Various Artists - Steven Spielberg Presents Taken (15 tracks) +Album Reviews

Don't get taken like me!

Dave Wolfson | Phoenix, Arizona United States | 10/24/2003

(1 out of 5 stars)

"I so loved Laura Karpman's score and looked forward to the CD soundtrack. Well, bite my checkbook. The CD contains only old songs by the original artists.If you missed Sheb Wooley singing Purple People Eater the first time around then get this CD. If you want to hear a medley of Laura Karpman then foggetaboutit.Frankly I think titling the CD "Music from the Critically Acclaimed Epic Event" borders on ..."

I'm SO disappointed!

10/28/2003

(1 out of 5 stars)

"Because Amazon never listed the songs for this new soundtrack, I just assumed (stupid me) that it would be Laura Karpman's breathtaking music for this wonderful mini-series. What a shock when I found it's only tired, old rock 'n' roll from the Way Back Machine; not ONE of Ms. Karpman's works is on it. I sent it back to Amazon w/o even opening the package. I was so upset, I wanted to cry. I just hope that there will be another soundtrack put out that does have Laura Karpman's "Taken" music on it, and I will be first in line to buy it!!! Until then, be warned!"

November 11 we get the real score

Music Producerhead | CA, United States | 10/31/2003

(1 out of 5 stars)

"Fortunately for us, we're getting the REAL SCORE to Taken on November 11th, from our friends at Varese Sarabande. (If you don't know about all the music Varese Sarabande manages to release in spite of the pop industry, check out their web site!) But what about this soundtrack of old songs that no one really wanted? It seems to me, the people behind the marketing have confused and combined 2 very different demographics: Those who want to buy pop music repackaged as a movie soundtrack, and those who actually want the score to the film. TAKEN is a great example of the fallout of this marketing and producing mutation, because I haven't talked to or read from anyone who really wanted all those old songs used in this mini-series. Everyone's so captivated by Laura Karpman's wonderful score, and it's clear the marketing folks just followed the general trend in releasing another song compilation instead of first tapping the audience, or just paying attention. That opening theme was one we lived with while watching the Emmy winning series night after night, and long after I'm still humming the melody. Karpman's a veteran composer and deserves some real recognition for this work.So shower Amazon with your pre-orders and show them what we really want from a soundtrack - the real, honest to goodness original SCORE!"

A solid compilation

NYC critic | NEW YORK, NEW YORK United States | 02/16/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"For those customers who were disappointed I have a few words: Read the track listing before complaining. This is a solid compilation of folk, country, rock, and standards, and the songs flow well into each other, unlike many soundtracks that juxtapose odd selections. Yes, I agree that some of the score should have been included, but this CD deserves more than the one star ratings it's been given here."

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CountryInterviewsOnline.net | Nashville, TN United States | 04/20/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"The unexpected catapulting success of TAKEN, the epic series produced by Stephen Spielberg, spurned the inspiration for this soundtrack. Allow yourself to be TAKEN by this collection of songs from coveted artists in their respective genres.The soothing STAIRWAY TO THE STARS by jazz great Dinah Washington is a beautiful opening track. Experience a time warp with Wynn Stewart and The Tourists in WISHFUL THINKING, as they bring back the sounds of country music during the 50s and 60s. PURPLE PEOPLE EATER, sung by Sheb Wooley, is one of the most enjoyable songs on this soundtrack. Listen for the spoken parts inserted throughout the song - they are hilarious and they make this track one-of-a-kind! The pleasant but not-so-memorable SKINNY JIM comes from rocker Eddie Cochran. Though not a bad song, the mere three minutes of Bob Dylan's MAN OF CONSTANT SORROW seems to drag on endlessly. However, the Roy Orbison ONLY THE LONELY and Brenda Lee's I WANT TO BE WANTED are a refreshing change of pace. I WANNA BE YOUR DOG, by The Stooges, picks up the tempo, but loses its charm in the seemingly extra heavy percussion parts. Like the previous track, SEVEN AND SEVEN IS, by Love, tends to sound over-produced. Grateful Dead's RIPPLE, on the other hand, is simplistic, and therefore a complete acoustic joy. An elaborate piano accompaniment part and slight drumbeats provide the backdrop for gospel-tinged ROCK ME ON THE WATER (Jackson Browne). MORE THAN ONE HEAVEN is an energetic boost provided by the Swimming Pool Q's. The contagious beat will have you dancing - or at least tapping your feet! Mary Lou Lord's upbeat MARTIAN SAINTS is simply out-of-this-world! The unique instrument created to emulate "sounds of outer space." The clear gem comes in the form of the ballad JUST BEFORE IT GETS DARK sung by Emmylou Harris. This song was written specifically with Harris in mind for inclusion of this project. Buddy Miller's I CAN'T GET OVER YOU comes in at a close second with this classic country wailer.Fans who enjoy the traditional sounds of country music may not enjoy all tracks. However, this soundtrack contains a versatile mix for the music lover, befitting for an apparently equally eclectic epic!"

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