They finally got a piece of the PIE

The final episode of PUSHING DAISIES aired Saturday night. The show was cancelled but finally aired the remaining episodes the past few weeks.

There was so much about the show that I absolutely loved... adorable art direction, a perfect cast, a quirky script the really utilized everyone in the perfect cast, great moments that break into song, and a magic world with a whole lot of heart.

I was happy the show tied up loose ends (even though it felt a bit rushed at the end.) I felt the same way with creator Bryan Fuller's other brilliant but cancelled series WONDERFALLS. If you haven't seen it and are a fan of PD, the whole series is available on dvd. Lee Pace is on this show too!

Here's one Kristin's really nice musical moments from season 2 of Pushing Daisies.

Season 2 will be released on dvd on blu-ray on July 21. You can also purchase the soundtrack to Season 1.

Here's a sweet video on "Surviving the Last Episode" made by a fan from Germany.

I do feel TV-land has given us GLEE to help fill the void left by Pushing Daisies and Eli Stone. Here's hoping this show lasts... DON'T STOP BELIEVING it "goes on and on and on and on." (Sorry! Couldn't help myself.) Kristin actually appears on one episode next year as a member of the choir!!! Her character never graduated from high school so she is eligible to be a member! Here are some clips including her singing "Maybe This Time."

Here's to the wonderful world of PUSHING DAISIES...

Taylor, the Latte Boy

HEAR MUSIC, the Starbucks Record Label, has made quite a name for itself in the music world.  Starting out by having Starbucks store exclusive cds, by 2007 they became a full record label distributing to all retail stores and itunes.  Artists such as Paul McCartney, Joni Mitchell, and James Taylor are now HEAR MUSIC exclusive artists.

...and last year James Taylor released a covers album called.... (drumroll please).... COVERS!  

It definitely has a "coffeehouse" feel to it.  I really dig his cover of the Dixie Chicks' tune SOMEDAYS YOU GOTTA DANCE and HOUND DOG.

Last week he released a follow up (songs that didn't make the first cut.)  It's called... (bigger drumroll please).... OTHER COVERS!! 

On this release, I love the groove of GET A JOB, and also like his take on the showtune OH WHAT A BEAUTIFUL MORNING.

...speaking of Taylor, here's yesterday's blog subject KRISTIN CHENOWETH singing an an ode to finding love at Starbucks called TAYLOR THE LATTE BOY.  This adorable tune was written by Marcy Heisler and Zina Goldrich who are currently working on the music to a Broadway adaptation of the Drew Barrymore movie EVER AFTER.

Cute cute song.  You can also find an unofficial response from "Taylor's point of view" called TAYLOR'S RESPONSE.  There are versions all over youtube.  It's funny, but takes away the charm of the original a little bit.

By the way, I'm halfway through her new book and am LOVING IT!

Start up the CHENO-rator!

I'm a big fan of Kristin Chenoweth.  Like many others, I really fell in love with her during the Tony's when I saw her sing MY NEW PHILOSOPHY from the revival of YOU'RE A GOOD MAN CHARLIE BROWN.

This month she released an autobiography (actually more of a collection of anecdotes from her life) called A LITTLE BIT WICKED - LIFE, LOVE, AND FAITH IN STAGES.  

I just started reading it and am loving it.  The style of writing is a little frantic and jumps around a lot, but this totally fits Ms. Chenoweth's personality.

She has some wonderful things to say about life and I find her outlook very inspiring.  I love that she speaks openly about her faith AND her love for her gay fans and friends.

Check out the book... or wait for the audio version (read by Kristin) due out April 28.... or get both!

Here is a great clip where she is performing ETERNAL FLAME from a staged reading of  EARTH GIRLS ARE EASY.  This is from a planned musical that never made it to Broadway that was based on the Jim Carrey movie.

It's a WONDERFUL Life

Hope everyone had a wonderful New Year's Eve.

I posted an entry on New Years Eve.  Prior to that my last entry was before Thanksgiving.  Shame on me!  I have so many wonderful things to share... sometimes I get "blogged down" trying to think of a clever theme to tie certain music and movies together and then I don't post.  The original intent of this blog was sharing bits of entertainment that make me happy. 

So for 2009 (with the exception of yesterday) I will be posting EVERY DAY!  Sometimes it may just be a short note, or a youtube clip... but there will be something everyday.  

And I would like to unveil a new feature for 2009.  OPERATION COVER LOVER!!  If you've been reading my blog or know me a little bit, you know that I am a huge fan of artists doing covers of songs.  I love that a vocalist or musician can take a song that another artist wrote and breathe new life into it and find new meaning.  (I am also a fan of campy covers as well.)  So as part of a new post everyday, many of these posts I will be sharing a favorite cover with a link.  When ever possible I will link to where you can purchase the song (i-tunes, e-music, etc.)

So to start the new year off on a wonderful note... here are some of my fav covers of "WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD."  I find that Louis Armstrong's version is the definitive one, however I also love these varied interpretations.  

I have always loved this song.  To me, it speaks of enjoying the simple everyday things in life and not taking them for granted.  As we look back at all the things in the past that have defined who we are, we must look toward the hope of tomorrow.  What a perfect message as we start a new year.  Life IS good.

Here are just a few really cool versions...

EVA CASSIDY...  a true angelic voice.  This version has an underlying sadness, but also full of hope.  More on Eva in a future entry.  This version can be found on her album "Live at Blues Alley."  This is one of my favorite albums of Eva's.

KRISTIN CHENOWETH just released a fabulous Christmas album with a really beautiful version that combines with "Sleep Well Little Children."

JOEY RAMONE recorded a rockin punk version.

Israel Kamokawiwo'ole known as "IZ" released this version similar to his take on "Over The Rainbow".

In the jazz world k.d. LANG and TONY BENNETT recorded a beautiful duet on a Louis Armstrong tribute album and UK sensation STACEY KENT released this beautiful version on this year's Grammy nominated jazz album "Breakfast on the Morning Train."



I know that's a whole lot of WONDERFUL.... but here's to a truly wonderful 2009.

(most overused adjective in this entry.... "wonderful.")

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

Annie Get Your Remote

"Broadway meets the Boob-Tube"

Last year was a big year in movie musicals ("Hairspray," "Sweeney Todd," "Across the Universe," and my personal fav… "Once") This summer brings us "Mamma Mia!"

The musical genre also made it’s way to the small screen as well. TV land brought us three wonderful new shows that heavily incorporated musical #’s into their plots. I’m not going to count the dreadful “Viva Laughlin” with the horribly wasted Hugh Jackman. This show had characters lip syncing to pop songs…. If you missed this consider yourself blessed that you never had to see Melanie Griffith sultridise Blondie’s “One Way or Another” (New word I just made up.... SULTRIDISE: verb - to try and make sultry)

...but on to the 3 really good ones... Like Hugh Jackman in "Viva Best-Forgotten," these 3 shows featured characters or cameos by Broadway stars. 

(This blog got a little long in show descriptions so please fill free to skim)

First up is the wonderfully quirky "PUSHING DAISIES."

In "Pushing Daisies," Ned discovered as a child that he had a gift for bringing people back to life by touching them. If he touches them a second time they are dead (permanently this time!) If they are alive for more than 1 minute someone else in the area drops dead. One day his mom dies from an aneurysm. He, of course, brings her back to life for over a minute.  However, in doing so, the father of his childhood sweetheart “Chuck” drops dead.  She moves away with her aunts and he never sees her again.  Later that night his mom kisses him goodnight and falls dead.

As an adult the charming Ned works as a pie-maker (The restaurant that he owns is called “the PIE HOLE!”)  He is assisted by a waitress named Olive.  She is played to perfection by Broadway cutie Kristin Chenoweth (Wicked, You're a Good Man Charlie Brown.)

Ned ends ups joining forces with a private investigator who uses him as an easy way to solve murder crimes.   Ned touches the victim and gets as much info as he can in one minute. One day the victim happens to be… his childhood sweetheart Chuck.  He is heartbroken and decides to keep her alive.  Romance starts to fill the air during the season.  One problem…. they can’t touch.

This show reminded me a lot of "Amelie" or the movie adaptation of "Matilda."   It is visually stunning and is brought to you by the same people who made the tragically short lived “Wonderfalls” (*Check this series out as well!) The show has a wonderful fairytale vibe to it and started to incorporate musical numbers into the plot.  Besides Kristin Chenoweth, the cast also features Ellen Greene (Audrey from Little Shop of Horrors) as one of Chuck’s aunts.  (The other is the fabulous Swoosie Kurtz.)

Chenoweth’s character Olive pines for romance from Ned.  Here is her musical ode to him with the assistance of his dog.



Pushing Daisies never came back after the writer’s strike. It IS scheduled to return in the fall!!! You can watch full episodes on abc.com

Next up is a show that just finished this past week. This was also on abc.

"ELI STONE" is about a lawyer who starts having visions in the form of musical #’s (often to George Michael songs!!) He visits his brother (a neurologist) who tells Eli he has a brain aneurysm which is probably leading to these hallucinations. Eli turns to a Chinese acupuncturist who believes that Eli is a prophet and that these are visions from God.  Eli doesn’t know what to think.  He starts taking court cases that are influenced by these visions, and his life drastically changes.  I absolutely loved this show and fear that it might not return.  The way it ended tied up loose ends… (but did it in a absolutely beautiful musical sequence.)

Musical #’s were performed by Broadway vets Victor Garber (Godspell, Damn Yankees), Loretta Devine (Dreamgirls), and George Michael himself.   The cast also featured Broadway’s Laura Benanti (Into the Woods, Wedding Singer, Gypsy) and Katey Segal ("Peg Bundy" in Married with Children, and a backup singer for Bette Midler.)  Neither of these gals sang this season but might (or might have ) in coming seasons. I don’t want to post the wonderful finale # for plot reasons, but here is a taste of the show.



Finally, there is the amazing duo that brought us “FLIGHT OF THE CONCHORDS.”

FOTC is comprised of Bret McKenzie and Jermaine Clement.   They describe themselves as "New Zealand's fourth most popular guitar-based digi-bongo acapella-rap-funk-comedy folk duo"

Starting as a comedy act, a series was developed for HBO charting their search for stardom in New York.  This show is absolutely brilliant, and the first season is on DVD right now!

The 2 guys are hilarious. I also love Kristen Schaal.  She plays their obsessively stalkerish singular fan. Here is a clip of Jermaine noticing an attractive woman at a party and trying to woo her through song.



The broadway connection is that Sutton Foster (Thoroughly Modern Millie, Drowsy Chaperone, Young Frankenstein) appeared in a couple episodes as Bret’s Girlfriend. He was composing a song for her telling her he would "climb the highest mountains, swim the deepest sea...." Jermaine hears it and asks would you actually do all that? "Write about things you would actually do…" Here is the finished product...



The second season is not set to air until January 2009.  That gives you plenty of time to discover season one and...

(drumroll)

NEW RELEASE ALERT…

Their first full length U.S. album comes out this Tuesday! (which is why I wrote this blog entry to begin with.) The album features songs from the series and many more wonderful "guitar-based digi-bongo acapella-rap-funk-comedy folk" masterpieces.

Check out any of these three wonderful shows.  You can find episodes of "Pushing Daisies" and "Eli Stone" on abc.com.  Also available is the dvd and cd of "Flight of the Conchords."

Happy Viewing!