I was initially excited about this flick, but since its release last month, I haven't been hearing good things about it (Metacritic: 30, Rotten Tomatoes: 9%). Even so, I'm sure I'll watch it when it's released on Blu Ray in December. None of that has anything to do with this sweet soundtrack, however.
Most of the music is new to me and there are even a few band names that are unfamiliar to me. All of this is because I was a tween dweeb listening to soft rock and disco when this stuff was being released. And, to be honest, most of this music would probably have terrified 11 year old Mark. But 47 year old Mark is enjoying the (somewhat revised) history lesson here.
CBGB owner Hilly Kristal had two rules for his bands: no Top 40 and no covers. So we get unbridled DIY creativity. It's a fun listen. The rather lightweight liner notes get one thing right: they encourage the listener to "PLAY IT LOUD!!!" I do.
I've mentioned it before, but I'm going to recommend the following book again: Love Goes to Buildings on Fire: Five Years in New York That Changed Music Forever by Will Hermes
Peak on the US Billboard Top 200 chart: Did not chart
Tracks:
I'm still familiarizing myself with many of these songs, so it's tough for me to pick hits and misses, but on today's listen, I'm digging the contributions from Talking Heads, MC5, Velvet Underground, Tuff Darts, The Dictators, The Laughing Dogs, and The Stooges. Even though I always enjoy it, I could do without yet another copy of Roxanne. Notable exclusions: The Ramones and Patti Smith. Licensing issues, I'm guessing.
Personal Memory Associated with this CD: none
I'll put my people on it, thnx.
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