The good news about the pre-Broadway run of HIGH FIDELITY at the Colonial Theatre is that it has been directed by Walter Bobbie (Footloose, Twentieth Centry, Sweet Charity revival). He has managed to create a very fun and entertaining evening.
Much of the credit, of course, also goes to the cast, who are having a lot of fun but are also totally credible as a close-knit group of friends. There is much energy and great talent to be had.
If only the book were a bit stronger. It's your basic boy-tries-to-get-girl-back story without much else going on. There needs to be more urgency and reason to the story we are obeserving.
Music enthusiasts may either delight or cringe as they get the in-jokes and pop culture references. I admit that I chuckled at the sight of the cover of the Beatles' original cover of the Yesterday...and Today album because I understood the social and financial significance.
Most of the rock-pop songs work and work well. Some not so much. It will be very interesting to see the path this show takes as it heads to the Great White Way.
But, for now, it's time to turn up the volume, and enjoy the show. B-.
Saturday, September 30, 2006
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Speakeasy Opens Season with The Women's Open Season
Strong women. Strong cast. Strong director. Strong director.
Go see Speakeasy's production of The Women. A
Go see Speakeasy's production of The Women. A
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Jesus Saves!
Go see North Shore Music Theatre's production of Jesus Christ Superstar! A
Okay, I'm not complaining, but y'all are starting to bore me. I have nothing bad to say about anything I've seen this month! Not that I enjoy picking shows apart; contrary to popular belief, I don't! But at the risk of having all my reviews sound alike, suffice it say, go see everything in town!!
Okay, I'm not complaining, but y'all are starting to bore me. I have nothing bad to say about anything I've seen this month! Not that I enjoy picking shows apart; contrary to popular belief, I don't! But at the risk of having all my reviews sound alike, suffice it say, go see everything in town!!
Who Knew That Signing the Declaration of Independence Could Be So Much Fun?
Go see the Lyrics Stage's production of 1776! A
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Lindsey Buckingham's Own Way
On October 3, Lindsey Buckingham releases his forth solo album, and soon I will be discussing his previous albums in preparation!
As a member of Fleetwood Mac, Lindsey had a different approach to songwriting than Stevie Nicks and Christine McVie did, but music enthusiasts applauded him for his unique and orginal style of producing.
LAW AND ORDER (1981)
Lindsey's first outing focuses on his vocal qualities and his guitar riffs. He plays it surprisingly safe here, but that was a wise choise. One might remember the single "Trouble," which peaked at #9 on the Billboard Singles Chart, but one might not remember much else. That doesn't mean the album is not worth listening to; it is. It is probably best recommended for true-blue fans of Fleetwood Mac who do not mind Lindsey's idiosynchratic behavior on his own. He is at his best when he slows down and allows his breathy voice to emote. He is at his quirkiest when he tries too hard to experiment. What he lacks in lyrics, he attempts to make up in production values, which is good or bad depending on your own personal taste. B.
GO INSANE (1984)
Not sure what to say about Lindsey's sophomore album, but Frank Zappa must have been proud! Buckingham flexes his creative muscles in ways that are brand new to most people. Unfortunately, there are not many radio-friendly tunes on this disc, save for "Slow Dancing," "I Want You," and the title track (maybe).
Surprisingly, "Play the Drum" and "Loving Cup" are quite bland considering the other selections, but the aforementioned do make for good listening.
Then there's "Play in the Rain." It is either a throwback to the Beatles' "Revolution 9" or Buckingham has totally lost his mind. To his credit, it is an interesting display of what one can do with sound effects, music, and breathy lyrics. It also acts a prelude to future production techniques that he will utilize.
Another surprise is how dated the percussion on this album sounds, but Lindsey maintains his own personal identity for a collection for down and dirty fans. B.
OUT OF THE CRADLE (1992)
Okay, I'm going to say something about Cradle that I say about very, very few albums.
Out of the Cradle is a Masterpiece.
From start to finish, top to bottom, everything about Cradle is unprecedented, undescribable perfection. Lindsey has put his paranoia on the shelf and focused on blending mature, intelligent lyrics with harmonious, melodius music. He has captured in this release everything that represents adult-orientated acoustic rock on the highest level with the highest standards.
Upon initial release, critics hailed this album as the Album of the Year and the Album of the Decade. And with good reason. It is a pure joy to listen to. It is genuine rapture to be enveloped in the magic. A+.
UNDER THE SKIN (2006)
An acoustic album is an awesome idea, but if only if it is executed properly. When a singer/songwriter is alone with his guitar, there is no need to super-produce everything. Lindsey's overlapping, echoing voice come across as more distracting than innovative. His breathy voice is less mystical and more exhausted, as if trying to prove something.
The disc is not a total disaster, but it made me long the days of "Never Going Back Again" and the acoustic versions of "Go Insane" and "Big Love." Sometimes a song is a song, and it is what it is. C-.
As a member of Fleetwood Mac, Lindsey had a different approach to songwriting than Stevie Nicks and Christine McVie did, but music enthusiasts applauded him for his unique and orginal style of producing.
LAW AND ORDER (1981)
Lindsey's first outing focuses on his vocal qualities and his guitar riffs. He plays it surprisingly safe here, but that was a wise choise. One might remember the single "Trouble," which peaked at #9 on the Billboard Singles Chart, but one might not remember much else. That doesn't mean the album is not worth listening to; it is. It is probably best recommended for true-blue fans of Fleetwood Mac who do not mind Lindsey's idiosynchratic behavior on his own. He is at his best when he slows down and allows his breathy voice to emote. He is at his quirkiest when he tries too hard to experiment. What he lacks in lyrics, he attempts to make up in production values, which is good or bad depending on your own personal taste. B.
GO INSANE (1984)
Not sure what to say about Lindsey's sophomore album, but Frank Zappa must have been proud! Buckingham flexes his creative muscles in ways that are brand new to most people. Unfortunately, there are not many radio-friendly tunes on this disc, save for "Slow Dancing," "I Want You," and the title track (maybe).
Surprisingly, "Play the Drum" and "Loving Cup" are quite bland considering the other selections, but the aforementioned do make for good listening.
Then there's "Play in the Rain." It is either a throwback to the Beatles' "Revolution 9" or Buckingham has totally lost his mind. To his credit, it is an interesting display of what one can do with sound effects, music, and breathy lyrics. It also acts a prelude to future production techniques that he will utilize.
Another surprise is how dated the percussion on this album sounds, but Lindsey maintains his own personal identity for a collection for down and dirty fans. B.
OUT OF THE CRADLE (1992)
Okay, I'm going to say something about Cradle that I say about very, very few albums.
Out of the Cradle is a Masterpiece.
From start to finish, top to bottom, everything about Cradle is unprecedented, undescribable perfection. Lindsey has put his paranoia on the shelf and focused on blending mature, intelligent lyrics with harmonious, melodius music. He has captured in this release everything that represents adult-orientated acoustic rock on the highest level with the highest standards.
Upon initial release, critics hailed this album as the Album of the Year and the Album of the Decade. And with good reason. It is a pure joy to listen to. It is genuine rapture to be enveloped in the magic. A+.
UNDER THE SKIN (2006)
An acoustic album is an awesome idea, but if only if it is executed properly. When a singer/songwriter is alone with his guitar, there is no need to super-produce everything. Lindsey's overlapping, echoing voice come across as more distracting than innovative. His breathy voice is less mystical and more exhausted, as if trying to prove something.
The disc is not a total disaster, but it made me long the days of "Never Going Back Again" and the acoustic versions of "Go Insane" and "Big Love." Sometimes a song is a song, and it is what it is. C-.
The Blue Grotto
Under new management, this magnificent restaurant is the place to be! The owners will do what they can to make your visit as enjoyable as possible. The new decor is handsome and relaxing, and the female vocalist is as cute as her voice is crystal-clear.
The menu is Italian, and the portions are just right. My choice was chicken/ziti/broccolli, and the pasta was cooked to perfection. Everything was seasoned correctly without being overpowering.
The desserts are tasty without being too sweet as well. I had the chocolate fudge cake drizzled with raspberry sauce, and it was as delicious as it sounds!
The wine list is impressive as is the size of the restaurant. This is the perfect place for any size party, function, or meeting.
Take advantage of the valet parking, and look forward to going back!!
The menu is Italian, and the portions are just right. My choice was chicken/ziti/broccolli, and the pasta was cooked to perfection. Everything was seasoned correctly without being overpowering.
The desserts are tasty without being too sweet as well. I had the chocolate fudge cake drizzled with raspberry sauce, and it was as delicious as it sounds!
The wine list is impressive as is the size of the restaurant. This is the perfect place for any size party, function, or meeting.
Take advantage of the valet parking, and look forward to going back!!
Sunday, September 03, 2006
Random Thought 45
I have better things to worry about than people who need something better worry about.
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