Ah, Monty Python, rich source of preshow material for Rocky Horror, the I'm a Transvestite and I'm OK reworking of the Lumberjack song still rings in my ears.

Oooh, Tim Curry as King Arthur and the talents of David Hyde Pierce (Niles from Frasier) and Hank Azaria (voice of Homer Simpson)

As the Spamalot web site says......."Lovingly ripped off from the classic film comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail, SPAMALOT is the new Broadway musical directed by Mike Nichols, with a book by Eric Idle and an entirely new score created by Eric Idle and John Du Prez.

Telling the legendary tale of King Arthur and his knights of the Round Table, and featuring a bevy of beautiful show girls, not to mention cows, killer rabbits and French, people, Monty Python's SPAMALOT has been hailed as 'a no-holds-barred smash' (The New Yorker) and 'the best musical to open on Broadway this year.' (The New York Times)."

Well what do we think of this brand new album.......well I've listened throught the CD several times now and I wish I'd had the opportunity to see the show in New York, hopefully it will transfer over to the UK at some stage, and maybe bring Tim and co. with it? Please!

Marty from Dr.Scott's Extra Forks did take a trip over the pond and saw the show earlier this year and has promised a review for the site at some stage.

From the image we have here of David Hyde Pierce (as Sir Robin), Tim (as King Authur) and Hank Azaria (as Sir Lancelot) it seems the show looked as good as the CD sounds. I loved the sneaky way they even got a reference to the Lumberjack song in at the end of one of the numbers. Always Look on the Bright Side of Life is probably one of the best ever songs to use as a finale, I know I'd be singing along at a show. Tim gets some great songs to sing and doesn't seem to take himself to seriously, reaching just the right level for Monty Python. Amazingly the Americans also seem to get what it is about and the whole album is a treat. Recommended.

Spamalot was nominated for fourteen Tony awards, which took place on 5th June 2005 and won three.

Best Musical
Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical won by Sara Ramirez
Best Direction of a Musical won by Mike Nichols

Visit the Spamalot web site for lots more information and latest news on the musical.

Track Listings

1. Tuning
2. Overture
3. Historian's Introduction to Act I
4. Finland / Fisch Schlapping Dance
5. Monks Chant / He Is Not Dead Yet
6. Come With Me
7. Laker Girls Cheer
8. The Song That Goes Like This
9. He Is Not Dead Yet - Play Off
10. All For One
11. Knights of the Round Table / The Song That Goes Like This (Reprise)
12. Find Your Grail
13. Run Away!
14. The Intermission
15. Historian's Introduction to Act II
16. Always Look On The Bright Side of Life
17. Brave Sir Robin
18. You Won't Succeed On Broadway
19. Diva's Lament (What Ever Happened To My Part?)
20. Where Are You?
21. His Name Is Lancelot
22. I'm All Alone
23. Twice In Every Show
24. Act II Finale
25. Always Look On The Bright Side of Life - Company Bow

Available on Decca disc no. 9880253