Customer Reviews

Sideways (Score)

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

So much ink has been spilled on how leading actor Paul Giamatti of "Sideways" was unfairly shut out when the 77th Academy Award nominations were announced. Rest assured, Mr. Giamatti wasn't the only one who got slapped in the face by Oscar. In my opinion, Rolfe Kent, who composed the music for the movie "Sideways," should have been nominated for Best Score. Sure, "Sideways" has much to offer: an impossibly witty script, believable performances, a talented cast--but also a good score that nicely compliments the movie. Were it not for a few modern touches in production, this recording could have been mistaken for some obscure 1960s jazz album you'd stumble into at a used vinyl shop. "Asphalt Groovin'," "Slippin Away As Mum Sleeps," and "Miles and Maya" stand out due to crisp piano playing, vibes that recall the great Cal Tjader, and nice interplay between flutes and the saxophone. Like the movie, the music here is so hip it hurts. The CD's main flaw? It's only 37 minutes long. When the music is over, you're left savoring for more.

Come the race for awards (Golden Globes, BAFTA, Oscars), Sideways came to my attention. The first thing that captured my attention was its unconventional movie poster; in its shade of lime green and 'stick men' I use to see on my kid brother's comic drawings. Very original indeed. SO IS THE MUSIC.

There has not been an original score for a motion picture that is completely jazzy as the score for Sideways. Rolfe Kent has created something which suited the film inside out; but could also stand on its own. The music is light and refreshing like a glass of chardonnay - or it could set the tone for a slightly sombre mood, like merlot (though a track here insists ferociously that "I do not want to drink any $%!@# merlot").

Overall, the feeling that Sideways the score inspires is amazing. It is lighthearted easy listening jazz, and somehow, it lifts your spirits. The instruments are wisely picked and cleverly played - the piano, percussion etc. I guess the best way to describe this is the feeling one gets hanging out at an outlet of coffee bean listening to some jazz music; only thing that this coffee bean outlet doesn't serve coffee; it serves wine.

Down to the tracks, my personal favourites are Asphalt Groovin', Lonely Day and Wine Safari. Rolfe Kent works on a immediately distinguishable theme and varies it throughout the CD, working the music at a faster pace to reflect the funny mood of the movie and slowing it down for the more 'dramatic' (if I may at all call any part of the movie that) scenes. The score is classy and while Sideways was a pleaser with its intellectual--but-so-very-funny screenplay, Rolfe Kent matches Alexander Payne's words with his ingenius score. Sideways the score is classic jazz and jazzily classical.

So sniff it, sip it, gulp it, whatever - Sideways is a rare find for a soundtrack.

It may also be of interest to you that this CD comes in a cardboard packing. If you do buy it, watch out for some green grapes on its CD. It's good.

This score perfectly matches the movie in which it appears. It doesn't overwhelm, try to steal the show or distract in any way from the action on screen. Rather, it compliments it like the perfect wine of a fine meal. It has been a very, very long time since I turned to my movie-going companion at the end of a film and said, "That was a great score". I can't imagine what the film would have been without it. That's how seamlessly integrated it was into the narrative.

Sit down in a nice big, soft, comfortable chair. Put your feet up. Pour yourself a glass of wine. Turn on this score. Close your eyes. Relax.

By far, one of the most relaxing, yet not cheesy, jazz albums released in recent years. I can't tell you how nice it is to relax to this soundtrack. I haven't seen the movie yet (though I'll be buying the DVD the day it comes out), but heard the soundtrack generating buzz because of the snubbing by the academy. So, this review is of the score as an album, not as an accompaniment to the film.

From the opening piece, to the closing track, this CD is a delight. Easy listening, soft jazz. The kind of stuff that makes you close your eyes, shake your head, and tap your feet. Give it a listen, and you'll be hooked!

When I saw the movie, I immediately was absorbed by the score that sets the perfect mood for the story. I rarely buy film-music, but this one's a real good sell. Since I bought it, it is my summer companion and I take it with me in the studio and in my car. Loungy without being 'hip'. A well made jazzy bouquet with a good vibe. Let's open up another bottle!

The score to Sideways is a delight. First of all the music is great in and of itself, but more importantly it highlights rather than overwhelms the film. As a filmscore it captures the various emotions and scenes and makes the movie all the more captivating.
On its own, its just the kind of music to relax and enjoy a glass of good wine. I think the director had this in mind when he chose this music. If you like cool jazz, this will be a good item to add to your collection.

Rolfe Kent's Jazz score set the exact mood this movie required. His relaxing score also goes well when you are in a nice wine bar or cafe.

This is by far the best jazz album I've gotten in recent years. Every track is NEW & Original! Unlike all the cover versions that surfaced recently because Jazz is in trend now... 

All you need to do after a day on the Rat Race Track - Pour yourself a glass of nice wine, turn on this score, close your eyes, sway to the music & Relax~.

This is the perfect driving music - an elegant foray into jazz. I really like "Asphalt Groovin" and "Chasing the Golfers". I have a copy for my car, and one for my home, where I listen with plenty of Pinot Noir, Miles' beloved wine in the movie. With the help of two spectacular wine books also purchased here (Wine Bible and Oldman's Guide to Outsmarting Wine), I am just about ready for my own Sideways journey.

If you love the movie, you probably already love the soundtrack as it was such a mood enhancing backdrop.

The music style is light and jazzy, with a distinctly euro flavor. It is evocative of lush rolling greens in drive by scenery, of private picnics under the shade of a tree, and of long interesting conversation over a glass of wine. It's reminiscent of 'Under the Tuscan Sun'.

Listening to the CD will transport you back to the various moments in the movie, Miles and Jake arguing the the car, Miles revealing himself to Maya, the superb tour of California, and many more.

I recommend this soundtrack to anyone who's seen the movie, and even those who haven't (if you like light jazz).

Besides, it just sounded so damn cool when they played the music at all the award shows when 'Sideways' won every time :)

This record is unlike any other soundtrack i've heard recently. Like early Dave Brubeck or some classic early Italian Jazz - This CD is wonderful start to finish.