Sings

by Monty Python, Monty Python's Flying Circus

Overview

Monty Python Sings is exactly what it sounds like: a parade of songs (many under a minute) written and performed by members of Monty Python's Flying Circus. The numbers should be instantly familiar to fans of their legendary sketch comedy series and theatrical features. Each member of the troupe is represented to some degree or another, including director/animator Terry Gilliam with the tiny tune "I've Got Two Legs" (:33), and several co-written by Graham Chapman (to whom the original 1989 issue of the compilation was dedicated). John Cleese, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin contributed to several compositions, but the lion's share were written/co-written by the most musically inclined member, Eric Idle. Neil Innes (the Bonzo Dog Band), with whom Idle collaborated on the Beatles spoof The Rutles, assisted with arranging and composed the music for "Knights of the Round Table." It's debatable whether those not already enamored by the Pythons' unique brand of humor would be won over by this recording. For the already converted, however, it represents an opportunity to have all of their best known songs in one place: Life of Brian's "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" ("when you're chewing on life's gristle/don't grumble, give a whistle"), "Lumberjack Song" (I'm a lumberjack/and I'm O.K./I sleep all night/and I work all day"), and, of course, "Spam Song" ("lovely Spam/wonderful Spa-a-m"). For better or for worse, many of their most politically incorrect songs are also included: "Sit on My Face," "Penis Song (Not the Noel Coward Song)," "Never Be Rude to an Arab," and "I Like Chinese." Although packed to the brim with (lyrical) comedy, Monty Python Sings is strictly a musical recording and does not include any sketches, spoken word pieces, or narration. ~ Kathleen C. Fennessy

Product Details

Release Date:	07/15/2014
Label:	Virgin Emi
UPC:	0602537835270

Tracks

1. Always Look on the Bright Side of Life
2. The Meaning of Life
3. The Silly Walk Song
4. The Penis Song (Not the Cruel Coward Song)
5. Money Song
6. Oliver Cromwell
7. Accountancy Shanty
8. Finland
9. Medical Love Song
10. I'm So Worried
11. Every Sperm Is Sacred
12. I Like Chinese
13. The Naval Medley
14. Sit on My Face
15. Never Be Rude to an Arab
16. Eric the Half Bee
17. Brian Song
18. Rudyard Kipling
19. Nudge Rap/Blackmail
20. Bruce's Philosphers Song
21. Knights of the Round Table
22. All Things Dull & Ugly
23. Decomposing Composers
24. Henry Kissinger
25. I've Got Two Legs
26. Rainy Day in Berlin
27. Christmas in Heaven
28. Galaxy Song
29. Spam
30. Lousy Song
31. Lumberjack Song

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Monty Python   Primary Artist
John Du Prez   Primary Artist
Tim Whitnall   Primary Artist
Jamie-Lisa Jacquemin   Primary Artist
Bob Saker   Primary Artist
Eric Idle   Primary Artist
Sonia Jones   Primary Artist
Monty Python's Flying Circus   Primary Artist

Technical Credits

Traditional   Composer
Terry Gilliam   Composer
Terry Jones   Composer
Frederic Chopin   Composer
Eric Idle   Composer,Producer
Graham Chapman   Composer
John Altman   Arranger
Neil Innes   Arranger,Composer
Michael Palin   Composer
Monty Python   Composer
Dave Howman   Composer
Andre Jacquemin   Mixing,Composer,Engineer,Producer
John Cleese   Composer
Sonia Jones   Musical Backing
Jim Saunders   Assistant Engineer
John Du Prez   Mixing,Arranger,Composer,Producer
John Prez   Composer
Jamie-Lisa Jacquemin   Musical Backing
David Howman   Composer
Fred Tomlinson   Composer,Arranger
John Gould   Composer
Mike McNaught   Arranger
Harry Parr-Davies   Composer