Ladder 49 [Soundtrack]

Various Artists (Composer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 28, 2004)
• Original Release Date: October 1, 2004
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Soundtrack
• Label: Hollywood Records
• ASIN: B0002ZMJFM
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #121,923 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

While films like Back Draft have celebrated the spectacular danger and courageous work that America's firefighters face every day, director Jay Russell's tale of a Baltimore ladder company is more interested in the character of the men that dedicate their lives to saving others. The film's character study nature has inspired a song-based soundtrack that variously evokes introspection (David Gray's "As I'm Leaving", "How to Dream" by Sam Phillips) and differences of generation (The Breeders' rollicking "Cannonball," "Twice as Hard" by Black Crowes, Tom Petty's "You and Me" and ethnicity (The Pogues' "If I Should Fall From Grace With God", composer William Ross' richly textured underscore extract), all of it grounded in a rock solid working class ethos embodied by Bonnie Raitt's "Love Sneakin' Up On You". Of special note is Robbie Robertson's heart-on-its-sleeve ballad "Shine Your Light," the first song the Band founder and rock legend has written expressly for a motion picture. Robertson also contributes the film's moody, Celtic-tinged instrumental end title piece, "Reflections/Adagio." --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars My Salvation, February 16, 2005

By 

Lee Armstrong (Winterville, NC United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Ladder 49 (Audio CD)

"Ladder 49" is an excellent song collection that is able to be enjoyed both in reflecting on the film & as its own stand-alone collection. The Band's Robbie Robertson opens up with the lovely anthem "Shine Your Light" that marries an inspirational lyric to a midtempo pop melody, "Don't want to be a hero, just an everyday man, trying to the job the very best he can, but now it's like living up for all time out on the rim over the line." From David Gray's "Lost Songs" CD, "As I'm Leaving" is a wistful pop melody with Gray's unique delivery. Another track that I find delightful is the little-know Alexi Murdoch's "Orange Sky" that of course thematically fits a fire-filled skyline. Coming to the U.S. from Scotland, Murdoch has only put out one EP with 4 songs, one of which is included here. Murdoch's track builds emotionally and powerfully, "In your love, my salvation lies." From Sam Phillips' 2001 CD "Fan Dance" the producers have placed "How to Dream," a midtempo track with Phillips' expressive growl. Bonnie Raitt contributes "Love Sneakin' Up On You" from her 1994 CD "Longing In Their Hearts." It's another journeywoman performance from this master musician. The instrumental interlude by Robbie Robertson, "Reflection-Adagio" is truly an orchestral gem with its lovely melody, stately build & powerful wallop. Breeders, Pogues & Black Crowes all rock joyfully. This is an excellent collection that stands alone as a quality musical experience. Enjoy!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Movie, Soundtrack Awesome, June 5, 2005

By 

W. L. Bradley "To give anything less than you... (Omaha, NE United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Ladder 49 (Audio CD)

This soundtrack is wonderful. It contains a wide variety of music, yet they all fit together. The main song by Robbie Robertson is amazing.
See this movie, and then buy the soundtrack. You won't regret it.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tear jerker, September 5, 2005

By 

Jet (Houston, TX USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ladder 49 (Audio CD)

I bawled my eyes out when I watched the movie "Ladder 49". Then when I listened to the soundtrack, my eyes watered with the memory of the movie.

This is a great soundtrack. The theme song, "Shine Your Light" is such a moving song. It's one of those songs you can't get tired of. It's uplifting, as well as providing a rememberance for the simple things in life. Life itself.