Music From Mars!

Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of the Worlds as it is known is a rock opera produced in 1978. As is all too obvious, it adapts the famous novel by H.G. Wells which documented a fictional invasion from Mars in 1898. I ran across this little gem in a discount store, so I didn't pay full price for admission, so I cannot suggest anyone do so. But you're in luck as it's currently available on YouTube at the links I've provided below. 

(Richard Burton, Jeff Wayne, and David Essex)

Wayne's goal was to remain true to the novel's story and setting. At that time in the late 70's only the 1938 Orson Welles radio play and the George Pal movie had attempted to adapt the story. Of course, since we've seen many various versions, but back then this was a novel event. Rick Wakeman had done something similar Journey to the Center of the Earth some years before in 1974. The Rocky Horror Picture Show had first been produced in 1973. It's cult following was beginning to take shape in the late 70's. Singers on the album include David Essex, Justin Hayward of The Moody Blues and the late Phil Lynott of Thin Lizzy. But the headline draw for this production is Richard Burton reading passages from the Wells novel. 

It's an uneven work as one might suspect. There is a regrettable disco quality to some music, given that was the flavor of the time. It doesn't age well alas. Other songs and bits of music strike closer to my impression of what such music should sound like. While the novel emphasizes the enigmatic quality of the aliens and the horror they inflict on humanity, I get a more of a sense of awe from this recording. 

To enjoy this oddment from another era, check out this link.  Here is a link to some outtakes from the production featuring Richard Burton check out this link. Even giants sleep. 

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