Album Spotlight - The Rocky Horror Picture Show

Thirty Six years ago The Rocky Horror Picture Show crept into movie cinemas and slowly took the world by storm. For fans of the cult classic, the soundtrack is an absolute must-have for their collection.

Since it’s release, it has been released in many different forms (Including the 25^th Anniversary) and tributes (The Rocky Horror Punk Show), and is still a favorite among musical lovers.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show threw a young Susan Sarandon together with Tim Curry, Meat Loaf, and Barry Bostwick and produced a gaggle of cult songs include ‘Sweet Transvestite’, ‘The Time Warp’ and ‘Hot Patootie’.

One of the aspects I love about this soundtrack is that, like the film, it was never to be taken serious. If anything it is a parody of the 70’s with its cheap movies, sexual tones and rock n roll stance. 

Tim Curry is simply brilliant in his smoldering, swaggering Frank N Furter on ‘Sweet Transvestite’. His sexual pomp could have given Queen’s Freddie Mercury a run for his money.

One of my favorite tracks from the album, no one can pull off Frank N Furter as well as Curry, despite there have professionals who have taken on the role many, many times. Curry made Frank N Furter….well Frank N Furter. It’s a role that he will forever be associated with, whether he likes it or not.

Another classic favorite is, what would have to be the most recognizable track from the film, ‘The Time Warp’. Always a party favorite, there’d be few who did not know the movies or who hadn’t danced it at a party (drunk or sober).

Patricia Quinn as Magneta is the real star of this song, and you can’t help but mimic her, as she works her magic.

 

You even have to admire Susan Sarandon and Barry Bostwick for their contributions to the soundtrack. Although both stars have no real singing talent, the soundtrack would be naked without them. Their characters helped to make the film what it was, so their songs on the soundtrack were crucial.

In fact Sarandon’s ‘Touch-a Touch-a Touch-Me’ is kind of endearing with its sugary vocals.

Another listen to is ‘Eddie’, which is performed by most of the cast.  There’s almost a rock feel to this track, and listening to it, you automatically visualize Meat Loaf in his role as the punk rocker Eddie.

It’s hard to name one song on this soundtrack that I hate. It’s just brilliant, and still one of my favorite musicals to date.

Ironically The Rocky Horror Picture Show was originally not a success, until 1976 when New York Cinemas started playing it on Saturday and Sunday nights. From there the cult following grew to what it is today.

It’s hard to believe that a hairdresser from Hamilton, New Zealand managed to put together, not only a cult classic, but such  brilliant set of songs. You can’t help but wonder if Meat Loaf and his lyrical counterpart Jim Steinman didn’t add their touch of magic to some of the songs.

A Must Have for anyone who’s a fan of the Cult Classic.

Tracks not to miss: You guessed it ‘The Time Warp’, ‘Sweet Transvestite’, ‘Touch-A Touch-A Touch-Me’, ‘Eddie’, and ‘Hot Patootie’