Hi All,

While my CD has yet to arrive from Amazon, they have released the MP3 version to my Amazon Cloud Player, and I just finished listening to all 20 tracks.

While I find it musically wonderful, I wonder if it will ever really make it to Broadway. It doesn't sound like a Broadway musical; I think it's too Geordie for American tastes!

I can see it being successful on the London stage -- there are many references that will resonate with British audiences.

For example, the whole song about Isembard King Brunell will not register with 99.9% of Americans; the only reason I know who he was is because I watch a lot of BBC America!

Also, I enjoy British folk music; many Americans do not. The romantic ballad is beautiful and has a universal message,

but it would undoubtedly be eschewed for the rock'n'roll number! (which is great, by the way, but not on a par with the ballad.)

I love his lyrics (although these are mostly dark) because they presuppose that the listener will understand what he has to say,

and his rhythms and schemes are so clever, I just shake my head at his mad skills!

The music does indeed reference the Soul Cages -- he actually sings about the Soul Cages

in one number! -- but that is completely fine with me. As far as I'm concerned, that was some of his finest work.

This is also a fine work, which I really enjoyed listening to, and will enjoy many times over, but it isn't terribly commercial.

But what a refreshing break from the trashy pop that passes as music nowadays!

There are no gimmicks or needless noise; just music. Really good music.

My grade for this CD? I give it an A+, but that's me. I hope others will enjoy it as much as I did.

Can't wait to hear what you all think!

Have a great week!

Holly