Jeff Wayne - The Musical version of 'The War of the Worlds'

ClaudandusWed, 25/03/2020 - 12:35

One of those albums I always keep on coming back to. It's not without it's flaws. The songs tend to drag on especially towards the end and to be honest I feel that Richard Burton is a bit too matter-of-fact and deadpan as a narrator to name a few. But the overall impression is nothing short of impressive.

It's too bad Jeff Wayne never really tried his hands on any other project like this apart from his Spartacus album. But if he only had one great album in him he surely has outdone most bands entire discography with it. The booklet that came with it alone is worth a purchase!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3GTl9Lrgd8

Tape / Vinyl / CD / Recording etc

Not for sale or trade

Year: 1978

Bands:

Jeff Wayne

The War of the Worlds

H.G. Wells

Claudandus on Thu, 16/04/2020 - 13:15

Indeed, I recently got through the H.G. Wells novel myself and he's quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. Jeff does a fine jobb of conveying the world wide panic and deterioration of sanity the made the novel such a vivid read. Although I think his choice of focusing more on the relationships of the characters rather than the threat of the martians lessens the impact a bit. Sometimes he even comes of as a bit flippant in regards to keeping the story coherent.

For example, he never really goes into the workings of the "black smoke" before the martians suddenly uses it in Thunderchild. But that's more of a nit pick than a point against the album and it cements what a piece of art this is rather than anything. The fact that an album makes you not only think but feeling that it's worthwhile to analyze and discuss is in my mind the highest credit you can give any given creation.

Jen Gruesome on Thu, 16/04/2020 - 13:41

Such an amazing journey. I adore this. Was lucky enough to see Jeff Wayne's 'War of the Worlds' live performance ~10 years ago, was incredible. So many memories and listens over the years. Great post, thanks for sharing!

Claudandus on Tue, 21/04/2020 - 17:58

Was that with the original arrangement or "The New Generation" version? Not that there is much difference apart from some samples and a heavier emphasis on beats with the later.
I hope to see this one on stage some day as well. I've watched some of the performances on dvd and it looks like a breathtaking show!

NorthernSky on Thu, 16/04/2020 - 14:09

loved this when i was younger, could really get into the story with the headphones on
still like the album , will need to revisit it

Claudandus on Tue, 21/04/2020 - 18:07

This is truly a "headphone album". It was just last month I gave it another listen at work(we are provided headsets with a bluetooth receiver) and the sound effect when the martian appears from the cylinder in "Horsell Common and the Heat Ray" almost made me jump out of my skin. Not to mention how well an industrial environment helped to enhance the experience. We have a couple of tall chimneys just outside, and at night when their beacons are lit it looks just like two sets of red eyes hovering 50 or so meters in the air. That sight accompanied by the sequence of the martians triumphantly shouting their "ULLA!" over the smoking debris of a fallen humanity almost had me in tears.