Heaven On Their Minds - Jesus Christ Superstar (1970 Version)

[vdizhoor]

What is JC Superstar about? I am a bit naive and curious (perhaps a dangerous combination).

It seems that Judas in this opening is right about the message becoming misunderstood. But regardless of justification he DOES the wrong thing - betrays his dear friend and only then realizes that he missed the point of the sermons.

Any thoughts?

And what about Jesus? His words bring people hope, opens their eyes, but he succumbs to vanity?

I wonder what really happened that inspired those scribes.

[MohawkRacetrack]

its Murray Head on vocals here not Gillan

[GymnopedieTornado]

What people have to appreciate is that Head practically wholesale MADE the part of Judas. Anderson, in the film, at least, sticks pretty close to his phrasing. Besides that, some very memorable parts of the show; for example, the entire reprise of 'I Don't Know' in the death scene- were Head's idea.

That said, Carl Anderson was one of the greatest singers who has ever lived. Murray Head, these days, can no longer sing this role; I heard Anderson, at near 60, belt these songs in full voice.

[brancool88]

they would make the black guy the traitor

[Lil1943]

Different performers were on different recordings (and also in the movie). Think that's where the confusion lies. I believe the BEST singers are on the ORIGINAL 1970 recording (played here): Ian Gillan, Murray Head, Yvonne Elliman, etc.

[Lil1943]

Beadbud5000 Do a search for Murray Head on YouTube - he has a couple of videos singing the Judas part. Was a really young guy in '70. Certainly didn't LOOK like a Judas character lol.

[Beadbud5000]

I thought Murray play Simon Zealot and it was Carl Anderson playing Judas

[DaddyTwoFoot]

@Beadbud5000 Carl Anderson did Judas in the film. This is the original album, before it was a stage production or film. I personally love the film version with Carl Anderson most, but this version is excellent as well.

[Lil1943]

Murray Head - absolutely the best voice for Judas. I have the original 1970 album SOMEWHERE!

[licashot]

Everything is better in the album version of this ALW opera-rock... better musicians, better singers, better recording and production. The film version also rocks expecially Carl Anderson's part, but... This is the real Shit!!!

[clevinger68]

Thank you so much for posting this!

[ZiuoxZui]

This will always be the definitive version of JCS.

[clevinger68]

@ZiuoxZui

You are so right about this!

[525600minutes1]

Adam Pascal should just re-do everything Murray Head has ever done... And show him how it's done properly...

[JPPretzel]

Eminems Biterphobia sample! sweet

[yekdeli]

This is, without doubt, the best version of this song. The phrasing, the vocal connection to the music, the sheer emotion of the rendition...Murray Head IS Judas.

[hest671]

@yekdeli: very good version! however at 2:20 he has problems with his breath.

for me is the voice of carl anderson is outstanding!! he could hold the notes much longer and clearer.

[johanneswiberg]

@hest671 Yes, although I think it's intentional. Head proves in some instances that he has a very good technique but he often sings a bit sloppy, as it seems on purpose. And I really like that, makes it more human and less operatic. I too love Carl Anderson but Head is my favorite.

[Affenpuff]

that´s nice but i think the film version is better

[blakkat41]

This original British verson was superior to any version that came along later in my eyes. When I was a kid, this was the first version I knew and listened to. After that, it was difficult, if not impossible, to compare to what came after such as the movie, etc. Vocally speaking, I beleive Murray Head and Ian Gillan were untouchable. Not to mention Joe Cocker's Grease Band were some of the musicians that played in this. How cool was that?

[kdw456]

Greatest musical ever...

[grifonzo]

nice version, but like it better in spanish with teddy bautista, what a Judas!!

[glanrichbex]

There is no aggression in the voice which Judas was feeling in this scene, some vital phrases of passion are sung a bit wish washy. Carl Anderson was perfect for the part and did an excellent job.

[Mightymopar1973]

I have this on album and on cd. I love this album and always will.

[Gasolife]

I don't understand, why do you forget about Pardon, from JSC2000?

He's really great and sincere

[54nomore]

I still can not believe they bi-passed Murray Head from his Theatrical Theatre role of Judas from the 1973 movie.

He should of been cast in that movie....what say you?

[SlappaDeBassMon]

@54nomore I dont think so because i actually believe carl anderson was better. Carl anderson sung all of the songs effortlessly with soul and power and could sustain the notes a lot longer than murray head. The more i listen to murray, i do start to see why people really like him, but I still much prefer carl.

[skycalico]

@saynotodarwin - Judas.

[shastasheene]

Murray is by far my favourite "JCS" Judas.

[gsbelbin]

Everyone's talking about Murray Head and Carl Anderson but, hey, listen to that bass guitar!!

[Ullbritt]

listen to the bassline in this song, its awesome and very strange.

[Morphru]

this guys sucks.... absolutely weird or 0 feeling...

[00Ibanezist00]

I like Carl Anderson's version better, because that is what I grew up with. I also think Carl puts more Emotion in his voice. I am sure that will cause a stir, but it is only my oppinion.

[jedispy]

@00Ibanezist00 I agree with you 100%. I love the power and emotion Anderson commands with his voice

[00Ibanezist00]

@jedispy Yeah, thanks Jedispy. You only have to listen to Judas's death to hear his emotional input. Especially the "will he let me be? Does he love, does he love me too? Does he care for me!?" bit

[mizziodj]

@00Ibanezist00 my exact thinking !! :)

[yellowsunflowers8]

Carl Anderson or Murray Head... well, that's kinda tough

I heard Murray's version first and he was MY JUDAS, but then my mom got the movie and was amazed by Carl's Judas

I just can't decide which one is my favorite. Both are awesome

[Haroun2k]

No one comes close to matching, let alone beating Murray Head's version of this.

[Syzygy60]

i thougt it was Gillians isle :)

[Syzygy60]

gilligan?



[arual776]

I love this video! Every time I hear this song, I can't stop dancing.

[kevdebable]

I'm sorry, but Carl Anderson's Judas is far superior to this. Just because this man originated the role doesn't make it the best version. Furthermore, I know many of you are used to this version of Jesus Christ Superstar, but the movie soundtrack exceeds this version in every way.

[PtolemyJones]

@kevdebable You sir, are incorrect.

[HouseOBVIOUSLY]

This the best Judas with the exception of Superstar, I don't like his version of it.

[Flavie479]

j'écoutait ça en 1971 et je viens de découvrir que lui c'est "Murray Head" ben merci la vie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[71452c]

Very good voice and well performed, yet I prefer Carl Anderson's version.

[izzonj]

Everything about this recording was far superior to any other recording every made. The instrumentals are unmatched. The bass in this cut is insane!

[janetstubstad]

this does not sound like the orginal or am im just crazy ... i know the voice...still "oooohh ooohhh" doesnt sound like the original...

[TonyJenRock1]

yeah forever liberal, I agree this original soundtrack was the best voices I've heard. Not that i'm an expert I just love the musical

[chickflickcherry]

wow...this album blew me away back then and it still does.

[chicksinger523]

I LOVE this album. Used to listen it all the time!

[SZRD]

Best Judas Ever.

[ptrahan200]

best version! a classic

[LouGypsyBlue]

Judas RULES \m/

[TheSwunchie]

Singen wir in Chor (:

[Megamaniac610]

I was just thinking the other day: "You know what would be cool? A prog rock opera. Someone should make that." Guess they did. And I was right, it is cool. Actually it's fucking awesome.

[teneramigas]

Esta interpretación es algo más alla de generar emoción para quien la escucha, la disfrutará más cada vez que la pueda sentir e imaginar algo realmente hermoso...

[kmcm1]

This is a good version but it doesn't stand up to Carl Anderson's version, his has so much more feeling and conviction.

[inlovewithJLT]

This is THE definitive recording of the show, as far as I'm concerned. Granted, I've not heard half of the 30+ official recordings, but the ones I've heard don't even come remotely close to this one.

[MRSSPLURGER]

At 11 yrs old I sat Mom & Big Sis in a row of Satans Choice or Hells Angels at the Montreal Forum. Gillan. Head. Elliman. D'Abo McCulloch. Spenner and all the other top output of their generation laid these black leathered whiskered fat hulkish fellows into a mellow mutual gathering of heavens own boys on high! Yes they were . Total Bliss !

[chaosIsTheOnlyPower]

Ted is a great singer and gave his life to the part, in a sense. Nothing but respect for him.

Gillan....Gillan....man. This guy was pure, raw talent. And he gets EXTRA props for being able to conjure the whole thing while standing in a stuffy, dark recording booth without 80 foot long multicolored robes. Talent and balls.

I wonder if the switch to the stage would have been a good thing for Ian considering that he nearly drank himself to death.

[cociaterry]

The best song on the album. like like like

[evacanela]

Thank you SO MUCH for uploading this version! I was looking for it desperatly, but I couldn´t find the original record where I live!

Thanxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[babystinky]

i think people like it because it is the original soundtrack, but really, carl anderson had the melody and the 'little richard' grown that sounded more anguished, with tremendous feeling. carl was on another level. as for gillian he was a great vocalist and my favourite, but ted was suited for this and to this day can still hit those highs! i grew up loving Ian Gillian. But I have to admit Carl Anderson is the Best Judas.

[Ephilias]

I'm going to Montreal to see jesus Christ Superstar this May 1st

WITH TED NEELEY <3

[Syzygy60]

i remember when this whole thing began

[Syzygy60]

my mind is clearer now

[MyTitanic786]

How do I find mp3iifffy to download this song? I was told to google mp3iifffy.

[kjohns2001]

I can still remember seeing the stage show at the Memorial Auditorium in Chattanooga. The theater was packed and there was this bunch of nuns all dressed up in their habits sitting just over from me. The performance was so moving that it drew the audience into the story. That was almost 40 years ago and I can still picture it in my mind like it was yesterday! This is still one of my favorite albums.

[mikexlong]

compare this to tool-third eye....26 years later!

[riverdale999]

Absolutely incredible music. Great guitar throughout. Just about the only musical I'll ever listen to.

[atoosas]

Murray Head. Wasn't he the guy who sang "One Night in Bangkok"?

[alcockell]

@atoosas Yup - also played Fred Trumper on the West End back in '86

[RakuenDarkBebop]

aNGEL WITH THE SCABBED WINGS SOUNDS BETTER

[MidnightRequiem7]

CARL ANDERSON is the best, he hasn`t competition

[Bzamm615]

This is by far the best version! Judas definatley has the more hard core type rock and roll songs in the play

[MrDamski]

yup ando is better in my opinion

[thefloyd10]

i still think CARL ANDERSONNN is better in terms of style and projection of voice :)

[Stiffmeister1818]

to bad he died...

[TypesALot]

I cannot believe this is the same guy who sings One Night in Bancock.

[CaptGage]

Me neither.

[jmao96]

@warlordj i saw it on tour too! the man who played judas was so beast!!!

[ashleyisnormal]

we're playing this song for marching band (:

[drjax1994]

lucky. our isn't good enought to takcle anything this hard. i wish we would do something this good.

[chefwoody1]

Ted Neeley "looks" the part. Ian Gillan's voice is unmatched

[babystinky]

@chefwoody1

I love Ian Gillain, but Ted can still hit those incredible high screams. I am not so sure Gillians voice lasted. That could be because of the long tours over the years. I heard Ian when he tried to sing with Pavarotti and it didn't sound very good.

[karmadhyana]

@chefwoody1 Agreed! One only need to examine Gillan's body of work to put an end to whom is the better vocalist. He was amazing in JSC, as he was in everything else he did ("Lazy", Machine Head, a perfect example).

[KorAnos1]

@chefwoody1 Gotta admit, though, Neeley was probably the best successor.

[chefwoody1]

@KorAnos1 Agreed.

[warlordj]

I just saw Jesus Christ Superstar last night on their tour, and the Judas that sang this song was amazing, way better then this version. He portrayed so much more emotion in his singing. Ted Neeley was also excellent.

[Ollieglam]

i like this version and the 1970's film version, the stuff i heard off a later version, in my opinion, suffered out of its 70's context

[d3sst]

JEEEESUUUSSSSSSS LOL

[ikobikob]

these recordings are much better than the original ones... :D i'm sure of it

[Hanson913]

Excuse me. Are you people nuts? This is the original from the album with Ian Giiian and best version! Murray Head is a God!

[skycalico]

@Hanson913 - Agree, 100% absolutely. Murray Head is miles beyond.

[MisterZarozax]

This is the 2000 version. Which explains why it sucks.

[skycalico]

@MisterZarozax - this is the very first JCS recording from 1970, remastered.

[MilesMacf]

It's not always the case that the first version you hear is necessarily the best - but with Murray Head as Judas and Ian Gillan as Jesus, there is absolutely no doubt.

[Pishtucha]

Well, I do not agree. As for me, the only Judas is Carl Anderson and the only Jesus - Ted Neeley...

but well, it's all just the matter of taste...

[selfpres]

It's not taste - it's a fact.

[Rodrigoteacher]

Congratulations once more for posting it!!

[foreverLiberal]

Murray Head set the standard for the role, all others were copies. The original is the best. Ian Gillan was the best Jesus as well.

[tokaicarl]

@foreverLiberal -

yeah totally agree- murray head and ian gillan - that first version has a real groove missing in later versions and i still listen to it 35 years later-

[pinkydogbear]

@foreverLiberal  I agree....................

[KorAnos1]

@foreverLiberal Copies? Don't hate on Carl Anderson, his performance kicked ass.

[BeforeTheStorms]

@foreverLiberal false ted neeley is the shit

[valleyrocker]

Murray is the orginal...all after tried to reach his amazing performance level. The same goes for the great Ian Gillian.

[TJLTUBE11]

Carl Anderson was the better judas he had more feeling but he's got nothing on Ted Neeley's scream!

[couturesixfour]

@TJLTUBE11 carl was the better performer!!

[oriskany]

The original was a twin vinyl LP record.

I always put it on when I knew that I was going to listen to it in its entirety.

To compare it with subsequent efforts, well, isn't that like judging a mosaic based upon a few tiles? I mean, you either put it all together or what's the point?

[larue1995]

@oriskany The twin vinyl LP was the second. The original was a single LP consisting of four songs; 1) Jesus Christ Superstar (Later called Superstar), 2) Everything's Alright 3) I Don't Know How To Love Him and 4) ???? I can't remember. I once had that album when I was a teenager.

[sayntfuu]

just awesome

[chomsky88]

I always prefered this original recording to the movie soundtrack. It works better aurally without images anyway. Perhaps it depends on which one you hear first.

[knutz7]

@chomsky88 i think it depends on which version you hear first cause after that you also compare the phrasing and i.m.o. the phrasing and singing of this version is best. ted puts his americanism into it which spoils it for me.

[kaddilovesmusic94]

carl anderson is much better!

[couturesixfour]

@kaddilovesmusic94 i agree. that's why he's in the film!! lol

[Peadarisback]

hard to imagine this is Murry Head...But I'm only used to him from the concept album of 'Chess' (another great Tim Rice musical:P)

[Diofan1952]

Fantastic

[Ruoktoday1]

Murrays and Carl's versions are very close but I think Carl's wins slightly. And for mine Carl is the only one in the 73 movie who is better than the singer playing the same part on the original 70 recording. I rate Ian Gillan's JC way ahead of Ted Neely's for a start.

[MithraMusic]

I agree, I feel like Carl is as good as it gets in terms of Judas. All the rest of the actors and actresses each have advantages and disadvantages over each other, except for Carl who only has advantages lol.

[lovemybeau]

I have to admit that this, and the Judas part that was sung in the 1973 movie is hard to choose between for me as both are outstanding.

[Ruychaven]

I listened to this song a lot when I was around 13 years old. Love it! Thanks for uploading!

[godbluffvdgg]

thanks so much for posting this. I had this album when I was 11, circa 1971. I will check them all out I haven't heard it in years. ~ a tear~

[StevieMcPirate]

This is well by far the best version of this song!!! lol

[ElPrezAU]

Carl Anderson was great but he makes the classic musical mistake of singing rather than acting in song. Anderson sounds better on the ears but Murray Head's version conveys signifcantly more heart-felt anguish where as when Anderson drops out of his traditional singing mode it comes off sounding forced. Head's version will always be my favourite.

[awol2602]

Absolutely agree

[grandsaga]

I can see that, but when comparing CA's version to the others I've heard, it would seem to me that he actually did the best acting out the song.

[kiskte]

I love the other version, but this is fantastic as well.

Greetings from Hungary!

[danielnewmanmk]

Well AT LAST!!!! There it is, the ORIGINAL that I liked so much!!! I hope there are all the other songs from the musicle.

[jofall]

My Dad has this on Vinyl and I use to LOVE listening to it growing up. Truly the best cast I've heard!

[GregERobertson]

yeah my mom did the same for me

[veganswines]

perfect and best version

[SonicMountain]

The best song on the album.

[InvisibleAutoMail]

I love the album. I think the casting was absolutely perfect. This is my favourite version.

Our director told us we need to psych ourselves up so we can burst onstage for What's The Buzz. I just need to stand backstage and listen to Judas sing this and that puts me in exactly the right place.

[Targanar]

Can you tell me, who´s the singer? For me he´s not so good as Carl Anderson :-)

[InvisibleAutoMail]

Murray Head, in this version. I haven't heard Carl Anderson, but I'll look him up.

[InvisibleAutoMail]

Ah, of course I've heard Carl Anderson. Yes, I think he's brilliant too, and he's part of the reason Judas is my favourite character.

[STERLINGLOVER]

I have ALWAYS loved this album! I had it memorized, every note, every inflection...I was very disappointed at the soundtrack of the movie; it sounded like it was sung live or something. I wanted it to be JUST like the album :( I wish someone would pair the album with the movie

[1ValentinGeorge]

And this film casting was made for...cartoons.

The album is a marvelous.

[GregERobertson]

I agree a million %

[McLeod54]

The best, the ONLY version!

[GregERobertson]

true that, dog

[bombaclown]

Nice

[Dimagg1973]

HE and Ian Ian Gillan are the best original

[lymph4man]

When I first got this album way back in 73, Murray Head is STILL the best till now. No one comes close!

[Sentya]

I prefer Jerom Pradon, but this version is very nice :-) Thank you!

[DMZBG]

i think we all can have our opinion, because of that it doesn't has to be a worse coment or a better one, so i gave your coment a (y)+ :D, anyway, i haven't heard that one, but this one is awesome!

[bombaclown]

You should hear it

[DMZBG]

find me a link and i will...

[bombaclown]

I tried to post the link but i can`t . Try to find it yourself by using this

Jesus Christ Superstar (2000) Heaven On Their Minds (2) (((Stereo)))

[Sentya]

Thanks! ;-)

[bombaclown]

I like him too

[juiceliina]

Love it! His voice is... perfect! And this is the best version

[PrettyLily1988]

sweet video

[ford2M]

Thanks for posting!

Adam Lambert also sang this song, but I like the original better.

I was lucky enough to see them in Nashville back in 1970? when they toured. Also, treasure my album.

[xXunt0uchableXx]

when did adam lambert sing this?

[lilkrissy123]

It couldn't have ben 1970 since the first stage performance wasnt until after this album was released

[ford2M]

Well, I graduated from high school in 1971 and had the JCS album. We went to Nashville, Tenn., to see the original production. Maybe it was 1971, but no later.

[soughtfor]

I LOVE sung by Murray Head this Version so much!

[TonyJenRock1]

long live the original broadway version of this play, nice recording, thanks, interesting lyrics....."all your followers are blind!!!!!!"

[oriskany]

The vinyl platter on an AR turntable was the first time I heard this album. It's the absolute best of all time to this day.

[TaedetMeVitae]

I've been looking for this version for YEARS! I kept finding Carl Anderson's and I didn't even know there was a 1970 soundtrack. X_X What a hopeless idiot I am.

[Syzygy60]

I have the original double record lyric book all intact

[usmcfutball]

I remember that book! All sepias and parchment type stuff! Severe flashback...

[jonnylovegrapes]

Wow. Really good stuff! After hearing some of Ben Vereen's Judas a few days ago, and now listening to this again, last time was probably around 30 years ago, I can see where Carl got his influences from. In my understanding of things, he really grabbed & nailed the best of both in what I still consider the best all round version of Judas to date. Peace!