Update: NBC has now made this song available for download. Here is a direct link.
The jazz version of O Holy Night at the end of tonight’s episode of Studio 60 knocked my socks off. When the voiceover said to go to nbc.com for more on tonight’s music, I was very hopeful. I thought, “perhaps they really are getting it!” After all, they are offering video of the episodes over the web now - maybe there will be an MP3 version of the song to download or purchase.
Unfortunately, all this hope turned to utter disappointment when I arrived at nbc.com, poked around for a while, and found only this:
A listing of the musicians and a pointer to a web site to support the rebuilding of music in New Orleans. Sure I think this is a good cause, but I was really hoping to get myself a copy of that O Holy Night performance.
If you missed the show, you’ll be able to see it online in a couple of hours. Jump to the end to watch and listen to the musical performance - it’s breathtaking.
I’ve been enjoying watching Studio 60 this season. It isn’t as good as the West Wing, but I really enjoy Sorkin’s writing. And I’m not the only one - love this quote (emphasized below).
Sorkin is at his best when dealing with conflict, and this episode takes on conflict. It’s not the explosive kind of conflict that is the result of the John-Wellsification of NBC TV, but the strive to explore both sides conflict that TWW thrived on. John Goodman’s character delights in thwarting the Hollywood suits’ expectations of him by messing with their heads, and Sorkin delights in showing it to us. Matt at one point sums up the culture wars by saying that “Your side hates my side because you think we think you’re stupid, and my side hates your side because we think you’re stupid.” These kinds of semi-in-depth looks at the culture wars could be the bread and butter of Studio 60.
It’s just on a different level then the rest of what I see on TV.
UPDATE: The let down continues:
UPDATE #2: Here is a direct link to the musical performance. Just beautiful.
Popularity: 4% [?]
Erik J. Barzeski adds this Comment:
I agree that Studio 60 is beginning to hit its stride. I fear that the “too stupid to get the jokes” crowd, though will have its way and we’ll see only one season. These are the same folks, after all, that gave us only three seasons of Sports Night, right?
As for the music, yeah: shoulda woulda. But what do you expect when dealing with network television? I’m still wondering how long they’re going to offer the free replays of the show. What makes sense and what network TV studios do are not one and the same.
December 5th, 2006 at 2:26 pm
lizellen adds this Comment:
I am late to this Studio 60 I agree that the rendition of O Holy Night was astoundingly beautiful. It seems like you can buy it form Itunes. I am a new convert to the show just on this episode alone and that gorgeous song.
December 5th, 2006 at 7:47 pm
scottydigital adds this Comment:
Hi. I’m a huge fan of the show. I’ve checked iTunes and haven’t been able to find the song. Has anyone actually d/l’d it yet? If so, how? All help appreciated. The song is amazing!
December 6th, 2006 at 11:59 pm
Alex adds this Comment:
I haven’t found it anywhere either. And a dub from the show won’t work well because of the dialog over it in parts. But I’m sure they’ve got a clean track because the band didn’t seem to be playing it live.
December 7th, 2006 at 12:14 am
John Horne adds this Comment:
Wow. It sends chills down your spine doesn’t it? If anyone finds a download please post the address.
I lost interest in this show after a few episodes. I usually have to get to bed soon after “Heroes” anyway.
I wish they hadn’t cut away from the performance in and pushed the music into the background to force Danny Tripp and What-Her-Name’s impending romance down our throats. It seems like the West Wing handled musical performances better than this.
I think this kind of crap subtly influences the already poor concert etiquette in our culture.
I’ll stop my rant before it gets started.
December 8th, 2006 at 8:04 am
Brian Arnold adds this Comment:
While it’s still not on iTunes, they’ve released an MP3 directly on the Studio 60 site.
http://www.nbc.com/S[...]ly_night.mp3
There’s zero ID3 tags in it, it looks like, unfortunately, but at least it’s a nice, clean copy of the song.
December 9th, 2006 at 4:00 pm
Kudos to NBC | alexking.org adds this Pingback:
[…] jazz rendition of O Holy Night that aired on Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip last monday night. While it was frustrating not being able to find it right away, I’m thrilled that they have made it available […]
April 18th, 2007 at 11:21 am