Original Broadway Cast. This was the first recording I ever heard of this show, and I enjoy it so much that I haven't yet felt the need to run out and get another one. :-) The show is largely sung-through, so this 2-CD recording gives a very good representation of the show, and it's fairly easy to follow the plot by listening to it. The cast is very good in general, and Len Cariou and Angela Lansbury in particular are great. It's not what I would call "easy listening" (is Sondheim ever?), but it's well worth the effort!

2005 Broadway Revival. Though I'm going to stick by my original statement that the Broadway recording is the best one to have, this one is certainly worth a listen! The cast and the orchestra are one in the same, and the result is a more sparse orchestration, but in a way that doesn't damage the material. The cast is generally good, though I prefer some of the characters in smaller parts from the other recording. As far as the leads are concerned, Michael Cerveris does a different take on Sweeney, and one that I feel works quite well. His descent is slower, and the whole performance more understated. Patti LuPone has done Mrs. Lovett before, and her performance here is very good. If you like the show, definitely give this one a try - but for your first listen, I'd still recommend the Broadway cast first.