Editorial Reviews

It's no surprise that the soundtrack to De-Lovely, a film about the life and loves of legendary songwriter Cole Porter, is chock-full of his music. What is surprising is the diversity and depth of the performances, which span an array of contemporary musicians who also have cameos in the movie. Among the younger pop stars who transition smoothly into the pop standards mode are bad boy Robbie Williams, who gives a sophisticated reading of "It's De-Lovely," and alt-angst queen Alanis Morissette, whose rendition of "Let's Do It (Let's Fall in Love)" goes hand-in-glove with Stephen Endelman's frothy arrangement. Other notable performances include Elvis Costello's Dixieland-flavored "Let's Misbehave," Diana Krall's spry, piano-fueled trip through "Just One of Those Things," and a lush "I Love You" from Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, who sets aside his soul phrasing for a Maurice Chevalier turn. As impressive as contributions by pop-rocker Sheryl Crow, jazzy soul siren Natalie Cole, and neo-soul newcomer Vivian Green are, the film's stars also hold their own musically. Kevin Kline shines as Porter, coaching costar and fellow theater vet John Barrowman through a harmony-driven "Night and Day" before joining his leading lady, Ashley Judd, on a romantic rendering of "In the Still of the Night." The capper is a scratchy-sounding but nonetheless charming recording of Porter singing "You're the Top," which nicely wraps this gift of a soundtrack. Dave Gil de Rubio, Barnes & Noble

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