Buffy The Vampire Slayer (Once More With Feeling) - Original TV Soundtrack

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====== What Is Buffy The Vampire Slayer? ======

Well the question should now be what was Buffy The Vampire Slayer? It was a massive television show about the chosen one, the slayer. In every generation there was one girl in all the world, who protects us from the evil forces of darkness. In comes Buffy Summers, a troubled child from Los Angeles, who burned down her old school gym (fighting vampires) she has moved to the picturesque ...
...Gellar made her name as Buffy Summers, the strong willed, powerful, athletic and beautiful vampire slayer, who died, and was brought back by Willow, who thought she was in hell, but she was actually pulled away from heaven. Gellar instantly and perfectly portrayed this character with love and professionalism. Since Buffy she has starred in such hits as the two Scooby Doo’s, Cruel Intentions and the latest smash hit The Grudge.

Willow ... more

There are a few spoilers about the actual show in this review.

What Is Buffy The Vampire Slayer? ======

Well the question should now be what was Buffy The Vampire Slayer? It was a massive television show about the chosen one, the slayer. In every generation there was one girl in all the world, who protects us from the evil forces of darkness. In comes Buffy Summers, a troubled child from Los Angeles, who burned down her old school gym (fighting vampires) she has moved to the picturesque and quite town of Sunnydale. She goes to the local high school, and makes friends with not only the popular kids, but also two geeks, Willow Rosenberg and Xander Harris. It soon emerges that the kooky English librarian in her new ‘watcher’ and that she has moved to the Hell mouth the centre of evil. It lasted 6 years (7 seasons) and managed to get critical and financial success.

Who is in Buffy? ======

Sarah Michelle Gellar made her name as Buffy Summers, the strong willed, powerful, athletic and beautiful vampire slayer, who died, and was brought back by Willow, who thought she was in hell, but she was actually pulled away from heaven. Gellar instantly and perfectly portrayed this character with love and professionalism. Since Buffy she has starred in such hits as the two Scooby Doo’s, Cruel Intentions and the latest smash hit The Grudge.

Willow Rosenberg was expertly acted by Alyson Hannigon. Willow went to some pretty dark places, dealing with losing two loves, becoming addicted to magic, dealing with telling her friends about her homo sexuality and losing contact with her friends. You can catch Alyson in the three American Pies, Beyond the City Limits and Boys and Girls.

Xander Harris, was played by Nicholas Brendan, Xander, was a loyal, hard working, even if a little naive friend, who joined in with Buffy’s adventures for the whole 7 seasons. You can catch him in such flicks as Demon Island, Psycho Beach Party and Children Of The Corn 3.

Early in season 5 we found out that Buffy had a little sister named Dawn, who was played by the young, but very talented Michelle Transberg. She has also had to deal with a lot, as she found out something very shocking about herself throughout the whole of that season. You can Michelle in other hit films such as Harriet the spy, Inspector Gadget, Euro trip and Mysterious Skin.

James Masters played the punky Spike, who was a vampire, who had a chip planted in his head, by a branch of the military. The chip meant that he couldn’t attack any living thing, and being a vampire that wasn’t much fun! James has also been in House on Haunted Hill, Chance and Winding Roads.

Amber Benson played Tara Maclay, Willows love affair, who also practises in witchcraft. She was a sweet natured. Honest and kind women, who became increasingly worried about Willows magic use. You can check Amber out in Chance, Taboo and Latter Days.

Emma Caulfield was Anya/Anyanca. A former vengeance demon, who had her powers taken away and ended up engaged to Xander. She was a very funny character, who’s arguments with Willow, never failed to make me laugh. You can see Emma in Darkness Falls and Bandwagon.

Last but not least is Anthony Stewart Head, who played Giles for 6 years. He brilliantly acted like a stiff upper lip English man, who felt inadequate around such powerful youth. He was not always able to show his true affection towards the youngsters, but everyone knew that it was there. He has also been in the television hits. Spooks and Man-child.

How Come There’s A CD? ======

Well in season 6 Joss Whedon and the gang embarked, upon a totally new adventure, a musical episode, featuring all your favourite characters and cast members.

Who wrote the songs? ======

Well Joss Whedon, showed just how talented he is, by writing all the lyrics for these belting tunes.

Overture/Going Through The Motions! ======

This is sung by Sarah Michelle Gellar. Whilst on a usual patrol of the grave, she suddenly bursts into song. Going Through The Motions, is about Buffy not feeling right in this world anymore, she’s doubting her fighting abilities, not in a loving relationship, only having a passionate affair with someone she despises and is just really tired.

Lyrically Going Through The Motions is brilliant, it mixes thoughtful words which allow the song to have a good catchy tune and allows It to be very memorable. It really is a look into how Buffy is feeling, with all these strange feelings.

I really like Going Through The Motions. The backing track is fantastic, making full use of a luscious orchestra. With violins, flutes and clarinets. It keeps the tune going perfectly, making it very recognisable.

Vocally it’s not perfect, but still brilliant; Sarah has sweetness to her voice, which helps to make the lyrics sound, even more honest and frank.

Best Lyrics: ‘How Can I Repay? Whatever!’

Overall: A really good, opener, which Sarah belts out the true, telling words. A very worthy opener to a brilliant soundtrack. 7/10.

I’ve Got A Theory, Bunnies, and If Were Together ======

This song is about the Scooby gang discussing what is making them sing in his manner. They come up with witches, A wacky nightmare some kid is having, midgets, demons and perhaps most strangely bunnies.

I’ve Got a Theory, is a really good, light song, typical of many Broadway show tunes. It is humourus, well sung and well written, with lyrics that reveal, each members prejudices.

Anya (Emma Caulfield) has a wonderfully rocky tune in the middle of the two parts. It has a loud, all consuming guitar and Emma’s screaming voice competing for the attention. It is about, how bunnies may be the cause of all this musical cheer.

If Were Together is a calmer tune than I’ve Got a Theory, this one is the second half to that very tune. The gang have now decided that, it doesn’t matter what is causing all this fun, because together they can face anything. It has a calmer backing track and some good vocal work from all involved. Anthony Steward Head and Amber Benson, come to mind.

Best Lyrics: ‘Bunnies aren’t as cute as everybody supposes, they got those hopping legs and twitching little noses, and what’s with all the carrots, what do they need such good eye sight for anyway? Bunnies, bunnies, it must be bunnies!’

The three songs as a group are brilliant. Joss has excelled himself in the writing, being able to incorporate, pride, emotion and hilarious moments into the songs. Each adding a different aspect to the gangs, views on singing.

Overall: A really good collections of songs, that never fail to crack a smile. 8/10

The Mustard! ======

This is just a very short little number, which proves that the spell, has taken over all of Sunnydale, not just our Scooby gang.

Best Lyrics: ‘They got the mustard out!’

Overall, A really funny bit, which you don’t get the full, view of unless you actually watch the episode. 4/10

Under Your Spell! ======

This is a beautiful love song, sung by the brilliant Amber Benson. It is about how much she loves Willow, and how their relationship has made her a sexier and more confident woman.

Lyrically this is probably the best song. Tara and Willow’s relationship was always controversial, but this song put a complexly different spin on the couple. They really do love each other. If you listen to the words then you will realise, that a lot of emotion is injected into the song.

Amber Benson is surprisingly brilliant vocally. Her voice has a large range and a very nice sweetness to it. I wouldn’t be surprised if she was trained in classical singing. It really is a beautiful, version of a beautiful song.

Best Lyrics: ‘I’m under your spell, nothing I can do; you just took my soul with you!’

I think the backing track consists of just flutes. With compliment Amber’s voice perfectly. Adding a kind of magical property to the song.

Overall: Not the most exciting song, but it is a beautiful and magical, ballad, mixing love and affection, in one flurry pink bowl!

I’ll Never Tell! ======

This has to be the funniest song on the album. Anya and Xander are married, and this song is about what annoys them about the other. It is sweet, but also wickedly funny.

Lyrically this isn’t the best song on the album, but isn’t meant to be. The imperfections are hilarious, the lyrics add up to a funny, vicious, but ultimately sweet and affectionate little ditty.

Emma Caulfield is considerable better than Nicholas Brendan vocally. She sings vibrantly, and with power. He is fairly flat, but does the best with what talent he has. The two voices together however click nicely, as they are both fairy unique voices. The voices make it fun, and easy to listen to. Also the vocal work, gets better as the song progresses, they gather momentum.

Best Lyrics: ‘I lied, I said it’s easy. I tried, but there’s these fears I cant quell, is she looking for a pot of gold? Will I look good once I’ve gotten old?’

This is essentially a fun record, and the backing track proves that, by being very 80’s light pop. It doesn’t drown the performer’s voices out, but helps keep them in tune.

Overall: Not the most accomplished song on the album, but it is very funny. 7/10

The Parking Ticket! ======
This like The mustard is a short filler bit, although this one has a very impressive vocal performance. It is actually very attention grabbing, and accomplished. Although less than a minute it really gets into your head. It is about a woman trying to get out of a parking ticket.

Best Lyrics: ‘I’m asking you please, no. It isn’t right, it isn’t fair! There was no parking anywhere!’

Overall: A very good little bit, but can’t give it over 5 as it has absolutely no relevance to the story. 5/10.

Rest In Peace! ======

Throughout the sixth season of Buffy, tensions had been boiling over. Buffy and Spike had been shaking up. But she didn’t show any signs of really loving him, while he was the complete opposite, annoyingly needy and hopelessly in love. In the episode Buffy tells him that she wants to end the affair, because she is afraid what her friends might say about it. So this is Spike’s song, telling Buffy that he is fed up with all the hiding, the games and the messing around.

As you can imagine this is a very rocky number. It is dark and angst ridden. The backing track is surrounded with very heavy guitars, and the occasional hidden synthesizer. It is exactly what you would expect from a Spike song. It’s very rough and dirty. With stomping instruments.

Lyrically, this is very good. Putting the point across to the listener very well. It is a very good reflection of the two lost soul’s relationship.

Best Lyrics: ‘I can tie my body down, but I can’t find my sweet release!’

James has a suitable dirty and rocky sound. It is powerful, with a hint of tenderness.

Overall: This is a very good, rocky, dirty, anthem, which perfectly reflects the season thus far. 8/10

Dawn’s Lament ======

This is a sweet little short, in which dawn asks the poignant question. Is she, valued or cared about, when her older sister is the saviour of humanity? It is only short, but Michelle’s voice is high and sweet.

Best Lyrics; ‘Does anyone, even notice? Does anyone, even care?’

Dance Ballet ======

This is a classical music, interlude. This reminds me slightly of a fun fair soundtrack. From what I can tell, and I am no expert, it is mainly woodwind playing on this. It is again, fairly non descript, but is a refreshing change from the ballads, and loud, flamboyant show tunes.

Overall: Not my kind of music, but works, well in the episode. Not as great in the album as it has no relevance.

What You Feel! ======

This is the firs song we hear from Sweet. The ultra cool jazz demon, who kidnaps Dawn, believing that she is the one who summoned him, from hell. It is a very slow jazzy song. It is a completely different genre for the album and works very well.

Hinton Battle has one hell of a smooth voice, and he isn’t a stranger to Broadway. He is most defiantly the most accomplished singer out of the lot. He has a very jazzy voice, which compliments the backing track very well.

Best Lyrics: ‘I turn the music on, I bring the fun in!’

The backing track is all heavy saxophones and a high tinkering piano, which makes this song very atmospheric and the essence of jazzy cool.

Overall: A brilliant jazz, piece, which is again a switch in genres and atmospheres for the album. 9/10

Standing ======

After a training session with Buffy, Giles realizes that he is keeping her from the real world. Although it pains him desperately, he realises that he has to leave to let Buffy grow as not only a women, but a slayer too. This is a sad song, which has a lot of meaning for a Buffy fan like me, as we have seen Giles, evolve as a person for the last 6 seasons, and although fans don’t want to admit it, we know that he has been, giving less and less responsibility to Buffy, which isn’t a good thing.

Anthony Stewart Head’s voice is absolutely brilliantly suited from this song. His voice is haunting, layered, rich and interesting. You can hear that it emotional songs not only for his character but also him. He is a remarkably good singer.

The lyrics for this are heart breaking; they are honest, and completely reflective of the whole Buffy universe. Essentially it is summing up the character in 3 minutes. It is telling fans, of Buffy and this character, what they deep down knew, but didn’t want to admit. An ingenious song

Best Lyrics: ‘I wish I could say the right words, to lead you through this land. Wish I could play the father and take you by the hand, wish I could stay here, but you must understand’

The backing music is a slow, thoughtful guitar, alone with Anthony’s voice. Rather fitting, for the atmosphere and subject of the song.

Overall: Stunning vocals, brilliant simple backing track, and thoughtful, reflective lyrics, make this a perfect Buffy song. 10/10

====== I’m Under Your Spell/Standing ======

Once More With Feeling, was a lot more than just a musical. It was one of the most revealing and honest episodes ever to appear in Buffy’s history. This is as you can probably tell a mix between Tara’s I’m Under Your Spell and Giles Standing. They are singing about different subjects, Tara, losing trust in Willow, and Giles having t leave Buffy, the two stories, strangely almost become one.

Amber Benson and Anthony Steward Head are without doubt the best singers of the regular cast, and their voices are beautifully intertwined in this stunning song. Her voice, smooth, yet sweet and high, and his understated and calm. It really is a ghostly collaboration. These two voices are stunningly, beautiful together. Very accomplished vocals.

The lyrics are ghostly, hypnotic and strangely understated. They are completely reflective. They are fantastic.

Best Lyrics: ‘I’m under your spell; wish I could say the right words’

Overall: Stunning vocals, ghostly backing track and reflective important lyrics make this absolutely fantastic. 10/10

Walk Through The Fire! ======

Season 6 was without doubt, the darkest season of Buffy The Vampire Slayer. It took the characters into some real black places, and one of the recurring themes, was feeling like you don’t fit in. After being taken away from heaven, by her best friend, nothing feels anymore, and this sis a tune, in which the audience realise how much pin she is feeling. Also the gang agree to help her save Dawn.

Sarah’s vocals aren’t the best in the world, but she certainly in a fantastic actress, and that comes through in this song. It is an emotional performance from her. Amber Benson and Anthony Head are brilliant as always, and the ensemble cast are all adequate.

The lyrics are again important to the series, revealing the feelings that Buffy is going through. As a fan I think it is brilliant, if you are a new comer to the Buffy universe, then you may find it hard to connect with.

Best Lyrics: ‘I touch the fire and it freezes me, I look into it and it’s black. Why can’t I feel? My skin should crack and peel, I want the fire back!’

Overall: again a good song, but not one of the best. 7/10

Something To Sing About! ======

This is another song about Buffy’s expulsion from heaven. It really is the show stopper, with Sarah belting the words out like a true professional. It is probably the most honest and revealing song of the album actually beneath all the flamboyant, loud and fanciful exterior. It is the first time that the other members of the gang hear about her being pulled from heaven. It is almost a montage of all Buffy’s different feelings and emotions. One prime example is the feeling she has that she maybe missed out on her teenage life, because of having such a huge responsibility as saving the world.

This is Sarah Michelle Gellar’s song; she belts it out, with passion and emotion.

Lyrics are very revealing on this one.

Best Lyrics: ‘Life’s a show and we all play a part, but when the music starts, we open up our heart. It’s alright if something’s come out wrong, we sing a happy song, and you can sing along’

Overall: Real, exciting shows stopper a real good belter. 8/10.

What You Feel======

The last little bit from the stunning Sweet. It ends up his part in this emotional episode well.

Where Do We Go ======

This is the big group singy one. It is a sum up of everything the gang have found out. It is slow, but revealing. Willow has taken the news that she expelled her best friend from heaven the worst.

The vocals are all good from the whole Scooby Gang.

Lyrics. Are very simple as it is just asking the same thing that the audience is. Where do all these characters go, now Giles in leaving, Tara doesn’t trust Willow anymore, Buffy has been expelled from heaven, Spike is getting deeper in love with Buffy, Buffy doesn’t feel as if she belongs and Dawn is doubting whether or not she is cared about.

Best Lyrics ‘The battles done and we kind of won so we sound out victory cheers, where do we go from here.’
Overall: A good end. 9/10

Bonus Tracks. ======

Suit from the episode Restless, Suite from the very scary season 4 episode Hush, Sacrifice from the stunning season 5 finale The Gift, Something To Sing About, this is Joss Whedon’s wife singing the song, which was eventually used in the musical episode.

Overall ======

As an episode I would give it 5 out of 5, but I feel that the album loses a bit of the magic, which is provided by the brilliant performances. Never the less though, the singing is top notch, the writing is brilliant and the concept is sound. It was a very brave move, for such a highly regarded series such as this, to make this much of a bold risk. But it most defiantly payed off, providing audiences around the world to enjoy a different type of vampire slaying.

Where Can I Buy It? ======

£8.95 from 101cd.com

£10.99 from Play.com

£11.99 from Virgin Megastore

£9.99 from Amazon.co.uk ASIN B000070WPE.

Thank you all very much for reading and hopefully rating, it really is very much appreciated. Everyone take care and Merry Christmas : ) Jay

 

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