Is the Tomb Raider soundtrack worth excavating? We sent fearless adventurers Erika Gimenes and Scott Turner to explore the soundtrack’s underground sounds and alternative remixes.
Erika Gimenes: This U2 song totally gets me in the best mood!
Scott Turner: I don’t know what happened to U2 with the whole “return to their roots” style they tried to pursue with their last album. But this song seems to exemplify the division between their songwriting and their market aspirations, which were effectively summed up by their confusing and artistically bankrupt apology for their years of exploring a quasi-techno aesthetic. Note to Bono: Be true to your self and don’t sell out.
Erika Gimenes: SELL OUT? What are you talking about? I haven’t heard such an energetic and groundbreaking U2 song in a long time! When listening to “Elevation” I feel like I want to get out of my chair and start dancing. It’s one of the most energetic, contagious songs on the soundtrack. The music fits together perfectly: the guitar tunes, Bono’s vocals (which he does quite charmingly I must add). U2 does amazingly well at blending different music tunes into their “roots” and this is a proof that they have succeeded. Do not be surprised if this song is the reason why the soundtrack will do so well.
Scott Turner: It’s true that some of their former glory is bleeding through, but it’s bleeding and dying.
ErikaGimenes: And what about Nine Inch Nails? That is another band that has power to make the CD stand on its own two feet! True, much of NIN music may sound repetitive, but Trent Reznor digs in the dark depths of rock ‘n’ roll and always brings the best of the dark, raw rock ‘n’ roll to life.
Scott Turner: Yawn–Trent Reznor needs to get some Prozac. I don’t know why he’s so upset, but I’m sure he can afford professional help with his fabulous rock star income. As usual his music is derivative, rehashed and slightly embarrassing … and please, Trent, don’t give us five remixes of this song and deliver it in the guise of a new album. We don’t care.
Erika Gimenes: Imagine being in a dark, cold tunnel. Trent Reznor signifies darkness. That’s why his work blends well with artists such as Marilyn Manson. Because that’s what their music is all about. Sometimes the best work of art comes through the depths of your sorrows. I am not saying that’s the case with Reznor, but you can definitely tell that what is dark and eerie, is sometimes the best product for the imagination. “Deep” is just about that: it’s dangerous and mischievous. Reznor couldn’t have done a better job to fit this movie.
Scott Turner: Reznor is the Anne Rice of the dark world. He is as authentic as Tom Cruise in Interview with a Vampire.
Erika Gimenes: Ouch…Chemical Brothers? Ugh…I feel like I am in a rave. It’s the same beat over and over again. I feel dizzy just listening to this thing!
Scott Turner:I like the little repetitive figure, which meanders like a lost duck through this track. This song is cool and upbeat and unpretentious. Very refreshing…
ErikaGimenes:How can the same beat that repeats over and over again for 4 minutes and 45 seconds be refreshing? I feel like I am trapped in a club and feel like bashing my head against a wall!
Scott Turner: Makes me want to turn up the volume and get another drink.
Erika Gimenes:OK, moving on. Basement Jaxx sounds just like the Beastie Boys…
Scott Turner:The Beastie Boys are a true classic–Basement Jaxx, however, should have been left in the basement. This insipid uninspired mix is bereft of life.
Erika Gimenes: I AGREE. Beastie Boys are original and Basement Jaxx should be scrubbing their floors with A-jaxx–the disinfectant!
Scott Turner: I thought Moby’s song was pretty cool … he does a good job of cross-pollinating genres. It’s a little reminiscent of his work on Play, but it’s still strong.
Erika Gimenes: Yeah, well, Moby rocks. He can touch a song and just make magic.
Scott Turner: I still wanna know though: What happened to his hair? Really?
Erika Gimenes: I dunno. He’s still hot. Who cares about his hair, though? He is amazing! Every time he plays he can transform a song into something totally new and different. It’s terribly addictive and hypnotizing.
Scott Turner: I agree. Sometimes he chooses some pretty wacky samples to build songs around … maybe a little too wacky but you have to respect him for trying something different
Erika Gimenes: Agreed. He’s is going to be around for a while. He’s so innovative and has earned the respect of so many people. I bow down to him.
Scott Turner: Hey, what are you doing down there? You can get up now. Also Fat Boy Slim’s song is interesting. Its what Hank Williams would have sounded like if he had been weaned on crack and raised in London with Bootsey Collins playing a nuclear-powered rubber band.
Erika Gimenes: I am playing U2 again… OHHHHHHHHH OHHHHHHHHHHHHH OHHHHHHHHHHHHHH elevation…
