The creator of The Sopranos, David Chase, has released a new movie entitled Not Fade Away. The movie, set in 1960’s New Jersey, is about a group of friends who after hearing a Rolling Stones album decide to form a rock band, and try to make it big.
Not Fade Away (Music From The Motion Picture) – the title of the movie comes from a song recorded by Buddy Holly and later by The Rolling Stones – contains 26 tracks, and clocks in just under an hour and a half.
Director, David Chase, worked closely with E Street Band member, Steven Van Zandt, as executive and music producer, at picking out the right music for the film, and pick out the right music they did. The soundtrack has great selection of rock ‘n’ roll and blues from artists such as The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Robert Johnson, Bo Diddley, James Brown, and more. The soundtrack also contains seven tracks from The Twylight Zones, a fictional band from the movie who do a great job of sounding like a band pulled straight out of 1964. Steven Van Zandt, Max Weinberg, Gary Tallent, and Bobby Bandiera act as an all-star backing band for The Twylight Zones. The album is more than just a soundtrack to a movie; it is a history of early rock. This soundtrack clearly shows the importance of blues to the development of rock ‘n’ roll.
“Ride On Baby,” a Rolling Stones cover, performed by the Twylight Zones is a standout track, and with E Street Band members contributing to the song it’s clear why. Their performance of “Bo Diddley” and “The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre” are also very well done. Even though the album features mostly lesser-known tunes (the two Rolling Stones numbers are “Tell Me” and “Parachute Woman”) the songs are all very enjoyable that any classic rock fan would take pleasure in owning. “Good Morning Blues” by Lead Belly and “Me And The Devil Blues” by Robert Johnson are classic blues numbers that are a great addition to the album. There’s even a Sex Pistols song; a cover version of The Modern Lovers “Road Runner” that spices up the album a little.
One track that doesn’t fit too well with the rest of the album is “Bali Ha’I” from the South Pacific soundtrack. It’s not necessarily a bad song, it just certainly isn’t a rock or blues song, but the song probably makes sense in the context of the movie. Even with one out of place track, it doesn’t take away from the album. The soundtrack still holds together extremely well, and is well worth adding to any music collection.
The movie is in theaters nationwide for anyone who wants to check it out. The soundtrack is available in digital format only along with a bonus commercial jingle from the movie, “Surgical Supply Jingle” which adds a nice fun touch to the album. Not Fade Away (Music From The Motion Picture) is arguably the best soundtrack album of the year. This soundtrack is a must have for any fan of ‘60’s rock, blues-rock, or great music in general.
Key Tracks: Ride On Baby, The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, Bo Diddley
Craig Kidd - Contributor MuzikReviews.com
January 13, 2013
