The chances of anyone coming from Mars
“The chances of anything coming from Mars are a million to one, he said…” before starting to sing. Let me fill you in.
Back in 1979, I purchased a double album (yes, vinyl) by an unknown named Jeff Wayne. He had talent, and a great story line, and access to some very recognized voices for a huge studio project. War of the Worlds. The original effort by Herbert George Wells, presented in the closing days of the previous century was a classic science fiction tale. This album simply brought the story to those who preferred to listen rather than read.
I enjoyed the album, particularly the song by Justin Hayward from the Moody Blues. In fact, I listened to Forever Autumn without the rest of the album. Some songs are like that. Didn’t think much about how the album was actually produced; synthesizers were novel, back then. Anyhow, while researching something completely unrelated, I came across an article about the studio magic involved.
Some musician (and listeners) can’t get a great theme out of their heads. Jeff is still a working musician, and he still has access to familiar voices. Not the same ones as the first time around, I must note. He has remade the album. Vinyl is now optional, but the familiar story is there. My choice of bus music, this morning and afternoon: War of the Worlds: The New Generation stands up to the test. Not exactly the same, but who wants to eat the same cookie twice?
The replacement of Richard Burton by Liam Neeson works. That of Justin Hayward by Gary Barlow (who??) not so much. Different reasons, (or excuses) for each case.
