THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW:
The Toronto Musical Revue (1996)

*CD*
1996, Lake Shore Records, LSR-939-2

CAST:
Michael White
Joan Flanagan
Chaz Coats Butcher
Trish Zurbrigg
Nadine Junger

MUSICIANS
Michael White: vocals, keyboards, and guitar
Robbie Earl: keyboards, bass, and programming
Chaz Coats Butcher: vocals
Trish Zurbrigg: vocals
Nadine Junger: vocals
Joan Flanagan: backup vocals
Jonno Lightstone: sax
Mario Franch: guitar
Jon Sampson: drums

PRODUCED, ENGINEERED, MIXED, AND DIGITALLY RECORDED BY: Michael White
AT AUDIO-VISUAL CONCEPTS, TORONTO, ONTARIO

RUNNING TIME: 45:05

This recording is probably one of the worst Rocky Horror recordings in existance. Following in the footsteps of The Christopher/Emery Company recording, this album is yet another "studio cast" recording. The performers here have probably never had any experience with an actual production of TRHS. Just like The Christopher/Emery Company recording, this album is another rip-off of the movie soundtrack.

This is probably the most horrible of all the "studio cast" recordings; there aren't even enough performers to fill the ensemble cast (only 2 males doing vocals). The singing is really bad, and it is all just too obvious that the performers are trying to imitate TRHPS Original Soundtrack album. How does Lou Adler and Richard O'Brien let these people get away with releasing such horrible rip-off albums?? Seriously, all the people who believe the Mexican Cast album is a sad rip-off of the Original Roxy Cast need to listen to this copycat recording.

The album has little to be said about it. Some of the songs are really wretched, and the album's only favourable aspect is that it is so inexpensive in stores. (For collectors who have paid enormous prices on foreign cast recordings, this is a nice break for once.)

The album's cover is also pretty disappointing, letting you know immediately that this is a poorly-made recording. The cover also states "Over 50 minutes of playing time" (WHY?!?!?! What does it even matter how long it is?), but the recording clocks in at 45 minutes and 5 seconds. Can someone say scam??

This recording is definitely one for the die-hards only. Yes, it's tempting with it's low, low price (I've seen it priced as low $1.99!) but it really is not worth it. Maybe I am being a bit unfair in reviewing this recording since I've only listened to it two or three times, but I couldn't bear to hear Richard O'Brien's immortal music yelped out the way it sounds on this recording. Honestly, if you're a die-hard collector, than pick one up for your collection. But if you're NOT a RH audio junkie, please be advised: stay far, far away from this one!!!!

MISSING TRACKS: 'The Sword Of Damocles,' 'Once In A While,' and 'Planet Schmanet, Janet'

*****AVAILABILITY*****
Currently available on CD. It usedto be pretty easy to find in bigger music stores/outlets, and it's ususally very *cheap*. However, most recently it may have to be special ordered. Memories Of The Past lists it in their mail-order catalogue, but I cannot guarantee availability.

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