One afternoon, I found myself at Southgate Plaza with some time to kill. I went to the music shop. It might have been a Wooden Nickel. I don’t recall. I liked going to unfamiliar music stores because they often provide an opportunity to find something new. That was the case on this day.
I have been a fan of War Of The Worlds since my early childhood. My mother and I would watch that old movie from 1953. It was a personal favorite. That and The Ghost And Mr. Chicken. Back in my single digit years, it seemed to be on TV once a year or so and mom and I would watch it together. I knew it was based on an H.G. Wells book but I never read it until I was well into my 30’s.
Still, I was fascinated with the idea and here in my hands was a musical adaptation. I had to gamble and get it. I am glad I did. It is a fantastic telling of the tale and generous helping of great music to go along with it. This was another one of those albums that nobody I knew ever heard of.
My brother-in-law Alex knew it. I had to pick him up in Chicago when he came over from England. I had committed the entire thing to cassette and was going to surprise him with it for the long ride home. I was surprised that he not only knew of it but sang along on many of the tracks. I guess Jeff Wayne is more popular across the pond.
A couple years ago, I saw a stage performance of Jeff Wayne’s War Of The Worlds on PBS. I should see if that is available on DVD.
Disc 1
Disc 2
Other Excerpts