Buffy the Vampire Slayer - Once More, with Feeling
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Free Music Notes for Buffy the Vampire Slayer - Once More, with Feeling
Free Music Review: Broadway Joss Whedon. Grrr Arggh!
Hit: 5 Stars
A few years back, it was the "in" thing for television shows to do "very special" musical episodes. The "Buffy" episode, "Once More with Feeling," was Joss Whedon's contribution to the genre, and a worthy contribution it was. It's funny in spots, poignant in others, and, for fans of BTVS, a thorough delight.
"Once More With Feeling" takes place during the early part of the sixth season, which were arguably the darkest days of the series. The episode itself is a pivotal point in the lives of the Scoobies. After her spectacular act of self-sacrifice at the end of season 5, Buffy has been magically resurrected by her friends, who believe they're rescuing her from the torments of a hell dimension. Unfortunately it wasn't Hell they rescued her from--it was Heaven. To spare their feelings, Buffy hasn't told them this. She doesn't really want to be alive, and Spike is the only one who knows. Buffy's death wish attracts her to him and the darkness he represents. Spike is struggling with his own problems, namely his unrequited love for Buffy and his attempts to be good for her sake. Meanwhile, Anya and Xander are about to be married, but having doubts. Giles is wrestling with the necessity of forcing to Buffy stand on her own two feet by leaving Sunnydale and his desire to stay and protect her. Dawn feels ignored and Willow and Tara are struggling with Willow's growing addiction to magic. It's at this point Dawn accidentally summons, Slick, a song-and dance man from Hell. The residents of Sunnydale are suddenly beset with an epidemic compulsion to sing, dance, and reveal their their best-guarded secret fears. Nobody escapes unscathed from the revelations, and the rest of the season is spent dealing with the consequences.
So how does the actual soundtrack stand up? Pretty good, all things considered. There's very little in it that doesn't advance the storyline in some way. Like any musical comedy, the songs range from musical numbers with no life outside of the immediate context to truly moving stand-alone pieces. "Under Your Spell," Tara's song to Willow, is a gem of a love song. "I'll Never Tell," Anya and Xander's dance number, is a witty exposition of the fears typical of the about-to-be married. "Standing [in the way]" could be any parent's song about letting their child go. Buffy's "Walk Through the Fire" and "Something to Sing About." are as good as any musical treatments of depression that I've ever heard. Even singing, the characters remain themselves--"I've Got a Theory/Bunnies", for example, parodies the standard Scoobie approach to demon-hunting. Ironically, the some of the most insightful lyrics are given to Spike. His solo "Rest in Peace" and "Something to Sing About" duet with Buffy, are powerful statements of the characters' feelings which will reverberate through the rest of the series.
Of course there are rough spots. Sarah Michelle Gellar, for instance, is not a strong singer, but she gives it her best shot. Anthony Stewart Head and Amber Benson, on the other hand, give marvelous performances. Hinton Battle, who plays the devilish Slick, is as smooth as one would expect from a performer of his talent. Because this is only an audio version of the show, the sight gags that go with the music are missing. But even so, "Once More With Feeling" more than succeeds. It's a CD that stands on its own and can can be listened to again and again.
Free Music Review: Something to Sing About
Hit: 5 Stars
Everyone involved in Once More With Feeling - from Joss to Christophe, from Jesse to Marti, from every mainstay and guest star to each extra or backup dancer - is to be thanked and praised. A musical episode is a huge undertaking and it was pulled off brilliantly.Once More, With Feeling was a true musical. Sometimes, folks burst into song for no reason; other times, it was just the right time and place. It offered funny tunes (The Parking Ticket), a jazzy duet (I'll Never Tell), showstopping ballads (Under Your Spell, Standing), the group numbers and more. The hour was replete not just with songs but with emotion. It moved the stories, the people and the plots forward. This episode shook up almost every friendship and relationship and altered the course of the season. Secrets were revealed, hearts were broken, lives were changed.
Much like I pay heavy attention to the writing in a regular episode - the dialogue, the snappy our-show-only lingo to which we've grown fond, grown accustomed - here, I listened closely to the lyrics. I wasn't expecting everyone to sound perfectly. I was watching their acting and listening to the words. Not everyone wanted to sing, but they did. They were brave enough to do it. What I say to the naysayers who are telling me so-and-so sang poorly is this: Were you up there, on that screen, bearing your heart for the world to see? Just standing up there on stage - or in this case, in front of a camera - takes guts.
What an absolute pleasure it is to have the entire cast actually sing and take part in the episode rather than lipsynch to other people's voices. Granted, some shy away from singing, so Joss had them only sing a few lines by themselves and otherwise take part in the group chorus. Everyone took part; everyone was passable...
Some were outright outstanding. Amber Benson (Tara) stole the screen with "Under Your Spell," a lyrical, magical love ballad. Our hearts broke right along with her later on the reprise, and with Anthony Stewart Head (Giles) as he proclaims himself a hinderance to Buffy in "Standing." When you couple the two voices for their duet, not only do you get the mirroring of stories, but lovely harmonies. Tony and Amber deserve standing ovations. Nicholas Brendon and Emma Caulfield, as Xander and Anya, made me laugh out loud with "I'll Never Tell," the perfect piece for the two lively actors who possess such great comic timing. Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy) impressed me quite a bit. From the Disney-esque inquisitive "Going Through the Motions" to the emotional "Life's A Show," that girl gave it her all.
One cannot remark upon this music and not mention Christophe Beck. This amazing composer worked on the series full time for years, then departed to focus on scoring films, but returned to provide instrumental pieces and the overture for Once More, With Feeling. The bonus tracks also give us score pieces from famous episodes "Hush," "Restless" and "The Gift," also scored by Beck and instantly recognizable by any fan.
With an immediately-addicting hour packed with harmony, revelations and shakeups, this episode was rightly named: "Once More, With Feeling."
Free Music Review: A majestic piece of film-making/music.
Hit: 5 Stars
First off, I have to start by saying that I haven't always been a fan of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer". I loved the movie when it was originally released. Then again, I was quite young. Had I known Joss Whedon's original intention, I'm not sure how I would have felt. However, my love for the film played a huge role in my perception of the television series. I thought it was too dark. I didn't like how deep the storyline tried to get... until after the extremely dismal season seven aired on the FX station. It was upon viewing the final few episodes that I was hooked.
But I digress. Despite my foreboding for the later seasons, I have to admit that my favorite story in the entire Buffy arc would be "Once More, With Feeling". I'm not going to get into huge detail on the episode, as this is only a review for the soundtrack, however I would like to mention that this episode features some of my favorite cinematography in the series. Joss Whedon obviously dedicated a lot of time to this particular story, and for that I am quite thankful.
"Once More, With Feeling" has got to be my most listened to album, by far. Surprising, considering the broad range of music I enjoy. But maybe that's why I'm so drawn to it. In the span of fifty eight minutes, we get quite a variety of musical flair. Everything from rock anthem to 1930's swing influence, I find that the composition of tracks rivals even the cinematography of the episode.
I will admit that there are a few sour apples in the bunch. Alyson Hannigan and Nicholas Brendon both seem to struggle, which is understandable. They aren't exactly professional singers, though Brendon does seem to loosen up over the course of the story. They aren't horrible, by any means... just not what one would expect. Brendon is magical along side Emma Caulfield, however, in "I'll Never Tell". It's easily the cutest song on the album. Funny to watch, too.
There are some exceptionally good voices on this album, too. Anthony Stewart Head has a breathtaking voice, and Amber Benson has a voice to fall in love with. It's too bad that she doesn't sing professionally. I would really like to hear more from her. I can't say enough good things about her performance.
One of my favorite songs would be "Rest In Peace", performed by the incomparable James Marsters. While he does seems to have a limited range, the song is tailor fitted to meld with his scope and character. I guess maybe I'm just too much of the brooding type for my own good, but I've always found "Rest In Peace" the easiest song to associate with.
All said and done, the soundtrack album for this episode is well worth the purchase. The extra tracks (all composed by Christopher Beck, I believe, though don't quote me on that) are beautiful and are quite nice if you like score music. I still have yet to see the episodes they accompany, but I can't wait.
Buy it. You won't regret it.
Free Music Review: Buffy Singing?
Hit: 5 Stars
A CD that Buffy fans will enjoy, thoroughly. Filled with memories of that special musical episode, reflecting on the past and wonderful singing. Song reviews:
Going Through the Motions: Going Through the motions is a song sung by Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar)in the scene she is in the grave yard fighting vampires and staking absentmindedly. The beats are awesome and even though SMG isn't the best singer her emotion fufills the song, makng it real and beautiful. 5/5
I've Got a Theory: The whole cast sings in this one (I think, not too sure about Dawn!) Its really nice and relaxing to listen to. And Anya's "Bunny" ending is funny and very cool! 5/5
The Mustard: Nothing special. Just a guy singing "They got the mustard out" and backgroudn singers singing "They got the mustard out" and drums playing. Then it finishes. Not wildy enthused, but people who have seen the episode will understand and embrace it for beiing in Buffy. 3/5
Under Your Spell: Oh gosh! Tara (Amber Benson) sings like a dream! She sounds proffesional! Her voice rings out and the lyrics are gorgeous. Excellent, excellent song. 5/5
I'll Never Tell: Anya (Emma Caulfield) and Xander (Nicholas Brendon) sing togethar about their weddng worries. Its a fun song to dance too, and even though Nicholas Brendon's voice is not all that good his enthusiasm and (wonderful) actings kills make up for it. 4/5
The Parking Ticket: A good song. Again its nothing special like the "Mustard" except that the voice is more beautiful and the singer is ... oh take a guess! Its the beloved Marty Noxon! It has fun lyrics that are nice to sing along too. And the laugh of "hey I'm not wearing underwear" Buffy fans wll knwo what I'm talking about! 5/5
Rest In Peace: Spike (James Marsters) song for Buffy. A nice song, James Marster has a good voice. Love it! 4/5
Dawn's Lament: Average. 4/5
Dawn's Ballet: Nice. 4/5
What You Feel: 4/5
Standing: Woa! Giles (Anthony Stewart Head) has a great voice. 5/5
Under Your Spell / Standing (Reprise): Two great voices "collide" togethar. Superb. 5/5
Walk Through the Fire: My favorite! Stunning! 5/5
Something to Sing About: Buffy (SMG) 's mixed up song. Its not a bad one, but has good beats and a nice performance. 4/5
What You Feel: Good. 5/5
Where Do We Go From Here?: A song that made me sad (as I knew Bufy was finishing) and the episode made me feel happy, sad and mixed up at the same time. Its rather hard to explain. sweet lyrics and sweet vocals equals a sweet song. 5/5
Coda: 5/5
End Credits (Broom Dance/Grr Argh): After every episode of Buffy, this wil have played. Great! 5/5
Suite from "Restless": Just a song from an episode. 5/5
Suite from "Hush": Sent chills up my spine!! Excellent! 5/5
Sacrifice (from "The Gift"): One of the best epsiodes ... with the best music. 5/5
Something to Sing About (demo): ... 3/5
Free Music Review: The best TV soundtrack
Hit: 5 Stars
When it was announced 'Buffy The Vampire Slayer' was planning to stage a musical episode, there was a lot of people who expressed doubts that it was just cashing in on the recent trend. However, as this album proved, Joss Whedon (who wrote all the lyrics and music as well as writing and directing the episode himself) knows what he's doing. The soundtrack parodies the musical genre in great part, nowhere as evidently as on the excellent 'I'll Never Tell' as well as providing a variety of musical genres itself. From the classic musical styles it moves to something more rock-orientated with James Marsters on 'Rest In Peace' to tunes that have a more jazz and blues feel to them, such as 'What You Feel' and 'Standing'.If this was only, as Anya says in the episode, a 'retro pastiche number', then it would have novelty but wouldn't last. However, Whedon has created a true reward to all those people who've been watching the show from the very beginning. This isn't just a parody, nor is it merely a revelling in a classic genre of music, but an intelligent and witty part of the 'Buffy' story arc. For instance, rather than singing meaningless love songs, 'I'll Never Tell' foreshadows Xander and Anya's disastrous wedding and 'Going Through The Motions' gives us a glimpse into not only the hardship of being a Slayer but also Buffy's worries at not being able to feel anything or emote after her resurrection. Even the seemingly simplistic 'Under Your Spell' has a double meaning besides being an adorably sweet love song. Yet it is on one of the later numbers, 'Walk Through The Fire, where the entire cast sings together, which really impresses, linking the characters together inextricably as well as producing the emotional weight of the album.
Of course, the singing varies. Sarah Michelle Gellar copes well under immense pressure despite not having the most distinctive voice, yet is notable impressive in that she manages to get real emotion into her songs. Take 'Something To Sing About' for instance; a tune where Gellar excels as an actress. Amber Benson (Tara) and Anthony Stewart Head (Giles) are also superb, especially on their duet together. It would be wrong though not to mention the stunning work done by Christophe Beck on this soundtrack. He returned to the show specifically to score this episode, and works wonders with 'Dawn's Ballet' and it is a real pleasure to have his stunning orchestral work from previous episodes 'Restless' (which really is a show-stopper), 'Hush' and 'The Gift'. Please can we have a CD with his scores on? Judging from what's on offer here Beck is certainly up to it.
This is probably not only the best TV soundtrack I own but the best soundtrack in general. It's fun, doesn't take itself too seriously and is the best kind of memento from what is probably one of the best 'Buffy' episodes ever made.