PERFECT scores — Page 2

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#26

re: PERFECT scores

Posted: 11/4/05 at 1:43pm

The reason I think shows like Sweeny or Into the Woods are being considered great scores, is because most of it is sung through, and if you take out one song, the rest of them don't make sense. I was thinking about this last night. For some reason, i've become infactuated with Sondheim. I don't normally like the "classic" sounding Broadway, but i'm slowly getting there. I think Company is another score that is "perfect". As in, all the songs fit the show well, I wouldn't consider the score to one of my favs, but I think it suits the show well.

#27

re: PERFECT scores

Posted: 11/4/05 at 1:52pm

Marie Christine

Sorry.

Cabaret
Fiddler
Jesus Christ Superstar

I have struggled a lot with Les Mis - but I couldn't imagine it without Turning...

Updated On: 11/4/05 at 01:52 PM

#28

re: PERFECT scores

Posted: 11/4/05 at 2:01pm

Well of course West Side Story. In addition to everysong being amazing and meaningful, the score/songs themselves, especially melody and instrumentations are amazing, intelligent and flawless.

Also will agree w/ Into the Woods and Ragtime. There are many CDs I don't skip songs in(Aida, Rent, Wicked, etc) but I suppose there certainly are songs stronger than others.

Also I only own the highlights CD to Miss Saigon so I suppose I can't make the case but having recently seen the show if I had the full CD, I couldn't imagine skipping any. Everyone song is so distinct and beautiful.

"If there was a Mount Rushmore for Broadway scores, "West Side Story" would be front and center. It snaps, it crackles it pops! It surges with a roar, its energy and sheer life undiminished by the years" - NYPost reviewer Elisabeth Vincentelli

#29

re: PERFECT scores

Posted: 11/4/05 at 2:54pm

Light in the Piazza

I don't really have any other scores that I can listen to like Piazza, though.

#30

re: PERFECT scores

Posted: 11/4/05 at 3:25pm

Ragtime
Into the Woods

These are the only two that I can think of where I'm completely, unreservedly thrilled with everything. I've never seen/heard Gypsy, but it's reputed to be near-flawless.

I love Wicked, but the score is far, far from perfect. There are some serious clunkers ("Something Bad," and I'm not a fan of "Dancing Through Life"). Although I think the songs all work onstage, it makes for a very inconsistent cast recording. Also, am I the only one who's sort of jarred by the transitions from traditional/operatic ensemble numbers to power pop balladeering?

#31

re: PERFECT scores

Posted: 11/4/05 at 3:27pm

Songs for a New World
The Last Five Years
Into the Woods
Light in the Piazza

#32

re: PERFECT scores

Posted: 11/4/05 at 3:28pm

Seussical
Avenue Q
Hairspray

Mary
Bob Martin Online

#33

re: PERFECT scores

Posted: 11/4/05 at 3:34pm

West Side Story (Is there any more thrilling dance music in the theatre EVER?!)
A Little Night Music
Company
Follies
Sweeney Todd
Evita
My Fair Lady
Gypsy
Guys & Dolls
Ragtime
Les Miserables
Cabaret
Chicago
Dreamgirls
King & I
South Pacific

I think its safe to say that I don't skip any tracks listening to these albums.

#34

re: PERFECT scores

Posted: 11/4/05 at 3:37pm

Well I will go ahead and say it:

Wicked!

I have plenty more but I honestly love the music! This is MY opinion, and I am PROUD to have it!:)

(Martha Graham from a letter to Agnes de Mille) "There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening That is translated through you into action, And because there is only one of you in all time, This expression is unique. If you block it, It will never exist through any other medium And be lost. The world will never have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is, Nor how valuable it is, Nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours, clearly and directly, To keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep open and aware Directly to the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open. No artist is pleased. There is no satisfaction whatever at any time. There is only a queer, divine dissatisfaction, A blessed unrest that keeps us marching And makes us more alive than others."

#35

re: PERFECT scores

Posted: 11/4/05 at 3:56pm

There is no such thing as a perfect score. Here are a few that come close, though, in my opinion:

Sweeney Todd
A Little Night Music
South Pacific
Carousel
Marie Christine
Caroline, or Change
Sunday in the Park with George
Porgy and Bess (probably the closest thing to perfect EVER)
The Threepenny Opera
Ragtime

#36

re: PERFECT scores

Posted: 11/4/05 at 3:59pm

Last Five Years, most definatly.
I also love every second of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.

"You know who I think is sexy? Robbie Hart." "You think the 'Time to Make the Donuts' guy is sexy."

#37

re: PERFECT scores

Posted: 11/4/05 at 4:01pm

"West Side Story (Is there any more thrilling dance music in the theatre EVER?!) "

Noo!

#38

re: PERFECT scores

Posted: 11/4/05 at 4:28pm

"Chicago"- Every song is perfect and fits the show perfectly
"Ragtime"- Brilliant. So many people complain that the show is anthem-filled (especially the second act) and that "He Wanted to Say" could be done without, but it is beautiful and the score is perfect.
"Mack and Mable"- Revive it already. I can't stand "Hello Dolly!"...well, it's okay. I think this score not only has one of the best overtures, but one of the greatest, most underrated scores ever.
"Mary Poppins" in London- Well...except for the way they mauled "Feed the Birds" and turned it into a high voltage song that sounded like something out of "Hunchback", the score is great. I love the movie, but Stiles and Drewe greatly expanded on the Sherman Brothers great songs for the more...literate British (Halitocious? Rococococious-well if that is a world? God, what a vocabulary lesson!) And yes, the Law and Order scene set in the toy room isn't too bad. And "Being Mrs. Banks"...as much as I loved "Sister Suffragette" from the film, is beautiful.
And how can I not mention "Gypsy." No explenation needed...it is.

Some scores do come close to perfection.
"Follies"- I could do without "In Buddy's Eyes" and "One More Kiss", but that's it. Otherwise it's great.
"No Strings"- Alright, "Nobody Told Me" is fine, but another love ballad right after it! Come on! Oh yeah, and "La La La" isn't my favorite.
"Wicked"- The "plot heavy" songs like "Something Bad" or "Dear Old Shiz" which cannot be sung without the context of the show. Otherwise, it's perfect.
"Dirty Rotten Scoundrels"- If they'd cut "Oklahoma?", "Ruffhousin and Shuffhousin" and "Love Sneaks In"...it's great.

Updated On: 11/4/05 at 04:28 PM

#39

re: PERFECT scores

Posted: 11/4/05 at 4:45pm

CHICAGO

RAGTIME

THE KING AND I

AVENUE Q

SHOW BOAT

#40

re: PERFECT scores

Posted: 11/4/05 at 4:52pm

i listen to All Shook Up everyday without ever skipping a song. in my opinion, it's perfect!

#41

re: PERFECT scores

Posted: 11/4/05 at 4:55pm

The only perfect score in my opinion is Jesus Christ Superstar. There is NO song in that score that I skip.

#42

re: PERFECT scores

Posted: 11/4/05 at 4:55pm

R A G T I M E

nuff said..

#43

re: PERFECT scores

Posted: 11/4/05 at 4:56pm

Light in the Piazza

Ragtime

The Wild Party

Sweeney Todd

Into the Woods

#44

re: PERFECT scores

Posted: 11/4/05 at 5:06pm

So many suggestions of Ragtime...

What about those stinkbomb numbers:
"Crime of the Century"
"Henry Ford"
"Harry Houdini, Master Escapist"
"What a Game"

Begin at the beginning and go on till you come to the end: then stop.

#45

re: PERFECT scores

Posted: 11/4/05 at 5:07pm

Sweeney Todd-Great. Nearly perfect.
Ragtime-A truly grand score.
Gypsy-A classic, and the score is just perfect for the show.
Parade-This is the one album that when I listen to, I listen straight through, with no interruptions. Such a beautiful score.

"Wherever you go... I'll be right there. When you get your own private kick in the ass, just remember: it's a present from me to you." Rose's dying words to Louise

#46

re: PERFECT scores

Posted: 11/4/05 at 5:10pm

And I'm surprised to see no mention of

Porgy and Bess
The Boys from Syracuse
Babes in Arms
Pal Joey
Finian's Rainbow

where almost every song has become a popular standard.

Begin at the beginning and go on till you come to the end: then stop.

#47

re: PERFECT scores

Posted: 11/4/05 at 5:17pm

And I'm surprised to see no mention of

Porgy and Bess

I think you need to get your eyeglass prescription checked...I mentioned PORGY AND BESS not ten posts ago...

Porgy and Bess (probably the closest thing to perfect EVER)

#48

re: PERFECT scores

Posted: 11/4/05 at 5:19pm

Sorry, MEF. I glanced right over it. My faith in mankind is restored.

Begin at the beginning and go on till you come to the end: then stop.

#49

re: PERFECT scores

Posted: 11/4/05 at 5:39pm

I'm going to base my list on scores that I never get tired of or never skip a song.

In saying that, I'd say:
GYPSY
SWEENEY TODD
RAGTIME
CAROLNE OR CHANGE
INTO THE WOODS

Happy...Everything! Kaye Thompson

#50

re: PERFECT scores

Posted: 11/4/05 at 5:43pm

Oh yes, I completely left out Caroline!

MEF - I am glad you also said Marie Christine.

I would add LC's The Wild Party (I don't skip anything on that)

Updated On: 11/4/05 at 05:43 PM

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