As much as I hate to admit it, I am a TV junkie. But I am not just any TV junkie. I tend to be addicted to those overly dramatic teen shows, in which we wish at least part of our high school years played out something like them. So, basically I love the WB. I have been a follower since the WB was born. Thus in part, I am also a rabid Buffy the Vampire Slayer fan.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer series originated on the WB channel back in 1997. After five years and a brutal battle between networks, Buffy made the jump to UPN. No one knew what to expect, since UPN is not known for its high quality productions. However, with the jump, Buffy was given a larger budget. Again, no one knew what to expect, aside for more special effects.
One of the most pleasant results of this budget increase however, was the production of a musical episode. This in turn resulted in the release of The Buffy The Vampire Slayer: One More With Feeling soundtrack.
While it is the musical episode in its entirety, it is more than just a soundtrack. Along with bonus tracks composed for earlier episodes, it contains the one element that is essential to all successful musicals - the ability to follow the story within the music, and not just on the screen.
Written in its entirety by Buffy creator Joss Whedon, each song is perfectly created for the characters. Sung by the original cast members, lead by Sarah Michelle Gellar, each song precisely contains the personality of the characters within. Opening in typical musical style, "Going Through The Motions," performed by Gellar, sets the theme for the episode, in which everyone seems to be searching for something. It is followed, once again in traditional musical format, by an ensemble song "I've Got a Theory/Bunnies/If We're Together." Throughout the episode, songs are tied together with quirky shorts, in which Whedon humorously intertwines everyday events within the plot line, with extras singing about mustard stains removed from laundry and an impending parking ticket.
Whedon crosses genres wonderfully throughout the soundtrack. He had composed a beautiful love ballad "Under Your Spell," performed by witchy Tara, which is an exquisite song, complete with violin solo. Angst driven vampire Spike performs "Rest In Peace" the alt-rock song, in which he deals with the torture of loving someone who will never return the feelings. The constantly-at-odds couple Xander and Anya has a cute big band style number, dealing with wedding jitters and lovers qualms. The demon responsible for the cast's inability to communicate with one another without song has a jazzy piece entitled "What You Feel".
Whedon has written songs so well, fine-tuning them to each character. Lyrics are written in the same style as the show's normal dialog, so everything seems to fall right into place. This is truly an amazing feat for the series and Whedon.
As campy as the CD may be, I cannot stop myself from constantly listening to it. The best part of this album is that the actual cast sings the tunes, which is unusual in the world of dubbing. Also added to the disc is the original pieces written for the series in the past, including the silent episode Hush. Since the Emmy's seem to overlook Whedon every season, maybe the Grammy committee will give him a chance.
B+
