The Dr. Horrible Sing-Along Blog Songbook, Part 3 of 3

Welcome to Part 3 (of 3) of my Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog Songbook- a special series on this blog, My Thoughts In Stereo, paying tribute to the brilliant internet musical directed by Joss Whedon.

In our last couple posts, we took on the first several songs from Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog: From the first act- "My Freeze Ray", "Bad Horse (The Application)", "Penny's Song", and "What A Man's Gotta Do", and then from the second- "On The Rise", "Bad Horse (The Phone Call)", "Keep Your Head Up" and "Brand New Day".

This post features the songs of the last, third act:

• "So They Say"
• "Everyone's A Hero"
• "Slipping", and finally
• "The Finale / Brand New Day (reprise)"
  

So let's get this show on the road- ladies and gentlemen, the music of "Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog" Act 3:

The People of Los Angeles
"So They Say"
Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, Act 3

Moving Guy #1: So they say Captain Hammer’s become a crusader-
political, he’s cleaning up the streets.
Moving Guy #2: About time

Groupie #1: So they say that it’s real love
Groupies: So romantic!
Groupie #2: He signed this.

Penny: So they say we’ll have blankets and beds
We can open by Monday thanks to you
Captain Hammer: Thanks to me!

News Anchors: It’s the perfect story
Newsman: So they say
Newslady: A hero leading the way
News Anchors: Hammer’s called to glory
Newslady: Let’s all be our best
Newsman: Next up, who’s gay?

Groupie #3: So they say he saved her life
Groupie #1: They say she works with the homeless
And doesn’t eat meat- we have a...
Groupies: ...problem with her!
Groupie #2: This is his hair.

Captain Hammer: This is so nice
I just might sleep with the same girl twice
They say it’s better the second time
They say you get to do the weird stuff
Groupies: We do the weird stuff!

Penny: This is perfect for me so they say
I guess he’s pretty OK
After years of stormy sailing
Have I finally found the bay?

*phone rings*
Moist: (to Pink Pummeller) He’s still not picking up...

Dr. Horrible and Penny: There’s no happy ending, so they say...
Dr. Horrible: ...not for me anyway
Penny: Should I stop pretending, or is this a brand new day?
Horrible: ...Stop pretending, take the chance to build
a brand new day!

Groupie #2: This is his dry cleaning bill
Groupies: Four sweater vests!


Captain Hero feat. the People of Los Angeles
"Everyone's a Hero"
Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, Act 3

You know what? I don't need tiny cue cards.
When I fell deeply in love with my serious, long-term girlfriend, Penny-
Wave your hand, Penny-
*sporadic applause*
There she is! Cute, huh? Sort of a quiet, nerdy thing- not my usual- but nice.
Anyway, she turned me on to this whole- homeless thing- which is terrible.
And I realized, I'm not the only hero in this room tonight. I'm not the only one fighting.

It may not feel too classy
Begging just to eat
But you know who does that? Lassie
And she always gets a treat

So you wonder what your part is
Because you’re homeless and depressed
But home is where the heart is
So your real home’s in your chest

Everyone’s a hero in their own way
Everyone’s got villains they must face
They’re not as cool as mine
But folks you know it’s fine to know your place

Everyone’s a hero in their own way
In their own not-that-heroic way

So I thank my girlfriend Penny
Yeah, we totally had sex
She showed me there’s so many
Different muscles I can flex

There’s the deltoids of compassion
There’s the abs of being kind
It’s not enough to bash in heads
You’ve got to bash in minds

Everyone’s a hero in their own way
Everyone’s got something they can do
Get up go out and fly
Especially that guy he smells like poo

Everyone’s a hero in their own way
You and you and mostly me and you

I’m poverty’s new sherriff
And I’m bashing in the slums
A hero doesn’t care if you’re a bunch of scary
Alcoholic bums- Everybody!

Everyone’s a hero in their own way
Everyone can blaze a hero’s trail
Don’t worry if it’s hard,
if you’re not a friggin ‘tard you will prevail

Everyone’s a hero in their own way
Everyone's a hero in their–

Dr. Horrible
"Slipping"
Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, Act 3

Look at these people, amazing how sheep'll
Show up for the slaughter
No one condemning, you lined up like lemmings
You lead to the water

Why can’t they see what I see Why can’t they hear the lies
Maybe the fee’s too pricey for them to realize
Your disguise is slipping, I think you’re slipping

Now that your savior’s as still as the grave
You’re beginning to fear me
Like cavemen fear thunder, I still have to wonder
Can you really hear me?

I bring you pain, the kind you can’t suffer quietly
Fire up your brain remind you inside you’re rioting
Society is slipping, everythings slipping away, so...

Go ahead- run away! Say it was horrible!
Spread the word- tell a friend! Tell them the tale!
Get a pic- do a blog: Heroes are over with!
Look at him- not a word! Hammer meet nail!

Then I win, then I get everything I ever
All the cash, all the fame and social change
Anarchy that I run- it’s Dr. Horrible’s turn
You people all have to learn
This world is going to burn... burn...
...yeah, it’s two R’s... H-O-R-R then I...
Burn!

No sign of Penny? Good.
I would give anything not to have her see
It’s gonna be bloody- head up, Billy-buddy
There’s no time for mercy

Here goes no mercy–
*sound of machinery dying down*
That’s... not a good sound...
*Thwack!*

Dr. Horrible
"The Finale / Brand New Day (reprise) "
Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, Act 3

Here lies everything- the world I wanted at my feet
My victory’s complete, so hail to the king
(Everything you ever...)
Arise and see

So your world’s benign, so you think justice has a voice
And we all have a choice- well now your world is mine
(Everything you ever...)
And I am fine...

Now the nightmare’s real
Now Dr. Horrible is here to make you quake with fear!
To make the whole world kneel
(Everything you ever)
And I wont feel … a thing

"Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog" was directed by Joss Whedon. Written by Joss, with brothers Jed and Zack, along with Maurissa Tancharoen. Music by both Joss and Jed. Lyrics by Joss, Jed and Maurissa. Stars Neil Patrick Harris as Dr. Horrible, Nathan Fillion as Captain Hammer, and Felicia Day as Penny.

Sing along to your other favorite Dr. Horrible songs by checking out parts 1 and 2 of my Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog Songbook, right here on my own blog (which you can really, now sing along to as well...), My Thoughts In Stereo.

Check out Part 1 of the Dr. Horrible Sing-Along Blog Songbook here, featuring the songs

• "Laundry Day",
• "Bad Horse (The Application)",
• "Caring Hand", and
• "A Man's Gotta Do What a Man's Gotta Do"
  

Check out Part 2 of the Dr. Horrible Sing-Along Blog Songbook here, featuring the songs

• "On The Rise",
• "Bad Horse (The Phone Call)",
• "Keep Your Head Up", and
• "Brand New Day"

Again: don't forget to check out the official Dr. Horrible website, and show your support by downloading your own copy from iTunes.

Cheers, everyone!

The Dr. Horrible Sing-Along Blog Songbook, Part 2 of 3

Welcome to Part 2 (of 3) of my Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog Songbook- a special series on this blog, My Thoughts In Stereo, paying tribute to the brilliant internet musical directed by Joss Whedon.

In our last post, we took on the first batch of songs from Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog: "My Freeze Ray", "Bad Horse (The Application)", "Penny's Song", and "What A Man's Gotta Do".

In this post, we are providing lyrics you can sing to as you watch Act 2 over and over again:

• "On The Rise",
• "Bad Horse (The Phone Call)",
• "Keep Your Head Up", and
• "Brand New Day"
  

So let's get on with Act 2 shall we? Here we go:


Dr. Horrible & Penny
"On The Rise"
Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, Act 2

(Dr. Horrible)
Any dolt with half a brain
Can see that humankind has gone insane
To the point where I don’t know
If I’ll upset the status quo
If I throw poison in the water main.

Listen close to everybody’s heart
And hear that breaking sound
Hopes and dreams are shattering apart
And crashing to the ground

I cannot believe my eyes
How the world’s filled with filth and lies
But it’s plain to see evil inside of me
Is on the rise.

(Penny)
Look around
We’re living with the lost and found
Just when you feel you’ve almost drowned
You find yourself on solid ground

And you believe there’s good in everybody’s heart
Keep it safe and sound
With hope you can do your part
To turn a life around

I cannot believe my eyes
Is the world finally growing wise?
Because it seems to me some kind of harmony
Is on the rise

Dr. Horrible: Anyone with half a brain
Penny: Take it slow

Dr. Horrible: Could spend their whole life howling in pain
Penny: He looks at me and seems to know

Dr. Horrible: Because the dark is everywhere and
Penny: The things that I’m afraid to show

Dr. Horrible: Penny doesn’t seem to care that soon the dark in me is all that will remain
Penny: And suddenly I feel this glow

Dr. Horrible: Listen close to everybody’s heart
Penny: And I believe there’s good in everybody’s heart

Dr. Horrible: And hear that breaking sound
Penny: Keep it safe and sound

Dr. Horrible: Hopes and dreams are shattering apart
Penny: With hope you can do your part

Dr. Horrible: And crashing to the ground
Penny: To turn a life around

Dr. Horrible: I cannot believe my eyes
how the world’s filled with filth and lies
Penny: I cannot believe my eyes
how the world’s finally growing wise

Dr. Horrible: But it’s plain to see evil inside of me is on the rise
Penny: And it’s plain to see rapture inside of me is on the rise


The Bad Horse Chorus
"Bad Horse (The Phone Call)"
Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, Act 2

Dr. Horrible: Not to worry, though, 'coz I'm...
*mobile phone rings*
Dr. Horrible: Uh...one sec

He saw the operation
You tried to pull today
But your humiliation means he still votes “neigh”
And now assassination is just the only way

There will be blood, it might be yours
So go kill someone, signed, Bad Horse


Penny
"Keep Your Head Up"
Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, Act 2

Here’s a story of a girl
Who grew up lost and lonely
Thinking love was fairy tale
And trouble was made only
For me

Even in the darkness, every color can be found
And every day of rain brings
Water flowing to things
Growing in the ground

Grief replaced with pity
For a city barely copin'
Dreams are easy to achieve
If hope is all I’m hopin' to be

Anytime you’re hurt
There’s one who has it worse around
And every drop of rain will keep you
Growing seeds you’re sowing in the ground

So keep your head up billy buddy

Dr. Horrible
"Brand New Day"
Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, Act 2

This appeared as a moral dilemma
Cause at first it was weird though
I swore to eliminate the worst of the plague
That devoured humanity,
It’s true I was vague on the ‘How’
So how can it be that you
Have shown me the light?

It’s a brand new day
And the sun is high
All the birds are singing
That you’re gonna die
How I hesitated
Now I wonder why
It’s a brand new day

All the times that you beat me unconscious?
I’ll forgive
All the crimes incomplete?
Listen, honestly, I’ll live
Mr. Cool, Mr. Right, Mr. Know-it-all is through
Now my future’s so bright and
I owe it all to you
Who showed me the light

It’s a brand new me
I’ve got no remorse
Now the water’s rising but I know the course
I’m gonna shock the world
Gonna show Bad Horse
It’s a brand new day

And Penny will see the evil me
Not a joke not a dork not a failure
And she may cry but her tears will dry
When I hand her the keys
To a shiny new Australia.

It’s a brand new day
Yeah the sun is high
All the angels sing
Because you’re gonna die

Go ahead and laugh
Yeah I’m a funny guy
Tell everyone goodbye
It’s a brand new day


"Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog" was directed by Joss Whedon. Written by Joss, with brothers Jed and Zack, along with Maurissa Tancharoen. Music by both Joss and Jed. Lyrics by Joss, Jed and Maurissa. Stars Neil Patrick Harris as Dr. Horrible, Nathan Fillion as Captain Hammer, and Felicia Day as Penny.

Sing along to your other favorite Dr. Horrible songs by checking out parts 1 and 3 of my Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog Songbook, right here on my own blog (which you can really, now sing along to as well...), My Thoughts In Stereo.

Check out Part 1 of the Dr. Horrible Sing-Along Blog Songbook here, featuring the songs

• "My Freeze Ray",
• "Bad Horse (The Application)",
• "Penny's Song", and
• "What a Man's Gotta Do"
  

Check out Part 3 of the Dr. Horrible Sing-Along Blog Songbook here, featuring the songs

• "So They Say"
• "Everyone's A Hero"
• "Slipping" and
• "Finale/ Brand New Day (reprise)"
  

Again: don't forget to check out the official Dr. Horrible website, and show your support by downloading your own copy from iTunes.

Cheers, everyone!

Last Song Syndrome: Andy Taylor - "Take It Easy" (1986)

Probably one of the most underappreciated pop-rock songs of the 1980's, "Take It Easy" is arguably Andy Taylor's best work outside The Power Station and Duran Duran.

The song was featured on the OST of the 1986 movie American Anthem (which I never got to see- but still probably worth checking out), and featured Andy's preference for a more rock-oriented sound, versus the more synth-pop sound of Duran Duran at the height of their popularity- one of the reasons he left the band just after laying down some guitar tracks for the 1987 album Notorious.

In any case, he was able to take some time off his gig with The Power Station to work on this particular solo project, something he'd work on with ex-Missing Persons drummer Terry Bozzio and bassist Patrick O'Hearn, and ex-Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones.

Found this music video the other day on YouTube- definitely something worth listening to and watching after a long time.


Andy Taylor
"Take It Easy" (1986)

People say I'm crazy, just a fool
But I'm the pigeon and baby, you're the stool

I always dug the color your hair
I always loved the clothes you wear
I can't say that you turn me on
But why'd I stay all night long

Take it easy - on yourself
Take it easy - there ain't no one else
Don't give me reasons
And I won't ask for nothin'

Take it easy - on yourself
Take it easy - there ain't no one else
Don't give me reasons
And I won't ask for nothin'

Rich girls, they run after me
They break my heart, you know I fall in love so easily
I always dug the color your hair
I always loved the clothes you wear
I can't say that you turn me on
But why'd I stay all night long

Take it easy - on yourself
Take it easy - there ain't no one else
Don't give me reasons
And I won't ask for nothin'

Take it easy - on yourself
Take it easy - there ain't no one else
Don't give me reasons
And I won't ask for nothin'
Yeah!

Take it easy - on yourself
Take it easy - there ain't no one else
Don't give me reasons
And I won't ask for nothin'


Check out Andy Taylor's official website here, or his entry on Wikipedia, here.

Can't get that song out of your head? Then check out more of Renzie's Last Song Syndrome Project, the only blog service dedicated to getting that persistent tune out of your system- by giving you lots more of it!

Cheers, everyone!

Last Song Syndrome: Michael Jackson - P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)

Right at the top of my head, I'd have to say my most favorite songs from the Thriller album of 1982 would have to be "Human Nature", and this song right here, "P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)".

"P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)" was originally written by Michael and buddy Greg Phillinganes (who at the time, had finished working on one of Stevie Wonder's greatest albums of all time- Songs In The Key of Life)- and was written as a more mid-tempo R&B jam.

When tracks were being laid down, Quincy Jones (who was producing the Thriller album) wanted this particular song to be more upbeat- so he re-wrote it and so it was Jones' version that appeared on the first commercial Thriller release. Dude, whatever Quincy says, goes, I suppose.

In any case, MJ's original version of "P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)" can also be heard on disc 2 of Michael Jackson: The Ultimate Collection. In Thriller 25, the original demo is remixed as "P.Y.T. 2008", but this time featuring will.i.am.

A search on YouTube reveals that perhaps no video was made of "P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)", unlike the bigger hits "Billie Jean", "Beat It" and "Thriller". You do have a number of tribute videos that use clips from other Michael Jackson vids.

In any case, I did find an interesting piece of work here from YouTube user tinaandstacey- which is what I'm putting on this entry, together with lyrics. Here we go!


Michael Jackson
P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing) (1982)

You know you make me feel so good inside...
I've always wanted a girl just like you...
Such a pretty, pretty young thing... ooh!

Where did you come from, lady?
And ooh won’t you take me there
Right away, won’t you, baby
Tendoroni you’ve got to be
Spark my nature, sugar fly with me

Don’t you know now
Is the perfect time?
We can make it right
Hit the city lights
Then tonight ease the lovin’ pain
Let me take you to the max

I want to love you (P.Y.T.)
Pretty Young Thing
You need some lovin’ (T.L.C.)
Tender Lovin’ Care
And I’ll take you there, girl- ooh!
I want to love you (P.Y.T.)
Pretty Young Thing
You need some lovin’ (T.L.C.)
Tender Lovin’ Care
I’ll shake you there

(Anywhere you wanna go)
Yes I will, ooh

Nothin’ can stop this burnin’
Desire to be with you
Gotta get to you baby
Won’t you come, it’s emergency
Cool my fire yearnin’
Honey, come set me free

Don’t you know now is the perfect time?
We can dim the lights
Just to make it right
In the night
Hit the lovin’ spot
I’ll give you all that I’ve got

I want to love you (P.Y.T.)
Pretty Young Thing
You need some lovin’ (T.L.C.)
Tender Lovin’ Care
And I’ll take you there, yes I will, girl
I want to love you (P.Y.T.)
Pretty Young Thing
You need some lovin’ (T.L.C.)
Tender Lovin’ Care
I’ll take you there, yes I will, hee-ee!

Pretty Young Things, repeat after me
Sing "Na na na" ("Na na na")
"Na na na na" ("Na na na na")
"Na na na" ("Na na na")
I Said "Na na na na na" ("Na na na na na")
I’ll take you there, take you there

I want to love you (P.Y.T.)
Pretty Young Thing
You need some lovin’ (T.L.C.)
Tender Lovin’ Care
And I’ll take you there, take you there
I want to love you (P.Y.T.)
Pretty Young Thing
You need some lovin’ (T.L.C.)
Tender Lovin’ Care
I’ll take you there, take you there

Here's some Trivia on Michael Jackson's P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing):

So we know Quincy Jones produced the album, right? But do you know which popular Quincy Jones protege also did work on the portasound keyboard for this particular song, as well as laid down background vocals and the handclaps?

The dude is James Ingram, ladies and gentlemen. Dude was busy building up an impressive resume before working on his solo career. Way to go, James!


Can't get that song out of your head? Then check out more of Renzie's Last Song Syndrome Project, the only blog service dedicated to getting that persistent tune out of your system- by giving you lots more of it!

Cheers, everyone!

Nouvelle Vague: New Wave Revived in Style.

Such a joy these guys are. See, I've recently picked up a CD from a pile sitting for quite some time on top of my desk. I was auditioning through some material for work. This one particular album from Nouvelle Vague was slid into the CD player. And being the 30-something child-of-the-80's that I am, I instantly fell in love with them.

This French Bossa Nova music act, whose name incidentally also translates to "New Wave", covers some of your favorite Punk and New Wave songs of the 80's. The band is basically run by two arrangers, Marc Collin and Olivier Libaux, but they have with them a troupe of chanteuses- eight of them, in fact (all French, except one from Brazil and another from New York)- so don't expect to hear the same voice for all the tracks.

Which gives the album a delightful element of variety and diversity. But why so many singers, you might ask. Surely, they could have gone with just one or two, perhaps. According to Wikipedia:

The various female singers on Nouvelle Vague only performed songs they were not previously familiar with, to ensure that each cover would have a unique quality.

Cool huh? I'm all for this- since it gives your favorite new wave faves a refreshing new twist. Not just a rearrangement with some vocals aping the original.

They've had three albums so far: The self-titled debut album in 2004, the more recent Bande A Part in 2006, and Late Night Tales that just came out this year.

My recommendations: Their cover of Billy Idol's Dancing With Myself- I think it got featured on Grey's Anatomy or something. Also their versions of Wishing (If I Had A Photograph), Killing Moon, Let Me Go and Making Plans For Nigel.


Discography: Nouvelle Vague

Nouvelle Vague (2004)

1. Love Will Tear Us Apart. Original by Joy Division.
2. Just Can't Get Enough. Everyone's favorite pop-dance track from Depeche Mode.
3. In a Matter of Speaking. Originally by Tuxedomoon.
4. Guns of Brixton. The Clash.
5. This Is Not A Love Song. Public Image Ltd.
6. Too Drunk To Fuck. The Dead Kennedys.
7. Marian. The Sisters of Mercy.
8. Making Plans For Nigel. This one was from XTC.
9. A Forest. The Cure.
10. I Melt With You. The definitive new wave single from Modern English.
11. Teenage Kicks. The Undertones.
12. Psyche. Killing Joke.
13. Friday Night Saturday Morning. The Specials.

Bande A Part (2006)

1. Killing Moon. Original by Echo & The Bunnymen.
2. Ever Fallen In Love. Covered from The Buzzcocks.
3. Dance With Me. Done originally by The Lords of the New Church.
4. Don't Go. The Pop-dance Anthem from Yazoo.
5. Dancing With Myself. Inspired by Billy Idol's Pop-dance hit.
6. Pride (In The Name of Love). U2.
7. O Pamela. The Wake.
8. Heart of Glass. Blondie.
9. Confusion. New Order.
10. Human Fly. The Cramps.
11. Bela Lugosi's Dead. Bauhaus.
12. Escape Myself. The Sound.
13. Shack Up. A Certain Ratio.
14. Let Me Go. Heaven 17.
15. Fade To Grey. Visage.
16. Waves. Blancmange.
17. Sweet and Tender Hooligan. One of The Smiths' lesser-known tracks.
18. Shack Up. A Certain Ratio.
19. Israel. Siouxsie & The Banshees.
20. Eisbar. Grauzone.
21. Moody. ESG.
22. Blue Monday. The club favorite from New Order.