Here's something that'll hit your doorstep like a giant animated foot: Virgin is releasing a CD and vinyl box set of albums by the iconic comedy troupe Monty Python.
The classic BBC comedy sketch series, which ran from 1969 to 1974 and made stars of John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam, Graham Chapman, Terry Jones and Michael Palin, has had an immeasurable influence on pop culture ever since, from films (Monty Python and The Holy Grail, Monty Python's Life of Brian, Monty Python's The Meaning of Life) to instant quotables and images (dead parrots, silly walks), to music ("Lumberjack Song," "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life") and stage (Holy Grail was adapted into the smash Broadway musical SPAMalot). The five surviving members (sans Chapman, who died in 1989) will reunite at London's O2 Arena for a limited run of sold-out reunion shows (despite some public protests from Gilliam).
Fans who can't make the shows can at least enjoy a new nine-disc compilation encompassing all of the band's original U.K. albums from 1970 to 1983. (The U.S. only Live At City Center (1976) is omitted.) Both boxes (the CD edition featuring a folder to keep all the discs in, and the vinyl version replicating each original LP sleeve), according to an official statement,
were cut with an all analogue signal path from the original 1/4" master tapes where available. Both editions also contain a case bound book with new liner notes with a foreword by Michael Palin, original Monty Python artwork, archive photos and an original Terry Gilliam-designed full colour slipcase." (The CD edition also features all the included bonus tracks from a series of U.K. reissues in 2006.)
As a special bonus, each version contains a 45 RPM single of Monty Python's Tiny Black Round Thing, originally released as a flexidisc in 1974 to promote the release of Monty Python Live At Drury Lane.
If this is too much Python for you, however, there's still products to pique your interest after the jump!
Released in 1989, Monty Python Sings was a definitive single-disc compilation of the group's sonic output, featuring several rare and unreleased tracks ("Oliver Cromwell," "I've Got Two Legs," remixes/extensions of "The Lumberjack Song," "Medical Love Song" and "Henry Kissinger"). Twenty-five years later, as a taster for the forthcoming shows, it will be released as Monty Python Sings (again) with six more unreleased bonus tracks. (A double-disc deluxe edition will feature the group's 1970 debut album as a bonus disc.) Separate CD reissues of the group's albums (save Monty Python's Flying Circus and Live At Drury Lane) will also be issued.
Pre-orders for all discs and boxes (available to the U.S. as U.K. imports) are all live; these will be in stores June 30 in their native country. Check them out below!
Monty Python's Total Rubbish (Virgin/UMC, 2014)
CD: Amazon U.S. / Amazon U.K.
LP: Amazon U.S. / Amazon U.K.
Disc 1: Monty Python's Flying Circus (BBC Records REB 73M (U.K.)/Pye Records 12116 (U.S.), 1970)
- Flying Sheep
- A Man with Three Buttocks
- Crunchy Frog (Trade Description Act)
- Nudge Nudge Wink Wink
- The Mouse Problem
- Buying a Bed
- Interesting People
- Barber Shop Sketch (The Barber)
- Lumberjack Song
- Interview
- Arthur Two Sheds
- Children's Stories
- Visitors
- Albatross
- Mr Hilter
- The North Minehead By-Election
- Me, Doctor
- Dead Parrot Sketch
- Self Defence
Disc 2: Another Monty Python Record (Charisma CAS 1049, 1970 (U.K.)/1972 (U.S.))
- Introduction (Part 1)
- Introduction (Apology)
- Spanish Inquisition (Part 1) (Extended)
- Gumby Theatre
- Contradiction
- Abattoire
- Spanish Inquisition (Part 2)
- Ethel the Frog
- Mary Queen of Scots (Extended)
- Spanish Inquisition (Ending) (Extended)
- Sound Quiz
- Be a Great Actor
- Neville Shunt
- Festival Hall Emille
- Spam Sketch
- Spam Song (Edit)
- Camp Judges
- Stake Your Claim
- Lifeboat
- Camp Judges (Part 2)
- Undertaker 1:40
- Knees Up Mother Brown Sketch
- Treadmill Lager
- Bishop At Home (Mr. Stoddard)
- Court Room Sketch
- Undertaker (Dead Bishops on the Landing)
Disc 3: Monty Python's Previous Record (Charisma CAS 1063, 1972 (U.K.)/1973 (U.S.))
- Introduction
- Are You Embarrassed Easily?
- A Book At Bedtime
- England 1747 Denis Moore
- Money Program
- Money Song
- Denis Moore (Part 2)
- Denis Moore Song (Robin Hood Theme)
- Australian Table Wine
- Denis Moore Song (Robin Hood Theme) (Part 2)
- Argument (Edit)
- How to Do It
- Denis Moore Song (Robin Hood Theme) (Part 3)
- Pepperpots
- Personal Freedom
- Denis Moore Song (Robin Hood Theme) (Part 4)
- Eric the Half a Bee Sketch
- Eric the Half a Bee
- What Do You Do Quiz
- Travel Agent
- Massage from the Swedish Prime Minister
- Silly Noises
- An Elk Sketch
- Yangtse Kiang Sketch
- Yangtse Kiang Song
- Massage from the Swedish Prime Minister (Part 2)
- A Minute Past
- 1972 Eclipse of the Sun
- Alistair Cook Attacked by a Duck
- Wonderful World of Sound
- Certified Stiff
- Massage from the Swedish Prime Minister (Part 3)
- Happy Valley
- Baxter's
- Meteorology
- Blood, Devastation, War & Horror
- The Great Debate
- Mortuary Visit
- Flying Fox of the Yard
- Is There
- Teach Yourself Heath
- The Book Ad
- Big Red Bowl
- Pepperpots (Part 2)
- Pellagra
Tracks 34-45 from U.K. CD reissue - EMI 09463 70053 2 3, 2006
Disc 4: Monty Python's Matching Tie and Handkerchief (Charisma CAS 1080, 1973 (U.K.)/Arista AL5-8080, 1975 (U.S.))
- Election Forum
- Dead Bishops/Rats
- Elephantoplasty
- Novel Writing
- Word Association
- Bruce's Sketch
- Bruce's Song
- Ralph Mellish
- Doctor Quote
- Cheese Emporium
- Wasp/Tiger Club
- Raspberry
- Great Actors
- Background to History
- Record Shop
- First World War
- Mrs Niggerbaiter
- Oscar Wilde
- Pet Shop
- Phone In
- Psychopath
- TelePrompter Football Results
- Radio Tuning Radio 4 - Announcer Graham Chapman/Radio Time Announcer Terry Jones
- Radio Shop
Tracks 21-24 from U.K. CD reissue - EMI 09463 75716 2 0, 2006
Disc 5: Monty Python Live At The Theatre Royal, Drury Lane (Charisma CLASS 4 (U.K.), 1974)
- Introduction
- Llamas (Including 'Granada')
- Gumby Flower Arranging
- Terry Jones Link
- Secret Service
- Wrestling
- Communist Quiz (Including 'World In Action')
- Idiot Song
- Albatross
- Nudge Nudge
- Silly Noises
- Cocktail Bar
- Travel Agent
- Spot the Brain Cell
- Bruce's Song
- Argument Song
- Four Yorkshiremen
- Election Special (Medley)
- Lumberjack Song
- Theme Song 'Liberty Bell'
- Parrot Sketch
- Theme Song 'Liberty Bell' (Part 2)
- UK Tour Interview Promo (bonus track from U.K. CD reissue - EMI 09463 75718 2 8, 2006)
Disc 6: The Album of the Soundtrack of the Trailer of the Film of Monty Python and The Holy Grail (Executive Version) (Charisma CAS 1103 (U.K.)/Arista AL5-8157 (U.S.), 1975)
- Introduction (Monty Python and The Holy Grail)
- Introduction (Part 2) (Monty Python and The Holy Grail)
- Arrival At Castle
- Constitutional Peasants
- Witch Burning
- Logician
- Camelot
- Camelot Song
- Arthur and God
- Classic (Silbury Hill)
- French Castle
- Announcement (Monty Python and The Holy Grail)
- Apology (Monty Python and The Holy Grail)
- So Far
- Brave Sir Robin
- The Knights Who Say "Ni"
- Classic (Silbury Hill) (Part 2)
- Marilyn Monroe
- Sir Lancelot & Swamp
- Tim the Enchanter
- Drama Critic
- Hand Grenade of Antioch
- Announcement (Monty Python and The Holy Grail) (Part 2)
- End of Quest
- Arthur's Song
- Documentary - Terry Jones and Michael Palin
- Run Away Song
Tracks 25-27 from U.K. CD reissue - EMI 09463 70050 2 6, 2006. Master is identical to this pressing (previous CD reissues featured extended or extra tracks).
Disc 7: Monty Python's Life of Brian: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (Warner Bros. K 56751 (U.K.)/BSK 3396 (U.S.), 1979)
- Introduction
- Brian Song
- The Wise Men At The Manger
- Brian Song (Part 2)
- Sermon on the Mount (Big Nose)
- Stone Salesman
- Stoning
- Ex-Leper
- You Mean You Were Raped? (Nortius Maximus)
- Link to Revolutionaries in the Amphitheatre (Loretta)
- Revolutionaries in the Amphitheatre (Loretta)
- Romans Go Home
- What Have The Romans Ever Done for Us?
- Ben
- Brian Before Pilate (Throw Him to the Floor)
- Prophets
- Beard Salesman
- Brian's Prophecy
- The Hermit
- He's Not The Messiah
- He's a Very Naughty Boy
- Pilate Sentences Brian
- Nisus Wettus
- Pilate with the Crowd (Welease Wodger)
- Nisus Wettus with The Gaolers
- Release Brian
- Not So Bad Once You're Up
- Revs Salute Brian
- Cheeky is Released
- Mandy to Her Son
- Always Look on the Bright Side of Life (All Things Dull and Ugly)
- Otto Sketch
- Otto Song
- Otto Song Demo (Python Sings)
- Brian Song - Alternate Version
- Radio Ad - Record Shop
- Radio Ad - Twice As Good
Tracks 32-37 from U.K. CD reissue - EMI 09463 75722 2 1, 2006
Disc 8: Monty Python's Contractual Obligation Album (Charisma CAS 1152 (U.K.)/Arista AL5-8182 (U.S.), 1980)
- Sit on My Face
- Announcement
- Henry Kissinger
- String
- Never Be Rude to An Arab
- I Like Chinese
- The Bishop
- Medical Love Song
- Finland
- I'm So Worried
- I Bet You They Won't Play This Song on the Radio
- Martyrdom of St. Victor
- Here Comes Another One
- Bookshop
- Do What John
- Rock Notes
- Muddy Knees
- Crocodile
- Decomposing Composers
- Bells
- Traffic Lights
- All Things Dull and Ugly
- A Scottish Farewell
- Contractual Obligation - Terry Jones And Graham Chapman Promotional Interview
- Radio Ad Obligation (Promo)
- Medical Love Song (Alternate Demo Version)
- I'm So Worried (Demo Version)
Tracks 24-27 from U.K. CD reissue - EMI 09463 75721 2 2, 2006
Disc 9: Monty Python's The Meaning of Life (MCA Records 6121 (U.K./U.S.), 1983)
- Intro (The Meaning of Life)
- Fish (Morning)
- The Meaning of Life
- (Part One) The Miracle of Birth
- MP Link
- (Part Two) The Third World (Yorkshire)
- Every Sperm is Sacred
- Bloody Catholics
- Link (Martin Luther)
- (Part Three) Growth and Learning
- (Part Four) Fighting Each Other
- Terry Gilliam Introduction
- Accountancy Shanty
- (Part Five) Live Organ Transplants (Galaxy Song)
- (Part Six) The Autumn Years (The Not Noel Coward Song)
- (Part Seven) Death (Christmas in Heaven)
- MP Link (Dedication to Fish)
- Intro Title Song Demo Meaning of Life - Piano Version
- Alternate Intro Title Song Meaning of Life - Band Version
- Fat Song - Deleted Intro to Mr. Creosote Sketch
- Alternate Christmas in Heaven Song
- Radio Ad - Philisophers Corner
- Radio Ad - Officer
- Radio Ad - German Translation
- Greasy Hair
- Dino Viccotti
- Stretch the Script
- Grand Prix
- Hard of Thinking
Tracks 18-29 from U.K. CD reissue - EMI 09463 75723 2 0, 2006
Vinyl Bonus 7": Monty Python's Tiny Black Round Thing (Charisma SO 1259 (U.K.), 1974)
- D.P. Gumby Presents "Election '74"
- Lumberjack Song
Monty Python Sings (again)(originally released as Virgin (U.K.), 1989 - reissued Virgin/UMC (U.K.), 2014)
1CD Standard Edition: Amazon U.S. / Amazon U.K.
2CD Deluxe Edition: Amazon U.S. / Amazon U.K.
Disc 1 (* denotes previously unreleased bonus track)
- Always Look on the Bright Side of Life
- The Meaning of Life
- The Silly Walk Song *
- Penis Song (Not the Noel Coward Song)
- Money Song
- Oliver Cromwell
- Accountancy Shanty
- Finland
- Medical Love Song
- I'm So Worried
- Every Sperm is Sacred
- I Like Chinese
- The Naval Medley *
- Sit on My Face
- Never Be Rude to An Arab
- Eric the Half-a-Bee
- Brian Song
- Rudyard Kipling *
- Nudge Rap/Blackmail *
- Bruces' Philosophers Song (Bruces' Song)
- Knights of the Round Table (Camelot Song)
- All Things Dull and Ugly
- Decomposing Composers
- Henry Kissinger
- I've Got Two Legs
- Rainy Day in Berlin *
- Christmas in Heaven *
- Galaxy Song
- Spam Song
- Lousy Song *
- Lumberjack Song
Disc 2: Monty Python's Flying Circus (BBC Records REB 73M (U.K.)/Pye Records 12116 (U.S.), 1970) (deluxe edition only)
theEARLofSWIRL says
What, no "Rutland Weekend Television" album? 😛
mikeladano says
Oh boy. How I would love to have this!
Simon says
Already on my birthday wish list! Fingers crossed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......................
Steve Bruun says
There are some real gems among the bonus tracks on the 2006 remasters, but I wish the Pythons would get all their recorded rarities in one place. "Farewell to John Denver," edited out of "Contractual Obligation Album," is digitally available only on the U.S. version of "Instant Record Collection," I believe. "Summarized Proust Competition," meanwhile, appears only on the U.K. version of the compilation by the same name (despite the shared titles, the collections are very different) - I'm not sure either version remains in print.
It's puzzling that the CD reissues don't include the script that came with the first copies of "Another Monty Python Record." The liner notes to "Matching Tie and Handkerchief" mention the gruesome inner sleeve artwork - but the packaging doesn't include the actual artwork in question! Sometimes it's important to involve the nerds in these decisions. (See also the sometimes botched selection of unique mixes for the Beatles "U.S. Albums" collection.)
Quibbles aside, the albums comprise an often overlooked side of the Pythons' legacy (as do the books, but this isn't The Second Page so I won't go into that).