Search - Alan Jay Lerner :: Paint Your Wagon (1969 Film)

A Magnificent Soundtrack

Candace Scott | Lake Arrowhead, CA, USA | 09/20/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Paint Your Wagon has never gotten the acclaim it deserves, and the soundtrack music is nearly as good as some of the legitimate titans in this genre, like Sound of Music or My Fair Lady. Every song on this record is exceptional (with the exception of the tunes warbled by Clint Eastwood).I'm on My Way, They Call the Wind Maria and There's a Coach Comin' In hold their own against any song performed on a broadway musical stage or in any movie (yes, I'm serious). Harve Presnel's vocals are amazing. But the pinnacle of this album will forever remain Lee Marvin "singing" Wandrin' Star, the class act song of the entire production. Could Marvin sing? Of course not, but it doesn't matter, you can listen to this version a thousand times and never weary of it. The soundtrack is leagues ahead of the movie itself, which is not particularly good. But these songs will live forever. The orchestration, back up singers and arrangements are all a class act. If you're a fan of this movie or of musical theatre in general, this is essential for your collection."

Let's hear it for Lee Marvin

M. D. Cummings | Kanosh,, Utah United States | 05/03/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Yes, that was really Lee Marvin singing Wand'rin' Star. How many Lee Marvin movies have you seen where he sings with that wonderful, almost sober, deep bass voice of his. The producers were seriosly thinking of pinch hitting Marvin because he didn't sing very well. But a professional singer in Marvin's place would have seemed un-natural. Maybe you noticed, however, that the producers did indeed plug in a few professional singers to cover, shall we say, the more stressful notes. There was no pinch hitting, however, for Harve Presnell, "Rotten Luck Willie"; they Call The Wind Maria, hasn't been sung better since.I fell in love with the music of Paint Your Wagon more than I fell in love with the movie. I have owned the 8-track, the album, and now the CD. I suppose I'll own the Paint Your Wagon LQ (liquid Crystal) whenever it is invented. The soundtrack of Paint Your Wagon is a classic keeper for all time.I have a question: Which song on Paint Your Wagon do you like best? I've never been able to decide, have you? E-mail me and tell me your favorite, if you have a favorite."

"The Gospel Of No Name City"...Fabulous... Wanted More Of it

L. Shirley | fountain valley, ca United States | 04/20/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This review refers to the "Paint Your Wagon" soundtrack, CD(MCA)



What's not to like? This music from "Paint Your Wagon" is as much a joy as the film itself. The story of a gold mining town, full of burly men who haven't see a woman in like forever, was one of the most fun, bawdy and raucous musicals of it's time. The men hoping to strike it rich("I'm On My Way"), the joy of seeing a woman,the lonely life("They Call The Wind Maria"), the lack of scruples("the Gospel of No Name City"), the friendships, the romance("I Talk To the Tress"), the hijacking of a wagon load of prostitutes to fill the town needs("There's A Coach Comin' In"), the lust for the gold ("Gold Fever"), and moving on("Wanderin Star"), all tell the story on this fabulous album.



The music is sung by the original cast and chorus. This includes the vocal stylings of Clint Eastwood("I Still See Elisa") and Lee Marvin(""The First Thing You Know"), making this album a treasure right there. But top that off with the rich tones of Harve Presnell("Maria"), the fun sound of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band("Hand Me Down That Can O' Beans"), Music by Loewe, Lerner and Previn,the wonderful orchestrations, and I repeat..What's not to like???



I love it. I usually play it twice through each time I take it out for a listen.Right from the opening Main Title Theme("I'm On My Way"), sung in all the different languages of the miners, it made me smile as it brought back memories of the film. Now I am no expert, but someone mentioned that "Wanderin' Star" was not done by Lee Marvin on this album, as it was in the film. It sure sounded like Marvin's deep voice to me. I put the DVD on(of course I got sidetracked watching the entire film again),to check it out, and it sounded identical to the CD. The leaflet that is included with the CD has the singers by the film character's names, and then has the cast list as well. "Wanderin Star" shows sung by Ben Rumson, and Ben Rumson was of course, Lee Marvin.



The final song, the "Finale" is a wonderful medley of all the songs in the film, including Jean Seberg's turn at the beautiful "A Million Miles Behind The Door"(also included on the CD).



A fabulous CD from a fabulous film. The only down side is that it could have been longer. Even if just more of the score. This musical film is around 2 hours and 45 minutes. The CD is a mere 46 minutes(14 tracks, see buying info for complete list).. So 4 and 1/2 stars, but a must have for lovers of this film. Sound Quality was Great too!



"Gotta Dream Boy, Gotta Song, Paint Your Wagon, and Come Along...."...Laurie

film editions:Paint Your Wagon

Paint Your Wagon



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