John Cameron Mitchell - Hedwig And The Angry Inch: Original Cast Recording
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Free Music Notes for Hedwig And The Angry Inch: Original Cast Recording
Free Music Review: Moving lyrics and storytelling typical of every song.
Hit: 5 Stars
Hedwig's emotional, yet poignant, protrayal of an unfortunate transexual comes through vibrantly in the soundtrack of this movie. From start to finish, one gets to ride the rollercoaster of Hedwig's life and, in the journey, learn everlasting lessons about self-realization, regret, and the power of nostalgic synthetic wigs, styled in the vain of "Farrah Fawcett from TV." My favorite song, track #2, depicts Hedwig's belief of the "Origin of Love," an amazing song that perfectedly combines Hedwig's rock and roll energy with the tenderness and determination of a soul ill-at-ease but one who's ready to reach for the truth. That song's immediately followed by the angst-driven, vengeful "Angry Inch" about her experience with the now-famous botched surgery. There's so much sarcasm present in this song that it's hard not to feel bad laughing at such a tragedy. But Hedwig pulls it off with great fanfare and doesn't make us feel bad for her, as she regains her energy, whipping out a stunning, Billy Joel-esque rock tune -- with catchy melody and all -- in "Wig in a Box," that typifies what happens when someone says, "enough is enough." You can't help but bounce your head side-to-side, while singing along with your friends in your car, without fear of sounding .... In an instant, she transforms from "midwest midnight check out girl" to "punk rock superstar" with a variety of fantastic costumes to match. And, finally, the CD ends with one of the strongest ballads, that will, unfortunately, never make it to the radio, named "Midnight Radio," with one of the best melodies I've heard in a long time. The songwriters and producers need to be commended with their work and John Cameron Mitchell deserves a Grammy nomination, at the least, if not the award itself, for his displaying his talent on this soundtrack.Free Music Review: This is riveting, can't get it out of your head music.
Hit: 5 Stars
More than you can imagine, especially if you haven't heard the music or seen the show, the soundtrack is absolutely riveting. I need to keep revisiting it; put simply, Hedwig is an addiction. From the rock stuff to the ballads, it is through and through the best CD I've bought in years. Just when you think you're singing along to a jaunty ballad (e.g. "Wig in a Box") you realize all the meaning behind it, and don't we all have a wig in a box, somewhere--an alternate personality, someone we wish we were, or someone we once were? The Bowie references are clear, and beautiful, but they don't dominate the music. Though I did feel compelled to listen to Changes after listening to this, the second act of "Tristan and Isolde" also came to mind, so the Bowie influence is there, but well, not overwhelming. I don't get that people compare Hedwig to that gross fiasco, Meatloaf. If Meatloaf turns you off (yicky), don't be scared away by other reviews of this album.
From "The Origins of Love" to "Wicked Little Town" to the "Long, Long Grift," if you love intensly lyrical ballads, get this CD. If you're more of a rocker, there is more than enough here to please.
All I can say is: take a deep breath and listen to this. It is great stuff. So great, I'm tempted to give a copy to my 69-year old dad, and old Stones/Who fan. Not a risk I would usually take. IT'S THAT GOOD. It's that moving, it's that rocking. It's worth every penny. (And for those who get the reference, I've got every Cuisinart and a hypoallergenic dog, so this is not just a CD for the alternative scene.)
Free Music Review: Easily the Best Rock Musical Since HAIR
Hit: 5 Stars
Forget RENT's forced excesses of schlocky chic (amusingly spoofed in the Hedwig movie but not the theater piece), this is a show that really rocks! It's the best rock musical since HAIR, based on the strength of the score alone ... but also to the extent of being a true countercultural phenomenon and a politico-socio-sexual statement.The lyrics are canny, fun, and wise. The music is amazingly original and effective ... despite the songs being a pastiche in the manner of many great musicals like Chicago and Follies -- you've got a power rock opener, a brooding ballad, a country-western ditty, a heavy metal screamer, a cabaret confessional, a punked-out rant, a ya-ya bubblegum number, a singer-songwriter folk tune, an arena anthem. And John Cameron Mitchell brings a different, utterly convincing, voice to each wonderful song.
This performance is preferable to the film soundtrack, and not just because the whole experience has a greater impact and more meaning on the stage. The added song here "Random Number Generation" (a number that is not part of the show but a song by the original band) is better than the songs "We are Freaks" and "Nailed" on the film soundtrack. The singing has more edge, more intimacy and vulnerability, but no less beauty. The playing is more immediate, the difference between a drag queen with a little stubble and one that is neatly Naired. And, not insignificantly, the cast album includes all lyrics whereas the soundtrack omits them.
I really think this is an important, heartfelt, and enduring musical experience. Rock for the Ages.
Free Music Review: Still shining like the brightest star
Hit: 5 Stars
Brilliant. Astounding, breathtaking, electrifying, profound on more levels than I may ever discover. I fell completely in love with "Hedwig and the Angry Inch" from the very first preview night of its Los Angeles run, and I knew right off that this cast album was a must-have.This, ladies and gentlemen, whether you like it or not, is THE definitive rock musical. No "rock musical" that came before it even comes close to reaching the true edge and impact that Hedwig does. Stephen Trask's versatile score displays a broad range of musical influence, glorying in a sense of pastiche that really makes you think about the question of self-identity that runs through the show. It's amazing how a song like "The Origin of Love," with its very Dr. Seussian lyrics, can still pack such an impact; "Wicked Little Town" is gorgeous; "Midnight Radio" will always bring tears to my eyes.
Michael Cerveris will always be my favorite Hedwig, but John Cameron Mitchell, the originator, has a beautiful voice and infuses the character of Hedwig with a delicate, yet edgy touch. And as a bonus, the cast album contains the rocking track "Random Number Generation," to better show off Miriam Shor's incredible talent!
Free Music Review: Slam bam glam.thank you Mam
Hit: 5 Stars
I came to the show on recommendation knowing virtually nothing about it. The theatre is in 'The Village' a long, long way off Broadway in the basement of a hostel which once housed the surviving sailors from the Titanic. The stage is tiny, set with the basics for a four-piece band. The floor is sticky, as are the seats. Then it begins. Once I'd stopped stamping and cheering, I brought the CD. It is flat out the most fun you can have in New York (legally). If you liked Rocky Horror or Cage Aux Folles, if you followed Bowie or were ever a Punk...hell if you are under 50 and still have a soul, you will love this CD. The songs are absurdly clever and memorable. One of them (The Origin of Love) can still choke me most times I hear it. A bizarre combination of driven punk, glam rock and ballad...sometimes all in the same number. Hedwig will blow you out of your loafers. What's it about? 'Long story short' Life's a b**ch then you die...sometimes with less than you started with...who cares?
Steal cars, or sell a kidney to raise funds, but go see this show. In any case, buy this CD. Play it in the car on max and annoy your neighbors. You will feel young again. If you already are young, make the most of it. Who needs two kidneys anyway?