Doin' the Friday Shuffle

Play ball!

1. "A Fine Romance" -- Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong -- Ella and Louis Again
The two standards albums Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong did together are paragons of easy-swinging, playful jazz singing. The interplay between the two is a delight as they trade verses and scat around the song.

2. "Ride" -- James Horner -- The Mask of Zorro (Film Score)
Not one of my favorite Horner scores, but some nice percussion here.

3. "10 Minutes Till the Savages Come" -- Manhattan Transfer -- The Offbeat of Avenues
Pretty much the only "smooth jazz" I enjoy. This track is nicely mellow, with trademark Transfer harmonies enlivening the choruses.

4. "The Oxen" -- Benjamin Britten -- A Ceremony of Carols
A moody little carol from Britten's celebrated work. I find that I hardly ever listen to this, most likely because after even a short time I find the children's choir-sound grating.

5. "The Cookie Factory" -- Danny Elfman -- Edward Scissorhands (Film Score)
I think this track may have been recycled many times, it's classic Elfman stuff, a bit of galloping "quirk" with the angelic choir adding effect here and there.

6. "Mothers Talk" -- Tears for Fears -- "Tears Roll Down" The Best of Tears for Fears
Semi-funk from the English duo. This has actually got a nice pulse to it, and Orbanzal always had a good voice. A bit heavy on the synths though.

7. "Casey (Medley): And the Band Played On" -- Mandy Patinkin -- Mandy Patinkin
Mandy does three songs in this medley: "And the Band Played On," "Marie," and "Once upon a Time." It's a very well-done medley, tenderly sung.

8. "I Allegro Ma Non Troppo" -- Beethoven -- Symphony #6 ("Pastoral")
The opening movement of the Pastoral symphony; you can hear nature waking up all over the countryside.

9. "War Dance" -- XTC -- Nonsuch
Is it just me or is the clarinet figure here very strongly reminiscent of the clarinet line in the Law & Order theme?

10. "Look at the Sky" -- Mark Hollman -- Urinetown (Original Broadway Cast)
Hilarious parody of an "inspirational" Broadway number.

Until Whenever