REVIEW: Soundtrack, Faraway, So Close!
- Bob Gajarsky
Once upon a time, a movie soundtrack was created full of instrumentals. The disco era changed that, but the late 1980's, with movies such as Pretty in Pink and Some Kind of Wonderful, exposed albums that could stand apart from a movie. With the release of the soundtrack to the movie Faraway, So Close!, director Wim Wenders is entering John Hughes-like territory for selecting unique and diverse music to create a powerful album.
Wenders, whose last soundtrack was Until The End of the World, has some of the same artists returning for this film. Most notable of these artists is U2, who have two featured cuts; a remixed version of their current single, "Stay (Faraway, So Close!)" and the Johnny Cash duet, "The Wanderer". The latter song, which also appears on their Zooropa disc, has Cash's distinguished voice highlighted throughout the entire track.
Nick Cave also places two songs on the soundtrack. The "other" title track, again titled "Faraway, So Close!", is not the same song as the aforementioned U2 single. This track actually has a musical backing which reminds this reviewer of Gary Glitter's "I Love You Love", but without the cheezy glam-rock of the 70's.
Lou Reed has a new song appear here as well, "Why Can't I Be Good". It's actually a live version of this song, which has an opening guitar riff which deviates slightly from that of "Dirty Blvd." Reed fans will surely not be disappointed.
Jane Siberry also returns, this time with "Slow Tango". Siberry's work has garnered her critical acclaim, and this latest track is no exception. Best described as Enya backed by a gospel choir, Siberry continues to shine with her brilliant voice.
Australian Simon Bonney (formerly of the band Crime and the City Solution) places two songs on the disc, which hark to a rocking Roy Orbison, or a more upbeat Chris Isaak. Good things should be in store for Bonney's future with his appearance on the disc.
However, possibly the best song on the soundtrack belongs to Herbert Gronemeyer. Titled "Chaos" and sung (I believe) in German, this track reminds one of Peter Gabriel, The Fixx, or Big Country while remaining new and original. Obstinate American radio stations may not give this cut a chance because of its lack of English lyrics, but that shouldn't stop a solid song from receiving airplay. I'd almost recommend the album solely based on this one track.
So, in all? The soundtrack to Faraway, So Close! won't earn massive sales at the cash register. But, it does help expose two new artists to the American music scene, and presents a collection of other tracks which help make this a solid collection. Alternative fans should have one message for director Wenders: Wim, you done good.
Track listing: Faraway, So Close! - Nick Cave; Stay (Faraway, So Close!) - U2; Why Can't I Be Good - Lou Reed; Chaos - Herbert Gronemeyer; Travelin' On - Simon Bonney; The Wanderer - Johnny Cash/U2; Cassiel's Song - Nick Cave; Slow Tango - Jane Siberry; Call Me - House of Love; All God's Children - Simon Bonney; Tightrope - Laurie Anderson; Speak My Language - Laurie Anderson
