CD REVIEW - 17 AGAIN


17 Again
Music by Rolfe Kent
Silva Screen Records SILCD1294 (UK)
23 Tracks 37:17 mins

Following in the traditions of Big and Vice Versa, the recent comedy 17 Again finds former Friend Matthew Perry rather incredibly reverting to his 17-year-old self again, in the shape of High School Musical's Zac Efron.
The film, which has come and gone in the cinemas, and has done very well thus far on DVD, was scored by Rolfe Kent, a Brit who has made a successful career for himself in Hollywood, but whose work has been for the most part neglected on CD thus far, save for scores such as the excellent About Schmidt and Sideways (also on Silva Screen) of course. There are however still many fine efforts that are deserving of release. Silva Screen Records are doing their best to re-dress the balance, releasing this and the composer's score for another recent comedy Ghosts of Girlfriends Past (review to follow).
The 17 Again album gets underway with the brief but pacy "Opening (Game Theme)," which is followed by a hint of romance in "Scarlett." The swirling "Mike Realises," with its wordless chorale obviously accompanies Perry's transformation, which ends triumphantly (well, wouldn't you be triumphant if you found yourself 17 again?!). "Mike is Wistful" is quite delightful and dance-like, variations on which continue into "Mike Sees the Janitor," with choir subtly returning, as the music becomes an understated waltz, before turning demonic. The action of "Mark and Ned Fight" starts lightly, but takes on more serious proportions; and is followed by "Tracking the Janitor/The Trail," which starts out with a touch of slapstick, before becoming appropriately sneaky.
"Mark Starts School" gathers pace and import as it continues; whilst "It's Not About Basketball is initially much more easy-going, before turning somewhat sneaky. "Sex Ed" offers lush wondrous strings, leading to the brash and boastful "Stan Beats Up Mark." "Scarlett's Garden" is nice and easy to begin with, before her theme enters romantically. "Alex Saves the Game" develops into pacy action, ending on a brief note of triumph. "Mark Cheers Maggie" reprises the wistful theme, before concluding comically. "Elfish at Dinner" takes a mystical, Celtic-styled turn, complete with female vocal.
"Punch/Deer and Lioness! begins dance-like, before playing musical hide and seek; and is followed by the romantic "Manchild Kiss," which quickly takes a comic turn, foreshadowing the "Race to the Courthouse," with its hoe-downish qualities. "I Lost My Way," the lengthiest track on the album, is deftly scored, with a lovely development of the wistful theme at its centre. The sentiment continues into "Mark Practices" and on to the final cue "Suddenly She Knows," with its huge moment of revelation, giving way to more intimate fare and a light touch to finish.
Another nice effort from Kent, who really can score this kind of light and entertaining fare in his sleep.
You'll have to wait until 9th November for the release of this and the other Kent album, but you can find further details at www.silvascreenmusic.com.