I'm partial to the 1988 (1987? Whatever) with Patti recording, but the studio cast from 1988 (the one with Kim Criswell) is definitely, definitely worth having.
Also, I may be lying about the year, I don't know if it's 1988.
"In theater, the process of it is the experience. Everyone goes through the process, and everyone has the experience together. It doesn't last - only in people's memories and in their hearts. That's the beauty and sadness of it. But that's life - beauty and the sadness. And that is why theater is life." - Sherie Rene Scott
Ok I'm going to be different. I definitely vote against the Patti recording. She does not clearly sing any of the words and it is a big mush. If you like clever Cole Porter lyrics, which I am a huge fan, this is not the best recording for you. If you like pretty music then yeah teh orchestrations are better. I still go with the original offbroadway cast recording!
"Judy Garland, Jimmy Dean, You tragedy Queen" ~ Taboo
"Watching a frat boy realize just what he put his d!ck in...ex's getting std's...schadenfruede" ~ Ave Q
"when dangers near, exploit their fear" ~ Reefer Madness the Musical
Simple option for those that want the better arrangements of the '87 revival, but without Patti Lupone. Buy the '89 London revival, which has Howard McGillin and Elaine Paige, singing all of her consonants.
Begin at the beginning and go on till you come to the end: then stop.
Definitely the revival recording with Patti LuPone or the 2003 London recording with John Barrowman. Both are must haves. The London version also includes the additional song "There'll Always Be a Lady Fair".
The 60s version will always hold a special place in my heart because it was the first show I was ever in, so I may be biased, but I'm casting a vote for that one.
Gangway, world, get off of my runway. - Mama Rose, Gypsy
A bird cage I plan to hang,
I'll get to that someday...
A bird cage for a bird who flew away
Around the world. - Edie, Grey Gardens
The EMI re-creation of the original 1934 version has wonderful orchestartions, but since no one does the show using that script and score if you are looking for a recording that documents the production you have seen or done this isn't for you. Also some of the singers are too much voice (Von Stade) or too little (Gilford).
Epic's 1962 cast documents the revised version done off-Broadway and the standard performing edition in use for community theatres. It sounds very thin, however, and the singers are shrill.
The 1987 (October 19, 1987 it opened) Patti LuPone version is another revision and has a full Broadway-style orchestration. If you can't take Patti LuPone the exact same program was recorded in London with Elaine Paige. I enjoy both of these vesrions.
The recent London revival with John Barrowman is essentially the 1987 version.
Avoid the DRG/studio cast version with Mary Martin, it's deadly dull. The film soundtrack with Bing Crosby (on Decca) has nothing to do with the stage show except for 5 of its 9 songs.
Cast albums are NOT "soundtracks." Live theatre does not use a "soundtrack." If it did, it wouldn't be live theatre!
I host a weekly one-hour radio program featuring cast album selections as well as songs by cabaret, jazz and theatre artists. The program, FRONT ROW CENTRE is heard Sundays 9 to 10 am and also Saturdays from 8 to 9 am (eastern times) on www.proudfm.com
Get the Patti Lupone version. Its perfect :) u should also see her 'singing anything' goes on broadway's lost treasures 2. After seeing that performance , I rushed out and bought the recording
I've always loved this show. If you're only going to go with one, I recommend the LTC version from 1988. I notice that others feel the same way, but refer to it as the "Patti Lupone" version. Howard McGillan is fantastic (listen to his All Through the Night -- has anyone ever done a better job?) and the others are just as they should be. Just the overture alone is worth the price of admission, with the real Cole Porter segueing into the title song. One of my favorite show albums of all time.