Swap a CD: 15 Recently Posted CDs

Practical Magic 2 - Original Soundtrack

Original Soundtrack — 2009-11-18T12:25:04-05:00

Practical Magic was a glossy but directionless piece of Hollywood entertainment that couldn't decide if it was a romantic comedy or a supernatural drama. So perhaps it's appropriate that the soundtrack never makes up its mind about what it wants to be, either. It fluctuates between oldies and adult contemporary tunes, offering excerpts from Michael Nyman's score at the end of the film. There are a few surprises -- Nick Drake's haunted "Black Eyed Dog" sounds completely out of place in this context -- but it pretty much contains safe choices like "A Case of You," "Always on My Mind," "Got to Give It Up," and "Coconut," plus contemporary tunes such as Faith Hill's "This Kiss" and Michelle Lewis' "Nowhere and Everywhere." Collectors will be interested in the two new Stevie Nicks' songs that grace the soundtrack, since they're both pretty strong, but ultimately they just add to the impression that this isn't much more than a hodge-podge. An enjoyable hodge-podge, but a hodge-podge nonetheless. [A second version of the CD was also released.] ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide

American Legends 17 - George Gershwin

George Gershwin — 2009-11-18T12:21:05-05:00

Discount-priced repackager LaserLight has a tendency to toss together compilations that are as enjoyable to listeners as they are frustrating to discographers. This Gershwin tribute album is more generous than most of the label's offerings with its running time of 64½ minutes, and it is rich in interesting interpretations of Gershwin's songs and instrumental works by such artists as Bing Crosby, Lee Wiley, Oscar Levant, Peggy Lee, Dinah Shore, and, in a couple of instances, Gershwin himself. The 13 tracks, licensed from several labels, range from scratchy mono to wide stereo and from spare solo-piano arrangements to big orchestral versions, sometimes from one track to the next. Annotations are nearly non-existent. The rendition of "Lady Be Good," by Crosby with backing by trombonist Tommy Dorsey and violinist Joe Venuti, probably comes from a 1951 radio show, for example, and Gershwin's own recording of his three piano preludes was made in London on June 8, 1928, but you'd never know this from reading the credits. The album is part of a series drawn from the archives of Rod McKuen's Stanyan Records, which explains why McKuen himself, a vocalist of narrow range and considerable wheeze, gets to sing "Our Love Is Here to Stay." ~ William Ruhlmann, All Music Guide

Sleepless in Seattle - Original Soundtrack

Original Soundtrack — 2009-11-18T11:46:51-05:00

A collection of romantic pop standards sung by everyone from Jimmy Durante to Carly Simon, the soundtrack to Sleepless in Seattle will delight fans of the movie seeking to recapture the magical romance of the film. ~ All Music Guide, All Music Guide

The McCaughey Septuplets Sweet Dreams - Original Soundtrack

Original Soundtrack — 2009-11-18T10:18:43-05:00

McCaughey Septuplets: Sweet Dreams features lullabies and other children's songs performed by award-winning artists like Kathie Lee Gifford, Michael W. Smith, Alison Kraus, and the London Philharmonic Orchestra. A sweet and memorable children's album. ~ Heather Phares, All Music Guide

Aladdin Original Soundtrack Disney 1992 - Alan Menken

Alan Menken — 2009-11-18T10:06:33-05:00

The soundtrack to Disney's Aladdin features another first-rate score by composer Alan Menken and lyricists Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, who helped Menken complete the score when Ashman died before it was finished. The film's hit single "A Whole New World" and Robin Williams' bravura performance as the magic lamp on songs such as "Friend Like Me" and "Prince Ali" are justifiably credited as the album's highlights. Aladdin's score is consistently good, rivaling the best of Disney's other animated musicals from the '90s. The manic "One Jump" and "Arabian Nights" (which was later re-recorded to remove lyrics potentially offensive to Arabs) are cut from the cloth of classic Broadway show tunes, while Menken's instrumental cues range from the sweetly cartoonish "To Be Free" to the romantic "Kiss" to the ominous "Jafar's Hour" and "On a Dark Night." While it's not quite as brilliant as the music from The Little Mermaid or Beauty & the Beast, Aladdin is still a fine soundtrack and an auspicious debut for Menken and Rice's collaboration. ~ Heather Phares, All Music Guide

Independence Day - David Arnold

David Arnold — 2009-11-18T10:04:18-05:00

Jurassic Park - John Williams

John Williams — 2009-11-18T09:38:39-05:00

John Williams' score for what has become the most successful movie of all time is similar to his scores for other popular Steven Spielberg films. He remains firmly in the tradition of the lush, heavily orchestrated score. This is the first horror movie he and Spielberg have collaborated on since Jaws, but there is nothing like the threatening theme that helped define that monster movie here. Instead, there is a lot of quiet music, a much more subtle touch, and a wistful theme that runs throughout, although things do come to a boil now and then. ~ William Ruhlmann, All Music Guide

Dr Dolittle 1998 Original Soundtrack - Original Soundtrack

Original Soundtrack — 2009-11-18T03:32:18-05:00

This soundtrack, which spawned the deservedly monstrous r&b hit "Are You That Somebody?" for Aaliyah in the summer of 1998, features a handful of other tracks produced by Aaliyah's producer, Timbaland. While these songs are interesting as documents of Timbaland's distinctive brand of stuttery, electronicized funk, none of them pack the sultry punch of "Are You That Somebody?." Elsewhere, Changing Faces and Ivan Matias' "Do Little Things" is an appealing but largely forgettable ballad. Other songs range from solid ("Push 'Em Up" by Eddie Kane & DeVille featuring DJ Toomp) to ridiculous (69 Boyz' "Woof Woof"), rendering this soundtrack -- aside from the Aaliyah tune -- unextraordinary. ~ Brian Christopher Egan, All Music Guide

Space Jam - Original Soundtrack

Original Soundtrack — 2009-11-18T00:26:16-05:00

Space Jam is a captivating, engaging, and expressive work inspired from the making of the motion picture of the same name, featuring basketball icon Michael Jordan and a cast of charming Looney Tunes personalities. It is a collection of enthusiasm and charm, bold in expression and passionate in both it's lyrical quality and amazing variety of artists, bringing forth a broad landscape of musical style and form. Seal opens up the jam with the universally appealing single "Fly Like an Eagle." Coolio addresses the listeners and a generation of youth about the satisfaction of being a winner, and the mood of the song creates a great sense of belief in oneself, energizing one to genuinely work to accomplish and be a meaningful success in life. Quad City DJ's create more electricity with an anthem perfect for game play with the song entitled "Space Jam." B Real, Busta Rhymes, Coolio, LL Cool J, and Method Man collaborate as rap virtuosos to create a blend of soulful grooves and thought-provoking lyrics in "Hit 'Em High." D'Angelo provides the album's moment of wonder and enthusiasm, helping everybody "find their smile again." Monica lights up her promise to be there for you, and lay her life on the line with "For You I Will." A song of faith and optimism, it's perfect for the happy couple during this movie night date at the theatre. Salt-N-Pepa shake it up with a scintillating jam about the one you admire even though which you don't know his name, proclaiming "boy you turn me upside down." Robin S. sparks up this work with a percussive electric dance tune perfect for your neighboring dance club. "Keep your head up high/Give my a love a try/I'm giving you all that I've got/My love is free" is a happy and hopeful message. Barry White and Chris Rock get the groove on with melodic blend of romance and comedy. All-4-One lifts up the spirits and melts the heart with this hopeful ballad of trust and a promising future in "I Turn to You." R. Kelly introduces Changing Faces and Jay-Z into the mix with "All of My Days," a mix of hip-hop, expressive rap, and honest melodic harmonies. Spin Doctors light up the track with a big-band-oriented, jazz rock fusion feel, featuring guest artist Biz Markie in the '70s dance hit "That's the Way (I Like It)." Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd put an exclamation point on this fun-filled listening experience with splendor in "Buggin'." ~ Shawn Haney, All Music Guide

The Mask Original Soundtrack - Original Soundtrack

Original Soundtrack — 2009-11-17T22:54:34-05:00

Cool Runnings - Various Artists

Various Artists — 2009-11-17T22:33:30-05:00

It was inevitable that a comedy about a Jamaican bobsled team would have a reggae soundtrack. What is surprising is that it is so enjoyable in a light, unforced way. Worl-A-Girl note the unlikeliness of Jamaica having a bobsled team; Diana King covers Bob Marley's "Stir It Up"; and Wailing Souls cover Talking Heads' "Wild Wild Life." Best of all (if somewhat redundant), Jimmy Cliff got his first chart hit in 23 years with a cover of the 21-year-old "I Can See Clearly Now," by Johnny Nash. ~ William Ruhlmann, All Music Guide

Disneys Princess Collection - Various Artists

Various Artists — 2009-11-17T20:47:47-05:00

A truly delightful collection of tunes from Disney movies, reaching from the '40s to the '90s. And all sung by Disney "princesses," from Ariel the Little Mermaid to Pocahontas, Sleeping Beauty to Cinderella. Though perhaps targeted at girls who want to be little princesses themselves (as are the video collections), the songs appeal to anyone of any age with a romantic streak. What heart of stone wouldn't melt at "So This Is Love," Cinderella's paean to a better life? Or "A Whole New World," by Princess Jasmine and her beau, Aladdin? The list goes on and on. This is easily one of Disney's best. ~ Ross Boissoneau, All Music Guide

Bad Boys II - Original Soundtrack

Original Soundtrack — 2009-11-17T20:36:25-05:00

Rare is the feat that a hip-hop movie soundtrack can be explosive and feel as if it's a solid cohesive album, rather than a showcase for various artists to use throwaway tracks as cash cows. But Bad Boys II breaks both of these rules by assembling a mighty lineup that could very well be unprecedented in terms of sheer commercial star power. The album wastes no time and starts off with a one-two bang courtesy of a Neptunes-produced track featuring Pharrell, Lenny Kravitz, and P. Diddy on "Show Me Your Soul" and Jay-Z delivering one of his most fiery vocals in ages with "La La La." And there's no sign of letting up from this point, with contributions from diva BeyoncÉ, Fat Joe, Nelly, and 50 Cent featuring a posthumous appearance by the Notorious B.I.G. Biggie's delivery is so pure and potent that it's a reminder of how significant his contribution to modern rap was, and how sorely he is missed. Things tend to slow down a bit from here, courtesy of laid-back grooves from Snoop Dogg and Foxy Brown, and Justin Timberlake doing the best white-boy imitation of D'Angelo ever with "Love Don't Love Me." With Puffy as executive producer and an all-star lineup like this, one would expect nothing less than a superb album that delivers the goods, and even with minor filler this steps up and is more than equal to the task. ~ Rob Theakston, All Music Guide

8 Mile Deluxe Edition - Original Soundtrack

Original Soundtrack — 2009-11-17T20:36:25-05:00

This may be the soundtrack for Eminem's movie debut, but don't think of 8 Mile of as an Eminem album, because it's not. It's a soundtrack, and it plays like a soundtrack, with many cuts from current stars and new artists (several associated with Eminem's fledgling Shady imprint), plus a couple of previously released tracks, most of it very high quality, whether it's a hard-hitting Jay-Z, a sultry Macy Gray, or Boomkat's Taryn Manning giving a sexy, slow burn on "Wasting My Time." Sure, there are a couple of tracks that fall flat -- Young Zee and Obie Trice sound strained -- but it all flows well, and it's all strong. But it's also all overshadowed by four blindingly great new songs from Eminem (four and a half, if you count his show-stealing appearance on D-12's "Rap Game"), all illustrating a step forward from The Eminem Show, even if they work a familiar pseudo-biographical ground. What impresses is not just the wordplay and delivery, but the music itself -- fuller and richer than anything on his previous records, appropriately cinematic in scope and pushing Eminem toward new heights. The opening track and first single, "Lose Yourself," is easily equalled by the title song with its layered pianos, while "Rabbit Run" is nearly as good. Hearing these, it's hard not to greedily hunger for a full album of this, but the soundtrack is excellent as is, and these new Eminem cuts make it a necessary purchase. [The deluxe edition includes a second disc with six extra songs.] ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide

Last Action Hero Original Soundtrack - Original Soundtrack

Original Soundtrack — 2009-11-17T20:12:26-05:00

Forget the film that inspired it. Even if it's tied to one of the era's biggest Hollywood flops, the Last Action Hero soundtrack has significant lasting value, serving as a wonderful snapshot of the turbulent early-'90s hard rock scene. It pools together previously unreleased songs from enduring hard rock favorites (AC/DC, Def Leppard, and Aerosmith) as well as mainstream metal thrashers (Megadeth, Anthrax), alt-metal fringe dwellers (Queensrÿche, Fishbone), new-breed prospects (Alice in Chains, Cypress Hill), and the customary Hollywood soundtrack schlock (Tesla's over the top title theme and Michael Kamen's album-closing symphonic metal [anti]climax). It's a mixed bag, for sure, but such was the nature of hard rock during the early '90s as both alt-rock and gangsta rap rocked the boat and ultimately siphoned off much of the fan base. In addition to standing as an interesting microcosm for the greater hard rock scene and all of its turbulence, Last Action Hero thankfully features quite a few above-average inclusions. Most notably, the pair of Alice in Chains songs ("What the Hell Have I," "Little Bitter") are on a par with those featured on the band's recent (and magnificent) Dirt album. Elsewhere, the ageless AC/DC and Def Leppard prove yet again that they are able to continually revive themselves year after year, with a big, loud anthem ("Big Gun") and a sappy, singalong acoustic ballad ("Two Steps Behind"), respectively. Less impressively, former thrash kingpins Megadeth ("Angry Again") and Anthrax ("Poison My Eyes") make their bids for Metallica-style crossover success by dumbing down their once cutting-edge styles. Then there's the odd yet welcome late-album inclusion of Cypress Hill ("Cock the Hammer") and Fishbone ("Swim") efforts, clear evidence that Lollapalooza and its alternative-minded patrons had indeed begun to make their mark on the American hard rock scene by summer 1993. Scattershot times warrant scattershot portraits, and Last Action Hero is precisely that: a snapshot of the upheavals, both popular and stylistic, that were besetting hard-edged, guitar-driven American rock during the early '90s. ~ Jason Birchmeier, All Music Guide