Steve Earle - I Feel Alright
This has been out a couple weeks now, but go here for The Wire...All the Pieces Matter, the soundtrack to the greatest thing on TV. Or go to the latter link, as the retail version has three sets of liner notes that are actually supposed to be great.
Yes, I know hugelush has taken some subtle shots at the show, but this is an album that can be enjoyed by all, regardless of their commitment to the series. The excerpts from the show may not make much sense to a non-fan, but they work nonetheless in setting up the music. For an accurate and comprehensive review of the soundtrack, check out the All Music Guide. I will say that there's a wide-range of genres on here, with the weakness actually coming in the form of the selected Hip Hop. Of course, it may work better in the context of the show (which is the main point), but the Baltimore Hip Hop specifically is average to sub-par. There is no doubt they should use local music for the show, but it doesn't quite work as well standing alone. A few more notes:
- The opening song ("Way Down in the Hole") is here from each of the first 4 seasons, while the much-maligned season 5 intro is left off. Tom Waits is responsible for the original version, but my favorite would be either the Blind Boys of Alabama or the Neville Brothers respective takes on the song.
- One fun element of this album for us fans of the show is the inclusion of the songs that are used for the end-of-season montages. Two that stand out here are Paul Weller's "I Walk on Gilded Splinters" and Steve Earle's "I Feel Alright" (see above). Speaking of Earle, who also plays Bubbles sponsor Waylon on the show, he is responsible for this season's opening track. Don't blame him though, must have been some HBO exec's idea to add that awful, generic Hip Hop beat.
- Finally, the only excerpt on the album taken from season 5 comes from a yet unheard conversation between Dukie and Michael. While I have no clue what the context of this clip is, I will say something about it sounds devastatingly sad. Sigh.
2 comments:
I gave this to Julie for her birthday. She earned endless props from me by finally, heeding my ceasless recommendations, starting season one about a month and a half ago and getting caught up to Episode four Season 5 this yesterday.
That's dedication!
Side note: at first she thought Marlo was "so hot," but by season 5 his charm had worn off. I think he looks like a bug; sure, maybe a praying mantis, but an insect none the less.
this yesterday.
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