Smoke Signals: Music From The Miramax Motion Picture [Soundtrack]

B.C. Smith | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 23, 1998)
• Original Release Date: June 23, 1998
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Soundtrack
• Label: Tvt
• ASIN: B000007Q6L
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #96,715 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

At its best, the soundtrack to Smoke Signals is a beautiful experience--simple orchestrations with plaintive flute and guitar (just check out "Arnold Is Dead") give the soundtrack to this Native American-directed, -written, and -acted film an introspective feel. Too often, however, the otherwise moving score by B.C. Rich resorts to standard rock clichés. The electric guitar used throughout has a generic '80s metal sound, which does little to enhance the film's tone (unlike the included and wonderful vocal contributions from Native American ensembles Ulali and the Eaglebear Singers). Guitar-shaded soundtracks can work extremely well (check out the excellent Gas Food Lodging score). Here, however, the ax is up-front and distracting. It's a shame because on more subdued tracks like "Charles Bronson," "Fry Bread Riot," and "That's My Father," the Northwest Sinfonia is simply sublime. Cuts by singer/songwriters Dar Williams and Jim Boyd are also featured, making this soundtrack all the more powerful. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Poetic, moving, spiritual journey., January 24, 2002

By 

S. Hodge - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Smoke Signals: Music From The Miramax Motion Picture (Audio CD)

At times the soundtrack to Smoke Signals is lighthearted, like the laugh-out-loud novelty of the Eaglebear Singers chanting a song called "John Wayne's Teeth." At other times it is a hummable road song, like "Reservation Blues" or "A Million Miles Away." But most of the time it is a journey, a journey of remembrance, questions, pain, and, like the phoenix, rising from the ashes and soaring.

I loved the two songs by Ulali, one of which ("All My Relations") can be found on their album Mahk Jchi. Their haunting acapella chants really made "Forgive Our Fathers Suite" the best song on the soundtrack even though it was difficult to choose a favourite. The song is eerie, powerful, connected, a plea. Pounding drums and near-guttural chants open the track, but near the middle there is a sudden transition to a gentle three-part harmony flowing like the river, a sense of tension being released, of past ghosts freed and worries laid to rest.

The music ranges from quiet guitar and flute, Native flute and percussion ("Charles Bronson"), chant and guitar ("Victor's Run Suite,")to a mixture of rock and Native influence ("On Fire Suite," "Fourth of July"). Many of Thomas's storytelling songs have the exact same introduction ("Hippy Arnold," "Good Day for Breakfast," and "Fry Bread Riot" all sound suspiciously similar although it does lend continuity to the setting).

This is one of the best soundtracks I've ever invested in. There are a variety of songs spanning a number of genres, all Native, all representing different aspects of who we are and where we are going. It is always touching, powerful, and an awakening whenever I listen to it. If you are searching for something or if your journey is only beginning, pick up a copy of "Smoke Signals" to help you on your path.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding New Age Mixed With Old Taste, January 29, 2000

By 

Dale Moomaw (Weatherford, Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Smoke Signals: Music From The Miramax Motion Picture (Audio CD)

Smoke Signals Soundtrack is incredible. I grew up on the Colville Indian Res, and was able to listen to great Pow Wow music most of my life. This soundtrack really puts my life into perspective. There is some old style music mixed with a new sound. This CD can really give you a taste of it all. I now live in Ft. Worth, TX and work in very busy Trauma-ER. Everyday on my way home I listen to a few songs on the Smoke Signals soundtrack. I also have a few Jim Boyd CD's. He can really get you up spiritually when you are down.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Current-day American Indian feel., August 26, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Smoke Signals: Music From The Miramax Motion Picture (Audio CD)

I have yet to buy the cd, but I have listened to the entire thing several times, many times standing rooted to the floor of the local book and music store. the guitar sometimes does get in the way, but that is the part that the "younger generation" of American Indians identify with. The film is fantastic, and the soundtrack follows much the same way. The film and music brought tears to my eyes, and laughter to my heart, as i remembered the stories my own father and grandmother told me of living on a reservation. Both the film and the soundtrack will be in my mind and heart.