Best Paul Williams Musical Moments
We could have been anything that we wanted to be. So Paul Williams became a composer and boy, are we happy that he did. This iconic man made his name writing for The Carpenters, gaining fame for his pop hits and cool tunes (the smooth DJ voice is utterly implied.) Luckily for film lovers everywhere he turned his talents to soundtrack some of the greatest movies of all time. His super musical talent has blessed films; therefore, it has blessed our hearts. Don’t believe me? I have two words for you: Bugsy. Malone. But more on that later. Here are some of the Best Williams Musical Moments; in a little showcase of his epic legend status.
‘Evergreen’ – A Star is Born
The 1976 version of A Star is Born was the third outing for the premise. This time, keeping to the climate of the era, the film sees Barbara Streisand and Kris Kristofferson belt out an epic rock musical. Telling the tale of a young woman who enters the show business world and falls madly in love with the main star, A Star Is Born is a critical disaster. But the music? Damn, the music is so good. Scored by Streisand, Williams helped the pair of them win Oscars by writing the lyrics to her songs. ‘Evergreen,’ the love theme from the movie, scooped Best Original Song for its greatness. And yes, it is a cheesy as the name suggests.
‘The Hell of It’ – Phantom of the Paradise
Brian De Palmas musical is as ridiculous as the following plot makes it sound. A mash up of Faust, The Portrait of Dorian Grey and Phantom of the Opera, this 1974 musical tells the tale of a satanic record producer who blackmails a now deformed composer into writing music for a diva rock star named Beef. Williams plays Swan, the immortal musical genius and protagonist of the whole affair. This movie will split people down the middle because it is trashy, “rips-off” a lot of movies and can’t find a balance between satire, comedy and seriousness. The music, however, is great, especially ‘The Hell of It.’ Although you’ll have to wait til the end to hear it, it is the perfect song to sum up the film. It is also brilliant for sound tracking any grave-dancing you may wish to pursue.
‘Give A Little Love’ – Bugsy Malone
Bugsy Malone, is the epic child-centred musical that is a perfect send-up of 1920’s gangsters and movies revolving around them. With baby-faced Scott Baio and Jodie Foster launching their careers off a film with splurge guns and flapper music, Bugsy Malone has a superb soundtrack written by Paul Williams (who also voices Bugsy). This song is, again, the finale, played after the kids phenomenal pie and splurge fight. It reminds us all that you can still change, love is all you need and if you send happiness out, you’ll get it back. I’ve seen heavily tattooed and leather clad guys dance along to this after a night in a rock bar. That’s how classic this song is. You can’t even play the intro without someone slapping their thighs and waving their hands.
‘Rainbow Connection’ – The Muppet Movie
Who doesn’t love The Muppets? This year sees Muppets Most Wanted hit cinemas and gee, we are so glad to see them back on the big screen. When the original Muppet Movie arrived, following the success of the television show, fans let up a large squeal of delight. And they still do now. Just this scene, this song and the pan over a sunny swamp with Kermit strumming a ukulele fills one’s heart with unadulterated glee. ‘Rainbow Connection’ will have you grinning from ear to ear and has been a staple for The Muppets ever since Paul Williams penned it. Proving that again, this tiny musician is a genius. Just ask the lovers, the dreamers and me.