Wednesday, April 22, 1998
Soundbites
Various Artists, "Shooting Fish," (Capitol/ Premier) For those
of you who miss Britpop, the soundtrack to the new movie "Shooting
Fish" is right up your alley. Featuring artists like the Bluetones,
Dubstar and the Wannadies, this very happy and poppy compilation
should cure any sort of depression or blues within the initial 10
seconds (thanks especially to the opening number, "Me & You Vs.
The World" by Space). Newer British artists like Symposium,
Strangelove and Space show some of their best efforts as well.
"Shooting Fish" even includes two Burt Bacharach oldies, "What the
World Needs Now" by Jackie De Shannon and "Do You Know the Way to
San Jose" by Dionne Warwick, which reflects England’s new
fascination with the revered songwriter. Somehow, though, their
inclusion doesn’t take away from the album’s pop bliss. Mike
Prevatt A-
Various Artists, "Sliding Doors," (Jersey) In the tradition of
"Titanic" and "The Wedding Singer" topping the Billboard album
charts, the "Sliding Doors" soundtrack should help popularize the
film for which it was compiled. With an assortment of fast, slow
and moderately paced tunes, this soundtrack is also a brilliant
collection of today’s famous and not-so-famous artists.
Female-fronted artists like Olive, Aimee Mann and Aqua all add a
feminine feel to the album, which is fitting because the
protagonist of the movie is a woman. Still, among the female voices
we also hear big names like Jamiroquai and his funky, head-bopping
song, "Use the Force," as well as the British band Space Monkeys,
who are starting to gain popularity with American audiences. Catchy
songs by Britain’s Dodgy and Blair are also grace this wonderful
compilation of songs that span from R&B to Britpop … sure to
please most any listener. Danielle Myer A