tbd Review: A Beautiful and Love-Filled Musical with Naughty Words - This soundtrack is one of the best purchases I have made in a long time. It's filled with so much good that it's hard to imagine how someone can be offended. Perhaps if you are overly sensitive to bad language and/or are an extreme fundamentalist in your beliefs, then you probably won't enjoy this. It's your loss if you don't. Every time I'm having a bad day, I just put on this musical, and I end up grinning from ear-to-ear. Listen to it in your car, and your road rage will go away. The songs are so catchy, the music so inventive, the lyrics so fun that it very well may be the best musical ever made. And yes, I have seen Avenue Q, Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, Hair, Hairspray, and many others. The first thing to understand is that Trey Parker and Matt Stone believe that language is something that isn't bad because it's the way we communicate. It's when there's a malicious intent behind the words that it becomes a problem (and even then that doesn't just isolate cuss words), and that just isn't here. When bad language is used, it makes sense as the Ugandans communicate in a way that is straight-forward and don't understand how people can be offended by a word. It can also be incredibly funny when carefully timed, but even then, it's not so much the words as it is the sudden, unfiltered discussion using those words. For instance, the tribe already use f-bombs and the like, so when they're told that the Mormons multiplied in happiness, they, in happiness, sing about this as part of "Joseph Smith American Moses": "F*** your woman, f*** your man, it is all part of God's plan! Mormons f*** all that they can, here in Salt Lake City Land!" The next thing is that when you boil down religion, the general message is a metaphor for happiness and the best way to live your life. Don't judge, don't hurt other people, work to understand others, etc. These are all great life lessons, but when we boil them down into "if you ____, you'll go to hell!" then you aren't spreading a message of love but one of fear. You aren't believing in and following God because you genuinely want to be a better person but because you're scared of going to hell. Those in Uganda develop a belief because of the former and not the latter in this show, and it's a truly wonderful thing. As such, it doesn't matter what the metaphors are that bring about this belief are as it matters that you make a decision to help others and be a good person. I believe that if you live your life doing what you know to be right and not what you are afraid of happening, then God would be quite terrible to say, "well, you did good things and wanted to help humanity, but the correct answer was The Mormons/Christianity/Buddhism/Catholicism/Judaism, so it's hell for you!" This is demonstrated in an episode of South Park wherein on Hell initiation, we realize that "The correct answer was The Mormons. Yeah, The Mormons were right. Anyway, you're all in hell..." This isn't necessarily demonstrated in the musical, but it is something believed by Parker and Stone, so it's good to know. I should explain the story (sort of). Two Mormon missionaries are sent on their two-year mission to Uganda. One is a born leader, Elder Price, and the other is overweight and rather strange, Elder Cunningham. Cunningham tells Price on the way over that he's so happy they were paired together because all of his friends usually leave him, "but you can't!" The missionaries in Africa haven't brought a single African to the church, so the pair decide that it is their calling to do so. Price faces doubts within Mormonism and God's will while Cunningham must overcome his nature and become a leader. A girl in the tribe, Nabulungi, hears the story of Joseph Smith and wants to go to paradise, "Sal Tlay Ka Siti." The beliefs in Uganda when the Mormons arrive include those such as sleeping with a virgin to cure their AIDS, but since there aren't many virgins left, some turn to rape babies. They also circumcise women because they believe that God is punishing them. Seriously, I highly doubt that many of us possibly fathom an understanding of just how horrible life is in Uganda as these are actual beliefs held there, and to shine a comedic light on this is daring (so much more than making a musical about religion). To paint the scene, the Mormons think that Africa will be just like "The Lion King." WRONG. They see so many terrible things in Uganda that it is overwhelming, but they are given hope when they hear that the villagers have a saying to get through these terrible occurrences, "Hasa Diga Eebowai." What the saying actually means is shocking but unbelievably funny and serves to emphasize that the Mormons are in over their heads and that it will take a miracle for them to convert the Ugandans. If you're fortunate enough to not have the meaning of Hasa Diga Eebowai spoiled for you, then just listen to the track and enjoy! And no, I doubt that this is a saying that is actually said in Uganda, but if it could be said anywhere then that would be the place. Hey, it does help them get through the day. One of the funniest things I've watched/listened to is the number "Turn it Off" wherein the two Elders meet with the others in Uganda and learn their secret for always staying so happy despite what has happened/is happening. Cunningham never read the Book of Mormon because "it's just so boring!". He learns the basic story in "All-American Prophet" as Elder Price explains the story and Cunningham adds, 'wow!' 'cool!' and stuff like that. This doesn't work, and the two become divided. After Cunningham decides to "Man Up," he's left with having to teach the Book of Mormon to the Ugandans. He only knows what Elder Price went over in "All-American Prophet," and when he's pressed with the issues mentioned before, he doesn't know what to do but knows that he must stop them from raping babies/circumcising women. He ends up mixing Mormon beliefs with that of Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Star Trek, etc., and the Ugandans understand him (although they aren't familiar with Star Wars, etc.). He's left with something of a crisis as the Book of Mormon doesn't exactly say 'don't rape babies' and 'don't circumcise women,' so he makes up scripture that uses Mordor as hell and other things ("Making Things Up Again"). He later gets to baptize Nabulungi as she swears to dedicate her whole life to the church. Their number together, "Baptize Me," is something of pure comic genius as it takes the sacred belief of baptism and turns it into a traditional 'love ballad.' There is no sex or even romance between them, and the humor comes from their obliviousness to how we as outsiders see this with the lyrics and music. Actually, some are offended by this because of its mix of 'love ballad' with baptism, but quite frankly, that's a stupid thing to be offended about. It's not suggested that baptism is sex but instead that in a musical, at that point we would normally have the couple declaring their love for one another, but in the case of a Mormon Musical, they declare their love for God without changing the style of song. This is something that is so brilliant in construction and execution that it leaves you with a big smile on your face while knowing that something really good has happened not just in the show but also in music. The entire show is something for the time capsule. Is it vulgar? Sure. There's a lot of naughty language here but none out of hatred. Does it insult Christians/Catholics/Mormons/Others? Not really, but I would definitely say that it pokes fun their way. Is it sacrilegious/evil? Only if you think that God doesn't have a sense of humor. There is no anger or malicious intent behind the show but instead a great message of love while not trying to be anything better than a great musical comedy. It's because of this that it is so dear to me. It seems to contain a message that as long as you live your life in a way wherein you aren't harming others or yourself (both physically and with hate speech), then there is no reason that God (if he does exist) would be angry with you. It's when we start attaching fundamental messages such as "don't be gay!" and attach literal meaning to metaphor/allegory that we're being unreasonable and aren't helping anyone. In short, this is something that can bring many people joy and happiness as it did with me. What's wrong with that? Review: Laughing a ton and feeling a little guilty about it - From the first song, the "Wow!" factor is amazing on this album. I mean, I was floored. Laughing out loud with joy and pleasure at the layers of happiness in the opening song "Hello", which I don't think anyone could really find offensive. I think the LDS church could even think about using it in a commercial. Well, most of it anyway. Even my two-month-old's little eyes perked up as he smiled at that song. I just wish they had sustained the rollicking, multi-layered frenzy at the end a little while longer. I do think "Hello" is the high-water mark, and the show doesn't quite hit that level again, but the rest of the show is still, in general, very entertaining and impressive. And yes, it will certainly be offensive to some. I did feel guilty at enjoying some of it, and there were a few moments I didn't enjoy. But a lot of the potentially most offensive parts have nothing to do with the LDS faith specifically. "Hasa Diga Eebowai" probably will offend the most people, but there is nothing specifically Mormon about the offensive bits -- the opportuntity is open to the devout of any denomination. Likewise, the sexual innuendo of "Baptize Me" could offend people across many Christian traditions. Regarding specifically LDS-related offensiveness, I'm not at all sure the repress-your-feelings message of "Turn It Off" reflects mainstream LDS culture or not, but it seemed a bit unfair. And the reinactments -- both US and African -- of the story of Joseph Smith could also be offensive to many. As a person who considers himself sensitive to other beliefs and faiths, I did feel guilty laughing a few times when things went beyond the pale. The laughter was more of an "OMG I don't believe they actually said that" nature. But I also tried to put this humor into context as someone with a Catholic upbringing. Is this really that much more insulting than Mel Brooks' musical number "The Inquisition", or Tom Lehrer's classic piano tune "The Vatican Rag"? Is it more offensive than the Monty Python send up of the Anglican church in the "Oh Lord, You Are So Big" sketch? And certainly, this is NOT more offensive than South Park's treatment of Scientology. While this soundtrack scores high on the vulgarity index, I'm not at all sure that once you strip the vulgarity away, it is fundamentally any more offensive to the LDS faith than we have seen countless times before in the history of comedy with other religions. It's the extreme language that makes it seem so volatile, it seems to me. I actually learned a lot about the Mormon faith here, even though I've been to LDS services in the past at the invitation of friends and co-workers. I'm taking the story it presents with a grain of salt, but I feel I was both educated and entertained. Now if I could just put my guilt at enjoying this album into a little box in my head and CRUSH IT, that would perfect. (That was a reference to the song "Turn It Off" -- darn it, I'm already starting to incorporate this soundtrack into my repertoire of offhand pop cultural references.) Finally, if you get the MP3, be sure to get the version with the digital booklet. It is REALLY worthwhile for both the photos and the lyrics.
| ASIN | B004X1M4DS |
| Best Sellers Rank | #15,080 in CDs & Vinyl ( See Top 100 in CDs & Vinyl ) #115 in Musical Soundtracks & Scores #6,197 in Pop (CDs & Vinyl) #7,585 in Rock (CDs & Vinyl) |
| Customer Reviews | 4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars (1,272) |
| Date First Available | April 19, 2011 |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Item model number | 17351013 |
| Label | GHOSTLIGHT. |
| Language | English |
| Manufacturer | GHOSTLIGHT. |
| Number of discs | 1 |
| Original Release Date | 2011 |
| Product Dimensions | 5.51 x 4.96 x 0.52 inches; 4.64 ounces |
| Run time | 1 hour and 8 minutes |
J**T
A Beautiful and Love-Filled Musical with Naughty Words
This soundtrack is one of the best purchases I have made in a long time. It's filled with so much good that it's hard to imagine how someone can be offended. Perhaps if you are overly sensitive to bad language and/or are an extreme fundamentalist in your beliefs, then you probably won't enjoy this. It's your loss if you don't. Every time I'm having a bad day, I just put on this musical, and I end up grinning from ear-to-ear. Listen to it in your car, and your road rage will go away. The songs are so catchy, the music so inventive, the lyrics so fun that it very well may be the best musical ever made. And yes, I have seen Avenue Q, Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, Hair, Hairspray, and many others. The first thing to understand is that Trey Parker and Matt Stone believe that language is something that isn't bad because it's the way we communicate. It's when there's a malicious intent behind the words that it becomes a problem (and even then that doesn't just isolate cuss words), and that just isn't here. When bad language is used, it makes sense as the Ugandans communicate in a way that is straight-forward and don't understand how people can be offended by a word. It can also be incredibly funny when carefully timed, but even then, it's not so much the words as it is the sudden, unfiltered discussion using those words. For instance, the tribe already use f-bombs and the like, so when they're told that the Mormons multiplied in happiness, they, in happiness, sing about this as part of "Joseph Smith American Moses": "F*** your woman, f*** your man, it is all part of God's plan! Mormons f*** all that they can, here in Salt Lake City Land!" The next thing is that when you boil down religion, the general message is a metaphor for happiness and the best way to live your life. Don't judge, don't hurt other people, work to understand others, etc. These are all great life lessons, but when we boil them down into "if you ____, you'll go to hell!" then you aren't spreading a message of love but one of fear. You aren't believing in and following God because you genuinely want to be a better person but because you're scared of going to hell. Those in Uganda develop a belief because of the former and not the latter in this show, and it's a truly wonderful thing. As such, it doesn't matter what the metaphors are that bring about this belief are as it matters that you make a decision to help others and be a good person. I believe that if you live your life doing what you know to be right and not what you are afraid of happening, then God would be quite terrible to say, "well, you did good things and wanted to help humanity, but the correct answer was The Mormons/Christianity/Buddhism/Catholicism/Judaism, so it's hell for you!" This is demonstrated in an episode of South Park wherein on Hell initiation, we realize that "The correct answer was The Mormons. Yeah, The Mormons were right. Anyway, you're all in hell..." This isn't necessarily demonstrated in the musical, but it is something believed by Parker and Stone, so it's good to know. I should explain the story (sort of). Two Mormon missionaries are sent on their two-year mission to Uganda. One is a born leader, Elder Price, and the other is overweight and rather strange, Elder Cunningham. Cunningham tells Price on the way over that he's so happy they were paired together because all of his friends usually leave him, "but you can't!" The missionaries in Africa haven't brought a single African to the church, so the pair decide that it is their calling to do so. Price faces doubts within Mormonism and God's will while Cunningham must overcome his nature and become a leader. A girl in the tribe, Nabulungi, hears the story of Joseph Smith and wants to go to paradise, "Sal Tlay Ka Siti." The beliefs in Uganda when the Mormons arrive include those such as sleeping with a virgin to cure their AIDS, but since there aren't many virgins left, some turn to rape babies. They also circumcise women because they believe that God is punishing them. Seriously, I highly doubt that many of us possibly fathom an understanding of just how horrible life is in Uganda as these are actual beliefs held there, and to shine a comedic light on this is daring (so much more than making a musical about religion). To paint the scene, the Mormons think that Africa will be just like "The Lion King." WRONG. They see so many terrible things in Uganda that it is overwhelming, but they are given hope when they hear that the villagers have a saying to get through these terrible occurrences, "Hasa Diga Eebowai." What the saying actually means is shocking but unbelievably funny and serves to emphasize that the Mormons are in over their heads and that it will take a miracle for them to convert the Ugandans. If you're fortunate enough to not have the meaning of Hasa Diga Eebowai spoiled for you, then just listen to the track and enjoy! And no, I doubt that this is a saying that is actually said in Uganda, but if it could be said anywhere then that would be the place. Hey, it does help them get through the day. One of the funniest things I've watched/listened to is the number "Turn it Off" wherein the two Elders meet with the others in Uganda and learn their secret for always staying so happy despite what has happened/is happening. Cunningham never read the Book of Mormon because "it's just so boring!". He learns the basic story in "All-American Prophet" as Elder Price explains the story and Cunningham adds, 'wow!' 'cool!' and stuff like that. This doesn't work, and the two become divided. After Cunningham decides to "Man Up," he's left with having to teach the Book of Mormon to the Ugandans. He only knows what Elder Price went over in "All-American Prophet," and when he's pressed with the issues mentioned before, he doesn't know what to do but knows that he must stop them from raping babies/circumcising women. He ends up mixing Mormon beliefs with that of Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Star Trek, etc., and the Ugandans understand him (although they aren't familiar with Star Wars, etc.). He's left with something of a crisis as the Book of Mormon doesn't exactly say 'don't rape babies' and 'don't circumcise women,' so he makes up scripture that uses Mordor as hell and other things ("Making Things Up Again"). He later gets to baptize Nabulungi as she swears to dedicate her whole life to the church. Their number together, "Baptize Me," is something of pure comic genius as it takes the sacred belief of baptism and turns it into a traditional 'love ballad.' There is no sex or even romance between them, and the humor comes from their obliviousness to how we as outsiders see this with the lyrics and music. Actually, some are offended by this because of its mix of 'love ballad' with baptism, but quite frankly, that's a stupid thing to be offended about. It's not suggested that baptism is sex but instead that in a musical, at that point we would normally have the couple declaring their love for one another, but in the case of a Mormon Musical, they declare their love for God without changing the style of song. This is something that is so brilliant in construction and execution that it leaves you with a big smile on your face while knowing that something really good has happened not just in the show but also in music. The entire show is something for the time capsule. Is it vulgar? Sure. There's a lot of naughty language here but none out of hatred. Does it insult Christians/Catholics/Mormons/Others? Not really, but I would definitely say that it pokes fun their way. Is it sacrilegious/evil? Only if you think that God doesn't have a sense of humor. There is no anger or malicious intent behind the show but instead a great message of love while not trying to be anything better than a great musical comedy. It's because of this that it is so dear to me. It seems to contain a message that as long as you live your life in a way wherein you aren't harming others or yourself (both physically and with hate speech), then there is no reason that God (if he does exist) would be angry with you. It's when we start attaching fundamental messages such as "don't be gay!" and attach literal meaning to metaphor/allegory that we're being unreasonable and aren't helping anyone. In short, this is something that can bring many people joy and happiness as it did with me. What's wrong with that?
T**R
Laughing a ton and feeling a little guilty about it
From the first song, the "Wow!" factor is amazing on this album. I mean, I was floored. Laughing out loud with joy and pleasure at the layers of happiness in the opening song "Hello", which I don't think anyone could really find offensive. I think the LDS church could even think about using it in a commercial. Well, most of it anyway. Even my two-month-old's little eyes perked up as he smiled at that song. I just wish they had sustained the rollicking, multi-layered frenzy at the end a little while longer. I do think "Hello" is the high-water mark, and the show doesn't quite hit that level again, but the rest of the show is still, in general, very entertaining and impressive. And yes, it will certainly be offensive to some. I did feel guilty at enjoying some of it, and there were a few moments I didn't enjoy. But a lot of the potentially most offensive parts have nothing to do with the LDS faith specifically. "Hasa Diga Eebowai" probably will offend the most people, but there is nothing specifically Mormon about the offensive bits -- the opportuntity is open to the devout of any denomination. Likewise, the sexual innuendo of "Baptize Me" could offend people across many Christian traditions. Regarding specifically LDS-related offensiveness, I'm not at all sure the repress-your-feelings message of "Turn It Off" reflects mainstream LDS culture or not, but it seemed a bit unfair. And the reinactments -- both US and African -- of the story of Joseph Smith could also be offensive to many. As a person who considers himself sensitive to other beliefs and faiths, I did feel guilty laughing a few times when things went beyond the pale. The laughter was more of an "OMG I don't believe they actually said that" nature. But I also tried to put this humor into context as someone with a Catholic upbringing. Is this really that much more insulting than Mel Brooks' musical number "The Inquisition", or Tom Lehrer's classic piano tune "The Vatican Rag"? Is it more offensive than the Monty Python send up of the Anglican church in the "Oh Lord, You Are So Big" sketch? And certainly, this is NOT more offensive than South Park's treatment of Scientology. While this soundtrack scores high on the vulgarity index, I'm not at all sure that once you strip the vulgarity away, it is fundamentally any more offensive to the LDS faith than we have seen countless times before in the history of comedy with other religions. It's the extreme language that makes it seem so volatile, it seems to me. I actually learned a lot about the Mormon faith here, even though I've been to LDS services in the past at the invitation of friends and co-workers. I'm taking the story it presents with a grain of salt, but I feel I was both educated and entertained. Now if I could just put my guilt at enjoying this album into a little box in my head and CRUSH IT, that would perfect. (That was a reference to the song "Turn It Off" -- darn it, I'm already starting to incorporate this soundtrack into my repertoire of offhand pop cultural references.) Finally, if you get the MP3, be sure to get the version with the digital booklet. It is REALLY worthwhile for both the photos and the lyrics.
C**S
WOW!!! Great album! I don't mean to sound overly geeky here - but it was incredibly FUN unwrapping this album. There is so much packed into this album. It was one surprise after another and another and another! This album is a tri-fold album and it is colourful with a lot of pictures of the cast and the various stage-sets used in the musical. There is a full booklet with more pictures and lyrics in it. There is also a sticker page too! Inside each individual orange paper sleeve is an orange pressed LP. There is SO MUCH to look at as you listen to the album! It was such a treat to open this and engage with the album! This album is definitely worth collecting. I'm a fan of this musical and I enjoyed seeing it on stage and I can't wait to see it again! The record plays fine. There is a minor skip problem during "Joseph Smith American Moses" song where the guy blows a raspberry (4:37), it repeats at that very second over and over (kind of funny actually - what are the odds?). A small disappointment, but it doesn't ruin my experience nor do I feel it warrants a return. The is more of an exposition song than an actual song - which is why I'm not making a big deal out of it. All in all - I'm still happy with the purchase!
P**O
Musical fantastico da tutti i punti di vista, canzoni coinvolgenti, trama geniale, ironia di livello superiore, e un finale con un messaggio che non ti aspetti e rivaluta e nobilita ancora di più tutto l'impianto narrativo. Dopo il musical di South Park, il trionfo a Broadway non era scontato. Il CD ha una confezione cartonata solida, e un libretto –con tutti i testi– molto interessante.
S**E
I think by this point in time, The Book of Mormon stage musical is a thing of legend. The show is written by Trey Parker and Matt Stone of South Park fame with music from the world famous composer Robert Lopez. This man, you'll probably know him for creating the music for the insufferable Disney film, Frozen. Together, they've created (in my opinion) the funniest and catchiest music in the history of the art. Okay, so The Book of Mormon isn't going to be considered high art like The Phantom of the Opera and its legendary soundtrack. But what it does is take filthy humour, clever nods to other films etc and mix it up with a vast array of music. Not only do you get the stereotypical stage music but there's also the Disney like balladry, a bit of rock and even a smidgen of African folk. In my opinion, it's a lot more clever than some would give it credit for and not only does it make for a very strange first time but it creates a great listening experience. The album is more than diverse enough that it'd leave anyone guessing as to what is happening next. Of course, the humour is of an acquired taste. I won't get into the details of the story but to sum it up, two Latter-Day missionaries find themselves in Uganda and they're tasked with converting the desolate beat up village that they're residing in. The jokes are not for the ultra sensitive. It could be considered extremely offensive to some. But the sheer shock of it all will make it worthwhile for others and of course, South Park fans will lap it all up. I personally found it hysterical, to the point of tears. Everything from the quick quips, to the sudden shock value to the overall straight faced performances make it one of the funniest albums I have ever heard. The original cast features an incredible amount of talent. Their ability to sing and perform this material is quite impressive. Andrew Rannelis as Elder Price has an incredible voice and the not so vocally talented but utterly hilarious Josh Gad as Elder Cunningham (also known as the plucky snow man, Olaf!) balances it off perfectly. Michael Potts as Mafala Hatimbi steals the show with the song, Hasa Diga Eebowai (no, I'm not translating it). My favourite from the entire album. It's so silly, offensive and yet to brilliantly catchy that it's got to be one of my favourite songs of the decade. As an audio performance, their ability to sing and perform this material is quite impressive. In terms of production. There isn't really that much to talk about. Each song has been very well captured and certainly appears to have the spirit behind the original stage show. Every instrument sound clear, every voice sounds strong and it's all produced and engineered very well. The ONLY gripe I think I have with this album is that a few moments, you can tell that the vocalists were too close to their microphone. You have hear the air from their mouth brush up against the microphone but that is something you'll only hear if you're looking for it. As an album of cheerful, pleasant and funny music, I highly recommend it. I have been dying to see the show for a long time now. I've have had to pass up a few times in London due to family issues and have to resort to bootleg camera recordings. So, to have this official soundtrack to even things up is amazing. I love every second of it and clearly a lot of people do too. I'm finally seeing the show in my home town as it does its first UK tour and I couldn't be more excited. But without seeing the show, The Book of Mormon Original Broadway Cast Recording still has plenty of enjoy. It's certainly something to stay clear of if you're very easily offended. If however, you're like me and enjoy filth humour as well as the South Park television show. Well then, put that baby down, grab a frog, make sweet love and enjoy the music!
M**O
NYでブック・オブ・モルモンを見る予習として購入 おかげでミュージカルを堪能できました。もう爆笑！
J**Z
Tiene fotografías de la obra
ترست بايلوت
منذ يومين
منذ 5 أيام
