Search - Angelo Badalementi :: The Straight Story: Music from the Motion Picture Soundtrack

'Straight' to the Heart

Daniel Robuck | Campbell, CA | 12/27/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Angelo Badalamenti has written his greatest soundtrack ever, no small accomplishment for a man who has won popularity for his haunting 'Twin Peaks' themes and his acclaimed 'Arlington Road' soundtrack earlier this year. 'Straight Story' is far, far from being sentimental as reviewed below; maybe we have just forgotten the sound of beautiful music! What Badalmenti has done here is use music as a voice for his characters in the film who are simple and wise, but do not always have the contemporary language to say outright and psychologically what they are thinking. This is a different set of values, values we have lost, and the music reflects many of those kinder and gentler values, the excitement and awesomeness of the sounds of trains (the whimsical 'Alvin's Theme') rather than jets roaring overhead; the sound of the heart beating with love(the joyous 'Country Waltz') rather than violent, action sequences; the beauty of open spaces (the sparkling 'Lauren's, Iowa') rather than suburban sprawl and concrete cityscapes. Badalmenti was wise to produce this album with Windham Hill who has honored his crystalline writing with the digitally clear recording it deserves. The fiddle, cello and guitar soloists are first rate, people who have a passion for their instrument's voices, and who play to the soul of the listener. Next to 'The Red Violin' and 'The Talented Mr. Ripley,' this is one of the finest soundtracks of 1999 for one of the finest films of 1999, and a wonderful musical tableau for actor Richard Farnsworth, truly the best actor of 1999."

What a wonderful soundtrack! It's different!

Peter Krausche | Switzerland | 06/01/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Yes, really different! Different, as in, not what I expected from Angelo Badalementi. While sitting in the theater watching the movie, my wife and I were completely overwhelmed as the music engulfed us and took us into the story. As we were sitting there, enjoying the film, we knew immediately that we had to have the soundtrack. Several months have passed since then and we know that we'll always enjoy listening to these wonderful pieces. They bring back the quiet serenity and depth of the film every time. The CD has everything on it that we wished for, and more.Angelo Badalementi used very fine melodic accentuation in this music. For instance, the quiet guitar medley in "Rose's Theme", very simple and yet stirring with emotion. Or the gentle, country or folk style violin strokes in "Laurens Walking". An absolute masterpiece of thematic programming. Thank you, Mr. Badalementi! Keep it up!"

Sounds of Wonder

blivet | USA | 06/29/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The first time I saw David Lynch's monumental achievement, The Straight Story, I was mesmerized with what I saw, but not so much as with what I heard. Angelo Badalamenti has orchestrated an audio masterpiece that touches the heart and places the listener in place where warm summers and kind atmospheres are illuminated by the power of music. The movie, by itself, is a unique tale that is touching to say the least and uplifting to the point of emotional redemption. The music dances with the story and cinematography so well that the film's tale could probably be told without any dialogue, using only the lucid ambience of the soundtrack and the settings of rural splendor. This is a true accomplishment for Badalamenti and a composition that should not be passed up by anyone who loves a relaxing, soothing sound. Should you purchase it, listen to it in the spring or summer months while relaxing and reflecting on the happy days of your life. But I would also recommend watching the movie prior to purchase, because it is a departure from Badalamenti's previous works on Lynch films. Less darkness, more shining beauty."