Gleeking it up
Dream a Little Dream of Glee
The “Dream On” episode was a gas! As always, the music selection complimented the storylines graciously. It was an extra treat having two amazing guest stars, both with Broadway resumes. Idina Menzel returns as Shelby Corcoran, coach of Vocal Adrenaline and Neil Patrick Harris makes his glee debut as Bryan Ryan, Mr. Schuester’s (Matthew Morrison) former high school nemesis.
Glee is charming in how, through their music selection, they have a little something for everybody. Taking us on a genre rollercoaster ride, they gave us a rock ballad, an 80’s new wave party hit, an emotional show tune, and a rendition of Mama Cass’s “Dream a Little Dream”, a song originated in the 1930’s.
Aerosmith’s “Dream On” was sung as a rockin’ duo by Matthew Morrisson and Neil Patrick Harris. The studio engineers detailed the music amazingly. I enjoyed this song because you can feel the energy in their voice. I was really impressed that NPH belted that high note (Dream On) and it’s funny because he sounded more like Axle Rose.
Kevin McHale gave a wonderful performance in “The Safety Dance”. In Artie’s daydream sequence, he leaves the chair behind and dances all around the mall, flash mob-esque; it made me want to dance. This Men Without Hats song has always been a club hit and glee’s cover is sure to be a 21st Century club anthem.
Lea Michele debuted in Broadway’s production of Les Miserables and it was a lovely selection to have her sing a duet of “I Dreamed a Dream” with Idina Menzel, another Broadway beauty. When they sing together, harmonizing the long notes, it’s as if there’s only 1 person singing.
“Dream a Little Dream” was the highlight of the episode. I’ve always had a soft spot for this song and after hearing McHale’s version, it’s beyond emotional for me. You can feel the sad romance in Artie‘s voice as he sings in hope for the future. Serenity is delivered when he sings the melody and I get the chills when he whistles. The backup vocals are sweet and I especially love the bass on this song.
These four songs are available now on itunes. “Dream On”, “The Safety Dance” and “I Dreamed a Dream” are also included on Showstoppers, the 3rd volume of Glee: The Music.
With the latest Glee album, Showstopper being on #1 album on the Billboard 200, Glee is more popular than ever, I’ve decided to see what all the fuss is about (again), by checking out Smule’s Glee application for the iPad/iPhone. I’ve previously mentioned that I did not get into the Fox television show – the pilot just didn’t do it for me. But it’s a show that you’d think I’d be all over, since I am a self-confessed cover lover.
The application is basically a karaoke application, allowing you to record a song and saving and sharing it with others. The key to Smule’s app is the sharing aspect via twitter, facebook, etc. Once other users “star” your recording, you get 100 gleek points, which you can get more free songs (although with all that spamming to your friends, I would just recommend buying the song for 99 cents).
Speaking of the price, the application is 99 cents and comes with three songs: “Rehab”, “Somebody to Love”, and “You Keep Me Hanging On”. I wish there were more free songs, or sell a bundle of songs, because I don’t feel like paying another $10 for ten more songs… but thankfully, you can sing along to your own iTunes library.
This application is recommended if you’re Gleek (not the Superfriends’ monkey) or a karaoke fan… but be warned: you may buy additional songs and become hooked on the show.