So, while I've been researching Pandora, Last.fm, and other internet radios, I searched "soundtracks" to see what kind of music would come up. WOW. Some musicals have really great soundtracks. I mean, movies do too (Juno & Lord of the Rings for example), but when was the last time you saw a musical & something spurred you deep inside to find that music, BUY it, and enjoy it?

I love musicals. I used to do musicals. My favorite role was playing the Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz. As i was thinking about music & musicals & soundtracks, i thought of my five favorite musicals with possibly the BEST soundtrack I could play on a rainy day. Here they are... in no particular order... and a little description why.

1. Across the Universe
Creative cinematography, interesting characters, and a captivating plot line painting life to every Beatles song i grew up with. A sure classic I could watch & listen to over and over.

2. Hairspray
Sure, I love the Zac Efron version for all good intentional purposes... and John Travolta in a dress is pretty hilarious, but the plot & the incredible cast of musicians is worth the listen. It's possibly the most addictive musical cocaine any musical lover could be addicted to. (analogy fail.)

3. Phantom of the Opera
The movie is good... but on Broadway, it's much better. I saw it last spring in New York City with my dad. I bawled. The power in the Phantom's voice captivates your attention. It's like everything else you never existed... and then you realize, he's the bad guy.

4. Beauty & the Beast
I had to throw in a disney movie... alright? Each musical number never gets old to me. My dad used to read this to me before i'd go to sleep... the story. When you see it in all it's cartoon glory, you want to be Belle. You want to wear that yellow dress. You want to be the Beauty & fall in love... Well, unless you're a dude.

5. West Side Story
I'd never experienced WSS until this year. HOW HAVE I GONE SO LONG WITHOUT IT? Showtunes are pretty awesome in this. If you can't see this on broadway, then go rent the movie. There's something about choreographed men dancing... gets me every. single. time.



Remember, this is my list of the top 5 musicals with the best sound tracks. What are you thoughts on this? Have people forgotten about musicals? What musicals have i left out? What are you favorites? Is it the lost art form?



All i know is that musicals are more than JUST music, they're a symphany waiting to paint a plot.