Jesus Christ Superstar, Easter Sunday Presentation

This is an Easter tradition here at Vinyl Voyage Radio. Join us for a special broadcast of the Original Jesus Christ Superstar 1970 recording on original vinyl. 1pm Central, Easter Sunday.

Special Easter Sunday Presentation

Jesus Christ Superstar

I was first introduced to Jesus Christ Superstar in high school by my friend Alane, who used to watch the movie every Easter with her family. I was hooked.

In honor of that tradition, Vinyl Voyage Radio will again be playing the original 1970 London concept album of Jesus Christ Superstar this Easter Sunday.  If you are only familiar with the Ted Neeley version from the 1973 film, you will find this one to be very different.

To JCSS aficionados, this  album is known simply as "the Brown Album."  Released in 1970, it features Ian Gillan in the title role. Plus, Murray Head as Judas and Yvonne Elliman as Mary Magdalene.

This album pre-dates any stage performance of the production as a musical. It began its life as a "rock opera" concept album and was only performed a couple of times as a stage concert before opening on Broadway in October, 1971.

This production is unique in the story of Jesus in that it focuses strictly on the political side of the story, while glossing over the religious aspects.  Considering when it came out, that should not be too surprising.

Andrew Lloyd Webber won a "Most Promising Composer" Award at the Tonys in 1971.

Join us for a listen. Jesus Christ Superstar will start at 12 pm central time on Sunday, April 16, 2017.

Only on Vinyl Voyage Radio.

Special Easter Presentation of the The Vinyl Brunch--Jesus Christ Superstar

The Vinyl Brunch, heard ever Sunday from 10 AM to 1 PM CT will feature a special broadcast this Sunday, April 24.  In honor of Easter, we will play, in its entirety, the original concept album of Jesus Christ Superstar from 1970.  Known by aficionados of the musical as the "brown album," this recording was made before the stage shows were mounted in London or New York.   It features Ian Gillian as Jesus, Murray Head a Judas and Yvonne Elliman as Mary Magdalene.  The musical is unique in that it does not focus on the religious nature of the Gospels too much, but on the political situation and the interpersonal relationships between the three main characters.  As a result, many accused it of being sacrilegious.  It was even banned for awhile by the BBC.

The album shot to the top of the Billboard charts in 1970 and produced two hit songs:  "Superstar" and "I Don't Know How to Love Him."

If you are only familiar with the Ted Neeley version from the 1973 film, you will find this one to be very different.  So join us at 10 AM for this special presentation of The Vinyl Brunch.

After the album, we'll continue with the theme by playing some tracks from Godspell as well.  Plus other tunes perfect for relaxing Easter Sunday.  ALl of it on glorious vinyl, of course.

Tonight on Mix Tape Memories: "Alane's Mix"

I am not exactly sure when "Alane's Mix" was created.  Sometime in 1986, I believe.  In that year, Belinda Carlisle released her first post-Go-Go's solo album, Belinda.  A couple of songs from that album appear on this mix including the hit, "Mad About You."  So I assume it was made around this time---summer, 1986.

This is a nice mix and very Alane.  I basically grew up with Alane.  We went to elementary school, junior high and high school together.  Our families camped together a couple of times.  We went on road trips into the city and once got lost while singing songs from Jesus Christ Super Star and didn't realize we were lost until well into the second act. (Yeah, we liked musicals and she got me hooked not just on JCSS, as we called it, but also on West Side Story as well.  Sometimes we'd act out scenes in the hall in high school.  We were Glee before Glee.)

Tonight, on Mix Tape Memories, we will feature "Alane's Mix."  This is a very eclectic mix of tunes, as all good mix tapes are.  Here's just a few of the artists you will hear tonight:

Bananarama.
Barbara Streisand.
Queen.
Madonna.
INXS.
The Smiths.
Corey Hart.
Stray Cats.
Duran Duran.
Belinda Carlisle.

And many more.  Plus, of course, a song from West Side Story.  80's Trivia and the "Name that Movie" segment are on tap as well.  So join us for a nostalgic trip back to the age of Reagan, New Wave and big hair on Mix Tape Memories.

Mix Tape Memories airs live at 9 pm CT tonight (April 1). Catch a repeat of this show, Monday night at 8 pm CT.