My .02, now that I've caught my breath a little....
I went into listening to this CD with a strange mixture of apprehension and dread. I, like most Rentheads, have worn out my OBC recording, so to say it would take a lot for me to enjoy the movie soundtrack as much would be an understatement.
So - here's what I think:
It's very different. It's very much the same. Does that make sense?
In the end - it's all good. Some of the new stuff, in fact is downright breathtaking.
The REALLY Good:
Parts of the new CD are vastly superior to the OBC recording. For example, the new version of "Rent", right off the bat, blew my doors off. The orchestration in this song is just so much better than the OBC version that I was shocked. And, surprisingly, I didn't really miss what was removed from the original (likely to be spoken words in the movie, I'd imagine.)
"Tango: Maureen" is another big improvement, and not just because of the orchestration. The interaction between Anthony and Tracie is so good that you can FEEL their mutual frustration with Maureen. What a wonderful addition. That scene, I believe, will be a highlight in the film.
{BOWING IN REVERENCE} Jesse L. Martin, I am not worthy, sir. After I sat awestruck, blubbering through four live performances of the "I'll Cover You: Reprise" back in the day, you have managed to make that song even MORE touching. Bravo. I have no words....
What You Own. I loved the OBC version, but this one is even better. It just has a much better overall feel to it, and, if the Sony people have any sense, this will be released as a single (along with Out Tonight and Rent, IMHO)
Speaking of "Out Tonight" - My fears that Rosario Dawson wouldn't be up for the challenges of Mimi vocally have been happily quelled. While Dawson doesn't have the raw feel of Daphne Rubin-Vega, she has a wonderful, powerful voice, and lets loose on Out Tonight. Again - another movie highlight to look forward to.
The Still Good, But Not As Good:
One Song Glory. Can't put my finger on it, but it's probably because this is my favorite song on the OBC recording, so the movie version left me...I dunno, less impressed. I guess it's hard to duplicate the power that song had in the OBC. It's still good, don't get me wrong, but - not my favorite on this soundtrack.
And, to be a bit flippant: Did Adam Pascal breath helium before every take? His voice is SO different than it was 10 years ago. Not saying bad, but just - wow. Very different.
Without You. Maybe it's the lower vocal range that the song is now in, but it didn't have the same emotional kick for me as the OBC version. On the other hand, my wife LOVES this new version, so who am I to argue?
Overall, I didn't miss stuff that was taken out that was on the OBC recording - the phone calls, etc. But - I REALLY wish Christmas Bells had made it to the soundtrack, though I understand the reason for cutting it. There's no way that song would play on a movie screen.
I'm sure my opinions will change and evolve after I listen several hundred more times over the next couple of weeks, but in the long run, I don't see how they could have done much better.
One thing is certainly for sure - I CAN'T WAIT for November 23!!!!!!!!
"'Ello. Ow are oo?" - Corky St. Clair
Updated On: 9/29/05 at 03:56 PM
