Athena
This single-disc volume gathers nearly 80 minutes of music from and related to the original motion picture soundtrack of the 1954 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer musical/comedy Athena. While not self-proclaimed, this edition -- from the seemingly infinite MGM vaults -- is most assuredly definitive. Not only is the original soundtrack 10" EP included, but also the complete score for the film, as well as an additional seven demo recordings from composers Ralph Blane and Hugh Martin. The cast of Athena features: Jane Powell (Athena Mulvain), Edmund Purdom (Adam Calhorn Shaw), Debbie Reynolds (Minerva Mulvain), Vic Damone (Johnny Nyle), Louis Calhern (Grandpa Ulysses Mulvain), as well as a non-musical guest appearance from future Hercules star Steve Reeves (Ed Perkins). The story line is decidedly new age for 1954 and centers on the Melvain family, who exemplify the successes of a lifestyle vested in rigorous exercise, plenty of fresh fruits and veggies, as well a belief in astrology and numerology. The original soundtrack -- which was issued under Damone's name -- contained only seven titles: "The Girl Next Door," "Vocalize," "Imagine," "Love Can Change the Stars," "I Never Felt Better," "Chacun le Sait," and "Venezia." The EP was issued only in monophonic, as was general practice at the time. Likewise, due to the lack of an impression that the film made at the box office, the soundtrack has remained out of print since the mid-'50s. Like many MGM musicals of the era, the incidental orchestration reflects a fullness and opulence that is recreated remarkably well on the stereo mixes heard here. The original motion picture soundtrack to Athena is available exclusively on the Rhino HandMade label and limited to an edition of 3,000 copies. More information on this release can be found online at http://www.rhinohandmade.com/RHIP/7768/index.html. ~ Lindsay Planer, All Music Guide