Rec. #361 and Rec. #362: The High Concept of Concept Albums --- Two Case Studies

Case #1 (Rec. #361): God Help the Girl

The album after the concept album:
God Help the Girl, 2014 film soundtrack

Lifecycle:
Single (Come Monday Night) May 2009
Main concept album (God Help the Girl) June 2009
Single (Funny Little Frog) July 2009
EP (Stills) November 2009
Single (Baby, You're Blind) May 2010
Film (God Help the Girl) January 2014

What the concept album did: Under the leadership of Stuart Murdoch, indie pop group Belle and Sebastian acts as the backing band to fictional character Eve.

What the concept album couldn't do: Adding a mannered two-step dance by Emily Browning and Olly Alexander takes the last minute of the song "The Psychiatrist Is In" to the next level of sublime. The film also features assorted snarky visual gags and some inspired hair/wardrobe combos.

Case #2 (Rec. #362): Here Lies Love

See also Rec. #187

The album after the concept album:
Here Lies Love, 2014 cast recording

Lifecycle:
Song cycle performances, Adelaide Festival of Arts, March 2006
Live performance, Carnegie Hall, February 2007
Concept album, April 2010
Off-Broadway musical, 2013-2014

What the concept album did: David Byrne and Fatboy Slim tell the story of Imelda Marcos in 22 songs, featuring a wide range of vocalists, including Santigold, Martha Wainwright, Florence Welch, Cyndi Lauper, Nellie McKay, Sia, and Steve Earle.

(I know that's a lot to take in. See Rec. #187 for further information.)

What the concept album couldn't do: The off-Broadway disco musical is an immersive theatrical experience. There are rolling platform stages and a DJ and screens everywhere and audience dance breaks and a news camera on walkabout and some very helpful people in bright pink jumpsuits. It's nonstop, but not overwhelming.