5...4...3...2...1.... Happy New Year!

There are so many Christmas albums out there, but where is the perfect New Year's Album? Well, look no further... I would like to introduce "Striking 12!"  It's a concert Broadway show written by the band Groovelily.

"Striking 12" is based on Hans Chistian Andersen's "The Little Match Girl."  The three members of Groovelily (Valerie Vigoda, Brendan Milburn, and Gene Lewin) play all the characters and play their instruments at the same time (violin, piano, and drums!) The show has wonderful music written in a similar style to Jason Robert Brown ("A New World," "The Last 5 Years.")  Kenneth Jones from Playbill Online writes, "Striking 12 may be the best new American musical that nobody has heard of."

Here's a clip.

Here is a link to i-tunes if you want to ring in the new year Musical Theater style.

Wishing you a HAPPY NEW YEAR and blessed 2009!

A Perfect Holiday Blend

Happy early Thanksgiving!  I'm heading up north to visit my wonderful family.  I SHOULD be packing right now... but I wanted to write a quick post.

I am so excited to begin the Holiday Season!  Let the Christmas cd recommendations begin....

I wrote in a previous post about a LOVELY album by Kristin Chenoweth.  This is my favorite holiday album this year.  

A close second is by an a cappella group from Indiana University called STRAIGHT NO CHASER.  Last year they posted a 10 year old video of a wonderful version of "The 12 Days of Christmas" online and became a You Tube sensation.  This led to a record deal including a fantastic christmas release called HOLIDAY SPIRITS.  

Here is the infamous "12 Days of Christmas"

BARACK to the future!

Sorry it's been so long since I last posted.... it's been crazy busy. 

Just came back from voting today... and will be anxiously awaiting the results tonight.  

I believe this video sums up the hope of "CHANGE" and what it means to the future of our country.

I have been listening a lot to Ben Sollee.  His music has really touched me this year.  I wrote about him in a previous post.  

His debut album is the perfect soundtrack for the election and really sums up the power of change.  Today he released an EP "Something Worth Keeping" on i-tunes.   His songwriting is absolutely beautiful.  Here's a great article he wrote on Obama.  Check him out.  

... and please VOTE for change!!!!   

Florida, Arizona, and California... please vote with your hearts ("NO" on changing the constitution.)  No matter what your personal, political, or religious beliefs are... I'm sure we can all agree that our country was not founded on discrimination.  Our constitution promises Americans "liberty and justice for all."  

(Barack cartoons are available on t-shirts at CafePress.com)

KRISTIN the night away!

I know it's a little early to be talking about Christmas music... most of the new releases for Christmas 2008 DO come out today or next week.... but I will wait a little longer to talk about all the releases (at least till after Halloween.)  There ARE some REALLY good ones this year.   However, there is one I cannot wait to tell you about.

I had no idea this album was coming out... so I jumped up and down a little (ok maybe a lot) when I learned yesterday that Broadway/tv/movie darling Kristin Chenoweth is releasing a Christmas album.

It's called "A Lovely Way To Spend Christmas"...  and it is absolutely BREATHTAKING!!!!  

I face a huge dilemma each year about how early I can pull out the holiday cd's.  One does not want to overdose on holiday cheer too early...  I've decided to "adapt" the fashion rule...  "You shouldn't listen to 'White CHRISTMAS' until AFTER Labor Day."   Since it's October I'm safe... which is good, because I couldn't wait to hear this.  I downloaded it at midnight from i-tunes (a MUST because there are 2 exclusive tracks on i-tunes.)  I sat by the computer and listened all the way through.  This is rare for me.  Usually when I'm really excited about a new release I have to sample through the album first so I don't burst with anticipation (I have issues... I know!)  With this cd I was under Kristin's spell.

Her renditions are fresh (not overproduced) and yet feel classic at the same time.  She has moments where she does her cute Glinda/Sally Brown schtick that she is loved for, but most of the album is pure beautiful singing.

She does wonderful versions of classics.  I love her take on "I'll Be Home For Christmas" and "Do You Hear What I Hear."  She duets with contemporary jazz great John Pizzarelli on a cute medley of "Sleigh Ride"/"Marshmallow World."  She also includes "Sing" (originally made by famous by Big Bird and then the Carpenters.)  It fits wonderfully with the other songs.  Her rendition is very true to the Carpenters but has some special Christmas lyrics.

I was especially moved by the pairing of "Sleep Little Children" and "What A Wonderful World."

Get the i-tunes version which includes the title song (don't know why it didn't make on the official release!?!)  "A Lovely Way To Spend Christmas."  This is a  reworking of the standard "A Lovely Way To Spend an Evening."  The other track is a beautiful version of "The Lord's Prayer."

This is sure to be a season favorite.

IN OTHER KRISTIN NEWS....

-She is ADORABLE this season on PUSHING DAISIES... if you're missing the show... you are missing out.  Season 1 is out on dvd.  The show really is a perfect fit for all of her talents.  She is also in the upcoming movie "Four Christmases."

-The WICKED cast recording is being re-released as a Fifth Anniversary Edition on Oct 28th with songs cut from the original production and covers of some of the songs.

-Kristin has a memoir coming out next year!!!!  It's called "A Little Bit Wicked: Life Love and Faith In Stages."  Cannot wait!  It comes out Spring 2009!

-Also in the works is a Disney version of "Rapunzel" voiced by Kristin.

Here is a fun video I found of a staged reading of  "EARTH GIRLS ARE EASY - The Musical."  The musical never quite made it to Broadway.  It looked fun.  Here is Kristin singing Blondie's "Heart of Glass."  Super cute.

FINALLY....  (sorry long post again!)  Here is a public service announcement from Kristin.  (This ditty is NOT on the Christmas album! )

See more Kristin Chenoweth videos at Funny or Die

I Love TRASH!

Here is a SUPER DUPER fun new discovery! 

TRASH POUR 4 is a 4-piece combo from Sao Paulo, Brazil.  They do WONDERFUL covers of pop tunes (mostly 70's and 80's) in a jazz/bossa nova/lounge setting.   They remind me a bit of the splendid group PINK MARTINI!  

They have 2 great albums.  

The first "Recycle Volume 1" came out in 2005 and "Super Duper" was released in 2006.  They both can be found on i-tunes.

Favorite covers (you should download) are.. 

Madonna's "Material Girl"

Carpenters' "Close To You"

Erasure's "A Litte Respect" 

Irving Berlin's "Puttin' On The Ritz" (look out "Puttin On The Ritz - TACO COVER!")

They also do a wonderful cover of Nirvana's "Lithium"

Here is them doing Irving Berlin's PUTTIN' ON THE RITZ.

Here is a VERY different take on YOU'RE SO VAIN!

Here are 2 videos showing them making "SUPER DUPER."  I have no idea what they are saying half of the time, but I find them very fascinating!!! These are long, so only watch if you are digging them so far (or are super bored!)

What is the DEFINITIVE Infinite Nick and Norah?

I went to see NICK AND NORAH'S INFINITE PLAYLIST this evening.  

First of all let me say that I love this guy...

Michael Cera is a comedic genius.  He was one of my favorite actors in the extremely talented cast of ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT.  He had a wonderful year in 2007 with SUPERBAD and JUNO... and has a wonderful web series with friend Clark Duke (see link at the bottom of this post.) 

Second of all, I read the book earlier this year and LOVED it and immediately wanted to read everything I could by the authors.  (More on that in an upcoming post... because I could go on and on!!)

Third-ly... the soundtrack features music by Vampire Weekend, and the movie had cameos by Andy Samberg, Seth Meyers, and it features Spring Awakening actor Jonathan B Wright.

So walking into the theater I was trying to lower my expectations so I would not be disappointed by the film...

...unfortunately I was!

The film had some nice moments and Michael Cera was funny in his adorable/awkward way of his, but I felt the film did not at all live up to the book.  

NICK AND NORAH'S INFINITE PLAYLIST (the novel) is co-written by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan.  The chapters alternate in point of view between the two potential love interests with Rachel writing Norah's chapters and David writing Nick's.  This is a large part of the charm.  You can experience as a reader that these two are trying to get over unhealthy ex's and that both have a fear of falling in love with the other.  

The plot is basically a one night courtship through their love of music.  Think "Before Sunset meets High Fidelity."  This is what I LOVE about the book.  The two bond over their passion for music.  

I felt the movie lost this aspect.  Instead it played like a "Big Budget Studio tries to create hip JUNO-esque teen indie film."  This saddened me because it really is such a tender story.  I thought they threw in "schtick for schtick sake."  (Try saying THAT 3 times really fast!!)

I read some reviews online tonight and a lot of critics disagree with me.  But personally I would read the charming "amazing" book and see an "o.k." film adaptation later.

Sorry...  NICK AND NORAH (the movie) did not Score-ah with me.  

Instead I highly recommend the book and Cera's online series CLARK AND MICHAEL! (The soundtrack is great too.)

Tele-VISION OF LOVE (DVD edition)

It's been a little while since my last post.  Life has been a bit crazy busy... and I'm going on vacation for a few days!  So... I wanted to write a quick post.  

There have been some AMAZING new releases of TV on DVD in the past couple of weeks including three of my favorite new shows of last year.  This week PUSHING DAISIES and CHUCK came out.  Last week ELI STONE was released.  All three were debuted last year and all three start up soon.  If you missed them now is the perfect time to catch up so you can watch season 2.  You can check out my previous post on PUSHING DAISIES and ELI STONE... and here's a little taste of CHUCK season 1.

Also, one of my favorite movies this past year was the documentary YOUNG@HEART.  This also came out on dvd this past week.  Check out my review of it here.  There are a few flaws in this movie (they try to create cute music videos which don't quite match the tone of the film.)  However, the subject matter is wonderful and extremely moving.  Funny, heartbreaking, and inspiring... I highly recommend this film.

Much more to talk about...  I'll be back in a few days.

Happy Emmy week! 

Dr. Horrible's Spring Awakening.

So much of the music business has changed with the internet the past few years.  These days, digital is king.

I have always loved buying the actual compact disc.  I like to hold the CD in my hands.  I like to look through the linear notes.  I'm usually opening the CD as I leave a store even if I don't have immediate access to a player.  Fighting with the annoying sticker at the top is like unlocking a jewel case treasure chest leading you to a wonderful musical discovery.  When I was little I remember being so excited when a local bank said it was offering  FREE CDs!  (I of course was immediately disappointed once I was properly informed what kind of CD they were offering!)

With hesitation, this past year I've made a gradual switch to downloading (legally) from online.  It's usually a lot cheaper and you have it instantly.  Also, more and more artists are releasing exclusive tracks and even albums online.  I will never completely switch digital.  I still love buying vinyl AND I also work in a music department!!!  Plus, there are certain types of music that I still "need" on the CD format.  These include favorite artists that I already have a collection of and Broadway Cast Recordings (I want the libretto.)  These I will copy into my i-Tunes library and add to my ipod.  

However, I have found some great music online.  Let me know or leave a comment if you are interested in more info on some of these (LEGAL) sights.  I can get free downloads for recommending a friend...  (I promise that isn't the purpose of this post!)

The purpose is to tell you about two exciting new releases that came out this past Tuesday exclusively on i-tunes.

First is the "Official" soundtrack to the blog-tastical musical "Dr. Horrible's Sing-A-Long Blog."  Check out my past post about this wonderful piece of entertainment.  The creator Joss Whedon is set to release the dvd (with the soundtrack and specially written musical commentary!) before Christmas.  For now, this is the only way to get the soundtrack (besides inferior bootleg versions that fans have released online.)

The other wonderful release is from an i-tunes series called "i-Tunes LIVE from SoHo."   The cast of the Broadway sensation "Spring Awakening" performed selections from th show at the Apple Store in SoHo.  The songs sound wonderfully raw on this live recording.  They are performed by composer Duncan Shiek, original cast members, as well as "Weeds" star Hunter Parrish (who has gotten great reviews as the current "Melchior" and sounds wonderful on "Left Behind.")  

This is the first Broadway show that has been featured on the i-Tunes series.

In other "Spring Awakening" news.... 

Much like "Wicked: The Grimmerie" (a book about the making of the Broadway musical "Wicked"), "Spring Awakening" has also released a book.  It is called "Spring Awakening: In The Flesh."  It's designed to look like an old vandalized book and contains photographs, costume and set sketches, drafts of the songs, and the entire libretto.

Finally...

Kyle Riabko (who was "Melchior" before Hunter Parrish joined the cast) is currently starring in the touring production.  He has been performing as a singer/guitarist professionally since 15 and has an awesome debut CD.  Check out his website for his great music.  

Here's a different take on the haunting "Left Behind" that he performed this summer at Joe's Pub in NYC.  

Help Wanted...

Labor Day post - part 3 (last one!)

Although there are many comedies about the work force, here's a little favorite gem of 1997 called "Clockwatchers." 

This indie film stars Toni Collette, Parkey Posey, Lisa Kudrow, and Alanna Ubach (amazing cast!) as 4 temps working in a mundane office.  The movie is awkwardly funny (ala "the Office") while also showing a sadness and loneliness in Toni Collette's character as she tries to figure out what she wants to do in life. 

Here's the preview.

9 to 5

Labor Day Post - Part 2

I'm very excited for the debut of Dolly Parton as a musical theater composer! 

 "9 to 5 - The Musical" is about to start previews in LA and is scheduled to open on Broadway at the Mariott Marquis next March.

Here is the WONDERFUL CAST - 

MEGAN HILTY (Glinda in "Wicked") plays Doralee Rhodes (the Dolly Parton role)

STEPHANIE J. BLOCK (Elphaba in "Wicked" and "The Boy from Oz") is divorcee Judy Berny (the Jane Fonda role) 

MARC KUDISCH ("Millie" and the revivals of "Assassins" and "Bells are Ringing") is Franklin Hart Jr. - the sexist boss.

...and for the first time in a Broadway Musical...  ALLISON JANNEY ("Hairspray" film, the West Wing) as Violet Newstead (the Lily Tomlin role.)

Here a couple of clips about the show.

CAN'T WAIT!

To tide you over until then you HAVE to check out an AMAZING cover of "9 to 5."  It's by bluegrass sweetheart Alison Krauss (who used to sing backup for Dolly) and is featured on a Dolly Tribute Album called "Just Because I'm A Woman - Songs of Dolly Parton"

Also here's a great documentary called "For The Love of Dolly" about fans who cannot live without Dolly in their life.

Work It!

Happy Labor Day!  

There have been many movies, shows, and songs about finding a job, losing a job, loving or hating your job, and even taking your job and shoving it!

And... a broadway musical that is perfect to talk about this Labor Day...

Based on Studs Terkel's collection of interviews of real working people... the 1978 musical "Working" celebrates everyday working men and women.  With songs by James Taylor, Stephen Schwartz, Craig Carnelia and others, the show is a series of monologues and songs about all the work force.

In 1982, American Playhouse broadcast an all star cast performing the musical.  Here are a couple of selections.

Here is Patti LaBelle singing about "Cleanin' Women"

Here Rita Moreno sings about being a waitress... telling us "It's an Art."

This past year we saw a WONDERFUL "re-working" (pun intented) of the show by the Asolo Rep Theatre in Sarasota, FL.  

It may have a possible transfer to broadway.  They reduced the cast to just 6 performers... and updated the songs including some new ones by Lin-Manuel Mirana who wrote and stars in the current Broadway hit "In The Heights."  The coolest thing about the show is that the set had 2 levels of dressing rooms and the orchestra on a third level.  The actors were "working" throughout the show.  Coming into the theater you saw them stretching, warming up, getting into costume, putting on their mic pack and throughout the show you saw costume changes assisted by the stage manager.  After the show they bowed and went back to their onstage dressing rooms and the audience went on their way.  Here is a promo from that production.  It has a brief clip of one of my favorite songs from the show "Just a Housewife"

The original 1978 soundtrack and the 1982 televised production are available on cd and dvd.  Hopefully the new production will get a possible broadway transfer.  I know that it is going to be in San Diego next year.

Gypsy, Tramps, and Thieves

It was a good "New Release Tuesday."  So much that I have to report my musical/movie findings in 2 posts.

I will entitle this one "GYPSY, TRAMPS, and THIEVES!" *

*(this post has nothing to do with Cher... but I still thought this was a great picture!)

First... GYPSY...

The 2008 cast recording of GYPSY came out today, or as the cd says 

"PATTI LUPONE - GYPSY."

I saw this production in previews in March and as I already reported was not crazy about Ms. Lupone's performance.  I think there is something wrong with me because everyone (reviewers, crazy theatre fans...  "Maddy for Patti" -- I just made group up) are going crazy over her performance.  I just felt she was too self aware.  Rather than her becoming Mama Rose, it was Mama Rose as played by Broadway Legend Patti Lupone.  

What makes the show, and the reason why you should buy the recording is the performances of all the supporting actresses (the ones whose names are not bigger than the title of the musical.)

Laura Benanti (Gypsy Rose Lee) and Leigh Ann Larkin (Dainty June) are a revelation.  Their numbers on the cd are wonderful.  Leigh Ann Larkin MADE the show for me.  Her "Dainty June and Her Farmboys/Broadway" number is hilarious (even on the recording!) "If Momma Was Married" (my favorite number in this production) is WONDERFUL!  It feels totally reinvented to me.

Here are the two of them performing at a Tony preview concert.  (The video keeps annoyingly skipping, but it still is great footage.  Also check out an audio version.

I also loved "You Gotta Get A Gimmick" although I don't feel it totally transferred on cd (Miss Electra's scene stealing turn is very visual.)

Here's a HILARIOUS (and pretty darn accurate) imitation of Patti!

I don't mean to totally trash the very talented Ms. Lupone (love a lot of her recordings.)  She does have some nice moments... and a great thing about this recording is that she and costar Boyd Gaines (and Baby June and Louise) have recorded a handful of numbers cut from the original 1959 production.  Barnes and Noble also offers an additional disc of some incidental instrumental reprises and bits of dialogue.

TRAMPS...

Okay... so this came out last week, but I'm going with a theme here!  Season 1 of "Gossip Girl" is out on DVD and Season 2 begins on the CW next Monday!  This is DEFINITELY a guilty pleasure.  I only started watching this show at the end of the season, but I was hooked and caught up with all the drama during summer re-runs.

The "high school students" are nothing like I remember high school being like, and hopefully are not a representation of what school is like today.  Drugs, sex, rock and roll should be AFTER you take you SAT's!  Yet, it's a wonderful blend of over the top drama between pretty boys, "trampy" girls trying to change their ways, and other girls wanting to climb the social ladder to enter into "Tramp-dom." 

THIEVES...

The 15th Anniversay Edition of Tim Burton's "The Nightmare Before Christmas" came out on DVD and Blu-ray today as well!  This is the wonderful tale of Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, who "finds Christmas" and steals it.  Actually he tries to take over the duties of Santa, but the two holidays don't quite blend.

This edition has Tim's first stop-motion short "Vincent," the live action short (uncut) "Frankenweenie" and tons of extra features about the making of the film.  It also includes a digital version of the film for your ipod!  

Best of all you can watch it on Halloween AND Christmas!

EXTRA NOTE - 2 years ago they came out with a Special Edition Soundtrack with covers by Fall Out Boy, Fiona Apple, Panic! At the Disco, and even Marilyn Manson!  These are GREAT renditions!

and ANOTHER cover album "Nightmare Revisited" is coming out Sept. 30th with such artists as Flyleaf, The Polyphonic Spree, and Plain White T's.

Antique shopping...

When critics compare a jazz singer to Ella Fitzgerald, I'm either in audio love... or am extremely disappointed. 

In 2006 Robin McKelle released her debut "Introducing Robin McKelle" and I was a very happy man...

This album opens with a swingin' "Something's Gotta Give," turns "Bei Mir Bist Du Shon" into a Cha-Cha, and is wonderful until it closes with a delightful "On the Sunny Side of the Street."

Robin definitely is not an Ella knockoff, but her timber in certain songs echoes the great Miss Fitzgerald around the late 50's and 60's.

This week she released her sophomore album "Modern Antique," and I was in love again!  What a lovely second date!  The new album has a bit more of an edge to it but still has a great nostalgia quality throughout.  "Modern Antique" is a PERFECT title.  

Favorite new track for this "Cover Lover?"  .... a FABULOUS rendition of "Abracadabra" originally by The Steve Miller Band!

Hear selections from her debut here and from both albums on her myspace page.

Also here is a great review 0n the new album from allaboutjazz.com.

Thanks Robin for some wonderful music.  Can't wait for our third date!

OBAMA - The Musical!

Here is a great clip from "Don't Quit Your Night Job" an after hours sketch comedy review in New York.  It features four regular stars and a rotating cast of Broadway's Best.

Here is Norm Lewis (currently King Triton in "The Little Mermaid") as Obama singing "Change."

Speaking of "change," here is Broadway star Cheyenne Jackson  singing a stunning rendition of Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come."  

Cheyenne can currently be seen in "Xanadu." He also was in "All Shook Up" and this summer's "Damn Yankees" at New York City Center.