Customer Reviews

Phantom of the Paradise Recording

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I loved this movie and the soundrack works while you're watching it, but to listen to it alone....well I didn't really like it, but others may.

I've never heard anything else by Paul Williams but this soundtrack to the cult movie stands on its own as a remarkable testament to love gone awry. It follows the story of a man willing to sell his soul for one more chance, a tale of beauty and the beast and Faust and the devil, brilliantly scored and cheesily acted. All the music and lyrics were penned by Williams. My favorite line is the chorus from "The Hell Of It": Good for nothing / Bad in bed / Nobody likes you / You're better off dead / Goodbye Goodbye. Nice and depressingly loving. It also deals with the idea of stolen music (Celine Dion).

A classic piece of work by Paul Williams. Love the movie, the songs fit very well with the script. Hell of it is my fav.Like a history of 70's music.

If you loved the movie, you will love the soundtrack even more. It helps you recall those great scenes and songs performed. This flick should be just as big as Rocky Horror and could even create those midnight 'Phantom' viewings with the costumes and sing-alongs just like at a Rocky Horror midnight viewing. One day people will wake up and make this the recognized classic that it is! Great spin on a mediocre play/movie (POTOpera) in a 70's glam musical- how can you go wrong!

I agree with all the 5-star reviews. This is not actually a review and they might not let me post it. But for anyone who likes this music/movie, many of the cast and musical acts from this film will be reuniting in about a month (late April 06)for a one-off show.

I do not work for the people putting it on. I have no connection with them, and I didn't go to the first Phantompalooza. Do a search for that word and see what I mean.

Man, it seems like yesterday when Phantom of the Paradise was in the theaters (which was the mid 70s, which makes me mid-aged), and I, who thought my musical tastes were too cool, resisted the catchy, edgy, and campy tunes penned by Paul Williams. Yes, the Paul Williams who I thought was square and passe, who I associated with scribbling lyrics covered by The Carpenters, the same Paul Williams I saw on episodes of "The Odd Couple" and "The Muppet Show."

Irresistible, though. This soundtrack and its movie was my wake up call that Paul Williams is just plain cool. No way around it. I heard his previously silly lyrics about "chasing rainbows" and "white lace" and... to think he can shift from easy listening to songs a bit edgy for the mid 70s put him forever on my "Hip List."

In the vein of Hair and Rocky Horror, this soundtrack has melodic and offbeat storytelling from beginning to end, from 50s style rock (Good Eddie Goodbye) to acoustic numbers (both versions of "Faust") to sinister neo-rock that was way ahead of its time (Somebody Super Like You/Life At Last). Like Rocky Horror, this soundtrack is not merely good camp, it is an amazing display of great music.

To say the lyrics wildly contrast tunes like "We've Only Just Begun" is an understatement: "Never knew his father/Mother didn't bother/ to catch his last name/fast as he came" and "All my tears are lost/and I can't sleep/and sleep alone would ease my mind/all my tears have dried/ and I can't weep." The samplings don't do justice without the music, but trust me on this one!

"Phantom of the Paradise" is definitely on the cult-classic list, but I hate to see the music fade into forgotten cult-classic history. An array of Rocky Horror soundtracks have stood the test of time, which is our treat. The Phantom's soundtrack, along with the flick, are not nearly as prominent, which is many music lovers' loss. Go out of your way to pick up this CD, it's a classic!

I saw this movie many times on cable when I was 11 years old. I was totally mesmerized by this film. This was back in the "early" days of cable when they would show only 5 movies a month over and over again. When the month was over, that's the last time I saw the movie or heard the music. Now, after 30 years, I still find myself singing/humming some of this music. It just dawned on me 3 weeks ago that I might be able to buy the CD, though, I really felt it would be like looking for a "needle" in a haystack. I was thrilled when I found it on AMAZON for a very affordable price. Naturally, I ordered it right away. Well, it arrived on yesterday and the music was just as I remembered it, I even knew all the words! Wow, it's just like I saw the movie yesterday. Of course, I've grown "emotionally" a lot in 30 years. My love for music only intensifies every day. I own probably close to 1000 CD's. With all this added knowledge of music, I can really recognize how "Phantom of the Paradise" was truly a musical work of art......now one of my "best" CD's. Thank God for the internet so all these music obessions can be fulfilled.

The first time I saw this movie was about 4 years ago, I fell in love. Its an amazing show and the music just makes its 300x better! I always catch myself wanting to listen to the soundtrack, or getting songs stuck in my head... I definately recomend this album to anyone!

As with others that have reviewed "PHANTOM" I was 15 when the Movie was released in 1974. I can not count the number of times I have watched this movie for the incredible, timeless music. I went from owning the album, to the tape, and now to the CD. From the "campy" UPHOLTERY to the most beautiful ballad, OLD SOULS the music makes you smile, laugh and cry.. It is a must for anyone who loves the writings of Paul Williams!

I thought this would be the only review!?
I first snuck into see "Phantom" after watching "Sat. Night Fever" showing in the same theatre; I was 13 or 14. The movie totally blew me away! Imagine that, watching a movie about Disco and then seeing this rock opera masterpiece. Needless to say I still listen to rock.
Today some shake their heads at "Brittany" and "The Back Street Boys" seemingly manufactured over night. Phantom was ahead of its time in its critque of popular music. Times may change but The manufacturing of idols(as with "Beef"-literally)is still rampant.
Thought the production and arrangement of certain songs were starting to sound like the "70's". Overall the content is as deeply moving as the 1st time I heard it. A masterpiece, Wow!