Two Weeks Notice

Review by Thomas Glorieux:

Perhaps not as lovely as other stock John Powell affairs, there is a certain kind of quality surrounding Two Weeks Notice. Gigli for instance was easier, more set on themes and a little more fleshed themes perhaps then this score, which for instance is letting more the solo instruments do the trick. This of course lets happen that the score is one of charm, and therefore another easy listen for a background affair. It doesn't have a surprising ending with choir, but it remains overall playful, soft, entertaining because here more solo instruments take the ideas of John Powell further, proving again that this score has got what it takes on light surprises. Naturally the tone of Powell is much smoother then other composers and the style is always accessible if not too demanding. If Gigli was too easy for you, a lightly different yet more demanding quality surrounds Two Weeks Notice, because it stuffs various styles into one another. There is a frequent returning theme and this theme instantly opens the short CD in 'Love Theme', its a simple yet very effective theme that here receives its version on piano. However, in 'Helicopter Ride' it is performed by solo guitar and while (what seems to be) light Mambo tones support this theme, it is the theme that suddenly attracts much more attention, flair, quality, call it what you will but it listens much smoother and lovelier. The bouncy attitude in 'Divorce' is typically Powell, as the beat and tinklings in 'Trying to Get Fired', which listens different then Gigli ever was, so points on that part for difference.

This difference more then effectively crops up in 'Protest', with a great beat and guitar performing a secondary theme (altered version of the love theme) and here Powell's flair is again irresistible, how simple it may sound all the same, same for 'Emergency', which is the organ of Gigli, drums and some quicker pace making the effect complete. Difference also in the jazzy piano tones of 'Bobcat Pretzel'. The love theme again is performed so effectively and endearing in 'Absolutely Beautiful' on guitar. And again the jazzy piano and organ reprise the playful smooth and upbeat style of Powell that steals somewhat the attention in 'Sad Bowels' but 'George's Speech' has soft drama, with on the first minute some growing material with strings and guitar (very briefly) before the piano restates the love theme, only to follow that line in 'Finale' with the guitar. Yet here the love theme reprises itself and this in a final version, a little louder but more intriguing and way more fitting then the last version. Powell's climax is very normal but in the end its exactly the version you wanted to hear, just once. The guitar tinkling, organ and the piano's brief notes are as ever a fitting end. 'Epilogue' closes off with the piano version of the love theme. As always, I enjoy even the smallest of John Powell scores, because his style alone is good enough for me, come to think of it, he has become one of my all time favorites because there is always a sense of fun waiting around the corner, and Two Weeks Notice is no different. Hell no, its not romantic comedy scoring a bliss but it doesn't always have to be and a light side occasionally does miracles, even coming of the most fun voice on this earth (for the moment). No prizes for whatsoever you search in it, but I like it for what it is, perhaps you do to when you find out what it presents.

\ЕЕЕ/

Tracks

Single Disc

1. Love Theme (1.38)

2. Divorce (1.24)

3. Take Away (2.40)

4. Trying To Get Fired (1.31)

5. Helicopter Ride (2.30)

6. In The Limo (0.51)

7. Bobcat Pretzel (3.15)

8. Protest (1.26)

9. Interviews (0.44)

10. Emergency (1.40)

11. Absolutely Beautiful (2.41)

12. Sad Bowels (2.51)

13. George's Speech (2.44)

14. Finale (3.41)

15. Epilogue (0.41)

Total Length: 30.25

The use of artwork or photos is posted for non profitable reasons

=== Link to Composer Site: John Powell ===