LogFAQs > #969862913

#17 & 18, if the internet will stay in long enough for me to successfully post them...

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#???: Roman Tam, Jenny Tseng - [Iron Blood and Loyal Heart] (2:53):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PCBWNMajKk

Nominator: Handsomeboy [28/31 Remaining]

Initial Score: 54.36
Revised Score: 57.36
Final Score: 54.668 [Upgraded to 55.00]

(First Reaction: There are a lot of ways to translate the title, but I actually did some research and this seems the most accurate translation. Or at least, it's what Wikipedia goes with: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Legend_of_the_Condor_Heroes_(1983_TV_series)#Soundtrack

Also, this show and its soundtrack were big enough deals to have their own English Wikipedia page, which is pretty neat. The song itself is pleasant, though perhaps a bit more classical than I'd like... of course considering that the story takes place in the early 13th century, it's not like a modern song would have actually worked in context, so please don't take that as a serious critique.)

It's nice and I like it a fair amount, It's a classic and timeless love song performed by two very capable singers, but perhaps a bit too old-fashioned and traditional for my personal tastes.

[Final Thoughts: It's interesting to compare this song with your follow-up nomination because that one is so radically different. This track is also nice; I mean, they're talented and it's a sweetly romantic song, and it has a very timeless style to it which is timeless for a reason. Just not *quite* a preferred style, though I am glad it is here.]

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-I can't remember which throwaway references I've already made-

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The Wizard of Oz (2011 London Cast) - Munchkinland / Ding-Dong! The Witch Is Dead (5:25):
https://open.spotify.com/track/3YHgfWTPEVeVf1y2n9xMRR?si=3b08d2b50421467a

Nominator: @Raka_Putra [28/31 Remaining]

Initial Score; 52.28
Revised Score: 54.76
Final Score: 54.76 [Upgraded to 55.00]

(First Reaction: I can't say I particularly like the Wizard of Oz or want to revisit those memories, but there is some humor in a joyous celebration of accidental manslaughter. Also, I like that the song ends with the boom of the Wicked Witch appearing--if you close your eyes and don't play the next song, you can imagine the boom as her killing everyone in an explosion.)

I do like Emily Tierney, the actress they have playing Glenda in this version of the show. She has a very soothing voice on this track and I wouldn't mind hearing more from her, but alas, she doesn't have that many performances. There's this album, the London version of Wicked (which doesn't seem to have any decent quality recordings I can find), and a random track from "Michael Bruce Unwritten Songs" in which she appears to be failing to portray a Russian opera singer.

https://open.spotify.com/track/3W2ZtFRX1xdxyNBZMxH5tQ

(To be fair to the song there's at least one glowing review of it, so it's probable that I'm just not ready for that type of music and it's perfectly fine)

Aaanywho... for a Wizard of Oz song, I'd say this is about as good a version of the song as there could ever really be? Everyone does fine with their parts, it's a funny concept for a song, and there's enough musical talent here that it's not just a comedy track. I have some issues with the source material as the Wizard of Oz is something I've seen far more often than I'd care to, making this a song that I probably won't be going back to much just because I'm tired of the music no matter how well performed it is. As usual, I'll stress that this is quite explicitly a *me* problem and not a comment on anyone involved in the song

[Final Thoughts: The coroner is the highlight of this song. His overwhelming exuberance at declaring her to be "really most sincerely dead" is quite funny.]

[Later: I already praised the coroner, but I'd like to reaffirm that his line & the cheering that follows completely make the track.]

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