Tuomas Holopainen - The Live And Times of Scrooge (2014)
When Tuomas Holopainen first announced details of his solo project, it was met with a mix of delight and scepticism. Some found the idea of an album based on the comic book story "The Life and Times of Scrooge McDuck" simply laughable. However, Tuomas has showcased why he is so well regarded as a musician with his latest effort casting prejudices aside. A fantastic cast of vocalists/storytellers were chosen to assist in this endeavour. Johanna Kurkela as "Glittering" Goldie o'Gilt, Johanna Iivanainen as The Narrator and Downy O'Drake, Alan Reid as Scrooge McDuck and Tony Kakko as the Storyteller. The sheer beauty of this release is at times breathtaking. It sounds somewhat like a mix of Hans Zimmer and Nightwish if the metal elements were removed.
The album begins with the track Glasgow 1877 and very quickly the beauty of the Johannas' is noticed. So much emotion is conveyed that it almost feels as if the titanic is sinking all over again. Then one delves "Into The West" where a young duck radiating with energy awaits. The catchy use of the banjo and harmonica was particularly effective in capturing its wild atmosphere. While the album is often premised upon melancholy, sadness, and adventure, comic relief can be found in songs like Duel & Cloudscapes. Vivid images of a silly duck arise and will put a smile on most people's faces without any prior knowledge of the story. Tuomas even appropriately utilises the didgeridoo in the Australian based song Dreamtime. It has a very hypnotic feeling achieved through its repetition.
A special mention to Tony Kakko who provides great vocals on Cold Heart Of The Klondike. Musically this track is so Nightwish like that if metal was added no one would be the wiser. The Last Sled is a personal favourite and the Johannas' shine once again with their heart-warming vocals. The song is so emotionally fuelled that it makes you want to help find the poor ducks lost sled and end the misery. Goodbye, Papa is generally a sad song with comic relief mixed in, while To Be Rich is primarily focussed upon darkness. A Lifetime Of Adventure is the most typically structured song and probably the weakest on the album. It is still a very fitting song for the album and it slowly brings closure to the journey of an adventurous duck. The final song Go Slowly Now, Sands Of Time is a nice way to finish with Alan Reid as Scrooge McDuck uttering his last words of what he would say now. The pleasant blend of piano and acoustic guitar ensure a soothing timely exit without undue delay.
It is the atmospheres which are captured that make it so memorable. Whether it is sadness, fear, comedy, or excitement. It is an experience and form of escapism in itself without any graphical assistance. This album provides a great addition to Tuomas Holopainen's already noteworthy career. Nightwish fans may like it and should at least give it a try. If you are a fan of soundtracks in general then do not hesitate to pick this up. There is a chance, however, that some metal fans may find its often slow melodic tempo boring, or just plain unexciting. Ultimately, the passion to which it was crafted can hardly be ignored. Despite not being overly complex or ground breaking, it never delves into mediocrity. Come and enjoy the adventurous journey of a troubled filled duck. A duck which now has a tune and a melody to be remembered for many years to come.
copas from http://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/61810/Tuomas-Holopainen-Music-Inspired-by-the-Life-and-Times-of-Scrooge/
Genre: Progressive Metal, Neo-Classic
Country: Finland
Publishing year: 2014
Audio Codec: MP3
Format: tracks
Bitrate: 320 kbps
Source: Lossless
Duration: 1:00:12
Tracklist:
Genre: Progressive Metal, Neo-Classic
Country: Finland
Publishing year: 2014
Audio Codec: MP3
Format: tracks
Bitrate: 320 kbps
Source: Lossless
Duration: 1:00:12 +0:54:00
Tracklist:
CD 1
01. Glasgow 1877 (6:27)
02. Into The West (5:01)
03. Duel & Cloudscapes (4:49)
04. Dreamtime (4:47)
05. Cold Heart Of The Klondike (6:52)
06. The Last Sled (5:40)
07. Goodbye, Papa (6:26)
08. To Be Rich (3:22)
09. A Lifetime Of Adventure (6:15)
10. Go Slowly Now, Sands Of Time (4:35)
11. A Lifetime Of Adventure (alternate version) (6:00)
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