Search - Andrew Lloyd Webber, T. S. Eliot, Trevor Nunn :: Highlights from Cats (1999 West End Singers Cast Recording)

A strange little recording

11/23/2002

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This is an old little recording that is supposed to be "various artists". I think it's more of "never-heard-of-him" artists.
All songs here are the original London versions, which means (dum dum dum) JAZZY MUNGO AND RUMPEL! I think my "money" was well worth hearing this wonderful "Mungojerrie and Rumpelteazer". It gives a completely different look to our favorite calicos, one that is a bit more sly and dangerous (and yes, they come complete with cockney accents). It has also become my favorite recording of the song.
Another great thing about this cd is the fact that Simon Courthill (Munkustrap) sounds very much like Kermit the Frog. I get a kick out of listening to him, but that might not be
a universal oppinion.
Otherwise, this cd isn't that fantastic. For the most part, the cast sounds as if they've all just had a large does of Sleepy-Time Tea. Sue Foster as Grizabella speaks half of
"Memory" and isn't much of a belter. I would, however, suggest getting this recording (provided you don't spend much more ... "money" just to hear the great "Mungojerrie and Rumpelteazer" and Kermustrap or if you want to hear the orginal versions of the songs without shelling out cash for the OLC recording. For a better introduction to Cats, pick up the OBC or the OLC."