Voiceover Meets Music

A while back I was asked to audition for a voiceover role in an amazing musical project that combined an audiobook with a prog-rock concept album. Someone else must have gotten the part. I won’t go into detail now, except to say that I loved what I heard, and I look forward to its release. 

This project had me thinking, what are some other albums that used spoken-word dialogue. I’m thinking of albums that used actors doing voiceover, not sampled speeches, or rap lyrics—such as Television by The Disposable Heroes of Hiphopricy, or Fool’s Overture by Supertramp—but voiceover acting done specifically for the project. Well, here are a few that come to mind.

Lou Reed - The Raven (2003)

This is a double album, which delved into the life and work of Edgar Allen Poe. Songs included The Tell-Tale Heart (Pt. 1 and Pt. 2), The Cask, Old Poe. Spoken word readings by Willem Dafoe, and Steve Buscemi, bring some of Edgar Allen Poe’s characters to life. Hear a sample on YouTube

Alan Parsons Project - Tales of Mystery and Imagination (1976)

We’re not through with Edgar Alan Poe. Alan Parsons incorporated readings from his work on their very first album, performed by none other than Orson Welles! Hear a Sample on YouTube

Pete Townshend - Psychoderelict (1993)

When Pete Townshend toured on this concept album, about a curmudgeonly aging rocker, there were four actors on stage, giving it the feel of a live radio-play. The dialogue went between the songs (usually with instrumental rock intro playing at the same time). The album included some musical and thematic elements borrowed from earlier works, like the Lifehouse project (the concept album was originally shelved, but some songs made their way onto Who’s Next). Who fans will recognize the synthesized rhythms from Baba O’Reilly, and the name of the computer, Athena (like the song on 1982’s It’s Hard). Actors include comedic actor, Jan Ravens (Spitting Image), and Linal Haft (EastEnders).  Hear a Sample on Youtube

Rheostatics - The Story of Harmelodia (1999)

This is a groovy children’s album, which Rheostatics fans of all ages will enjoy. It is based on a story by Dave Bidini, about music lessons in a fantastical place. Janet Morrassutti does a great job narrating the story, and the songs include guest vocalists including Sarah Harmer, and Gord Downie. Hear a Sample on Youtube

Flaming Lips - King’s Mouth (2019)

Mick Jones of the Clash narrates this concept album about a Royal Baby, who is a giant head. I confess, I got lost in the psychedelic music, and lost the plot. If you enjoyed 2002’s Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, you’ll likely enjoy this one.  

Michael Franti & Spearhead - Stay Human (2001)

Here’s some Michael Franti I can include on the list. The album Stay Human includes acted segments by Zap Mama as a Radio DJ, and Woody Harrelson playing Governor Franklin Shane.  A great album full of memorable and powerful songs.

If you have some other examples I’d love to hear about them. Just hit the contact link above, or add a comment to this blog.