Monday, March 2, 1998
Soundbites
Fastball, "All the Pain Money Can Buy," (Hollywood) Alternative
rock can expect a great new addition to the collection of truly
versatile and creative bands out there today. In other words,
Fastball has released a second album that doesn’t suck. "All the
Pain Money Can Buy" combines great hits and rockin’ beats to thrill
even the rhythm-less at heart.
The album starts off with its best pick, "The Way." The Latin
rhythm combined with a great beat inspires one to turn up the
volume and piss off the neighbors. One great song after another
follows it. The inspiring folk-rock style of "Fire Escapes" and the
slow Western theme of "Slow Drags" are two noteworthy standouts.
"Which Way To The Top" adds guest vocalist Poe to complement the
song’s already smooth melody and haunting lyrics.
Their sound combines classic rock, ’70s pop-rock styles and
soothingly slow melodies. A song from their previous album, "Human
Torch," marks one of the few songs of quality in the
previously-released soundtrack for "An American Werewolf In Paris."
But the new material is sure to outshine the old. If you love it
slow, love it fast and love it rockin’, then you’ll be lovin’
Fastball. Michelle Zubiate A-
Various Artists, "Shaken and Stirred: The David Arnold James
Bond Project," (Sire) Gadgets, gizmos and sinister villains make up
only part of the James Bond-film allure. There was always the girl,
and with her inclusion, the presence of the movie-specific theme
song. David Arnold remembers these lovely love affairs in the James
Bond tradition with his album, "Shaken and Stirred."
Guest artists such as Pulp, Chrissie Hynde and Iggy Pop add
their style to the variety of tunes. Somehow, you begin to realize
just how romantic an action film can be just by listening to sleek
versions of the old melodies. One piece, "Space March," featuring
Leftfield, remains purely instrumental, providing a somber
electronica rendition of the unfamiliar song.
Fortunately, tracks such as these turn the compilation into a
worthwhile musical experience rather than merely a commercially
viable gift idea package. There are no cheesy ray-gun noises here
or comical, film-dialogue clips. Arnold offers a mature, quality
glimpse at the emotional aspect of a spy’s world, a little shaken
and a little stirred. Vanessa VanderZanden B+
Various artists, "The Big Lebowski," (Mercury) The soundtrack
for the new Coen Brothers movie is just as eclectic and unusual as
you would expect. With a wide variety of artists, like Bob Dylan,
Elvis Costello and Henry Mancini, "The Big Lebowski" soundtrack
samples from different genres with no particular coherent order or
theme. The music is all over the place, leaving listeners confused
and bewildered … which was probably their intention.
Some of the rock representatives include Elvis Costello’s catchy
"My Mood Swings," Kenny Rogers and the First Edition’s moody and
dark "Just Dropped in (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)"
and Carter Burwell’s cyber-song, "Technopop." Another fun highlight
is The Gipsy Kings’ fun and bilingually performed cover of the
Eagles’ hit "Hotel California." The instrumental selections
interspersed throughout the soundtrack include a marching romp in
"Stamping Ground," an opera selection from "Die Tote Stadt" and
Mancini’s melodic and seductive "Lujon."
This motley soundtrack should appeal to those who truly want an
album with diverse tastes and moods. Just like a Coen Brothers
movie, it’s quirky and enjoyable, even if you really can’t
understand all of it. Aimee Phan B+
Natalie Imbruglia, "Left of the Middle," (RCA) It’s been good
times for women in pop this past year. Here comes Natalie
Imbruglia, a 22-year-old singer, by way of Australia via England to
the United States. Her debut album, "Left of the Middle," blends
two parts purpose-driven pop, a dash of smoky pseudo trip-hop
elements and a voice gifted with beautiful range.
No doubt the best disc to come out of the new year, Imbruglia,
with the help of ex-Cure member Phil Thornally, pieces together 12
tracks sweeping through the emotional spectrum. The first radio
single, "Torn" (actually written by indie fave Ednaswap) is a great
pop-song strapping, with its catchy guitar strumming and awkward,
lovelorn lyrics. Imbruglia shows off more than just doe-eyed
affection on the disc; she bounces from one emotional swing to
another with the greatest of ease. On the electrically powered
"Impressed," Imbruglia throws in some subdued grrl power vocals
reminiscent of Shirley Manson amidst a dance-a-long bass drum beat.
"City," is an honest, blues-grassy rock number about the ills of
city life that begs to be sung along.
Besides strong, musical arrangements and Imbruglia’s mesmerizing
voice, her lyrics suggests a mature look at love, men and
relationships, despite her young age. It’s almost a guarantee
Imbruglia will continue the unprecedented success that woman
musicians are enjoying. Imbruglia is ready to join the ranks of the
Lillith Fair posse. Trinh Bui, aka Voltron, Defender of the
Universe A
FASTBALL
"All The Pain Money Can Buy"