I’m a huge Rock of Ages fan. Though, I confess: I’ve never seen the show. I’ll see it someday.
In the meantime, while I save my pennies for that elusive trip to New York City, the cast recording is everything a musical theater junkie like myself could ever want. It stands on its own two feet. The first time I listened to it, I could follow the story, which, for me, is essential to truly appreciating the music. This is especially amazing considering Rock of Ages is a jukebox musical. I have a squillion cast recordings, but few are able to be as meaningful to me whether or not I have seen the show. Rent is another which comes to mind.
I know that art speaks to different people in different ways, and I respect that people may disagree with me. I also know that there are lots of other great show albums out there. Trust me – you don’t come to own six different recordings of Hair by feeling ambivalent about what’s out there. But for me, the Rock of Ages album has achieved something special. The amount of dialogue included is nothing short of perfect. It’s not overwhelming, but it really illuminates the music and lyrics. This is near impossible for a jukebox musical. Those songs weren’t originally written for Drew, Sherrie, and company, but I always forget that while rocking out to the album. Rent, for example, has the benefit of the songs being written specifically to tell that particular story. I’m not trying to compare the two, I’m just making the point that it’s all the more difficult to make a stellar cast album when the songs are not original. The narration elements make me feel like I’m really there. The only part about which I am a little fuzzy is a plot point about a confectionary store.
Well done, Rock of Ages!
No comments:
Post a Comment