Search - Monty Python :: Meaning of Life (Expanded Edition w/ Bonus Tracks)

It's Still a Wonderful "Life"

Brent R. Swanson | Crooper, Illinois | 02/26/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I'm a big fan of the movie from which this album was derived. What it lacked in "Holy Grail's" contagious silliness and "Life of Brian's" lampooning, it compensated for with piercing satire worthy of Swift and Wilde. The dynamic characterizations and brilliant musical numbers made this movie a terrific career sendoff for the team. The soundtrack album captured much of the movie's spirit. The added interstitial material for the album made it an excellent addition to the Pythons' canon of comedy LPs.



This latest re-release, digitally remastered, is more of an upgraded re-presentation than a release of much that is new. What premieres on this album are some alternate versions of songs used in the film and a brief number cut from the "Mr. Creosote" scene. These numbers are of interest in that they reveal that at least some of the movie's comedic tone was originally a bit lighter and gentler. The versions we know from the movie are much better, and more savage.



If you were hoping to hear more music and music cues, like the "piano-harp" arrangement of the "Accountancy Shanty," you'll have to tune into the movie. In keeping with its history as a comedy album, the majority of new material is new, though not necessarily uproarious, comedy spots. The Pythons recorded several movie promos resurrecting characterizations from old sketches. Like the discarded musical takes, these are interesting and lightly amusing, added frills to the original package.



As with the other enhanced Python reissues of late, this is wonderful for long road trips, and the enhanced sound quality adds an almost epic ambience. But I could have gone on living with just my old LP."

"The Meaning Of Life,Part VIII,"Audio Re-Issues"

Harvey J.Satan | Among The Garden Gnome,Friar Park | 05/07/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The word "NEW" as it relates to this re-issue,does not apply to The Liner Notes ( taken from the 1999 "Monty Python Encyclopedia") nor the artwork of Terry Gilliam.( Basically someone's cut and re-paste job of old artwork.).



This album itself,is pretty much the Python formula...Film extracts with some silly bits in between - nothing as extravagant as the "Holy Grail" soundtrack - but still a brilliant way to enjoy a soundtrack.



So what of the "Bonus" materials. There is a collection of funny radio adverts,not heard in North America.(Tracks 22 thru 29 ). There is a rather wierd Mr.Creosote "Fat Song"(by Terry Gilliam).There are two versions of the alternate "Meaning of Life" song sung by Terry Jones. ( In a way sort of like "I'm So Worried" ).And finally an alternate version of "Christmas In Heaven" sung by someone who sounds much more like Tony Bennett than Graham Chapman.( Not sure who is singing it,and it's not credited.). Of all the re-issued Python C.D.s,this one has more bonus material,and makes it slightly more worth your re-purchasing dollars."