Details:
‘Hairspray’ is the movie version of the hit Broadway musical based on the 1988 movie by cult director John Waters; set in 1960s Baltimore the story follows overweight teen Tracy Turnblad. Album opener ‘Good Morning Baltimore’ is an ode to her hometown, setting the scene for the movie and a high standard for the soundtrack; with lush instrumentation, castanet clacks, powerful vocals from newcomer Nikki Blonsky and lyrics that hint at the trashy original; “the rats on the street all dance around my feet”, it’s a perfect start.
“The Nicest Kids In Town” is an upbeat rock’n’roll romp with a thumping drum intro, Chuck Berry style guitars, frantic piano and more great vocals, this time from James Marsden. “Ladies Choice” has a similar vibe, drums that bounce along, piano tinkling and cheeky lyrics from Elvis-esque teen heartthrob Link Larkin, played by real teen heartthrob Zac Efron of High School Musical fame. “Run And Tell That” keeps up the pace but with an R’n’B edge and show stealing vocal performances from Elijah Kelley and Taylor Parks.
“The New Girl In Town” is a slice of perfect 60s girl group pop; the first half, delivered by the pretty and popular mean girl Amber Von Tussle (played by Brittany Snow) is sugary but not so sweet; “she’s hip, so cool, I’m gonna get her after school!”. Whereas the he second half performed by fictional girl group ‘The Dynamites’ is a sassier, hip shaking affair that references “Leader Of The Pack” by The Shangri-las with the lyric “Look out, look out. Look out, look out!”
“You Can’t Stop The Beat” is an undeniably infectious number complete with a brilliant sing-a-long chorus, it builds and builds to an exhilarating climax. Upbeat and uplifting, it embodies the themes of the movie and the all round good times delivered.
Listen: www.myspace.com/hairspray
Tracklist:
1. Good Morning Baltimore - Nikki Blonsky
2. The Nicest Kids In Town - James Marsden
3. It Takes Two - Zac Efron
4. (The Legend Of) Miss Baltimore Crabs - Michelle Pfeiffer
5. I Can Hear The Bells - Nikki Blonsky
6. Ladies’ Choice - Zac Efron
7. The New Girl In Town - Brittany Snow
8. Welcome To The 60’s - Nikki Blonsky and John Travolta
9. Run And Tell That - Elijah Kelley
10. Big, Blonde And Beautiful - Queen Latifah
11. Big, Blonde And Beautiful (Reprise) - John Travolta and Michelle Pfeiffer
12. (You’re) Timeless To Me - John Travolta and Christopher Walken
13. I Know Where I’ve Been - Queen Latifah
14. Without Love - Zac Efron, Nikki Blonsky, Elijah Kelley and Amanda Bynes
15. (It’s) Hairspray - James Marsden
16. You Can’t Stop The Beat - Nikki Blonsky, Zac Efron, Amanda Bynes, Elijah Kelley, John Travolta and Queen Latifah
17. Comes So Far (Got So Far To Go) - Queen Latifah, Nikki Blonsky, Zac Efron and Elijah Kelley
18. Cooties - Aimee Allen
19. Mama, I’m A Big Girl Now - Ricki Lake, Marissa Jaret Winokur and Nikki Blonsky
