The War of the Old and the New

Jeff Wayne's musical version of HG Wells' novel is a piece of youth memories for many mid-forties. 1978 TWOTW was released as a double LP, reaching the end of the seventies cult status. Listeners SWF3 (today SWR3) still know maybe the radio version with Frank Laufenberg as speaker. Over the years I had the Musical on self-recorded cassette LP with Curd Jürgens as a spokesperson and later the English version with Richard Burton as a spokesman. And later there were the odd special edition, Jubiäums edition etc. Jeff Wayne was the piece several times on tour and there was based on his music a PC Game. The cult status of the then perfect take so long looked after. Those who know the original from 1978, is wondering why now a new recording to be necessary.

The answer for me after listening to the New Generation: not at all.

Of course it is interesting to hear the same songs in something aufgepepptem sound. The arrangements are a total of almost 1: 1, the same as the original. There are a few new sound effects, but those who know the old version, which gets absolutely no big surprises. However, there are new voices. And since it has a new version, unfortunately difficult. Let's take the piece 'Spirit of Man': absolutely awesome played and sung in 1978 by Phil Lynnot. The singer now brings not even begin over. Liam Neeson as a speaker does not make it better - but no worse - than Richard Burton. Chris Thompson to replace a singer ('Thunderchild'), does not good. In short: the New Generation wins by the new recording anything. Many effects has taken over without modification Jeff Wayne. Example: the "battle cry" ULLLLAAAAHHH. The gave me back then did not like, because it simply sounds too harmless. In the new version it would have been a chance to make the sound more threatening.

Conclusion: It may be that the sound quality is improved by the more modern technology than the original. When everything else is nothing gained by the new recording. Maybe The New Generation is interesting for those who attend a performance during the tour because the CD corresponds to the sound of the show. Schade: Jeff Wayne would have been open to all ways to add to the story and his musical new pages. This he has not used.

For supporters of the old version: rather invest in a special edition of the original.