To say this album is by Anaïs Mitchell is a formality; this is a folk opera in the truest sense of the term. With additional arrangements and orchestrations by Michael Chorney, staging by Ben T. Matchstick, and production done by Todd Sickafoose, and a different singer to play each character in the album, this record caught me completely off guard in its attention to detail, it's ability to portray a classic (and beloved, to say the least) Greek myth, and its ability to transport you to another place entirely.
Set in post apocalyptic, depression-era America, Hadestown is a unique interpretation of the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. Orpheus (played by Justin Vernon of Bon Iver) is a poor poet and musician to be married to be Eurydice (played by songwriter Anaïs Mitchell). We also meet Hades, boss of the remarkably capitalist Hadestown (played by Greg Brown), his wife Persephone, who runs a speakeasy behind her husband's back (played by Ani DiFranco), Hermes, who gives Orpheus directions to Hadestown after she leaves him for a life of riches (played by Ben Knox), and The Fates, who find justification in keeping Orpheus and Eurydice apart (played by the Haden Triplets).
I have linked the official website, which includes a very thorough (and official) plot synopsis, as well as a complete libretto and the detailed information on the singers I have failed to research as of yet, including official band websites and bios.
Enjoy!
2. Epic (Part I) - Orpheus
3. Way Down Hadestown - Hermes, Persephone, Eurydice, Orpheus, The Fates, Ensemble
4. Songbird Intro
5. Hey, Little Songbird - Hades, Eurydice
6. Gone, I'm Gone - Eurydice
7. When The Chips Are Down - The Fates
8. Wait For Me - Hermes, Orpheus
9. Why We Build The Wall - Hades, Ensemble
10. Our Lady Of The Underground - Persephone, Ensemble
11. Flowers (Eurydice's Song) - Eurydice
12. Nothing Changes - The Fates
13. If It's True - Orpheus
14. Papers (Hades Finds Out)
15. How Long? - Persephone, Hades
16. Epic (Part II) - Orpheus
17. Lover's Desire
18. His Kiss, The Riot - Hades
19. Doubt Comes In - Orpheus, The Fates, Eurydice
20. I Raise My Cup To Him - Persephone, Eurydice
http://www.mediafire.com/?tpfkp6c8x9twevr
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