Customer Reviews

Pufnstuf

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

You don't have to be a fan of the TV show "H.R. Pufnstuf" to appreciate this gem of an album, though fans of the series will enjoy it. It does not offer the catchy, peppy little ditties you heard on the TV show, but instead a rich, large, very 70's sound.

It's almost as if you're hearing the 70's careers of composer Charles Fox and lyricist Norman Gimbel in one sitting, because even though they had not yet written all of their signature theme yet, the styles and phrasing were already there in "Pufnstuf."

Just a few examples: the trumpet work in "Zap the World" is reminiscent of WONDER WOMAN; the lilting back-and-forth tone of "A Friend in You" is very much like THE LOVE BOAT; "Living Island" suggests LOVE AMERICAN STYLE; and the middle part of "If I Could" has elements of LAVERNE AND SHIRLEY.

The sound quality is very good, since the original vinyl album sounded pretty powerful to begin with, but I have a quibble with the producers of the CD because they decided to lengthen some of the tracks by repeating phrases. This is the case in "Living Island," "Witchiepoo's Lament," "Angel Raid," "How Lucky I Am," and "Charge." I'm sure their intentions were good, but it wasn't really necessary. However, the album is so good I gave it five stars for the being on CD at all.

Thanks very much to all who made this CD happen!

I was happy to recently discover that the soundtrack of the 1970 film "Pufnstuf" had been released on CD. I was a huge fan of the show as a kid, and this was the first soundtrack LP I ever bought. Purchasing the CD allowed me to relive a bit of my childhood, without the pops and clicks from the scratches on my old vinyl album.

But I'm a bit puzzled by the fact that this CD release has altered tracks. Most of the tracks include passages where a bar or two of the music has been looped, adding a few seconds of repeated music for no apparent reason. The result is jarring for anyone that is already familiar with the music, and seems quite unnecessary. I've written to El Records to ask why this was done. Legal reasons?

This CD is not an official (legal) release. Rather, it was created by a fan and packaged with a fake label and UPC code. I've met the man who did the mastering, and he explained how he added loops in his favorite tracks, created the fake label name and code, etc. Given that the actual rightsholders have not seen fit to do an official release, I think this somewhat altered version is worth a purchase. The sound is excellent, and the original LP is extremely hard to come by in any condition. I think customers have the right to know what they're getting, but it worth getting if you're a fan of the film or the score.

This cd is wonderful. Because of the series "H. R. Pufnstuf", I am totally hooked on oldies music. The only thing that bothers me is in "I've Found a Friend in You" when Jack Wild sings the line "true and trusting 'til the end". It sounds like he turned away from the microphone for a brief second. But great performance by Mamma Cass in "Different", and it's amusing to hear Martha Raye sing in "Zap the World". (It's only amusing because she doesn't exactly sing, she actually talks her verse) Also, on "Zap the World" Jack Wild is imitating a witch, and his verse is very entertaining to listen to.
Also, a few of the songs were lengthened a bit. "Living Island" most noticably so. It's not bad quality or anything, but the cast just keeps sing the same line over and over about 13 times. You wonder when they're going to stop.
But I have not regretted buying this cd, and I never will. Bring back the 70s!

I just bought this because it was one of my favorites when I was very little. I had seen the movie ages and ages ago and the songs stuck with me. My mother gave me the album which over time became worn out and outgrown. I was trying to find the song "Different" by Mama Cass when I located this CD. Great for rekindling my old memories - today's kids wouldn't enjoy it.

i remember as a kid watching pufnstuf always wanting the movie had it taped and it got lost so finding it again was thrilling. they got it to me fast and it made me really happy

This brought back a lot of great memories I have with this movie. Excellent vocals by all and great musical score! Jack Wild will be missed by all Pufnstuf fans.

For those of my generation who might be seeking a blast from the past, warm and fuzzy childhood nostolgia trip, don't bother!!! If it were possible to give this cd no stars, I would. There is only one song with Cass Elliot, that is marginal at best!! Save Your money for the DVD of the original series! Now I can see why I never saw this film, when it came out!!