Customer Reviews

Short Cuts

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is ANOTHER frustrating example of a cd MASQUERADING (with 'credit',
on this site) as something that includes film SCORE material. BUYER BEWARE
of the phrase: "Music from and inspired by..." Mark Isham's name is listed
above... BUT he's NOT represented on this recording! How I remain naive of
this problem after being shafted over & over... UGH !! This cd MAY have a
fine selection of music. It's mostly a selfish concept album BASED off of
the movie. It's like a select few, privy people involved in the movie had
an idea of a 'nice' mix tape to make for themselves. An IDEA of what stuff
they thought would be good, after patting themselves on the back for a job well done. It's more like a sequel (or prequel) to the ACTUAL film score !

Robert Altman's brilliant ensemble piece is inseparable from it's soundtrack album sung by jazz great Annie Ross who also appears in the film. From the bittersweet "Conversation On A Barstool" (written by Bono & The Edge) to the bluesy "To Hell With Love" (written by Doc Pomus & Dr. John) to the exciting "Prisoner of Life" Annie Ross brings songs to life with ease. Like the soundtrack to P.T. Anderson's "Magnolia," this soundtrack parallels the emotion and echoes the strength of the film.

I saw 'Short Cuts' a year or two after its release, but didn't encounter the soundtrack until the late 90's. I wasn't too into Jazz at that point and I will admit sacrilegiously I didn't know who Annie Ross was. I enjoyed her "duet" with Iggy Pop on 'Evil California.' Fast forward several years and I happily enjoy Ms. Ross's work regularly. I searched, purchased for a very sub-nominal price, and quickly received the CD. I won't bother with the track by track, but here are some general comments. Highlights for me include 'Imitation of a Kiss,' 'To Hell with Love' and the aforementioned duet. The other Jazz tracks are atmospheric, not bad to put on if you are just sitting around, especially at night. The Cello pieces are a little uneven, but this is a soundtrack, so I wasn't expecting stringent uniformity.

NOT for fans of Annie Ross, at least those of us who prefer her in jazz settings. Annie Ross on this soundtrack is like hearing Ella Fitzgerald with a polka band, it just doesn't work. If you're an Annie Ross(jazz)fan look long and hard for "Sings A Song With Mulligan" which was available in the early 90's on CD through Bethlehem. Now you have to find it used, you may have better luck finding it on LP. Also get w/L,H&R "The Swingers" "Sing A Song Of Basie" "Flying high With" "The Hottest New Group In Jazz" and "Sing Ellington." As for this washed up pop album(soundtrack), of her sounding like Bette Midler or someone with no artistic value, stay away from it and get the albums mentioned above for a truly artistic jazz side of the talented Annie Ross.