Customer Reviews

Smokey Joe's Cafe: The Songs Of Leiber And Stoller (1995 Original Broadway Cast)

5 star:		(37)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Was AMAZED at the Hines "official" review. I disagree vehemently. (His initial statement seems to indicate that he did NOT see the show ... Major Bummer for Mr. Hines, I'd say.)

Saw the show in NYC in December, 1996 -- bought the CD in the theatre lobby on my way out, as I KNEW I had to own it. It's worn from use (by myself and by my 22 year old daughter).

Yes, I own the original versions of many of the songs ... have a big collection which includes many CD's, tapes, and LP's (Yes, I'm THAT old...) of the Drifters, Coasters, and Ben E. King. I have loved all these songs since dancing to them at my high school sock-hops 30+ years back. Classics. What's not to like?

I see no reason to make a comparison between the original artists' renditions, and the versions found on this album. I frankly find it absurd to judge artistic works (or various interpretations of the same works) as if they were in competition with one another.

I receive just as much enjoyment from listening to the songs on "Smokey Joe's Cafe" as I do listening to the original artists' renditions. And this CD offers a compilation and variety that is hard to resist.

I recommend this HEARTILY, whether or not you ever see the show.

The combination of Leiber and Stoller is amazing. Together they created some of the best known hits of the 50s and 60s. Who could forget "Jailhouse Rock"? Along with "Jailhouse Rock" many other songs grace the stage in Smokey Joe's Cafe. Get this CD. It is one of the best Broadway musicals I have seen. The talent displayed by this cast is unparalled... even better than the original recording in some cases! I highly recommend this to ANYONE. Heck, I've been listening to it for 5 years... and I'm only 20!

I first heard the CD about 4 years ago and listened to it countless times. Then the road tour came to Olympia, WA, and I went to see it. What a pleasure it was to see it, the singers have great voices and just bring the music alive, making it enjoyable. I particularly enjoyed "Little Egypt", and "I'm a Woman..." I recommend this CD to anyone who loves listening to the good times of the 50s and 60s and anyone who has to the chance to see the performance, go and see it! You won't regret it :)

There was no book for the show. The songs, and their delivery by the cast is everything. And they deliver. The four guys who serve as a blues quartet harmonize like they've were singing together since high school. B. J. Crosby's "Hound Dog" doesn't just deliver power; there is plenty of attitude as well. The biggest problem is that some of it is delivered visually on stage and the soundtrack can't capture all of it.

My biggest problem is limiting myself to a top 10 of the 38 songs.

I saw this on Broadway last summer; it was fantastic with a capital F. The toe-tappingest, smilingest, most fun and fastest two hours I've spent in a long time. If you can't see the show, at least buy the CD. You won't regret it!

Everything everyone says is true! This is a GREAT CD!You'll want to get two copies.You can't listen to it and not dance!This is one cd that you won't have to skip over tracks to get to the next "good" song.You'll listen to it all the way through. Press the REPEAT button on your cd player!

No other Broadway Cast Recording has ever contained the rich and potent performances you'll find when listening to "Smokey Joe's Café". There's no need to go see the show... the album satisfies more than enough for even the most skeptical of listeners. Pattie Darcy Jones sings with one of the most weathered and emotional voices I ever heard, never mind just in theater. The entire company performs successfully together and wails individually as soloists! If I could recommend you buy one album in your lifetime, it should be this one. The cast of "Smokey Joe's Café" captures a piece of Americana long forgotten with every note they sing. Buy it!

Saw this on Broadway in 1996, had the last row way in the back of the theater, the songs are memorable to everyone. You will surprised at the songs performed. The vocals are just outstanding. I have purchased this twice (the first one just wore out). Great for long car rides.

If you like songs from the 50's and 60's you will love this CD. Some of my favorite songs on it are "Jailhouse rock", "Yakity yak", and "I'm a woman". it's great music for dancing or working out. Get it and have fun!!!!

Wow!Blew my socks right off.Brought back the old times.Sure,I'm getting older,but I'm not out of it yet.This really brought a lot of my old memories into focus.