Album Reviews 4/13/14 · 5:57pm Apr 13th, 2014
Various- Furry Fantasies II
So, did I mention I'm a furry and have been for a period of time that now occupies more than half my life? I was and am a "strong" sort. Not a lifestyler (whatever that may mean now) or one of the whiny types, but very dedicated and strong. I have never denied it and and always been proud and forward about it. So, back in the long-ago and mysterious time of 1999 there was still something known as the Furry Music Foundation, mostly representing European furry musicians, who were the majority of the notable furry musicians at the time. This was the second album they put out (clearly.) There are some instrumental tracks here, some avant garde stuff, some pop-y stuff, and even a cool industrial-type song in German. It may just be me, and the fact that I like these musicians, but I love this stuff. The old ERF collaboration (Eisfuchs, Redlouts, Fairlight), Jumpy, Chama Fox. It's nostalgia AND good music. It may be out of print unless you can find it in stock at a Filk/Fandom music house like Random Factors or Prometheus.
10/10
Phineas and Ferb TV Soundtrack
So, I think everyone can agree that "Phineas and Ferb" is completely awesome. Aside from Pony this is the best kids' show out there. And with a song per short there is a lot of completely fantastic music. This was the first soundtrack. I think there are more. Anyhow, it's great. It's got some of the best songs. Squirrels in my pants, Busted, Disco miniature golfing queen, Perry's theme, When we didn't get along, I'm Lindana, Pinedroids and Ferbots. I'm just sad that it was too early for one of my favorite songs, "Alien Heart."
9/10
Tsuru-Usagi- Moon of the Dream
As you can guess from the group name and the Engrish-y title (I'm not even making that up, it's on the case; on the side it's in Katakana as "Mu-n obu za dori-mu" which is, indeed, the Japanese phonetic pronunciation of "Moon of the Dream) this is a Japanese import. It's a class act by and large; Tsuru-Usagi is a string quartet (Two violins, a viola and a cello). But since this is me, you know there's a catch of some kind. Tsuru-Usagi literally means String-Rabbit, and the title of the album reflects that (In Japan rabbits are associated with the moon.) They are called rabbit because the images of the musicians on the cover are... in (very well-made) Rabbit costumes. And since their hands are not covered I believe they play in them. Yes. Kemono classical string quartet. And they play well. They do a wonderful "Canon in D" and a fantastic "Eine Kleine Nachtmuzik." So... yeah. My interesting tastes continue.
8/10
All Dogs Go To Heaven 2 Soundtrack
The songs are fair-to-middlin' at best. They're roughly the quality of the songs used on the later TV show. But at the time I was completely into the movie and the show. Why? One word, Sasha. Bonus word: Annabel. I'm totally cool with feral sapients and they can make me ignore when utter drek is utter drek.
3/10
Andrew Lloyd Webber- The Premier Collection
Okay, fine. I'm a total Sweetie Belle. Is it really any surprise I genuinely love show tunes? I've been a Webber fan from my youth, just about 6th-7th grade. And others as well, of course, and opera. But Webber was so prolific it's hard not to have a lot. I actually have loads of Webber albums, including whole productions (my parents helped me along; they have a vinyl copy of Evita, the GOOD production with Patti LuPone and Mandi Patinkin.) This particular collection has a mix of well-known and obscure songs. Of those, I love "Tell me on a Sunday" and "Take that look off your face." So, no rambling on. It's good.
10/10
Avenue Q Broadway cast recording
Speaking of show tunes... not much to say about this. INDIVIDUAL songs have some merit, like "The Internet is for porn" and "There's a fine, fine line." But I find it so sickeningly cynical and depressingly "hipsteresque" that it feels like someone distilled insincerity into a liquor, got drunk on it, danced on a piano then vomited on a music sheet.
5/10 (For the decent songs)
Bolt Soundtrack
I love this movie. So much I saw it in theaters three times. Others gave it a resounding 'meh', but I was into it. I think the Bolt/Mittens shipping helped a lot. And the message was powerful and something with which I agree (that some portion of 18-35 year olds are utter dicks who would complain if they happened to win a war because that's not hip and crunk.) Anyhow, this is mostly background and incidental music as is usual for these things but it also has the two songs, "I thought I lost you", one of the few decent things Miley Cyrus ever did in her life, and "Barking at the moon" which needs very weak prescription shipping goggles to make it Bolt/Mittens. I like it, but mileage may vary.
7/10 (The incidentals/BG are not as interesting as vocal stuff)
The Brian Setzer Orchestra- Christmas Comes Alive
So, back to swing and such. Yes, my parents influenced me with a lot of classic vinyl. I listened to an old Stray Cats album, then found Brian Setzer's new project and loved it even more. As the title implies this is a Christmas album. Swinging Christmas music, including a mind-blowing version of "Angels we have heard on high" and a very worthy rendition of "You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch." If you like a little tempo with your holiday, get this.
9/10
Brobdingnagian Bards- A Faire to Remember
Fairy tales, fantasy and side-splitting laughter. Oh, sure, there's the odd spot of seriousness like Greensleeves, and Scarborough Faire but it's mostly absurd (mostly) fantasy comedy. Like "The Scotsman" (yes, the blue ribbon song), "A Fairy Story" (the ending kills, just slays), "Always look on the bright side of life" and "Lusty Young Smith" (brilliant, it's "Innuendo: The Song" very like "The Lusty Argonian Maid". Had I the skill I'd write a whole story like this.) It's more indie goodness from Marc Gunn.
9/10
The Dirtbombs- Horndog Fest
Confession: I got the album for the album art, by furry art stalwart and old-timer Joe Rosales. Apparently thr group itself has some following, enough that one of the characters on the show "Grounded for life" sometimes wore a Dirtbombs t-shirt. Now, as for the music, I can only describe it as "dirty." It has a very early punk feel about it, with the simple chords and volume, with a dash of rockabilly arrangement to the instruments and style. It has the usual jangly and blasting guitars, lyrics hidden behind the music with blown out vocals that are mostly incomprehensible. It's certainly an acquired taste. Not BAD, per se, but if it wasn't for the art I would never get this sort of thing.
4/10 (Seriously, just the art moved me to get it.)
Someone stole my Furry Fantasies II CD from my car some years back. I'd love to get my hold on it, if only to have Morning In The Jungle back...
I enjoy your album reviews.
Hoooooly shit I can't believe someone else has a copy of Furry Fantasies II or remembers the FMF! :D Even when they were contemporary, no one in the fandom knew about them.
My favorite ALW album features Michael Crawford performing a number of classic tunes. :3
2006813
"Furry Art" and "To Your Mind" are my favorites. So much so that when I still had ambitions of writing a short story collection I was going to call it "To Your Mind." I'm sorry someone stole it from you. It's a rare and beautiful thing.
2007760
I had Chama's e-mail and talked to him with some regularity back when. Later on I contacted him and found out FMF is back in some form.
Behold, now equipped with new music as well as some classics!
2007183
Thank you. I really love doing reviews.
A movie I loved enough to see it three times is Planes. THAT is what would've won Best Animated Feature at the Oscars if it was down to me alone.
2007997
OOOOOOOOH :D
If this ever gets back up and running, let me know!
2006813
Oh and check my reply to PresentPerfect, Morning in the Jungle is also in the FMF archive.
2008873
That's not my record. My record is 8 times seeing Over the Hedge in theaters. There was just so much to love in there, especially Tiger and Stella.
2009184
It's a bit slow going but if it does get there I'll certainly tell you. Did you find your old favorite music and some new stuff?
2009229
Oh god the nostalgia!
2009233 It was what you said for Bolt so it's what I went with.
Didn't really bother with Over the Hedge though.
2009239
Well, I've got copies of all my old favorites. :B I think the only thing new I noticed was Runtt, which was surprising. :O
2010718
I think the FMF version of "Welcome" is the original arrangement with original lyrics. There were a few small changes and he removed an entire character, Tolstoy the artist. I like listening to both (though the new FA version rocks a little harder.)
2009299
All my nostalgia! I just wish it had "To your mind."
You are so mean today. I adored some of Avenue Q's songs even before getting the chance to go see it (my musical theater sister is good for quality content at times). I can understand getting tired of The Internet is for Porn being overused by people who have no idea where it even comes from, but songs like Purpose, If You Were Gay, and Everyone's a Little Bit Racist are great songs.
Before I get on to Bolt, again, so mean to Miley. Yes, she's quite outrageous right now, but she can actually sing, and the outrageous phase will pass.
Anyway, having just watched the movie on Friday, how can it have been so easy to ignore? Was it the marketing? It's such a well-crafted film, solid acting, very enjoyable characters, a plot that went where I thought it would go and still tugged on my heartstrings. Poor Mittens.
Fuck the network bitch and her bosses. Who the hell cares about what adult men in focus groups want in an show obviously aimed at a younger demo? And you, director, you are as much a psychopath as the Truman Show people. What the hell is wrong with you?
Moving on.... The aforementioned sister also got me into Phineas and Ferb and I probably enjoy the songs the most, so I can see having that soundtrack.
2011522
I don't pull punches when moved. Like my "Etiamsi omnes" stories or whenever I write in a Wasteland context or write about Objectivists.
Miley was and is a bit oversaturated. My parents liked "The Last Song" and I can see it being good. Her performance in Bolt was at least heart-felt and sincere. It was quite touching.
As to the movie itself, exactly. I sort of expected the Mittens revelation but not quite that one. It was harsher than I thought. And that Vegas scene was additionally shippy goodness. And Rhino... he's the best representation of a crazed fanboywho had redeeming qualities I've ever seen.
Avenue Q- I'm harsh on it not because the songs are overused (I still love "The Internet is for Porn") but because the whole bloody thing is "Cynicism and Insincere Hate For Everything: The Musical." It's so... ugly. So much like... someone showing off a photo of a dirty street and acting like it's a Van Gogh.
Phineas and Ferb may repeat themes and be absurdist in the extreme and ship-tease mercilessly (and oddly in some places) but it's still excellent. And so is Wander over Yonder now that I think of it. Bonus: Her Faustness is there.
2012475
Have you seen the play or just listened to the soundtrack?
2013951
I've seen as much as I could from clips and such. Does seeing the play change the content of the songs?
2015627
It gives context and a fairly uplifting end result.
2018034
I understand the end is a rather hopeful thing but there is a cynical undercurrent.
2018931
No more cynical than life is.