Customer Rating:  
Summary: A few neat ideas captured in an unsatisfying (grating) way
Comment: I too purchased "Adding Machine: A Musical" due to the encouraging and glowing earlier reviews. I suspect there may be a real disparity between those seeing and commenting on the staged show and those basing their reviews on the recording alone. I imagine the staged show could be an interesting and praiseworthy achievement, but the recording alone is what we are supposed to be reviewing here. I cannot imagine anyone taking great pleasure in repeated listens. A four or five star review for a unique and intriguing stage show is understandable (even one that offends the ear), but I doubt the average listener would find this recording such a remarkable experience.
It was only the final few tracks that made me decide upon two stars instead of one. This musical really grated on my nerves in almost every possible way. Much of the music and singing was staccato, shrill, and unpleasant to the ear. Primary accompaniment is piano and synthesizer (frequently making harsh techno experimentation sounds circa 1975). It is a dark, empty, jarring sound.
The characters are completely unsympathetic and unlikable. The wife (Mrs. Zero) is a nagging ungrateful bitter gossip. The husband (Mr. Zero) is gruff, whiny, bitter, and suffers a sense of entitlement. They and their acquaintances (having other number appellations; One, Two, etc.) display wanton bigotry in an offensive little rant in "The Party" using all manner of racial and ethnic slurs. The love interest/coworker (Daisy Devore) seems a depressed blow-hard early on as well. These are dark, joyless, abrasive people. People I'd rather not be around.
There are a few fleeting items of interest that hint at what could have been better material in my opinion. In prison, Zero meets Shrdlu who was raised by a very "religious" mother. There is an unfortunate incident involving a leg of lamb that is recounted in a gospel hymn style. The subject matter and lyrics in that styling (a successful composition) were entertaining. Additionally, on the philosophical side, Shrdlu's expectations for the afterlife and the actual result might have been further explored entertainingly. Daisy also gets a bit of a love ballad that unfortunately is quickly burdened with the constructs prevalent throughout the musical. Finally, the central concept of desiring life to "add up" to something valuable is a powerful idea. It just wasn't explored in a meaningful way.
Possibly the staging for the show brings the material uniquely to life. Perhaps I could better understand the artistic and thematic use of the cold and grating staccato sounds. Perhaps the juxtaposition of the harsher sounds and the few simple melodies or rhythms rightly interpreted makes for an emotionally fulfilling or enlightening experience. I dare not subject myself to repeated listens to find out.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Do not expect Broadway music
Comment: I wished those who rave about this recording would have said: "this is not your average sounding Broadway show." I would have saved my money. Now, if you like hard, acidic rock of industrial nature, aggresive and without much good melody, this is definitely for you. For me it is Kurt Weill on speed and without the tunes.
PS: I wished that those who write reviews remember that the main purpose is to "help others make a decision" and include these caveats. Unfortunately, so many seem to do it to pursue their own frustrated ego trip. So here it is a warning for those who like intelligent music and lyrics a-la-Sondheim: proceed carefully.
Customer Rating:
Summary: not as good as expected
Comment: After reading the posted reviews, I was looking forward to receiving the musical but was disappointed when it finally arrived. I found the music to be somewhat harsh and, while the premise was intriquing, it probably translated better on the stage...
Customer Rating:
Summary: Welcome Joshua Schmidt
Comment: A powerful score to a dark brooding musical. Performances are uniformly superb. Thanks to PS Classics for recordings this extraordinary piece of music theater. Keep an eye/ear on composer Joshua Schmidt!
Customer Rating:
Summary: Grabs You!
Comment: Let's face it: the story is not a pretty one. The music faithfully reproduces the characters' feelings. Dark, but a good ride.
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