Great Music
The piece is clever, funny and moving. Audra McDonald and the cast are fantastic. But the sound of the recording is quite dull and the booklet doesn't add much. 4 stars - a reflection of the CD and materials, not John Adams' music. Still definitely worth the purchase.

Vivid sound-marvelous...
Inspired by the 1994 California earthquake, using for its title a quotation from one of the survivors, this theatre-piece is an captivating amalgamation of opera and musical. It starts with persistent ostinatos in Adams's early Minimalist style, and then launches into melodic lines echoing pop and jazz. The dramatic point is lessened on the disc when no linking dialogue is included, but the mixture is undemanding and agreeable, often moving. Even so, it can hardly compare in its impact with Adam's mainstream operas. Conducted by the composer, the performance with a character full line-up of singers is persuasively colloquial. Vivid, upfront sound.

Just My Opinion
I love John Adams. I love what he did with Ives' songs, his Transmigration, violin concerto etc. I was wondering why I hadn't heard this piece before. I was so excited by the beginning orchestration that I actually said to my wife that history will prove Adams to be the voice of our generation. Unfortunately, I quickly changed my mind. The problems began with the triteness of the "chorus" part of the first track. The piece continued sinking; not being buoyed by the insipid libretto. Adams is a rhythmic genius. I don't consider him a great tonal-melodist. I bet there is only a small audience for this piece. People versed in his concert pieces will find this uninteresting and those that like modern Broadway will not enjoy the angular melodies......but what do I know.

not for everyone
This album is definitely not for everyone. Is for the open mind listener. This album demonstrates the versatility of the genius of Mr. Adams. A masterpiece, wether you like it or not.

credible effort
It took me several listens to gather the full effect of what Adams was trying to accomplish on this opera/musical. I'm not sure that this recording fully harnesses it all, but it is an excellent recording.

As most people know, the recording is based on the 1994 major earthquake in California, and the structure of the recording reflects this, as movements 2-14 are meant as either solos or duets to reflect points of view. These pieces are sandwiched by ensemble numbers (part 1 and 15) that show off some of Adams' minimalist leanings but quickly switch over to pop and jazz sensibilities.

At moments, it's difficult to follow the flow of the action, especially on those parts that have no dialogue to connect sections. I suppose that is a nit-pickey point, all in all, but it was a noticable flaw as i heard it.

With Adams conducting, the cd shows off a different side of Adams. No, he's no Lloyd-Webber or Sondheim (thankfully) but the performance IS an interesting melding of opera and musical. While this concept, in my opinion, pales in comparison to his other operatic works, the work is a confident one, and is well worth listening to.