Not Worth Passing Up
Not Worth Passing UpYesterday, I saluted ABBA and the team behind the movie soundtrack for "Mamma Mia!" on its ascension to the top of Billboard's Album Chart.
But today, I just have to say, the CD that I can't stop listening to is the original cast recording for Passing Strange. The sheer artistry, humor and intelligence on each and every track has me a bit depressed that it never attracted the audience it deserved. But thankfully, Stew and Heidi Rodewald is now available for the ages.
I just dare you to listen to it and not be similarly amazed.
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
Labels: Heidi Rodewald, Original Cast Recording, Passing Strange, Stew
posted by Steve On Broadway (SOB) @ Thursday, August 14, 2008
4 Comments:
Just because of this post, I listened to "Passing Strange" on my drive home tonight. I've listened to it before, of course, and what always strikes me is Stew's great storytelling ability, especially in songs like "Baptist Fashion Show." He paints such a vivid picture with his lyrics. The songs really "tell" the story to a great extent. And the writing is witty and intelligent and sharp. Plus, Daniel Breaker is so funny and appealing.
Never dare a theater queen. ;-)
Sorry, Steve, but the more I listen to PS, the less I like it, although I still think it was a worthy show that deserved to find more of an audience. But I find myself less and less enamored of the score. I'm particularly annoyed by the persistent slant rhyme and bad scansion. And I think having an audience was a mistake, because the crowd reactions are tepid at best.
PS has a few songs that might make it onto one of my iPod playlists: "We Just Had Sex" and "The Black One," in particular. But the recordings I keep going back to are Adding Machine and A Catered Affair, both of which grow increasingly rich upon multiple hearings.
My $0.02.
Hope you're feeling better, my friend.
I am so glad you mentioned this, having just bought the OBCR about two weeks ago myself; the track I keep listening to over and over at the moment is "Come Down Now." LOVE IT.
i agree about Stew's storytelling...I love his narration style and the way he infuses emotion with performance and sheer rock. He's awesome, and totally deserved Best Book at tonys 08. I also agree with esther about Daniel Breaker; I hope we see more of him in the future.
I only wish it had held on for two more weeks and I would have been able to see it. As I've said before, whenever I find myself wallowing in self-pity for not having seen this, I am thankful for Spike Lee's forthcoming film. And the soundtrack, of course. ;)
Post a Comment
<< Home