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If Only Someone Besides Nilsson Had Done The Soundtrack!

posted 14 years ago by maneyp
5 replies | jump to latest

Well, after avoiding "Popeye" for 31 years I finally saw it this afternoon. I've been a huge fan of Robert Altman since seeing "McCabe & Mrs. Miller" when I was 17 and in fact "Popeye" was the only movie he directed that I haven't seen (I have 15 of Altman's films on DVD). I was expecting an absolute abomination but must say I was pleasantly surprised. The only real problem I had with the whole mess was the AWFUL songs that Harry Nilsson provided. Even the genius of Van Dyke Parks and the cult status of Klaus Voorman couldn't save those totally underwhelming tunes (and I use the word loosely). If only someone with real talent had composed a suitable set of songs for this almost-
enjoyable effort it would have made a world of difference. Considering the options available in 1980 for better songwriting, I submit the following artists as certainly being more capable of turning out a set of more tuneful, coherent songs:

1. Andy Partridge from XTC (That sounds like a match made in heaven)
2. Richard Thompson (Wow, now HIS vision would only emphasize the lingering despair of Seahaven!)
3. Difford & Tilbrook from Squeeze (Why didn't they compose a "rock opera?" Oh yeah, every song was one.)
4. Tim McGovern (check out his "Belly of the Whale" song by the Burning Sensations!
5. Rickie Lee Jones (just imagine...)
6. Ray Davies (maybe working on the "Popeye" soundtrack would have meant one less "awful concept album" from the Kinks. A win-win situation)
7. Syl Sylvain (this former NY Doll's two solo albums show what a great pop
classicist he could be and I can definitely see him doing an infinitely superior job to the over-rated Nilsson (who had peaked by 1970 and was artistically dead in the water by 1973).
8. Tom Waits (Q.E.D.)
9. John Cougar Mellencamp (Popeye as populist)
10. The Roches (it's better to be absurd than obscene)

I suspect my two favorite artists from that era (and now, actually) Elvis Costello and Kate Bush wouldn't be appropriate for "Popeye," but I wonder what they would have come up with if enlisted? Any thoughts?

[–] Kevin_Finnerty 13 years ago

Sweethaven, He's Large, and He Needs Me are great songs.

[–] SnacksForAll 12 years ago

Wow. Your comments, as well as your overall opinion, are WAY out of left field for me.

I have always thought Nilsson's soundtrack was an underappreciated classic; the songs are not only melodic, catchy and entertaining, but also downright gut-punching in some cases (if you aren't in some way hit right in the softies by "He Needs Me," you need to check your pulse).

I suspect the production and sloppiness of the songs may be what put you off. To be fair, it certainly can take some getting used to, at first. I've always found this aspect of the songs charming, however--I think they're supposed to be sloppy. It's ironic and clever--the music reflects the chaotic and rough-around-the-edges environment in which the film takes place. The sloppy production also alludes to old sea shanties (obviously), which, sung by sailors, are not the most refined folk music out there.

Looking over your list of alternate composers, I realize your post may be a joke. John Mellencamp? Really? Songs like "Cherry Bomb" warrant Mellencamp's being imprisoned in another galaxy. Yech!

At any rate, something tells me you and I wouldn't listen to the same radio stations.

"I enjoy giving milk."

[–] SteveH2002 12 years ago

I suspect the production and sloppiness of the songs may be what put you off. To be fair, it certainly can take some getting used to, at first. I've always found this aspect of the songs charming, however--I think they're supposed to be sloppy. It's ironic and clever--the music reflects the chaotic and rough-around-the-edges environment in which the film takes place. The sloppy production also alludes to old sea shanties (obviously), which, sung by sailors, are not the most refined folk music out there.

I came here to whole-heartedly agree with the OP but you've got me rethinking my opinion. I've got about 30 minutes of stream time left with the movie and it's as bad as I remember it - but hey, Ray Walston is singing 'It's Not Easy Being Me' and... well, it has a quirky charm. And I'm listening now for the echoes of half-remembered sea shanties. Still think this movie is horribly paced - it seems to meander,and it ought to be punchy. There isn't much of a story here, and I'm cranky at the movie. Also thinking Walston would have made a great Popeye.

[–] maneyp 11 years ago

All I have to say is that you truly don't have a clue as to what's out there and I'll wager all you listen to is that gawdawful abomination known as "classic rock." And if you can't even appreciate the working class sensibilities of John Mellencamp vis-à-vis Seahaven, then you've listened to too much Rush in your life! Really, how plebeian can you get?

[–] RichN36 11 years ago

I remember reading somewhere that Harry Nilsson wanted to make his own version of all this music on a separate album using his own Group.

There is more Gravy about you then the Grave. Scrooge.