Medley of the Day: Key Change edition

Nothing makes me giggle in delight more than a song that decides to take it up or down a notch with a key change at the last minute.

I know I already assaulted you with "I'd Love to Lay You Down" by Conway Twitty in the most ridiculous edition of The Audacity of Rock, but it bears repeating:

Speaking of country key changes, "I Walk the Line" by Johnny Cash. What is there, like 5? Good work, young Mr. Cash.

Although, a key change is the perfect way to end a prolonged musical experience as well. Take the show closing "Danse Mon Esmeralda" from Notre Dame de Paris. I kind of hate this song for making me think it's over, but instead just changing keys for another depressing reprise of the chorus, but it's too glorious to really hate.

Speaking of theatrical key changes, "Keep Yourself Alive" by Queen. I love everything about this song and this music video.

And no worries, the art of a great key change isn't lost. Here's MGMT's very recent "The Youth."

Medley of the Day: Prostitutes get the best songs edition

If you're going to bring in prostitutes, they better be the fun part of the musical.

"Le Val D'amour" from Notre Dame de Paris

The call and response between singer and (fake?) strings make this way more catchy than it should be. And yes, those are flesh colored leotards with weird attachments (Star Wars or All That Jazz?).




"Lovely Ladies" from Les Miserables

This one is actually pretty icky; so much detail about the smell of women. But the melody sure sounds fun!




"El Tango de Roxanne" from Moulin Rouge!

General awesomeness in the form of strained, gruff voices, jealousy, and the tango.




"Crossroads" from Perhaps Love

What was that? You want another depressing envy involving prostitutes song? Coming from the utterly confusing pastiche-heavy film that is Perhaps Love, here's "Crossroads." It sure looks and sounds gorgeous, in a dirty sort of way. Starts about 1:09.




"Come Together" from Across the Universe

The whole thing isn't about prostitutes, but they've got the sweetest harmonies out the other scenarios. Plus, Joe Cocker is a pimp.

Medley of the Day: If only life were like a musical edition

I'm in a cheesy mood and have been remiss in my blogging duties, so here's a little something to tide you over and distract you from election ridiculousness:


The Sound of Music "My Favorite Things"
Not too long ago, I rediscovered this movie and found it to be awesome. This is my favorite song from it; honestly, the melody is gorgeous. Too bad this scene doesn't have more of that sexy Captain Von Trapp.



Notre Dame de Paris "Belle"
There is an astounding number of version of this musical, including in English. My favorite I've accidentally encountered is in Russian. It just doesn't sound right: same melody, but different words/singers. Anyway, enjoy the original in French. When all three men start to sing together, it's heavenly. Just ignore some of the creepy lyrics and the kind of poor sound quality.



Oklahoma "People Will Say We're in Love"
This is the London production with Hugh Jackman. Seriously adorable. I love good rom-com banter...in music form.



Speaking of musical banter,
Calamity Jane "I Could Do Without You"
In the most ridiculous of musicals, this is a surprisingly sexy scene. Something about the huge Howard Keel and adorably small Doris Day trying to boss each other around. Anyway, enjoy.