Boardwalk Empire Volume 2: A Redolent Homage To The Music Of The Prohibition Era

Boardwalk Empire The cyclical nature of fashions and trends is baffling to some and fascinating to others. Who would have thought that in the year 2013, when many leading technologists believe that we are only a handful of years away from being able to purchase an entirely auto-piloted car, that our inclinations in terms of music and fashion would be more in line with those at the turn of last century. And they are - there is no debating it. The fashion trend of the day clearly belongs to the Hipsters who blend vintage clothing from an array of different eras with oversized frames and modern footwear. There is, however, a style which is hard to blend due to the fact that its characteristics are so idiosyncratic and representative of that time that mixing them with apparel from other eras seems disrespectful and just plain wrong. That's right folks - the Roaring 20's are back, and it may not be so bizarre that in a time of where many see nothing short of a global economic collapse on the horizon, we turn our heads in the direction of an era associated with progression and prosperity. Speakeasies are shooting up all over London and the hot new theme for parties, and even weddings, this year is 1920's. Gatsby has roared back onto our screens and a new generation are starting to have their imaginations captured by a certain television phenomenon which, both visually and dramatically, is undoubtedly up there with the very, very best. When Boardwalk Empire first hit our screens back in 2010 it was inconceivable that it would have such wide-reaching cultural effects. But why wouldn't it? The magnificently tailored suits, the iconic hairstyles, even something as small and seemingly obscure as the collar bar so often sported by Nucky Thompson, have such illustrious qualities that it is hardly a surprise that they are intriguing young people who already have a penchant for styles which are independent and forward-thinking. But the music - oh, the music. The second volume of Boardwalk Empire's glorious soundtrack is a perfect gateway into the music of the Roaring 20's for those of us who wouldn't necessarily go out and hunt down the music of the artists at the time. Just as the show has brought back certain fashions in terms of clothing, it has also given back to us beautiful songs and compositions which otherwise have been forgotten by the general public for countless years. For someone of my age (a hair's breadth from turning 30) who grew up both watching and performing in productions of Bugsy Malone, there will always be a special place in my heart for those peerless Jazz, Ragtime and Broadway songs. Anyone who became interested in musical theatre at any early age would no doubt have experienced those upbeat tempos and exuberant musical stylings which, like the fashions at the time, were progressive, hedonistic and just simply made you want to get up out of your seat and dance. And it isn't just the horns, bass and percussion which are outstanding. The lyrics and vocals are so evocative that I could swear that a little part of me seems to melt as Margot Bingham or Patti Smith eases into a verse like a gondola onto the glassy surface of a lake at sunrise. The National's Matt Berninger performs a stunning rendition of "I'll See You In My Dreams" which is soft and redolent and perfectly captures the timeless quality of the song. Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks have two very special toe-tappers on here with "Sugarfoot Stomp" and the fantastic "Everybody Loves My Baby" - I challenge anyone to listen to either of these and not experience their body start to move completely independently. Producer Stewart Lerman and Boardwalk Empire music supervisor, Randall Poster have brought together a swinging, sauntering collection of big-band classics, New Orleans rags, sultry ballads and torch songs. Other highlights include Elvis Costello crooning "It Had To Be You" and Liza Minnelli belting out "You've Got To See Mama Ev'ry Night (Or You Can't See Mama At All). Featuring inimitable contributions from high-profile recording artists including Rufus Wainwright, Loudon Wainwright III, St. Vincent and David Johansen, Poster has created an album that retains a remarkable cohesion with the series and with the music of the 1920s. So many songs which suit so many moods, this is an absolute treat which will carry on giving for years to come - much like the Twenties themselves.
Contributor
Contributor

Writer and father from the heart of Hampshire. Films, TV, Music and anything Japanese.