Search - Various Artists :: National Lampoon's Van Wilder: Rise of Taj

Not just another 'various artists' movie soundtrack

K. Thorn | Oregon | 02/06/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Never would I think pop-rock young-ins Hanson would ever be on the same as soundtrack as the punk sounds of Punchline.



But think again-- it actually happened. Except this time, Hanson is playing music at a decent age.



I've got to give credit to the music directors of the National Lampoon's Van Wilder: The Rise of Taj soundtrack, for the diversity is far and wide. And that's what makes the cd shine--it doesn't contain just one type of music.



"Get Steady," the first track and movie single is performed by Jonny Lives!. In addition to the single, the music video, starring Van Wilder lead actor Kal Penn, is directed by movie itself.



I remember hearing Everclear in a classmate's presentation in the fourth grade. The band, which has been around since 1992, has clearly made somewhat of a comeback, for their single "Hater" is a catchy pop/rock tune that is clearly made for today's youth. They impressed me, and hopefully my fourth-grade pal, by their sudden jump back into the rock scene.



More than anything, I was extremely satisfied that indie/pop band The Starlight Mints has finally received some recognition for their creative songs. Their new song, "Eyes of the Night," is featured both in the movie and off of their April album release "Drowaton." They, too, provide a catchy tune for both the movie and soundtrack.



Other songs such as The Lashes' "Pop Song," The Exies' "Different Than You," and The Alternative Routes' "Aftermath" all show their alternative rock style while tunes such as The Ordinary Boys' "Boys Will Be Boys" has a fast-paced ska-like melody to it.



The Skies of America also makes an appearance on the album with "Shine," a more low-key and relaxing catchy pop song. If the songs weren't diverse enough, the last track on the cd features The Tossers' "Buckets of Beer," an Irish-sounding track which sounds like they have a touch of Flogging Molly.



Though I've never been a fan of Van Wilder movies, the soundtrack is giving me an alternative look into the making of the movie. It's intriguing and might actually incline me to see the actual full movie.

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