Performance [Original Soundtrack]by Anonymous

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April 15, 2004: Some soundtrack albums are difficult to appreciate without having seen the movie beforehand. Others stand on their own regardless of the movie, because they're full of music that's already popular. This doesn't fall into either of the above. If you've seen the movie, it'll be there, sure. But even without that experience, it paints the same picture. For me, it's good to have over 30 years' perspective and listen to it again, sounding as fresh as if it was recorded yesterday ... or tomorrow. It evokes, albeit with blurred images, an era: sex, drugs, fading rock'n'roll, erudition, violence, and seediness against a backdrop of 1960's London, with psychedelia and the legacy of the Cray twins very evident. Musically, a presentation of the skills and appeal of a choicely eclectic mix. Where else could you hear Ry Cooder, Jagger, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Merry Clayton, and the Last Poets, formed into a whole with the anchors of Randy Newman (superbly done), Beaver & Krause, and Jack Nitzche. Beaver and Krause? Who? Amazing synthesizer work for 1970. Eat your heart out modern synthists, for their work here is one of the sparks that sets the music on fire. All in all, something to listen to in any situation, from driving fast on an open road to quiet introspection. My criticism of this album is only one: the rare treat of Mick Jagger in the movie, playing a solo acoustic guitar and singing the blues, didn't make it to the album. Why, oh why not? Sure, if you can grab the movie, watch it. But listen to the music regardless. It's not a bit out of context without the movie, but stands on its own merit. High points, in no particular order: The Last Poets: more politically energetic than they became, this track stands tall as rap before Rap, and is still relevant. It makes today's rappers sound like kids who are trying to play a man's game, money-oriented imitations of the Poets. Gangstas? Jokes in the light of this gem. Merry Clayton: her rendition of Poor White Hound Dog can only be heard on this album. Ry Cooder: Pick any track which features him. Buffy Sainte-Marie: The Hashishin. Randy Newman: Gone Dead Train. And, as short as it is, the title track.