A Record a Week: Hair (Musical Theatre Soundtrack)

SIDE 1.
AQUARIUS
DONNA/HASHISH
SODOMY
COLORED SPADE
MANCHESTER ENGLAND
I'M BLACK/AIN'T GOT NO
AIR
INITIALS
I GOT LIFE
HAIR
MY CONVICTION
DON'T PUT IT DOWN
FRANK MILLS
BE-IN

SIDE 2.
WHERE DO I GO
BLACK BOYS/WHITE BOYS
EASY TO BE HARD
WALKING IN SPACE
ABIE BABY
THREE-FIVE-ZERO-ZERO
GOOD MORNING STARSHINE
THE FLESH FAILURES (Let the Sunshine In)


When I think Hair, I think 'This is the dawning of the age of aquariua'. Either one makes me think of the other. It also reminds me of the time my wife and I went to see the show in Toronto.

Now, the story is set in the sexually-free era of the 1970's when the hippies were at their peak. However, when the scene where they get naked under the parachute and lift it high in the air (spoiler alert), they looked suspiciously well-groomed.

Like many musicals, this one has a few terrific songs and a handful of songs you couldn't recall by the end of the record if you were offered a platinum plate full of your favourite fresh-from-the-oven cookies. Usually it goes like this: gradual opener gives way to strong second song that carries tune from opener. Two or three songs that carry the story forward, usually including a solo from a b character. Powerful song from main character, possibly including love interest. Two more story-pushing songs, then a steady beat song that includes a reprise of the opening song. INTERMISSION. Repeat similar pattern, except the final song includes multiple reprises.

Maybe I could write a musical!? (Relax, I have to finish my one-person show and my translation of the Odyssey first)