Meaning of Life (Expanded Edition w/ Bonus Tracks) [Extra tracks, Original recording remastered]

Monty Python | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 6, 2007)
• Original Release Date: 1994
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Extra tracks, Original recording remastered
• Label: Virgin Records Us
• ASIN: B000HT3RZ4
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #297,845 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Meaning of Life

2. The Miracle of Birth, Pt. 1

3. MP Link

4. The Third World (Yorkshire), Pt. 2

5. Every Sperm Is Sacred

6. Bloody Catholics

7. Growth and Learning, Pt. 3

8. Fighting Each Other, Pt. 4

9. Accountancy Shanty

10. Live Organ Transplants (Galaxy Song), Pt. 5/Galaxy Song

11. The Part Six: The Autumn Years (The Not Noel Coward Song)

12. Death (Christmas in Heaven)/Death/Christmas in Heaven

13. MP Link (Dedication to Fish)

14. Intro Title Song Demo Meaning of Life [*][Demo Version][Version]

15. Alternate Intro Title Song Meaning of Life [Band Version][*]

16. Alternate Christmas in Heaven Song [*][Version]

17. Radio Ad: Philisophers Corner [*]

18. Radio Ad: Officer [*]

19. Radio Ad: German Translation [*]

20. Greasy Hair [*]

See all 24 tracks on this disc

Editorial Reviews

And now for something completely different... Expanded reissue of this 1983 soundtrack to the final Monty Python film featuring an additional 12 bonus tracks including the demo for the theme song, radio adverts and deleted naughty bits. 29 tracks total including 'Every Sperm Is Sacred', 'The Galaxy Song', 'Christmas In Heaven' and film audio soundbytes galore. EMI. 2006.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars It's Still a Wonderful "Life", February 25, 2007

By 

Brent R. Swanson "coffee shop inspector" (Crooper, Illinois) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Meaning of Life (Expanded Edition w/ Bonus Tracks) (Audio CD)

I'm a big fan of the movie from which this album was derived. What it lacked in "Holy Grail's" contagious silliness and "Life of Brian's" lampooning, it compensated for with piercing satire worthy of Swift and Wilde. The dynamic characterizations and brilliant musical numbers made this movie a terrific career sendoff for the team. The soundtrack album captured much of the movie's spirit. The added interstitial material for the album made it an excellent addition to the Pythons' canon of comedy LPs.

This latest re-release, digitally remastered, is more of an upgraded re-presentation than a release of much that is new. What premieres on this album are some alternate versions of songs used in the film and a brief number cut from the "Mr. Creosote" scene. These numbers are of interest in that they reveal that at least some of the movie's comedic tone was originally a bit lighter and gentler. The versions we know from the movie are much better, and more savage.

If you were hoping to hear more music and music cues, like the "piano-harp" arrangement of the "Accountancy Shanty," you'll have to tune into the movie. In keeping with its history as a comedy album, the majority of new material is new, though not necessarily uproarious, comedy spots. The Pythons recorded several movie promos resurrecting characterizations from old sketches. Like the discarded musical takes, these are interesting and lightly amusing, added frills to the original package.

As with the other enhanced Python reissues of late, this is wonderful for long road trips, and the enhanced sound quality adds an almost epic ambience. But I could have gone on living with just my old LP.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars "The Meaning Of Life,Part VIII,"Audio Re-Issues", May 6, 2007

By 

Harvey J.Satan "Harvey J.Satan" (Among The Garden Gnome,Friar Park) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Meaning of Life (Expanded Edition w/ Bonus Tracks) (Audio CD)

The word "NEW" as it relates to this re-issue,does not apply to The Liner Notes ( taken from the 1999 "Monty Python Encyclopedia") nor the artwork of Terry Gilliam.( Basically someone's cut and re-paste job of old artwork.).

This album itself,is pretty much the Python formula...Film extracts with some silly bits in between - nothing as extravagant as the "Holy Grail" soundtrack - but still a brilliant way to enjoy a soundtrack.

So what of the "Bonus" materials. There is a collection of funny radio adverts,not heard in North America.(Tracks 22 thru 29 ). There is a rather wierd Mr.Creosote "Fat Song"(by Terry Gilliam).There are two versions of the alternate "Meaning of Life" song sung by Terry Jones. ( In a way sort of like "I'm So Worried" ).And finally an alternate version of "Christmas In Heaven" sung by someone who sounds much more like Tony Bennett than Graham Chapman.( Not sure who is singing it,and it's not credited.). Of all the re-issued Python C.D.s,this one has more bonus material,and makes it slightly more worth your re-purchasing dollars.

5.0 out of 5 stars Get the Meaning of Life!, August 27, 2009

By 

TF "TF" (Allentown, PA USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Meaning of Life (Expanded Edition w/ Bonus Tracks) (Audio CD)

I recently watched the movie again - having not seen it for 10+ years and it really is still one of my favorite
Monty Python movies.

The CD has the audio from almost all of the major scenes as it steps you through the parts of "Life" (just as the movie). All of the songs (I could remember) from the movie are here as well. Great job!