Jason Flum | East Windsor, NJ United States | 01/08/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"When it comes to buying cast recordings, I'm as bad as any addict. I see something that interests me, I have to get it. That's what happened with Metropolis; I knew nearly nothing about it (I had heard It's Only Love/Bring on the Night) on a compliation CD) and had never seen the movie. I knew the show was a flop. That's about it. So I really did not know what I was getting into when I bought the CD. To put it simply, I was amazed the show did so poorly. The music IS beautiful. Some of the lyrics are a bit difficult to make out (a copy of the libretto in the liner notes would have been nice) and some of the recording sounds somewhat hollow and tinny, but those songs!!! Songs like "You Are the Light," "The Sun," "He's Distant From Me Now," "Hold Back the Night" and of course "It's Only Love/Bring On the Night" are better than songs from some more popular shows. Much better. I suppose the score most reminds me of a combination of Chess, Weird Romance, and the better parts of Starlight Express. Yes, some of it is strange (those who've heard "Futura's Dance" know what I'm talking about!) but it's still well done. The performances are strong, and there is enough dialogue on the CD that it is easy to figure out what is going on (Beware - listen to the second disc at a high volume at your own risk, there's a gun shot on there that startled me big time - not the best while driving....) Anyway, the CD is worth experiencing. Go ahead, treat yourself to something new and exciting!"
Shut up and buy it!
wellio@wa.freei.net | 11/23/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"You will not be sorry. I am a long time fan of musicals and this is one of the best. Why wasn't it successful? I can only guess musicals and science fiction might not by a typical combination. Without a doubt, you will be glad you bought it."
Metropolis - almost like being there!
wellio@wa.freei.net | 07/31/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
""Metropolis" was another casualty of the London theatre scene in the late 1980's and this is sad. It came at a time when other pop opera's like Les Miserable, Cats, Phantom of the Opera and Starlight Express were doing great business. "Metropolis" failed to find an audience however, despite the brilliant performances of Judy Kuhn, Graeme Bickley and Brian Blessed. Sadly, the stage production will be lost to the ages as it was not videotaped. But the CD is a pleasant reminder of a show that had all the qualities of a hit, but not the audience. The melodies glide seamlessly between desperate pulsing rhythms of the workers under to the city to the lighthearted whimsical tunes of the elitists above ground. A soaring duet between Bickley and Kuhn called "If It's Only Love" would stand easily on the pop charts today. Even if you never saw the musical, you will be able to listen to the CD and get the feel of this stage interpretation of Fritz Lang's classic movie of the same name."
A rare find!
Jason Flum | 05/18/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"My business often took me to London and I was very fortunate to have seen all the "big" shows (Cats, Les Miz, Phantom, Chess, Miss Saigon) prior to them coming to Broadway. One Saturday evening I wanted to go to the theatre and was not sure what to see. I settled on Metropolis and loved it. I actually got to see it one more time before it closed. The CD is exceptional and the songs are beautiful. In my opinion, this show could be revived and with a bit re-working, could be successful! If you enjoyed the soundtrack from Les Miz, you'll love Metropolis!"
HOW COULD LONDON LET THIS GO?
wellio@wa.freei.net | Seattle | 10/22/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I just received my Metropolis recording today, and absolutely adore this show.The funny thing is, I tried to cancel it...but it entered the shipping process (THANK GOD) so I couldn't. I ordered it only because of what the four previous reviewers said. The next day I thought "Oh no! There's a reason why this musical wasn't a success. I need to cancel the order."Today-I am thinking "How was this musical NOT a success?"It's beautiful...so beautiful in song and story. I love all the parts with "It's Only Love" - that is one of the most beautiful theater songs. This score is packed with great songs though. It's one you can just put in and go.I wonder how much of an impact the negative reviews had on this show. I dislike critics because of it...they take beautiful things from the world.It seems if a show is not "brand name" like Jeyll & Hyde, Footloose, or Saturday Night Fever, or if it's not by Andrew Lloyd Webber or Boublil & Schonberg, that critics can destroy the shows future.Metropolis is amazing, and my heart goes out to EVERYONE involved in this production. You tried to do something so beautiful, that so few could see. Thank you. Hopefully someday this show will re-emerge as the powerhouse it deserves to be.Just to give you an idea of what shows I like, my favorites are; Whistle Down the Wind, Les Miserables, Ragtime, The Phantom of the Opera, Chess, Aspects of Love, Miss Saigon, Martin Guerre, and Jekyll & Hyde. I am certain Metropolis will join those ranks, it's epic.Buy this cd- keep the dream alive!"