Hair is still relevant

Last night I saw the musical Hair for the first time. This was of course a revival as the original premiered in 1967. I wasn’t expecting a whole lot, the soundtrack doesn’t feature any timeless songs that stick with you they way a Wicked, Phantom, or LesMis does. What Hair does have to offer, however, is a fantastic look at the counterculture movement of the late 1960’s and a message that is shockingly relevant 43 years later. I actually think right now is the perfect time for a revival as Hair’s message seems much more pertinent to the last 10 years than the 80’s or 90’s. The tone is cheerfully dark, much like a lot of the folk music of the time (Simon & Garfunkel, The Mamas and the Papas), which suits my tastes perfectly (for a modern version of this see The Weepies).

So, if you’ve never seen Hair, if you’re interested in what the hippie movement was all about or you just want to be moved by a dark and emotional musical, go run out and see Hair. If you’re in Phoenix the show runs through Sunday.

In the (Phoenix) jungle

Saw The Lion King at ASU Gammage last night.  I’m a pretty big theater fan for anyone who knows me, especially musicals.

Four things.

1. This is the same old tired Lion King story you remember from the movie.  Same Disney obsession with monarchies and the perfect societies they usher in.  Same silly gazelle bowing down to the lion who will eventually eat them.
2. This version actually showed the lions hunting (and killing) the gazelle.  Props to whoever inserted that scene.
3. Costume design and set design still has space to be insanely innovative and stunning.  I saw some of this at the Tony’s last year and sort of knew what to expect but it’s entirely different in person. Wow.
4. Never underestimate the emotional impact of a big-ass drum and the lights going out at the same time.  The end of the opening number with the drum had much of the visceral emotion I thought made the end of Act 1 of Wicked the best bit of theatrical theater I have ever seen.

Does your music defy categorization?

I love Amie Street. Where else will you get a weekly update informing you that the latest in Scandinavian Viking Metal was released this week? More so than just being a weekly dose of the perhaps more obscure corners of the indie music market, Amie Street has some really great deals on both known and unknown artists. All of my favorite artists to come from Amie Street have been unknown (to me) so it’s been a really great place to discover some great sounds. For the next 2 days they’re even doing a half off sale so it’s a good time to jump in. Even if you don’t like anything immediately you’ll get to enjoy new music Tuesday’s bringing you up to date on your “Literary Pop“.