Across the Universe
|
List Price: Our Price: $6.34 You Save: $7.64 (55%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $2.15 (click here) Category: Music CD See more new music releases 
|
|---|
Buy this Music CD at online store in your country
Canadian Music Store
Canadian Music Store
Free Music Notes for Across the Universe
Free Music Review: Goo Goo Ka Joob Revisited
Hit: 4 Stars
I have a feeling that most people interested in seeing the movie are going to have to wait for the DVD. I saw it here in Philadelphia where it played in the Ritz (the local art theater chain) and one suburban multiplex. Which means I doubt it it ever made it to anything much farther into the hinterlands. Trust me, you will want to see this movie - it is every bit as musically exciting and visually spectacular as Baz Lurhman's Moulin Rouge!.
But that means people hearing the soundtrack will be listening to the songs minus the film's sumptuous visual context. How does it hold up. you ask? Well, for starters, it's The Beatles. So right off the bat you have great songs. It may be the first time you have walked INTO a movie musical humming the tunes. These versions are all performed by the actors, and they acquit themselves just fine. Of particular note are Dana Fuchs (Sadie) and Martin Luther McCoy (JoJo), who do great approximations of Janis Joplin and Jimi Hedrix/Marvin Gaye. While the other actors aren't bad, they occasionally fall into the trap of sounding like "theater."
That claim certainly won't be dropped on the two rock cameos in the movie. Bono, along with one of my favorite undiscovered bands The Secret Machines, knock the stuffing out of "I Am The Walrus," while Cocker sings "Come Together" in a voice that only he can deliver. And Bono's closing this soundtrack out with "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds" adds another notch to that song's list of great cover versions (Elton John, Black Crowes, Aimee Mann, The Hooters).
In addition, producer T-Bone Burnett seems gleefully happy to twiddle the arrangemnts. Most evident of his finger is the almost rockabilly arrangement given "I've Just Seen a Face" and producer Elliot Goldenthal slowing "I Want To Hold Your Hand" to a mournful ballad..which plays like a knockout in the film. (Incidentally, I loved Salma Hayak's cameo during "Happiness is a Warm Gun," included here).
There are a couple songs from the movie I wish were here ("All You Need is Love" and "I Want You" being the two most glaring) and one I am glad isn't (Eddie Izzard's "Being For The Benefit of Mr Kite"). But seeing as some of the songs performed in the film were done as little more then couplets ("Girl" opens the movie perfectly, but only with a single verse), if you want more you can get the deluxe version. And if the thought of Beatles covers irritates you, just buy The Beatles 1.
Free Music Review: Not the Beatles, but still enjoyable
Hit: 4 Stars
From the first time I saw the preview I was entranced by this movie. Sadly, since I am not in one of the select cities that is carrying this movie I found that I had to content myself with the soundtrack.
I was not expecting much from this soundtrack (having seen the "so bad it's legend" Sgt Pepper movie), but I was happily surprised by it. Some of the songs miss their target, but most are rather well done. I have a feeling that most of the songs are more enjoyable when they are sung within the storyline of the movie. (For instance, I didn't care overly much for the rendition of "I wanna hold your hand", but when I found out the song's context in the movie I enjoyed it more for it's bitter-sweet tone.)
I would recommend this to people as long as they listen with an open mind. It's not the Beatles, but nothing is as good as the original singers playing their own stuff. It's pretty darn good, though.
Free Music Review: Wonderful...but leaves stuff out.
Hit: 4 Stars
I was SO excited to get this CD. I saw the movie the day it was released at our theatre and ordered the CD the next day. I LOVE it. However, it left out multiple songs from the movie. There is no "my guitar gently weeps" there isnt that pyschadellic song from under the water in the circus scene, and believe it or not, NO "all you need is love" which I LOVED in the movie. You dont have to see the movie to LOVE the translations of the beatles songs. I, not even a Beatle lover before the movie, was in awe by the fresh takes on the music, the interpretations, the acting, the adaptation. But enough about the movie. THE CD IS GREAT despite the fact that it is missing lke 4 or 5 of the songs from the movie.Free Music Review: Fantastic
Hit: 4 Stars
The movie was beautiful and fascinating and simply incredible. This soundtrack is fantastic and wonderful. My only objection to the soundtrack is that several of the songs from the movie are not on it. Normal movie soundtracks are often missing things, but this is a musical, so the absence of at least 4 songs (including Eddie Izzard's performance and this big final number) perplexes me. Perhaps they will release them later. BUT! The music that is on there is incredible, as was the movie, which everyone should go see RIGHT NOW.Free Music Review: Different isn't always bad
Hit: 4 Stars
Being a major Beatles fan, I was a bit hesitant to even see this movie - but I have to say, love story aside I thought the movie was AWESOME! I immediately went looking for the Soundtrack. However, if you want all of the songs performed in the movie, this isn't your cd. iTunes has the full 2-disc set!! All 30+ songs in all their glory!
If you like the Beatles, or you just like the movie, or both - this soundtrack is a must!