Hedwig And The Angry Inch: Original Cast Recording [Cast Recording]

John Cameron Mitchell, Stephen Trask | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 9, 1999)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Cast Recording
• Label: Atlantic
• ASIN: B00000HZFP
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Music
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (91 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #53,039 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Tear Me Down

2. The Origin Of Love

3. Random Number Generation

4. Sugar Daddy

5. Angry Inch

6. Wig In A Box

7. Wicked Little Town

8. The Long Grift

9. Hedwig's Lament

10. Exquisite Corpse

11. Wicked Little Town (Reprise)

12. Midnight Radio

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Hedwig (John Cameron Mitchell) is a Berlin singer whose sex-change operation left her with an "angry inch" and a taste for eyeliner. Closer to the New York Dolls than to New York's post-Sondheimian composers, Mitchell and composer-lyricist Stephen Trask rehabilitate the decadent bombast of early-'70s glam rock in a succession of catchy numbers. Hedwig makes a great transition from stage to record because the book is wafer-thin and lets the band focus on individual songs instead of trying to integrate a narrative: this is indeed the most radio-friendly cast album in a long time. So what if Trask has never met a power chord he didn't like? It may not revolutionize the musical theater, but the grand finale, "Midnight Radio," will have you reaching for a lighter. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The Perfect Homage to Hedwig September 9, 2001

By Scooper

Format:Audio CD

If you are trying to decide which CD to buy-- the original live cast performance, or the film version-- go for the original cast. The film version is excellent, but the original cast version is absolutely amazing! It has more raw energy to it, not to mention more voices in the songs and a more overall 'rock' feel, thanks to Cheater's guitars, bass, and drums. John Cameron Mitchell is a much raunchier Hedwig on this version, and Miriam Shor's Yitzak is the perfect vocal complement to her. If that isn't enough to persuade you, this CD comes complete with unforgettable pictures and the words to all the songs. Also included in the booklet is a very intriguing and entertaining portrayal of Hedwig from a reporter who visits her dressing room for an interview.

In all, this album pays Hedwig the perfect and complete homage she so very much deserves and commands.

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Still shining like the brightest star May 15, 2000

By "shaniezak"

Format:Audio CD

Brilliant. Astounding, breathtaking, electrifying, profound on more levels than I may ever discover. I fell completely in love with "Hedwig and the Angry Inch" from the very first preview night of its Los Angeles run, and I knew right off that this cast album was a must-have.

This, ladies and gentlemen, whether you like it or not, is THE definitive rock musical. No "rock musical" that came before it even comes close to reaching the true edge and impact that Hedwig does. Stephen Trask's versatile score displays a broad range of musical influence, glorying in a sense of pastiche that really makes you think about the question of self-identity that runs through the show. It's amazing how a song like "The Origin of Love," with its very Dr. Seussian lyrics, can still pack such an impact; "Wicked Little Town" is gorgeous; "Midnight Radio" will always bring tears to my eyes.

Michael Cerveris will always be my favorite Hedwig, but John Cameron Mitchell, the originator, has a beautiful voice and infuses the character of Hedwig with a delicate, yet edgy touch. And as a bonus, the cast album contains the rocking track "Random Number Generation," to better show off Miriam Shor's incredible talent!

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Outrageousness done up with melancholy brilliance December 17, 2003

By jon sieruga

Format:Audio CD

A cult hit on the New York circuit several years ago, "Hedwig" proved to be only as successful as its leading man/woman, in this case John Cameron Mitchell(when Ally Sheedy took over, the talk wasn't so hot). Thank God then that we have this document of the raw, wild, blistering original stage performance of Mitchell(with songs by Stephen Trask, the unsung co-star). Not even the movie soundtrack can compare to this cast CD, with vocals torn from Mitchell's delightfully schizo psyche(he's bruised woman, battered man, deflated diva and hollow lover--all at once!). "Wicked Little Town"(and the reprise)has got to be one of the most beautiful, personal laments committed to record, and the imagination and beautiful power of "Origin of Love", with its history altering images, ranks a close second. I don't see how anyone could not come away from this musical journey with his or her eyes opened and heart completely filled. An EXPERIENCE.