Talk About Star Quality

In case there were any lingering doubts as to just how big of a fag I am (hey, watch it: I've got my comment moderation turned on!), my latest bout of the flu (cold?) has me on a Madonna "Evita" bender over here, and there's no end in sight. My friend Matt's been blogging about Ms. Ciccone's directorial debut, "Filth and Wisdom," and followed it up by digging up Michelle Pfeiffer's "I'd Be Surprisingly Good for You" demo from when she was the biggest star in Hollywood and virtually guaranteed to star as Ms. Peron. It doesn't take more than a few seconds to realize this would not have been a good idea ("Grease 2" is one thing ...) and by the time she hits the "high" notes at the end, you'll be rejoicing that Madonna ultimately played the role that she was -- yes, I'll repeat it -- born to play. That sentiment seems to fit best when you hear her sing "Rainbow High," knowing that she was just another silly teen girl in suburban Detroit (just like me!) until she reinvented herself as British aristocracy the most famous woman on the planet. I know I'm too young to remember the original (no offense, Patti), but sometimes I still find it hard to believe Tim Rice wasn't writing about the Belle of Bay City all those years ago.

"Rainbow High" (Andrew Lloyd Weber/Tim Rice)
[Eva:]
There again I've more to do
Than simply get the message through
I haven't started
Let's get this show on the road
Let's make it obvious
Peron is off and rolling

[Chorus:]

[Eva's dressers:]
Eyes, hair, mouth, figure
Dress, voice, style, movement
Hands, magic, rings, glamour
Face, diamonds, excitement, image

[Eva:]
I came from the people, they need to adore me
So Christian Dior me from my head to my toes
I need to be dazzling, I want to be Rainbow High
They must have excitement, and so must I

[Eva's dressers:]
Eyes, hair, mouth, figure
Dress, voice, style, image

[Eva:]
I'm their product, it's vital you sell me
So Machiavell me, make an Argentine Rose
I need to be thrilling, I want to be Rainbow High
They need their escape, and so do I

[chorus]

[Eva:]
All my descamisados expect me to outshine the enemy
I won't disappoint them
I'm their savior, that's what they call me
So Lauren Bacall me, anything goes
To make me fantastic, I have to be Rainbow High
In magical colors

You're not decorating a girl for a night on the town
And I'm not a second-rate queen getting kicks with a crown

Next stop will be Europe
The Rainbow's gonna tour, dressed up, somewhere to go
We'll put on a show

Look out, mighty Europe
Because you oughta know whatcha gonna get in me
Just a little touch of
Just a little touch of
Argentina's brand of star quality