The Book of Mormon

This soundtrack is one of the best purchases I have made in a long time. It's filled with so much good that it's hard to imagine how someone can be offended. Perhaps if you are overly sensitive to bad language and/or are an extreme fundamentalist in your beliefs, then you probably won't enjoy this. It's your loss if you don't. Every time I'm having a bad day, I just put on this musical, and I end up grinning from ear-to-ear. Listen to it in your car, and your road rage will go away. The songs are so catchy, the music so inventive, the lyrics so fun that it very well may be the best musical ever made. And yes, I have seen Avenue Q, Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, Hair, Hairspray, and many others. The first thing to understand is that Trey Parker and Matt Stone believe that language is something that isn't bad because it's the way we communicate. It's when there's a malicious intent behind the words that it becomes a problem (and even then that doesn't just isolate cuss words), and that just isn't here. When bad language is used, it makes sense as the Ugandans communicate in a way that is straight-forward and don't understand how people can be offended by a word. It can also be incredibly funny when carefully timed, but even then, it's not so much the words as it is the sudden, unfiltered discussion using those words. For instance, the tribe already use f-bombs and the like, so when they're told that the Mormons multiplied in happiness, they, in happiness, sing about this as part of "Joseph Smith American Moses": "F*** your woman, f*** your man, it is all part of God's plan! Mormons f*** all that they can, here in Salt Lake City Land!" The next thing is that when you boil down religion, the general message is a metaphor for happiness and the best way to live your life. Don't judge, don't hurt other people, work to understand others, etc. These are all great life lessons, but when we boil them down into "if you ____, you'll go to hell!" then you aren't spreading a message of love but one of fear. You aren't believing in and following God because you genuinely want to be a better person but because you're scared of going to hell. Those in Uganda develop a belief because of the former and not the latter in this show, and it's a truly wonderful thing. As such, it doesn't matter what the metaphors are that bring about this belief are as it matters that you make a decision to help others and be a good person. I believe that if you live your life doing what you know to be right and not what you are afraid of happening, then God would be quite terrible to say, "well, you did good things and wanted to help humanity, but the correct answer was The Mormons/Christianity/Buddhism/Catholicism/Judaism, so it's hell for you!" This is demonstrated in an episode of South Park wherein on Hell initiation, we realize that "The correct answer was The Mormons. Yeah, The Mormons were right. Anyway, you're all in hell..." This isn't necessarily demonstrated in the musical, but it is something believed by Parker and Stone, so it's good to know. I should explain the story (sort of). Two Mormon missionaries are sent on their two-year mission to Uganda. One is a born leader, Elder Price, and the other is overweight and rather strange, Elder Cunningham. Cunningham tells Price on the way over that he's so happy they were paired together because all of his friends usually leave him, "but you can't!" The missionaries in Africa haven't brought a single African to the church, so the pair decide that it is their calling to do so. Price faces doubts within Mormonism and God's will while Cunningham must overcome his nature and become a leader. A girl in the tribe, Nabulungi, hears the story of Joseph Smith and wants to go to paradise, "Sal Tlay Ka Siti." The beliefs in Uganda when the Mormons arrive include those such as sleeping with a virgin to cure their AIDS, but since there aren't many virgins left, some turn to rape babies. They also circumcise women because they believe that God is punishing them. Seriously, I highly doubt that many of us possibly fathom an understanding of just how horrible life is in Uganda as these are actual beliefs held there, and to shine a comedic light on this is daring (so much more than making a musical about religion). To paint the scene, the Mormons think that Africa will be just like "The Lion King." WRONG. They see so many terrible things in Uganda that it is overwhelming, but they are given hope when they hear that the villagers have a saying to get through these terrible occurrences, "Hasa Diga Eebowai." What the saying actually means is shocking but unbelievably funny and serves to emphasize that the Mormons are in over their heads and that it will take a miracle for them to convert the Ugandans. If you're fortunate enough to not have the meaning of Hasa Diga Eebowai spoiled for you, then just listen to the track and enjoy! And no, I doubt that this is a saying that is actually said in Uganda, but if it could be said anywhere then that would be the place. Hey, it does help them get through the day. One of the funniest things I've watched/listened to is the number "Turn it Off" wherein the two Elders meet with the others in Uganda and learn their secret for always staying so happy despite what has happened/is happening. Cunningham never read the Book of Mormon because "it's just so boring!". He learns the basic story in "All-American Prophet" as Elder Price explains the story and Cunningham adds, 'wow!' 'cool!' and stuff like that. This doesn't work, and the two become divided. After Cunningham decides to "Man Up," he's left with having to teach the Book of Mormon to the Ugandans. He only knows what Elder Price went over in "All-American Prophet," and when he's pressed with the issues mentioned before, he doesn't know what to do but knows that he must stop them from raping babies/circumcising women. He ends up mixing Mormon beliefs with that of Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Star Trek, etc., and the Ugandans understand him (although they aren't familiar with Star Wars, etc.). He's left with something of a crisis as the Book of Mormon doesn't exactly say 'don't rape babies' and 'don't circumcise women,' so he makes up scripture that uses Mordor as hell and other things ("Making Things Up Again"). He later gets to baptize Nabulungi as she swears to dedicate her whole life to the church. Their number together, "Baptize Me," is something of pure comic genius as it takes the sacred belief of baptism and turns it into a traditional 'love ballad.' There is no sex or even romance between them, and the humor comes from their obliviousness to how we as outsiders see this with the lyrics and music. Actually, some are offended by this because of its mix of 'love ballad' with baptism, but quite frankly, that's a stupid thing to be offended about. It's not suggested that baptism is sex but instead that in a musical, at that point we would normally have the couple declaring their love for one another, but in the case of a Mormon Musical, they declare their love for God without changing the style of song. This is something that is so brilliant in construction and execution that it leaves you with a big smile on your face while knowing that something really good has happened not just in the show but also in music. The entire show is something for the time capsule. Is it vulgar? Sure. There's a lot of naughty language here but none out of hatred. Does it insult Christians/Catholics/Mormons/Others? Not really, but I would definitely say that it pokes fun their way. Is it sacrilegious/evil? Only if you think that God doesn't have a sense of humor. There is no anger or malicious intent behind the show but instead a great message of love while not trying to be anything better than a great musical comedy. It's because of this that it is so dear to me. It seems to contain a message that as long as you live your life in a way wherein you aren't harming others or yourself (both physically and with hate speech), then there is no reason that God (if he does exist) would be angry with you. It's when we start attaching fundamental messages such as "don't be gay!" and attach literal meaning to metaphor/allegory that we're being unreasonable and aren't helping anyone. In short, this is something that can bring many people joy and happiness as it did with me. What's wrong with that?

From the first song, the "Wow!" factor is amazing on this album. I mean, I was floored. Laughing out loud with joy and pleasure at the layers of happiness in the opening song "Hello", which I don't think anyone could really find offensive. I think the LDS church could even think about using it in a commercial. Well, most of it anyway. Even my two-month-old's little eyes perked up as he smiled at that song. I just wish they had sustained the rollicking, multi-layered frenzy at the end a little while longer. I do think "Hello" is the high-water mark, and the show doesn't quite hit that level again, but the rest of the show is still, in general, very entertaining and impressive. And yes, it will certainly be offensive to some. I did feel guilty at enjoying some of it, and there were a few moments I didn't enjoy. But a lot of the potentially most offensive parts have nothing to do with the LDS faith specifically. "Hasa Diga Eebowai" probably will offend the most people, but there is nothing specifically Mormon about the offensive bits -- the opportuntity is open to the devout of any denomination. Likewise, the sexual innuendo of "Baptize Me" could offend people across many Christian traditions. Regarding specifically LDS-related offensiveness, I'm not at all sure the repress-your-feelings message of "Turn It Off" reflects mainstream LDS culture or not, but it seemed a bit unfair. And the reinactments -- both US and African -- of the story of Joseph Smith could also be offensive to many. As a person who considers himself sensitive to other beliefs and faiths, I did feel guilty laughing a few times when things went beyond the pale. The laughter was more of an "OMG I don't believe they actually said that" nature. But I also tried to put this humor into context as someone with a Catholic upbringing. Is this really that much more insulting than Mel Brooks' musical number "The Inquisition", or Tom Lehrer's classic piano tune "The Vatican Rag"? Is it more offensive than the Monty Python send up of the Anglican church in the "Oh Lord, You Are So Big" sketch? And certainly, this is NOT more offensive than South Park's treatment of Scientology. While this soundtrack scores high on the vulgarity index, I'm not at all sure that once you strip the vulgarity away, it is fundamentally any more offensive to the LDS faith than we have seen countless times before in the history of comedy with other religions. It's the extreme language that makes it seem so volatile, it seems to me. I actually learned a lot about the Mormon faith here, even though I've been to LDS services in the past at the invitation of friends and co-workers. I'm taking the story it presents with a grain of salt, but I feel I was both educated and entertained. Now if I could just put my guilt at enjoying this album into a little box in my head and CRUSH IT, that would perfect. (That was a reference to the song "Turn It Off" -- darn it, I'm already starting to incorporate this soundtrack into my repertoire of offhand pop cultural references.) Finally, if you get the MP3, be sure to get the version with the digital booklet. It is REALLY worthwhile for both the photos and the lyrics.

This musical owes its success to the materialistic side of Americans who have long since abandoned their parent's religious bent, realizing God is spiritual, and therefore interested primarily in spiritual things - not a celestial PEZ dispenser, which by default means in the minds of most people all those stories of divine intervention in human affairs petered out when Peter petered out. The charlatans and hucksters of P.T. Barnum quality who have made millions by fleecing the sheep and flaunting their Rolex on TV as they live like senators and congressmen on Capitol Hill (or professional sports celebrities, or Hollywood's elite), also have contributed to Parker, Stone, and Lopez discovering their "The Book Of Mormon" musical is magically right on time in contemporary American for religiously disenchanted audiences. People spending the money, investing themselves into successfully completing the requirements for college documentation (i.e. diploma, sheepskin, degree, certificate of commendation status along with graduation) as they pursue a career in their religious affiliation - only to find out after-the-fact that what churches today want in leadership instead of actually educated, spiritual people is first and foremost charismatic, highly successful, independently wealthy, prominent people with heavy backgrounds in Dale Carnegie and Zig Zigler seminar mentality of catering to the filthy rich, amoral slobs with the right kind of perfect hairstyle and proper attire who can erect marble monuments of iron and stone edifices that scream affluence, yet keep intact their tax exempt status. Sadly, the only reason this musical (subsequently the sale of the soundtrack) won't lead all other sales for the year, is because far, far too many people have no freaking idea what their particular holy book (Apocrypha, Holy Bible, Book of Mormon, Kabbalah, Koran, etc.) says cover to cover, all they've ever known about is the 5 or 6 times a year they go to church and whatever the celebrant (minister) says from the pulpit (podium) for fifteen minutes a week. If enough people understood and studied their faith, musicals like this would have a more difficult time getting a foothold - regardless of how much quality and talent is involved. The songs occasionally waxing blasphemous more than likely will be desirable by most people considering purchasing this soundtrack (like me), having finally arrived at enough disappointment and frustration after dropping out of church altogether anyway. If any interest in the Mormon faith increases, trust me, that will promptly pass. The creators of South Park have proven by tenure on television and popularity of their marketed paraphernalia how right on target they are with their explicit parodies regardless of whatever level of heresy or blasphemy. This soundtrack therefore isn't so much "explicit" as it is brilliant. As other reviewers observe, all of the over 600 formally recognized organized denominations of religion in America that almost outnumber the taverns and exotic dance clubs, each has elements of absurdity that are easy to mock and ridicule by Parker, Stone, and Lopez which of course results in worthwhile sales - even to the extent that distributors also sing their praises. If you're a stuffed shirt, right-wing, conservative, Victorian era prudish prig that has their blood pressure rise at anything you yourself feel qualified to call offensive, then avoid associating yourself with things that come right out and let you know in advance you will not like (duh). "The Book Of Mormon" is hilarious for the rest of us, whether we are all that churched or not. Open your mind to truth regardless of source or format and you will LOVE this soundtrack - wishing there were more songs to enjoy. Yes I qualified myself academically for the career of senior cleric in my own religious affiliation, and served two internships - jumping through all the hoops and over all the hurdles. I also deliberately made absolutely sure I definitely could walk the talk, not just stumble the mumble; also having any and all necessary documentation and pedigree. But since I didn't have the right clothes, drive the right car, or live in the right part of town, and didn't have the right connections, I discovered the veracity of this soundtrack's excellent song, "You And Me (But Mostly Me)" and as well discovered the leadership and majority wanted me to find somewhere else to be since I didn't have at least the potential to move heaven and earth with my financial prowess. People anywhere and everywhere desire affirmation, validation, approval, and the "joy of belonging." Today's church (Mormon or not) isn't the same church your mom and dad went to, and a far cry from what Jesus Christ wanted it to be. But hey, if you can figure out how to "network" and exploit the sheep, then go right ahead and sign up. Most of us who enjoy this soundtrack still firmly have faith in our own interpretation of who and what God is, and that is the point of this soundtrack audio CD. The allegedly blasphemous portions of this musical seem to stem more from those still attending, not so much from us who have figured out faith and attending church are two entirely different things. Just like one of the other reviewers, I find this soundtrack full of sophistication and talent, notwithstanding some of it I probably don't feel personally as if I should necessarily agree with the words. Although I have discovered the tunes are catchy and easy to listen to in spite of whatever staunch childhood religious stern upbringing I had crammed down my throat and hammered into my head otherwise. I'm not so sure the Mormon Tabernacle Choir would sing these soundtrack songs, but the CD audio album most certainly has substance. I have to admit, I found myself wishing I had been to the Broadway stage performance of "The Book Of Mormon." Good stuff. As other reviewers have pointed out, if you purchase the MP3 album you miss the lyrics booklet that comes with the hard copy of the packaged CD unless you go here . . .

Whoever thought Broadway gold could be mined from a musical comedy about those cheerful Mormon Missionary doorbell ringers pushing the third part of the Bible as written by Joseph Smith? Well it's no surprise that Trey Parker and Matt Stone of South Park fame, aided by Robert Lopez of Avenue Q fame have fashioned a twisted and hilarious musical that leaves no sacred cows untipped. Do they cross the line? They not only cross the line, they leap over it and the result is udder hysteria. The music and lyrics are tuneful with some wickedly explicit and funny lyrics and the following songs are not for the prudish or faint of heart. "Hasa Diga EEbowai" "Making Things Up Again" "Spooky Mormon Hell Dream" "Joseph Smith- American Moses" But the majority of the numbers are entertaining with witty and clever lyrics and I especially enjoyed "Hello" "Two By Two" "Man Up" "I Am Africa" "You And Me(But Mostly Me)"Turn It Off" and Andrew Ranelles, one of the missionaries has a show stopper, "I Believe". And who else but Trey Parker and Matt Stone could write a rousing, uplifting finale "Tommorrow is a Latter Day" and have as the final line a Ugandan complaining about "Maggots In his Scrotum"? I like this recording, I enjoyed this recording, I loved this recording and this would be a perfect CD for those who don't like Broadway musicals or those who don't think they would like Broadway musicals(you know who you are). All in all thank you Trey Parker and Matt Stone and I hope you don't end up with an eternal spooky hell dream for "Hasa Diga EEbowai" LOL

It will be a year or two until I can catch the Broadway show or the touring version scheduled to start in 2012 - so how excited was I to have the Cast Recording on sale here. I'm going to dive in this weekend to explore the good Book in all its glory, but thought people would love to know that the MP3 comes with a 30 page digital book - packed with show photos, detailed Act descriptions, lyrics and photos for each song and as much information as they would pack into a Playbill - only way more colorful. As another reviewer discovered - the MP3 version of the album listed with the Audio CD might not include the digital booklet - so be sure to download this one. UPDATE: We listened to the entire recording four times this weekend. You can easily follow along with the story without the booklet (I have yet to read it in full) - that said, you'll want to absorb every photo and word once the songs are stuck in your head. The songs are amazing - hysterical, insightful and raunchy. But the real reason Book of Mormon works, you have two characters on an amazing journey, a winning story, and solidly structured - very memorable songs.

The Book of Mormon not only lovingly pokes fun at Mormonism, it also playfully parodies musicals themselves all while being a full-blown musical in its own right. The show's music and themes reference and borderline parody many musicals like Annie, Lion King, Wicked, Songs for a New World, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Music Man, and even more that I can't think of at the moment. It's truly an amazing show and I'd recommend, anyone who has the opportunity, to go see it live, because listening to the soundtrack you only get about 25% of the experience.

The Book of Mormon made quite a splash when it first appeared on Broadway. On paper, there is no way that this musical should have worked, but through the genius of Matt Stone & Trey Parker, it does. They have the gift of being able to take a controversial subject and mock it almost to the point of being offensive without actually crossing the line. They do so here with abandon. This version includes not only the original Broadway cast recording, but also a digital e-book. For fans of the show, it is a fun resource to have. it includes photos from the original Broadway production, a full synopsis of the show and songs, all the lyrics to all the songs, and an introduction by Frank Rich, notable former theater critic and columnist for the New York Times, currently with New York Magazine. Rich gives an even-handed, objective analysis of the show, comparing its themes to other, more familiar Broadway works of times gone by. For those who are not familiar with this show, the plot involves a group of young Mormon men who are being sent out into the world for their two year "mission." The opening song, "Hello," shows them practicing their technique for going door-to-door with the intent of introducing people to their religion. In "Two By Two," the young men discover not only who their missionary partner will be for the next two years, but also their destinations. When the lead character, Elder Price, discovers he has been paired with Elder Cunningham, he assures Elder Cunningham that Price will carry most of the missionary burden in "You And Me (But Mostly Me)." Things go awry when the pair arrives in the Ugandan village they are charged with converting. It is also at this point that the lyrics of the show take a distinctly adult turn, including explicit language and themes that are DEFINITELY considered offensive by some. The Ugandans have a saying that they use in times of trouble - "Hasa Diga Eebowai" - that is NOT in line with any Mormon teaching, but gives the young missionaries an idea of what they are up against in this village. Ironically, anyone who has made it this far into the show is hooked and will stay along for the rest of the ride. This show is fun, irreverent, and side-splittingly funny. It does give a convoluted interpretation of the beliefs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, but that is one of the things Matt Stone and Trey Parker do best - take something with well-established boundaries and beliefs and skew them beyond all recognition without crossing the satirical line into offense. If you are a fan of this show, I would highly recommend picking up this version of the cast recording with the digital booklet. A fuller account of the entire show, along with a detailed song synopsis can be found on Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Mormon_(musical)).

This really is a remarkable piece of work. It's not shocking for being profane -- it's shocking for being so sweet. The music is incredibly well crafted, and even if you didn't speak a word of English to understand the content, you can't deny its beauty on musical terms. (I'm admittedly a bit of a musical junkie and am a musician myself.) The Book of Mormon somehow manages to parody the excesses of Broadway style while celebrating it on its own terms, much like the story parodies religion while celebrating its ability to bring people together. Frankly, anyone claiming it's anti-religion or even anti-Mormon likely hasn't seen or heard the thing. I am not Mormon myself, but have many family members who are, and although some of the admittedly stranger tenants of the Mormon faith take a gentle ribbing, the musical is quite respectful and admiring of Mormons themselves. The first time through listening to this album, you'll likely laugh yourself hoarse. But the more you listen, the more you realize how powerful and poignant the story actually is, how well it tells its message, and now (on maybe the 20th time through), I can't get through the final track without choking up a little. It's that good.