Search - Various Artists :: Scream: Music From The Dimension Motion Picture

Not what I'd normally listen to, but...

Thomas Penname | Plainfield, IL United States | 10/15/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Scream is one of those movies in which the songs are as much a part of the environment as the physical objects. Fortunately, it also stands on its own very well. The songs aren't exactly within my genre of music (for that, look at the Scream 3 soundtrack), but Wes Craven and Co. have selected a stellar combination of slow rock, pop, and ambience as a companion to the ultimate "post-modern" (whatever that means) horror movie.

"Youth of America," by Birdbrain, is the standout track, but by no means is it the only good one. My other favorites are "Whisper," "Better than Me," and Moby's "Last Cool Hive." While I like Soho's interpretation of "Whisper to a Scream," I don't understand why they couldn't just put on the original, by Icicle Works. Same goes for Alice Cooper's defining song, "School's Out," here done by The Last Hard Men.

My other complaint is that, for a soundtrack, it's so short. The music industry seems to have realized recently that soundtracks are a good place to pack on 19 or 20 like-minded songs, even if most never appear in the film (hence the term "Inspired by the Motion Picture"). While only putting on songs that actually appeared in the movie does keep it more honest, I have come to expect a solid hour, at least, from the average soundtrack. But I guess the movie came out before that trend had really caught on, so it's not something I can really hold against it.

I also appreciate the fact that a track from the film's score was included. Marco Beltrami's score was completely unlike anything that had ever appeared in a horror movie before; rather than rely on the time-tested rehashing of traditional, tension-building orchestral pieces ripped of from the masters like Bernard Herrmann, Beltrami denied that any horror movie had existed before Scream (musically speaking, natch), and built a score from scratch. The result was a mixture of different noises--choruses, pianos, sound effects reminiscent of metal striking metal--that were weaved together to become something chilling, euphonious, and melodic. It fit the movie like a glove. Listen to the last track for a hint of that genius.

Great stuff, these tracks. If you like any sort of music, give them a listen. I can't imagine how you could avoid being pleased by at least one of them."

It's an excellent soundtrack!

Clois | Portage, Michigan | 05/15/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This cd is cool, and most of the songs are nice and soothing except Youth Of America by Birdbrain, and Better Than Me by Sister Machine Gun. The cd is actually pretty flowing. My favorites are Don't Fear The Reaper by Gus, Whisper To A Scream (Birds Fly,) Youth Of America by Birdbrain, and Better Than Me by Sister Machine Gun. Red Right Hand by Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds is alright, but it's not my favorite. In fact, it's sort of tasteless. First Cool Hive by Moby is very calming and soothing, and Trouble In Woodsboro/Sidney's Lament is actually a good score, and I like it because it starts off on sort of a loud note, then gradually gets softer. I'd recommed this, especially for fans of the movie."