Releases May 17 on digital platforms! Music and lyrics by PigPen Theatre Co. (Alex Falberg, Arya Shahi, Ben Ferguson, Curtis Gillen, Dan Weschler, Matt Nuernberger, and Ryan Melia)
So many album drops last night. Finally getting to this one and I really love it so far. I was one of the ones who overall enjoyed the show and was looking forward to this album, and honestly I am enjoying the album even more than I expected. There have been some duds this season, but the two that came today (Here We Are and this one) might be the two that get repeat listens. Next to listen to Billie’s new album.
Easy is as beautiful as I remember. The Lion's Got No Teeth is a banger. I haven't listened to all of it yet, but recently, I was thinking maybe I was harsh on this show when I saw it. I dont think I am, the score is ho hum,
I found the score underwhelming on a first listen. Wailing guitar ballads for the lovers. Horn and percussion heavy patter numbers for the villains. Gustin’s songs blend together into one long whine. The big fight sequence, “You Got Nothing,” is more exciting. The structure reminds me of “Make Me Happy” from Lippa’s The Wild Party.
Water for Elephants showed me a slightly darker and grittier shade of indie pop-folk, compared to last month's light, lush, and lovely The Notebook. Both scores sound full and full of riches though — PigPen might be our American theatrical equivalent of Mumford & Sons, with less prominent banjo. The guys fit in some other apt period genres throughout this varied score. Some zippy lyrics, too... "Yes, our lies are our pride / And our pride's in our lies / And the lions in our pride have got no teeth!"
Grant Gustin proves he is much more than a glossy star-casting choice with his Jacob, Izzy McCalla sounds wonderful — the haunting "Easy" is a highlight — and Paul Alexander Nolan can do no wrong. Shoutout to Stan Brown and Sara Gettelfinger as well, such pleasant surprises.
If I had a nickel for every time a new musical this season built a song out of the drive of a moving train, I would have two nickels — which isn't a lot, but it's weird that it happened twice.
With this show now up for best musical at the Tonys, I'm curious to see what they'll perform on the telecast. The propulsive "Anywhere"? The catchy foot-stomper "The Road Don't Make You Young"? "The Grand Spec," complete with the elephant reveal? Perhaps the zany "Zostań," a rousing ode to Polish commands?
This album has got me curious, along with the unlikely critical praise and 7 Tony nods. Might have to head on over to the Benzini big top soon to get the full picture with the staging, acrobatics, and circus tricks.
I would say that my personal hope is The Road Don’t Make You Young. I enjoy that one more than “The Lion’s Got No Teeth”, and I remember it being fun visually, with the building of the circus and acrobatics.
Didn't see anyone post this yet--if it is up somewhere happy to take it down-- thoughts from Pigpen about their influences and storytelling intentions for each song. It's always interesting to me to hear about the intent and to think how it came off IRL.
Also went to see them last night at City Winery where they played mostly other tunes but also a couple of W4E. They came out on the floor to do Road and it was a lot of fun...