The Skeleton Key [Soundtrack]

Edward Shearmur (Artist)

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 2, 2005)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Soundtrack
• Label: Varese Sarabande
• ASIN: B000A2H8V2
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #111,774 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Track Listings

1. Death Letter [The Skeleton Key] - Johnny Farmer, Organized Noize,

2. Opening Titles

3. Come on in My Kitchen [The Skeleton Key] - Robert Johnson

4. Barefoot Dancing [The Skeleton Key] - Blackbud

5. Ben Escapes

6. Do Whatcha Wanna [The Skeleton Key] - Rebirth Brass Band

7. 61 Highway Blues - Mississippi Fred McDowell

8. Violet's Story

9. Hoodoo Woman

10. God Moves on the Water [The Skeleton Key] - Blind Willie Johnson

11. Goldrush [The Skeleton Key]

12. Saving Ben

13. Iko Iko [The Skeleton Key] - Dixie Cups

14. Conjure Room

15. Conjure of Sacrifice

16. Thank You Child

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Review from Equalmusic.com, October 27, 2005

By	Corinne Casella - See all my reviews

If you are jonesing for the way New Orleans' used to be or are kicking yourself hard because you never made the pilgrimage down before the recent tragedy, then the soundtrack to The Skeleton Key is your best bet. Like the movie, the soundtrack transports the audience into the bayou culture with such ease that at times it's almost hard to believe that you're not in fact below the Mason-Dixon Line. Released on Varese Records, it is the perfect accompaniment to the film.

Composer Edward Shearmur and the Hollywood Studio Symphony bring the flick to life with their bone chilling orchestrations that can creep you out even in the light of day. Those who dig the horror aspect of the film will be pleased with the inclusion of "Conjure of Sacrifice," a spoken track key to the movie's plot. However, the real reason to buy this release is not for its freaky facets but for its spotlight on a few of the most influential blues artists of the twentieth century.

For anyone beginning to cultivate an interest in blues, this is a great foray into the genre and its heavy hitters. First off is Robert Johnson's "Come On In My Kitchen." Johnson, who many have dubbed the father of modern rock and roll, delivers his legendary take on Delta Blues with perfection. Mississippi Fred McDowell, master of the slide guitar, whether it be bottleneck or the apocryphal steak bone, lends his "61 Highway Blues" with a kind of raw integrity.

My vote however, goes to celebrated gospel musician, Blind Willie Johnson. His "God Moves On The Water" with its crackly sound quality, delivers a sucker punch to the soul. Johnny Farmer's "Death Letter" is easily the best track the recording has to offer. Farmer, the only bluesman on the disc still alive and kicking it, loans an infectious ditty that seeps into the skin and refuses to be washed away. Haunting and beat driven, the song is given a modern remix by southern rapper, Organized Noize. The marriage of Delta and hip-hop here is flawless.

Of course there are a few missteps and oddities. Blackbud's "Barefoot Dancing" is a jarring departure from the easy bayou theme. The song is ill suited to both movie and soundtrack, a definite skipper. As is Joe Washburn's "The Goldrush," which despite its melodic back music has a whiny quality that's hard to overlook. "Do Watcha Wanna" by Rebirth Brass Band is an interesting addition. It is a lively big band song that puts one in the mood for Mardi Gras. A rare gem is The Dixie Cups' version of the old Indian Mardi Gras chant "Iko Iko." Although given sinister connotations in the film, it is a fun and upbeat addition to the disc.

Seeped in New Orleans' jazz and Cajun music, the CD captures the music of The Big Easy and its surrounding parishes with forthright conviction. With the latest disaster still a fresh wound, the soundtrack as well as the film is jarring in ways that have nothing to do with the practice of voodoo. However, it is its ability to elegantly capture the culture and feel of the place that make both worth looking into. If only for a little while New Orleans's is returned to its former splendor through the music it has become known for. I suggest seeing the movie first then checking out this superb auxiliary.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gothic, Creepy, GENIOUS!!!!, August 13, 2005

By	Eric Edward Field - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

i LOVE this album. After i saw the film, my friends and i got into a heated debate over it. it seems this is one of those "love it or hate it" kinda movies, but we all agree'd that the music is incredible. i'm in my 20's, and new to the south, so bluegrass and all that style was way past me, but this film opend my eyes. luckely this soundtrack features not only the orcestrated score, but the actual songs aswell, something that is becoming VERY uncommon these days. The score itself is your typical thrill horror score, BUT, every instrument has that cajun flavor to it, and there is a LOT of ambiant noises in the background, making it stand out from other similar work. Also, if you'v seen the movie, a REALLY creepy and nice addition is Voodoo spells as heard in the film, sung by "papa justify" is included in the cd. absolutly creepy as hell. The film is GENIOUS, and it's unfortunate it's up against so much summer filler crap, but even MORE a shame, that this soundtrack will fall by the wayside. it's awsome, wether you like the movie or not. buy it!!! Highly recommended

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Spooky good fun!, September 1, 2005

By	Amanda J. Burdick "pandaj40" (Lockport, NY) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I bought this soundtrack mostly for the song that played during the opening and end credits, "Death Letter" by Johnny Farmer (with some fun added drum beats and enhancement by Organized Noize). The song (as well as the rest of the soundtrack) was mixed by Chris Fogel. The rest of the soundtrack is a mix of old bayou songs and Edward Shearmur's shamelessly delicious score. It's spooky with a taste of the old South. It's a lot of fun and one of the most entertaining soundtracks I have heard in a while.