Customer Reviews

The Commitments, Vol. 2: Music From The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Plus 7 Great New Tracks

5 star:		(56)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I have to admit that I have never seen this movie, but I heard a couple of songs from it and just had to buy this album. I also had no idea until reading the rest of these reviews, that the lead singer Andrew Strong was only 16 when this was recorded. That blew me away. Amazing! The album may be full of covers of classic r&b and soul songs, but WOW, what fantastic covers they are. Just as good in many ways as the originals. I am not one for watching movies, I much prefer the auditory arts to the visual, but I think this is one film I will watch when I get the chance.

Listening to this album one can't help but wonder how a sixteen-year-old can show such maturity of voice. Although he is the stand-out everyone in the band, including Robert Arkin, who played the manager in the movie, is wonderful. The idea that anyone can even try to cover an Otis Redding or Aretha song and have any success at all is hard to believe. The idea that anyone can sound this good doing it is almost impossible. This is a must have for any soul lover!

"The Commitments" film is based on a Roddy Doyle novella, part of a three-part series on the fictional "Barrytown," in the North of Dublin.

I cannot say too much about the film. I already have it on VHS and recently got the collector's edition, with pieces on the "making of," and where they are since and all. It's a parable, a story to show, like, say, the New Testament for years to come.

As to the music, well, I envy Andrew Strong, who was a ripe 16 when the film was made. (The character in the book was weaker; Andrew tried out and they director couldn't resist his voice!)

Richard Arkins (Jimmy Rabbitte in the film) plays a slew of instruments, but was made the lead character, the band's manager in the film. He does some of the vocals on this CD.

Let's say, for the sake of the "discussion," that you didn't like the film. (How could you not?? No, I won't go there...) Even so, the music is so well done. The ladies' voices--supplemented by their showmanship in the film--border on erotic; Andrew's voice makes the rest of the CD worth it, but the intrumentation is worthwhile too.

Yeah, the soundtrack fits the film well. But if you just like good soul, good R&B, good performance, don't miss this one. (THEN get the film!)

A soul music extravaganza performed by a band from Ireland. The movie was good, but the tunes to "Take Me to the River," "Treat Her Right," and the classic "Mustang Sally" remain with you for a long time after you listen to them, and make you want more. An album worthy of the mo-town names that the songs came from.

Having just completed my 10th+ viewing of this movie I remain convinced, it is very good. The music, the storytelling, and the quality of the production make this a classic in our household. When it becomes a little too quiet around the house or moods are low there is always a copy of "The Committments" ready to view. The question remains will there be a sequel? Andrew Strong please step up to the mike one more time!

Oh my goodness, for the umpteenth time I have thoroughly enjoyed this movie! Yes, I'm a baby boomer. So what? The music is perfect and this time I particularly feasted on Andrew Strong's marvelous renditions of songs. He is fantastic! His care of so many of these chestnuts is thrilling. Why, oh why isn't there a Commitments band? This soundtrack plays at events in my group of friends on a regular basis. We may be gettin' older but the music still gets into the soul!

I have no idea how the movie "The Commitments" did in the US, but I saw it when it opened here in Denmark twelve or thirteen years ago, and the soundtrack was a huge hit, not least with people of my generation who usually didn't listen to 60s soul music (I was about 18 at the time).

This is a wonderful colletion of gritty soul and R&B with a bluesy edge, the arrangements, which include trumpet and two saxophones, are muscular but never overblown. Pianist Eamonn Flynn contributes mightily to the deep, swaggering groove, teenaged Joe Cocker-soundalike Andrew Strong is terrific on powerful soul stompers like "Mustang Sally", "In The Midnight Hour", and "Take Me To The River", and Angeline Ball and the predominantly female backing group share the lead vocals on equally great renditions of "Chain Of Fools" and "I Can't Stand The Rain".

This is one of my favorite soul records. It is beautifully executed and sooo well arranged...the production has left plenty of grit, and all the vocalists are thoroughly convincing. Not the smoothest of soul, but that's fine by me....I like my soul bluesy ;o)
"The Commitments" soundtrack is not a novelty project, but rather a totally believable collection of some of the toughest soul and R&B-interpretations ever.
4 1/2 stars - highly recommended.

Entertainment Weekly gave this CD an F when it came out. God knows why. The voices in this CD are amazing, the covers are amazing and energetic; this is a brand of music that "sticks its neck out and says it straight from the heart...that lifts you above the..." (to quote the movie). This is a must for anyone who loves music.

After a weekend movie review, we were amazed to hear some great music. Immediately, we ran out to buy the soundtrack and couldn't stop listening. The music has a soul. It lives and breathes within the listener. Like a well-made movie, the more you listen to the sound track the more you get out of it. I challenge anyone who listens to this music to try and sit still. This music makes you move, smile, and just feel really good. For those of you who have a significant other, this sound track will make you grab them and start uncontrollably dancing. If you don't dance with them, I guarantee that they'll be smiling as they watch you start moving to the beat. All in all. If you never heard this sound track, then I recommend that you make it your next music purchase. This is a great new addition if you don't have it, and an ever better gift for those who love great music.

Here is a list of the songs and original artists:
1. Mustang Sally - Wilson Pickett
2. Take Me To The River - Al Green
3. Chain Of Fools - Aretha Franklin
4. The Dark End Of The Street - James Carr,Percy Sledge
5. Destination: Anywhere - Marvelettes
6. I Can't Stand The Rain - Ann Peebles
7. Try A Little Tenderness - Otis Redding
8. Treat Me Right - Otis Redding
9. Do Right Woman Do Right Man - Aretha Franklin
10. Mr. Pitiful - Otis Redding
11. I Never Loved A Man - Aretha Franklin
12. In The Midnight Hour - Wilson Pickett
13. Bye Bye Baby - Mary Wells
14. Slip Away - Clarence Carter