REVIEW: Soundtracks, Go (Work) / Forces of Nature (Dreamworks) /
_Ed TV (Reprise)
- Bob Gajarsky
Another spring brings the rush for high budget films targeted at your wallet. And if the powers that be can convince you to plunk down an extra $15 on a soundtrack of the same name, they will. Here's a quick look at some of the more recent entries to the soundtrack world.
Go. No Doubt returns with their first new single in 3 years, "New", which will surprise anyone familiar with their 2-Tone Roots. Gwen Stefani sounds more like Blondie than Debbie Harry, and the resulting song just makes one more excited about the California group's next album.
Natalie Imbruglia also returns with a new track, "Troubled By The Way We Came Together", which indicates that she'll be able to survive the sophomore jinx. Philip Steir's remix of Steppenwolf's "Magic Carpet Ride" is taken from the Jason Nevins' book of remixing, for better or worse. The drum 'n' bass of Esthero, BT, and the Air French Band complements Leftfield's techno beats and the quirkiness of Canadian newcomers Len. Already-released singles by Fatboy Slim (is there a place Mr. Cook *hasn't* been these last six months?), DJ Rap, Lionrock and an album cut from Eagle Eye Cherry only add to the urgency and cutting edge appeal of this soundtrack. An absolute winner.
Forces of Nature. Sandra Bullock tries to convince a conservative Ben Affleck to get wild, and Forces captures all the high paced energy of the film. The jazzy-meets-Latin dancefloor remix of Touch and Go's major UK dance hit "Would You...?" (go to bed with me?) serves as the focal point of the soundtrack, but most of the tracks (from artists including Gomez, Faithless, and Swervedriver's cover of "Magic Bus") have previously appeared elsewhere the last few years. New tracks include the dance/lounge feel of Holly Palmer's "A Rose By Any Other Name" (produced by Howie B) and Tricky's trancey "Slowly". Although an American film, the soundtrack is decidedly British, and perfect for anyone wishing to capture the feeling of the English nightclub scene.
Ed TV. A Ron Howard production, this soundtrack stays closer to the mainstream audience who the film targets. New Bon Jovi ("Real Life") and Meredith Brooks ("Careful What You Wish For") cuts are the real draw here, as well as Muzzle's twangy pop "Been Hurt". Some older veterans return to the spotlight covering other stars' hits. The man after midnight, Barry White, successfully takes on Sly & The Family Stone's "Thank You", while James Brown embarrasses himself on "That's Life". If bad taste were a crime, Brown would never have been free on bail...
A slew of already-released classic tracks (Otis Redding, Al Green, Joe Tex) meets up with previously material from UB 40, Ozomatli, Peter Wolf, and the Barenaked Ladies to complete the collection. The hope from this compilation is that Ozomatli and Cornershop reach an audience whose only album with strong non-English influences may be Paul Simon's Graceland - but those who enjoy the film will more than likely be enthralled with the soundtrack.
