Doin' the Friday Shuffle

Prematurely. (Long, most likely post-less weekend ahead)

1. "I've Got a Theory/Bunnies/If We're Together" -- Joss Whedon -- Once More with Feeling

The musical episode Whedon wrote for Buffy the Vampire Slayerreally was a delight, and this soundtrack bears that out. Spritely melodic and spiked with typical Whedon wit.

2. "I'm Open All Night" -- Ricky Ian Gordon - Bright Eyed Joy

Musical theater composer Gordon usually writes art songs that could just as likely be heard in a concert hall as opposed to in a musical, but this pastiche of a torch song, slinkily sung by Audra McDonald, is an exception.

3. "Walk On" -- Neil Young -- On the Beach

From a forgotten Young album just released on CD a year or so ago, this is the bouncy and almost-happy opener.

4. "Inside" -- Sting -- Sacred Love

I love Sting, and I haven't gotten into this album. Too mushy, too many synths, too radio-friendly. This opening track isn't bad, but it's no classic.

5. "Punky's Dilemma" -- Simon & Garfunkel -- Bookends

Silly little ditty, replete with whistled verse. "Wish I was a Kellogg's cornflake."

6. "Jack of All Parades" -- Elvis Costello -- King of America

Tender and pretty ballad off of possibly Costello's best album.

7. "Guys and Dolls (Reprise) -- Frank Loesser -- Guys and Dolls (1992 Broadway Cast)

Nathan Lane's first big musical, in the role he named himself after.

8. "Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own" -- U2 -- Live from San Diego, 2004

From the first show of the Vertigo tour. This song has grown on me since the album;s release, and live Bono just completely nails the high note in the bridge.

9. "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Eve" -- Harry Belafonte -- A Time-Life Christmas

Supple tones.

10. "Drive" -- Burkhard Dallwitz -- The Truman Show (score)

Tense, rhythmic music as Truman drives to drive out of town. This film had a great score.

Until Whenever