Yesterday I piddled and twiddled with a few CDs, finishing up some listening I'd been doing on my little road trip the other day, and then where did my hankerings take me but to HELLO DOLLY which I hadn't visited or even revisited in quite some time. I went directly to a nice fresh listen to the 1994 revival which now takes on all new meaning after hearing and reading the story of its creation. I appreciate the recording now more than ever, and a nice fresh thanks must go out to MR BK for the effort that must've nearly kilt him.
Now to backtrack to the original cast for a couple of things. I so clearly remember wearing out that first LP back in the day. That copy, may it rest in peace, is long gone. Its replacement (still the original gatefold LP, early pressing, etc.) is in excellent shape, but what I listen to now, since I don't have it on CD, is the reel to reel tape which is a bit kinder than that Dynagroove LP. (I only have about 100 tapes, but I love them dearly.) Then, on to Mary Martin and Pearl Bailey, both also on RCA Dynagroove LP. Haven't spun these in many years, so they need a good cleaning on the machine, and new sleeves. They should be in fine shape, but we'll see. I think Pearl was issued on CD, but not Mary. Or is it the other way around?