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Free Music Notes for Monty Python's Spamalot (2005 Original Broadway Cast)Free Music Review: Spamalot - I like a lot. Hit: 5 Stars
I grew up with Monty Python and so did my husband. When we met (hiking, actually) we hit it off big time because we both kept doing the MP routines. And we giggled. A lot.
It is no surprise, therefore, that we both waited with baited (Python-style) breath for the show Spamalot. As it happened, we saw it within a few days of its Broadway opening. We both thought it was hilarious, well cast and that the songs were great fun.
Which is why, of course, we bought the CD (albeit several months later, as an anniversary present to each other! What better way to celebrate, huh? Okay...don't answer that.)
Anyway, the CD has all the musical numbers of the show, including favorites "The Song that Goes Like This", "Find Your Grail", "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life", "You Won't Succeed on Broadway" and "Diva's Lament." Among others.
It is a real blast to sing along because these musical numbers are so sing-alongable (is that a word?), and although I will never in my wildest dreams sound anything like the fabulous Tony Award winner (and deservedly so) Sara Ramirez, I still love to do it, all the same. You will too. I'm not kidding.
A bit of warning if you buy the CD - 1.) It is seriously addictive - again, I'm not kidding - and 2.) you will probably find that the songs will get stuck in your head and cannot get back out. The only way to exorcise them (if you should so desire, although I find that one hard to believe) is to listen to the CD again (and again.)
My recommendation: see the show if you can - and then even if you don't get to see the show, buy the tunes anyway!
Free Music Review: Great for Python fans and Broadway fans alike... Hit: 5 Stars
There's a reason why Spamalot won Best Musical at the 2005 Tony Awards. The songs are brilliantly funny, and the performances are spot-on. Whether you're a Python fan, or a fan of musical theatre in general, there's something for you on this CD.
For general Broadway fans, there are the big show-stopping numbers: "Knights of the Round Table," "Find Your Grail," etc. There are also tons of Forbidden Broadway-type in-jokes for anyone familiar with the style of contemporary musical theatre, mostly found in numbers like "The Song That Goes Like This," "You Won't Succeed on Broadway," and "Diva's Lament." There's even a Peter Allen-style number called "His Name is Lancelot." And of course, the performances are great. David Hyde Pierce and Hank Azaria, while not technically perfect singers, are great character actors and deliver their punch lines with fantastic comic timing. The great singing comes from cast members Christopher Sieber, Christian Borle, and especially Sara Ramirez (Tony winner: Best Featured Actress).
And as you can imagine, the cast recording is a gold mine for Python fans. Not only does it contain songs that originally appeared in the Holy Grail film (like "Knights of the Round Table" and "Brave Sir Robin"), but it has plenty of other Python references that aren't even specific to Holy Grail. The "Finland" song gets worked in early in the show, "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" is a show-stopping number, and they even work in a reference to the Lumberjack Song.
This CD is definitely a must-have, especially if you can't get to New York to see the show.
Free Music Review: Find your grail.....and get this brilliant soundtrack!! Hit: 5 Stars
Or better still, if you're in New York City, go see the fantastic and hilarious musical for yourself!!!
If you enjoyed "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" or even just remotely appreciate British humor, then "Spamalot" the Musical will have you rolling down the aisles. I had the pleasure of seeing this musical on Broadway recently and couldn't wait to get my hands on the accompanying soundtrack. There are far too many highlights to mention and I would be hardpressed to find a song I didn't like. The actors were perfectly cast in their roles and everything about this musical reminds us what a comic genius Eric Idle truly is.
The highlights for me would be "He is Not Dead Yet," "Knights of the Round Table," "Find Your Grail," "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life," "Brave Sir Robin" and "You Won't Succeed on Broadway."
Most of the songs are upbeat and full of energy and - combined with the visuals and excellent dance choreography - are absolute crowd pleasers. I still remember certain scenes just by listening to the soundtrack and I still laugh out loud at certain parts.
I can't wait to see "Spamalot" again when it tours the US this year and in 2007. And while I wait, I pop in this CD on my stereo and remember those rollicking moments with King Arthur, the Lady of the Lake, Sir Dennis Galahad, Sir Robin, Sir Lancelot, Sir Bedevere, Prince Herbert, Prince Herbert's father, the crazed bunny, the taunting French guards, knights of Ni and that talented ensemble singing and dancing their hearts out at Shubert Theater in Broadway. What a treat this is!!
Free Music Review: This is the Soundtrack That Goes Like This: Positively Brilliant Hit: 5 Stars
If you've seen Monty Python's SPAMALOT, you'll love this Original Cast Recording because hearing every song, line, and "Oh my!" will cause you to either break into uncontrollable laughter all over again or, at the very least, smile inappropriately among strangers.
If you've never seen SPAMALOT, but saw "Monty Python and The Holy Grail" 35 times, you'll love this because most of the songs refer directly to those "Grail" scenes that are forever burned into your brain, including John Cleese and Graham Chapman's "Knights of the Round Table." Added to that are favorites from other classic Python sketches and films, like Eric Idle's "Always Look On The Bright Side of Life" and Michael Palin's "Finland," plus several original songs by Idle making fun of typical Broadway musicals, like "The Song That Goes Like This" and "I'm All Alone."
If, on the other hand, you've never seen SPAMALOT, "Monty Python and The Holy Grail," or other Python shows...um...congratulations on escaping from that cave, I guess. I would still encourage you to buy this CD, if only to enhance your sense of humor.
Other reasons to buy the SPAMALOT cast recording? A hilarious spoof of Barry Manilow-style songs, an Intermission interlude worthy of a Terry Gilliam cartoon, and tremendous performances by David Hyde Pierce, Hank Azaria, Chris Seiber, and others, including the best role Tim Curry has had since "Rocky Horror Picture Show."
You really should buy this one.
Free Music Review: ...AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT... Hit: 5 Stars
Take it from a Monty Python fan who's planning a New York trip around this production, this is a must have for an self-respecting Pythonier. This album features the current and original Broadway cast of the new musical (opened March 17, 2005) based on the infamous "Monty Python and the Holy Grail." Python member Eric Idle co-produces, lovingly ripping off moments and songs from the original. Although there are more than enough new material to make up for such indiscretions, like the inclusion of Life of Brian's "Bright Side of Life." In fact, any fear of redundancy is squished as if by a big Flying Circus foot, when stars like David Hyde-Pierce, Tim Curry, Hank Azaria lend their talents and voices to giving a fresh face to this much revered material. And speaking of fresh faces, with the introduction of the Lady of the Lake, played by Sara Ramirez, who is only referenced briefly in the movie, Spamalot achieves new levels of Broadway satire. For example, Ramirez is featured in the hilarious "The Song That Goes Like This," and "Whatever Happened To My Part?" a shot at stage and divas in general.
Tim Curry (of Rocky Horror and the recent CD readings of the Lemony Snicket series) sounds terrific, his voice is better now than ever. While this is no substitute for see the production, I think, along with all of its links (like the historian's intros) the albumn creates a great feel for the stage show's energy. So Runnn Awwway to buy this CD.
More Free Music Notes: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
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