No matter what LaChiusa CD you get, it's gonna take a while to get into. Not because it is bad...no way at all. Because it is complex...much like Sondheim's stuff. However, he does create some beautiful rhthyms aptly placed throught the show.
The Wild Party was my first, after Lippa's version. It took me a good three or four listens before I even enjoyed it. Now it's my favorite.
Marie Christine was second and was an instant attraction.
Like Hello Again,, First Lady Suite, and Little Fish, MC makes more sense and is so much easier to listen to (not to mention the nuances are so much more beautiful) once you understand the lyrics and understand what's going on.
The MC cd comes with an amazing booklet. It also helps to read the source material - such as Medea (Marie Christine) or "Rashomon, and Other Stories" (for See What I Wanna See).
Also, Marie Christine is probably the most complex, and like Andrew Lloyd Webber says of his work with JCS, it's probably a once in a life time thing. MC is beautiful, incorporating many different styles, haunting melodies, and memorable songs. Hello Again, Little Fish, First Lady Suite are more in what has become the LaChiusa style. The Wild Party borders LaChiusa style and brilliant jazz.
The only problem I have with MC is that some of his songs develope to fast and I'm lefting wanting to hear more. Not a bad thing, just a "MORE MUSIC, PLEASE!" thing.
If you can get into the Jazz beat, historical aspect of The Wild Party, it is a lot of fun to listen to, and also emotionaly draining. Even now, a year after I got into TWP I still find new lyrical nuances I never picked up on before. Lyrics and orchestral, I guess.
I sort of wish HELLO AGAIN was split up differently. I get why they did it, but it's hard to listen to a certain song, like the famous "Tom" - hidden inside another track.
Good luck and Enjoy!
Ask if you have any more questions!
Updated On: 10/12/05 at 01:57 AM
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