Various Artists, “The Muppets Original Soundtrack” (Walt Disney Records)
Welcome back, Muppets. It’s like they never left. On the original soundtrack to their latest film, “The Muppets,” the producers are wise to include some of the most beloved songs from the Muppets’ past in addition to wonderful new additions, including four written by Bret McKenzie, creator and co-star of “Flight of the Conchords.”
Is “Rainbow Connection” included? Check. “Mah Na Mah Na”? That’s there, too. But it’s not just a trip down memory lane. The new songs by McKenzie shine on their own.
The soundtrack will appeal both to those who grew up with the original Muppets, as well as youngsters who are experiencing the Jim Henson creations for the first time.
Plus, how can you not like the chutzpah of a bunch of Muppets covering Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit”? And a bunch of Muppet chickens clucking their way through Cee Lo Green’s “Forget You” makes sense in the way that only Muppet chickens clucking their way through a cover of Cee Lo Green’s “Forget You” can. Love it. Scott Bauer, The Associated Press
Michael Jackson, “Immortal,” (Epic)
“The Immortal World Tour” is a new Cirque du Soleil extravaganza that pays tribute to the life of the late King of Pop through his rich catalog of hits. Word has it that the show, which will tour the country beginning in December, is a must-see production.
The show’s soundtrack, however, will leave you with a “must-see” feeling, as well, mainly because you’ll feel like you’ve got to see it to put the re-imagined versions of Jackson’s hits in context.
There are a few exceptions. “Dancing Machine” is paired with an electro-groove that gives it a nice updated feel (until it is bogged down by the weird insertion of “Blame it on the Boogie” and lots of slamming sound effects). The addition of a choir, as well as the foreboding boots marching, makes Jackson’s anthem for the oppressed, “They Don’t Care About Us,” even more powerful. “I’ll Be There” sounds gorgeous with just Jackson’s voice and a piano; and the a cappella confrontation scene from the “Bad” video fits perfectly into a brief interlude of “State of Shock.”
But just as you’re jamming to that, the song switches to “Beat It,” leaving you with a sense of confusion. Onstage, it probably all makes sense. But without that visual picture, the listening experience is a disappointment. Nkesa Mumbi Moody, The Associated Press
Keith Jarrett, “Rio” (ECM)
It’s been exactly 40 years since pianist Keith Jarrett, above right, recorded his first solo album, “Facing You,” in the studio, and he’s subsequently created a unique genre with his spontaneously composed live solo concert recordings. The double-CD “Rio” ranks among the best of his solo recordings.
“Rio,” divided into 15 short improvisations covering a full gamut of emotions, starts in an edgy manner with Jarrett playing atonally with choppy rhythms. But Part IV almost sounds like a familiar melodic jazz ballad in the vein of “Stella by Starlight.” He closes the first CD with a rumbling Latin vamp.
It’s on the second CD that Jarrett really hits his stride and draws on his many diverse influences. There are intimate lyrical sections, such as Part XII, which resembles impressionistic classical music; rapid-fire free jazz (Part X); and a funky blues vamp (Part XI). He gets into an exuberantly playful jazz groove on Part XIV and closes the concert in Part XV with smoothly rippling piano lines that romance the audience. Charles J. Gans, The Associated Press
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