee shtormy winds may blow me friends, the shtormy winds may blow. Why do all these showtunes of disaster and destruction have to be so happy. I guess it is a groovin' jam that continues the story well enough." 6. The Red Weed (Part 1) - "Speakin' of which, I will just say that from skimming through this and the rest of the songs, I'm going to have Jim buy this CD, so he can enjoy it all along So, so long! See you again at the movies in the third part of Night at the Museum, and you can just call me Ted when you see me there!!!"
Thanks, Robin, and JLN for the cool pick.
Star Rating: 4 out of 5 Prime Cuts: "Forever Autumn", "The Spirit of Man", "Brave New World" Bottom Line: The Phantom of the Opera goes cosmic, cool flowing CD, cool classic 20th century American story put to a nice soundtrack, with the beautiful ballad "Forever Autumn".
Jim
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Post by queenofthehours on Dec 15, 2014 17:36:55 GMT
Wow! Such is the power of this album we've got a celebrity review. Thanks Robin!
"The Phantom of the Opera goes cosmic" Yes that pretty much sums up the album.
Classic 20th century American story? Oh dear me no sir, Classic 19th century British story, oh yes!
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Post by jrmugz on Dec 15, 2014 19:37:22 GMT
Wow! Such is the power of this album we've got a celebrity review. Thanks Robin!
"The Phantom of the Opera goes cosmic" Yes that pretty much sums up the album.
Classic 20th century American story? Oh dear me no sir, Classic 19th century British story, oh yes! My bad, oh I must be mistaking it with the infamous radio broadcast of it from the 20th century. Jim
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Post by queenofthehours on Dec 16, 2014 14:28:15 GMT
An easy mistake to make. Orson Welles is a powerful presence - but this LP proves Burton is more powerful!
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