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Thinking about Jeff Wayne’s War of the Worlds

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Ekphrasis on Album cover Art Poetry Contest sponsored by Di11y Da11y 03/29/25

My favourite all time album - over the years I have listened to it so many times I am word perfect! A couple of years ago we were lucky enough to see the stage show in Birmingham UK) - the plane tickets, train tickets, hotel and show tickets cost us a fortune but the musical was beyond my wildest dreams so if you get the chance just do it!

“The chances against anything manlike on Mars are a million to one,” he said. (Excerpt from the book by H G Wells.) WATCH OUT, run for your lives ...the Martians are coming! Well on October 30, 1938 Terrified listeners truly thought the world was ending When a radio broadcast Of H G Wells book ‘The War of the Worlds’ was aired Jeff Wayne turn the book into an epic musical story Well over 40 years have passed since it was released Millions have listened to the double album And seen a Martian monster recreated in the stage show Though the Martians first invade dry land The album cover focuses on the war at sea … Terror stricken sea travellers try to escape A massive menacing metal monster With bulging green bug like eyes Its gleaming silver body perched high upon Three spindly chop stick like tripod legs It stalks the steamer like a spider eying its prey The brave captain tries to steer the ship to safely but it’s is tossed on stormy seas like a rag doll thrown by a petulant toddler Suddenly, the ebon sky is illuminated By an intense golden beam - a death ray Which pierces the bow of steamer with pinpoint accuracy White smoke billows, fire rages Countless lives will be lost Will the Martians conquer the world? I won’t spoil it for you… Just listen to the album story to find out Believe me you won’t regret it!!

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Duke Beaufort

Date: 4/1/2025 9:43:00 AM

Great story Jan. Wondering if the real massacre is yet to come. Hopefully not. We are so fortunate to have life. Amazing really.

Jan Allison
Date: 4/4/2025 8:08:00 AM

well Terump is hell bent on destroying the world - we have a lot to be afraid of and it is not little green men it is the orange faced moron:-( hugs jan xx

Terry Flood

Date: 3/31/2025 4:22:00 PM

But still they came. Brilliant album. Listened so many times on a borrowed copy, then bought my own… and haven’t played it since… weird. How strange is it that we presume that mega hit records were global hits, only to discover, 40 years later, that no-one outside of Blighty has heard of it. Smashing write, Jan.

Jan Allison
Date: 4/1/2025 4:10:00 AM

I listened to it yesterday Terry - those opening words set the scene and then the dramatic music starts - my favourite album ever and it is so surprising so few here have even heard of it which doesn't bode well for me with the sponsor but then again she is from the UK! fingers crossed! hugs jan xx

Lin Lane

Date: 3/29/2025 3:33:00 PM

I’ve never heard of this album, Jan but I’d love to hear it. You make it sound exciting!

Jan Allison
Date: 4/1/2025 4:08:00 AM

Listen to terry Lin lol! hugs jan xx

Terry Flood
Date: 3/31/2025 4:26:00 PM

Take Jan’s word for it, Lin. It’s an astounding piece of work. Richard Burton’s intro is enough to make your skin crawl. Bound to be on YouTube, Google or just about any streaming service you use

Jan Allison
Date: 3/29/2025 4:37:00 PM

Oh Lin I am so surprised only Gary is aware of it - listen on headphones, close your eyes and get taken in by the amazing story - I have it on vinyl but also on cd! hugs Jan xx

Gary Radice

Date: 3/29/2025 3:05:00 PM

“The chances of anything coming from Mars are a million to one, but still they come”. Such a brilliant album Jan and you’ve chosen to feature my favourite track too..”Forever Autumn”. What’s not to like here? Your words have done it all justice. Cheers - Gary

Jan Allison
Date: 3/29/2025 4:36:00 PM

Gary you have restored my faith in soupers lol I am so thrilled you know the album, as soon as i hear Richard Burton's voice and the orchestral music it transports me to another world! hugs Jan xx

Tom Cunningham

Date: 3/29/2025 12:44:00 PM

Love your interpretation of the album cover Jan, I know about WOTW but not familiar with the music. I must check it out. Best of luck in the contest. Tom

Jan Allison
Date: 3/29/2025 4:35:00 PM

Be warned Tom - you will be hooked! listen on headphones for the full effect - it is amazing! hugs jan xx

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 3/29/2025 11:39:00 AM

- The rough guys at sea drank way too much liquor ... didn't have water to mix with ... could indicate that it was a bit too much :) - Best wishes in the contest :) - Have a lovely weekend, Jan :) - hugs

Jan Allison
Date: 3/29/2025 4:34:00 PM

thanks Anne-Lise. Happy weekend:-) hugs Jan xx

CayCay Jennings

Date: 3/29/2025 11:27:00 AM

I simply love you, wherever I see you on Soup, you are precious and priceless. You have meaning and matter for so many people, Jan, I want you to know that. While familiar with Orson Well's unwell actions, I have no memory of it leading to an album. Beautiful lines educated me. Hugs ... CayCay

Jan Allison
Date: 3/29/2025 4:34:00 PM

oh do check out the album CayCay it is narrated by Richard Burton - it really gives you the chills! hugs Jan xx