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A musical pot-pourri
AmokOpera is a project originally conceived by ex Tricks Upon Travellers singer Graeme Hobbs to bring rock operas into the contemporary arena. Ex-TUT guitarist Dick Langford arranged, orchestrated and produced the music. A number of other musicians have also been involved and are listed under the various songs.
The initial plan was a single project but over the years has developed into an umbrella title for a number of ideas. At time of writing (November 2024) three operas have been completed.
The first of these "operas" is "The Lottery of Life" and is the story of life as seen through the eyes of a number of characters. It's also about how having a dream come true may not end how you think.
From conception to death this musical play with its collection of songs, music and sharp dialogue draw a picture of working class Britain in the second half of the 20th century and into the 21st. It explores the cult of celebrity, the desire for money and the emptiness of modern life. Just what we want, mind-numbing souvenirs of the daily grind.
The songs are, in order :
Overture
A beginning
I had to Marry You.
It's a Rotten Job (but someone's gotta do it)
Well Fair State
Stick
Vote for Me
The Seduction of Corruption
Lottery of Life
Flesh is Weak
As She Is
The Real United Nations
Nobody Loves You When You're Old
Brown Bread
The second of the musical plays is "Celebrity Torture" and deals with the search for fame and its consequences. The songs are ...
The Alternative Ending
From the Safety of My Sofa
Midnight Train
Death Goes Shopping
Hello Magazine
When Obscurity Beckhams
Life Made Easy
Superstar Shangri-La
The Sausage Factory of Fame
Dimwitted
House of Straw
The Fairytale of Rock Rebellion/Swansong Lullaby
The third opera is called A Distant England. This is a view of England seen from Graeme's home in Spain where he has been since 2000.
Distant England
The Likes of Us
The Time of Morris Men Again
Spend it, Spend it, Spend it
Children's Favourites?
Charlie and the Butcher'sBill
Jolly England
Britain in Bloom
As Harrison Said
Song Info
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this had me lifting my beer mug immediately. music is an immediate invitation to Feel Good. accordion (?) plays such a fine part in this. Graeme's vocals are great - neat melodies! the instrumental break was glorious! swell ending in a really beautiful mix. I WILL DEFINITELY DRINK TO THIS!