14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
"For all his friends, he always seems to be alone...", November 24, 2002
This review is from: Bugsy Malone (Audio CD)
The year 1976 saw the release of a most singular new musical, "Bugsy Malone". Performed by a cast consisting entirely of children (average age: 12) and set in prohibition-era Chicago, "Bugsy" chronicled the adventures of opposing gangsters fighting for control of the, uh, "sasperilla" market. The movie itself is beautifully shot and well-acted by it's pint-sized cast, but the real star is the surprisingly good Paul Williams score.
This Limited Edition CD contains all the original songs, newly remastered, straight from Japan. They range from the pensive title song, to the sultry "My Name is Tullulah", to the wistful "Ordinary Fool"; all with a distinctive ninteen twenties feel. The bouncy "Bad Guys" is a great comic tune ("We coulda been anything that we wanted to be/With all the talent we had") and "Fat Sam's Grand Slam" makes nice use of the honky-tonk piano used throughout the score.
While the melodies on all the songs are gorgeous, it's the lyrics that really shine through. On the terrific "Down and Out", Williams fuses a sparkling wit ("Lady Luck is fickle/But a Lady is allowed to change her mind") with a gentle pathos ("Think of all the time you're wasting/Time's a precious thing to let roll by..."), and on the stunning "Tommorrow" he combines a torchy melody with lovely, aching lyrics.
The album ends with the sweet "You Give a Little Love", whose repition of the first two lines ("You give a little love and it all comes back to you/You know you're gonna be remembered for the things that you say and do...") carries the movie into the closing credits.
While I like the film, I almost feel the score is just a bit too good for it, and I would love to see a retooling of "Bugsy Malone" as a straight 20's musical, with adults in the cast. Until then, be satisfied with the Soundtrack, a must for Williams' fans and musical buffs.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Gotta love it!, November 11, 2005
If you're a fan of the wonderfully entertaining movie, this soundtrack is a must have! The full version of Blousie Brown's sultry audition song, "I'm Feeling Fine," is wonderful, and the "Bad Guys" street-dancing number is one of the greatest musical comedy tunes I've ever heard! If you loved the movie, you will love this CD.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
This CD is one of my favorites!, January 7, 1999
By A Customer
I was so stoked to find this cd. I had been looking for it for quite a few years, so there is no disappointment in it whatsoever. Thank you Paul Williams for giving us your gift!
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