Customer Reviews

Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Easily one of the most talked about stars on stage this year was Benjamin Walker for "Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson." Playing at the Public (this soundtrack is associated with that run) earlier this year before moving to Broadway in the fall, the show is closing shop after the new year. And what a shame! With universal critical acclaim and a star making performance, I'd have hoped for a longer run. But, alas, we take what we can get if the show isn't called "Wicked."

The show fashions Jackson as a rebel and a trailblazer. The first "commoner" to be elected President, he was considered the first populist choice. The show showcases Jackson's rise from a humble Tennessee beginning, through his conflicts with the British, his battles with the Indians, and his confrontation with the Spaniards. This is a top notch recording with whip smart lyrics and a pulsing rock beat. Walker shines on his numbers--funny, sexy, powerful--a real leading man. But perhaps one of my favorite numbers is the super clever "Ten Little Indians," a sad, insightful, and blistering song. As the people start to turn on Jackson, the music showcases genuine rawness.

One drawback, however, is that the CD with 13 tracks clocks in at just about 28 minutes. That's pretty short for a complete musical soundtrack and it caught me by surprise. Still, it sounds great and however brief--I love it. KGHarris, 12/10.

Really enjoyed this off-Broadway at the Public (seemed more at home off-Broadway; I knew the Broadway transfer to a big house wouldn't last long.) One of my favorite cast recordings, albeit a bit unconventional.

Seriously, has there been a better opening number recently? Given the lack of imagination in so many other so-called "rock musicals" the variety in Michael Friedman's score is pleasantly surprising. The concept of this show is interesting to begin with (and, so far, seems to be the sort of thing that audiences either really love or really hate) and the score does a great job of pointing it up. I played this CD for an American History teacher at the school where I teach, and he liked it so much that he started off his lecture on Andrew Jackson by playing this CD. Finally, a CD that musical lovers, emo folks, and history teachers can all love!

I was in NYC last week and saw BBAJ and the next night Billy Elliot, which is showing acoss the street. Give me the clever Bloody show - not the same old Broadway musical. There is plenty in the show for folks to find offensive. F bombs by the dozens, very awkward sexual references and slandeous statements about native americans, as well as the founding fathers (hilarious!!!). Its done on purpose, guys. The directors's notes make clear the the show is about America in its adolescence. Vulgar and self-absorbed. And funny. So lighten-up. The music is soooo clever and catchy. And smart. I returned to middle-america and picked up American Lion - the excellent biography of Andrew Jackson. And found that much of the show is spot on. Buy the music, see the show. Have fun.

I saw Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson at the Public and was happy to discover that Michael Friedman wrote the music and lyrics. (I am definitely a fan of composer Michael Friedman - I love the off-Broadway show CD "Gone Missing", which is eclectic but worth a listen if you enjoy music that is off the beaten path).

Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson is a great album - I love the catchy tunes and the tongue in cheek, very funny lyrics: "I always thought I'd live in a house... /with a mat at the door that said Welcome/ And a sign on the fence that says Private Home Don't Enter". (I find myself on a gorgeous sunny day humming "Life sucks, and my life sucks in particular" - because it's funny, and not because life sucks. Oh and "Populism, Yeah Yeah" is on my workout mix!

I can already hear grumbling from the traditional Broadway crowd about "rock musicals" but so far I like this a lot more than Spring Awakening because it doesn't take itself so seriously. It is sarcastic emo-burlesque satire - which is to say it is a lot more fun!

Ben Walker enjoys every second of his role as Andrew Jackson, and tells great story about a man who wanted to change the nation, but didn't think he was important enough. (I'm Not That Guy) But, he sees that everyone is ticked off and 'no one is taking a stand', so he decides to enter politics (explained in: The Corrupt Bargin), and becomes the man he thinks the people want to lead the country (I'm So That Guy). Falling in love (Illness as Metaphor) and then losing his wife (Public Life) deeply affected our 7th president. But, he bounced back (Crisis Averted) and was voted in by popular vote (Populism, Yea Yea).

BBAJ is a fantastic play that I was lucky enough to catch while it was off-broadway, at the Public Theater. This play brings a whole lot of historical fact and combines it with fast, fun, relatable contemporary music. This should be used to teach children about history and get adults re-energized into loving it.

like no other Broadway musical I've ever heard! The music is fun, catchy, innovative... I just wish there was more of it!

I saw Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson at the Public Theater, and loved every moment of it. So innovative, so original. This music rocks, and is sure to be in your head for days. What a well produced, rocking album. Make sure not to miss this show!!!

My favorite original soundtracks go back a few years - West Side Story, Into the Woods - so I was not necessarily disappointed with this musical as much as to how the music has changed to more rock.

Okay, I haven't seen the show because I don't live in New York, but the music is great and very funny. I suppose some people on here (will not name names) don't understand that it is a satire and is supposed to portray Andrew Jackson as an emo rocker. Populism Yea Yea, I'm Not that Guy, Illness as Metaphor, and Rockstar are all standouts on this soundtrack but it is all great. The songs are catchy, the subject is relevant (dealt with hilariously), and I thoroughly recommend this album!