A record with a gimmick – but one that we really really like! The set's a tribute to the sounds of older Brazilian porn movies, done in a style that's really faithful to the original sound of the 70s – a mode that's never too kitschy, never just easy funk – but really well-done work with a tremendously groovy sound! Producer Che originally wanted to make a compilation of the best music from 70s Brazilian pornochanchadas, but found that the source material was in such bad shape that he couldn't do the job right – so he headed into the studio with a key group of musicians who really get the original sound of the films, and who revel here in a hiply-jazzy take on older grooves! We should say that the overall sound here is more jazzy and bossa-based than some of the skunkier funk of 70s US porno – a bit warmer, with some echoes of Italian soundtrack work of the same period – but still a gritty enough groove to fit the nasty scenes going on screen! Instrumentation includes lots of keyboards and vibes, and the album's a really great one that could easily be passed off as a 70s original – but which we like even more for its honesty about its intentions. Titles include "Desejos Ardentes", "A Bailonia De David", "Helena X Aldine", "Suite Para Pereio", "Sala Especial", "Mulher Objeto", "Simplesmente Gloria", "Vera A Diaba Loira", "Pixoxo Em Lua De Mel", and "A Jeitosa Do Morro". (Deep Funk, Soundtracks) CD

One of the best-remembered moments of music from the enigmatic Vangelis – a set that's maybe a bit darker and more moody than some of his other records of the time – thanks to the Blade Runner setting provided by director Ridley Scott! Vangelis works plenty of familiar early 80s soundtrack elements here – lots of keyboards and electronic wash, plus even a bit of almost-cheesy sax at times – but he makes the whole thing sound nicely off-kilter at most moments, with just the sort of awkward replication that fits perfectly with the narrative theme of the film. There's some beautiful exotic currents that are maybe even more captivating here on record than you might remember from their use onscreen – and titles include "Memories Of Green", "Tales Of The Future", "Rachel's Song", "Blush Response", "Lone More Kiss Dear", and "Tears In Rain". CD

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The movie may not be one of the all-time classic action films, but it certainly gave the world a pretty great soundtrack – one that gave key mainstream exposure to some hip hop acts, and also served up a few mainstream R&B hits as well! Plus, the whole thing also gave Ice T some of his first big time on screen – although his performance in the classic "New Jack Hustler" is probably the best thing about the record! Other tracks include the slinky love classic "I Wanna Sex You Up" by Color Me Badd – plus "In The Dust" by 2 Live Crew, "New Jack City" by Guy, "For The Love Of Money/Living For The City" by Troop/Levert with Queen Latifah, "(There You Go) Tellin' Me No Again" by Keith Sweat, "Lyrics 2 The Rhythm" by Essence, and "I'm Dreamin" by Christopher Williams. (Hip Hop, Soundtracks) CD

One of more chilling modern horror soundtracks, for the creepy, unflinchingly dark, remote Alaska set 30 Days Of Night! It's composed by Brian Reitzell, whose had a pretty fascinating career – from being a drummer and percussionist for bands as varied as punk/power pop/glam stalwarts Red Kross and French soundcape gurus Air. Like some of his other soundtrack work, there's a moody, almost shoegazy haze to it – but this one is appropriately steeped in eerie, disquieting elements. Includes "Prelude/Last Day Of Sun", "Girl Bait", "Vampires On The Horizon", "The Bloody Fruits Of Barrow", "The One Who Fights", "Daybreak" and more. CD

Tremendously beautiful work from one of our favorite-ever artists – performing here in a genre unto itself! We've always loved Seu Jorge's own work – the funky samba tunes and mellower guitar work that have made him one of the most exciting talents from Brazil in recent years – but his performance in Wes Anderson's film The Life Aquatic opened up a whole new side of his talents, an ability to perform in a solo acoustic setting that's even more stripped down than the barest work on his album Cru! In the film, Jorge performs a series of David Bowie tunes translated into Portugese – sung as if they're folksy ballads penned by the singer himself, and done with loads of jazzy inflections that really transform the songs from their original recordings. And while David Bowie doesn't seem too hot on the idea himself (at least according to his "damning with faint praise" quote in the notes), we're really stunned at how beautiful this work is – not a gimmick at all, but really personal, honest interpretations of the tunes that make them Jorge's own through his unique performance. The CD brings together 14 tracks from sessions recorded for the film – many of which were never presented in their entirety on screen, and which were not included at all on the official soundtrack for the movie – which only had 4 Seu Jorge songs in all. Really great stuff throughout – with titles that include "Life On Mars?", "Queen Bitch", "Five Years", "Suffragette City", "When I Live My Dream", "Quicksand", "Oh You Pretty Things", "Changes", and the original "Team Zissou". (Brazil, Soundtracks) CD

A wonderful selection of instrumental themes from the films of Jacques Tati – the closest thing to a full soundtrack you'll ever find for any of his movies! The package was originally issued upon the release of Play Time – and about half the music here is from that film – leaving the rest of the collection to include tracks from Jour De Fete, Mon Oncle, and Les Vacances De Monseuir Hulot. Music is by Francis Lemarque, Francois Rauber, and others – and overall, the music is mostly in a small combo mode – with instrumentation that includes piano, vibes, guitar, and accordion – used in very whimsical ways throughout, with a quality that's almost as visual as the images on the screen! Titles include "Chemisettes", "Jour De Fete", "Tournee Rapide", "Que Temps Fait-Il A Paris", "Mon Oncle Adios Mario", "Le Vieux Quartier", "Au Drugstore", "Manege", "Theme African", "Musique Strand", "Paris Circus", and "Play Time". CD

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