Search - Various Artists - Soundtracks :: Liberty Heights (From and Inspired by Various Artists)

Something For Everyone

Gianmarco Manzione | Tampa, FL USA | 01/24/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Tom Waits, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presly and James Brown on one single compilation? That's right. And that should say it all. This album is the true test of people who like to answer "everything" to those who ask "what kind of music do you listen to?" Besides Elvis's stunning performance of the oldies radio staple, "Blue Moon," Carl Perkins and Big Joe Turner add to the 50's flavor with "Honey Don't" and "Shake, Rattle & Roll." But there is a second and even a third genre of music fighting for attention on this album. Louis armstrong's "If" is one of the most outstanding jazz performances of his early period. If you want more contemporary-sounding jazz, try Brenda Russel's "Baby Eyes" or "When Love Walked In." Perhaps one step above any of those selections is the legendary Nat King Cole's "Darling, Je Vous Aime Beaucoup." Then, of course, there is Tom Waits, who has apparently devoted his career to busting the screws out of any category in which critics try to place him. Simply put, there is every kind of music, and there is Tom Waits. His "Putting on the Dog" sounds like a step in a new direction for him, while using the musical sounds of his acclaimed 80's and 90's output. It is another fantastic Tom Waits song, featuring the bleak soundscape expected of his music, but there is a fuller sound on this one. A Piano shrills through the rhythmic mess of congas, bongos, sax, electric guitar, bass, shaker and, yes, even a train whistle, played by none other than the man himself. "It's Over" is a blander track, quite similar to "Strange weather" from 1988's "Big Time," which is also heavy with accordian and accoustic guitar. Surprisingly, the James Brown pieces feature a very young James Brown, one who I had never heard before. His "Please, Please, Please" and "Chonnie-On-Chon" are both thumping 50's Rock 'N Roll blasts remeniscent of Little Richard or Ricky Nelson. Both songs are fantastic and destined to get even the stiffest among us moving aorund. After discovering these selections from Brown's early days, I am going to look for some more. It is doubtful that many people will love EVERY song on here, but that does not mean that there are any bad tracks. Every song is listenable. However, the styles are so varied that the inconsistency may have some skipping listeners around a little. Generally, the "Liberty Heights" soundtrack is a gem, and it definitely offers something for everyone. That is why it is likely to leave most people smiling. For those who were there, the 50's rock and older jazz classics will induce a nostalgic grin, for others, the new Tom Waits songs will win him some new fans and leave veterans thirsting for his follow up to the grammy nominated "Mule variations," released in 1999. I would say this album is as close to a must buy as could be."

Liberty Heights

Gianmarco Manzione | 01/09/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Okay, I'm cheating a little. I've only seen the movie, I haven't, strictly speaking, heard the soundtrack in isolation yet. The Tom Waits songs seem jarringly anacronistic in the movie but are so great that out of the context of the rich visuals of the mid-50's period, will make for great listening. The music and the movie capture the yearnings of a young man in '55, as well as the spirit of his times with gentle nostalgia."

Music at its best!

dorothylamourbaby | 02/01/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I saw the Liberty Heights movie 3 times, and that inspired me to buy the Two soundtracks! "Baby Eyes" sang by Brenda Russell is simply breathtaking, it's jazzy and classy. I love the smooth sounds of that song. "Putting on the dog" is amazing, it really fit with the scene in the movie when it was playing. "Putting on the dog" is quite sexy and brilliant and risky! "Rock island line" is the funniest song that I've ever heard! "Rock island line" is a mix of country and Alaskan sounds, I loved it! "Shake. Rattle & Roll" done by Big Joe Turner is really good, has a lot more beat than Billy Haley and his Comets' version. "Shake. Rattle & Roll" had me tapping my feet and snapping my fingers all day after hearing it! "Blue moon" done by Elvis Presley is lovely, has a pretty jingle beat to it. "Please. Please. Please." done by James Brown, is TOO cool! You can't help but to chant "PLEASE. PLEASE. PLEASE!" Along with James, the song is very soulful! I am only 20, but I know good old time music when I here it, but this soundtrack and watch the movie! Adrien Brody "Ten Benny" and Ben Foster "Flash Forward" put on an excellent and convincing show!"