They say that things come in three’s – so to add to my two previous reviews of Crow related items I give you my review of the motion picture soundtrack. Not since the Singles soundtrack have a wider spectrum of groups been gathered to contribute to a soundtrack. With that being said – if you don’t own this CD then get up right now and write this on your list of things to do. You will not be disappointed.

One of the best things about this soundtrack is the variety – a little bit of pop, a little metal and some good old fashioned gloom and doom. Each song added so much to the overall feel of the movie – and as I mentioned in my review of the film – if even one song were changed I deeply believe that it would have thrown off it’s delicate balance.

The Playlist

Burn The Cure
While I am not a huge fan of The Cure this song is absolutely perfect for this CD. It has an incredible beat and keeps with the general dark tone of the film. It’s one of the heavier Cure songs (from what I have heard) and adds a feel of excitement to the scene.

every night I burn – every night I call your name…

Golgotha Tenement Blues Machines of Loving Grace
The real strength of this song is the deep back beat – heavy bass and a unique series of synthesized drop in’s. While the song itself isn’t all that great – the intro and mid section pieces added so much to the scenes it was used in.

I am city … I am the park …

Big Empty Stone Temple Pilots
Beyond being a grunge classic – this song almost captures the entire feeling of the movie. It is slow – but grinding and slightly erotic. This song makes it onto my top ten all time favorite songs for so many reasons – the lyrics alone are brilliant.

time to take a ride … it leaves today …no conversations….

Dead Souls Nine Inch Nails
If I were picking songs for this soundtrack I would have never even entertained the thought of a Nine Inch Nails song qualifying. I sure am glad I wasn’t in charge of this one because without this track – and it’s hypnotic beat – something would have been lost. Beyond the beat and background screams you’ll find yet another song that adds to the mystique of the film.

someone takes these dreams away… that point me to another day…..

Darkness Rage Against The Machine
Don’t judge a book by it’s cover – unless the cover reads Rage Against The Machine. I’m not a big fan of the rap / rock combo platter (I like them separate thanks) – if I had to cut one song from this CD – this would be the one. While it does have some nice guitar work the “we are so oppressed” lyrics are just a trifle old and over worked. The song does add some nice bass and beat sections but was only used in a few scenes.

I refuse to use the lyrics here – I can’t understand a word he says

Color Me Once The Violent Femmes
Let the depressing music begin. Even during the acoustic guitar intro - you just know this is going to be a song that brings you down. Not one of the best selections that could have been used by the Femmes but it keeps with the desired mood the producers were trying to create.

this song is too depressing to try and decipher the lyrics, sorry

Ghostrider Rollins Band
Wow! Talk about an unexpected treat – not only do I get Henry Rollins throwing down some serious violent vocals but I get one of the best Rollins band tunes. Ever notice how Henry sounds just a little like Jim Morrison on this cut? I never thought I would ever compare the two. A slow but heavy song that just simply smokes. (Hi Henry!)

ghost rider motorcycle hero…..

Milktoast Helmet
If you want to get into some of the best hard rock / metal – check out Helmet. Ignore the references people have made to them copying the sound from other bands – Helmet just slays on this song. The perfect blend of guitar, vocals and bass – along with strong drums and backing vocals. This is a great intro song to the group’s music as well.

tell me … if you think it’s all right… I give in to what you know…

The Badge Pantera
One of the faster and stronger songs on the soundtrack – spine crushing speed guitars and that killer bass – along with Phil Ansemlo’s vocals – what a great addition to this CD. If you aren’t up off the couch moshing in your livingroom while listening to this – then check your wrists for a pulse.

suck on this [like there could be a better line to use from that song]

Slip Slide Melting For Love Not Lisa
Another song that just screams – stellar guitar intro that has a strong follow through. The vocals on this song are haunting and leveled (meaning several voiced tracked over each other). The dark and heavy parts of the song are balanced with the mid to high-pitched vocals.

the dawn delivers me life …new skins in which to hide.

After The Flesh My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult
Take one part White Zombie, mix with vodka and synthesizers and you’ll end up with My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult. A techno type song that will get your pulse racing – and your head banging like an old Beavis & Butthead cartoon. The vocals are a bit distracting but overall it is a great asset to the soundtrack.

we'll infect your carnal mind after the flesh

Snakedriver The Jesus and Mary Chain
Not one of my favorite songs but once again – I wasn’t picking the tracks. It’s a mid tempo song but just depresses me – nothing is worse than a singer that puts no emotion into singing. This song is so monotone I don’t recommend listening to it when you are driving – it might just lull you into sleepy land while you are behind the wheel.

if I wake up dead I'll wake up just like any other day

Time Baby III Medicine
Normally this isn’t my type of music – the bleeding heart female vocals and the cute little fluttery beat normally doesn’t do anything for me. The catch here is the beat and the folk / pop guitar work. I hang my head in shame when I admit I like this song.

sometimes it rains inside my head … all the words run dry

It can’t Rain All The Time Jane Siberry
Wow. This is a song that I just can’t listen to when I am driving – I don’t break down in tears but I do get a lump in my throat and an occasional tear falling from my eye. This song is The Crow. It is haunting, romantic, sad, erotic, compassionate and unforgettable. In so many ways it is the apex of the film – the lyrics and music are a perfect match. If you can listen to this without getting misty then I want to shake your hand.

^v^ Brandon, this is for you…^v^

oh it won't rain all the time.
the sky won't fall forever.
and though the night seems long,
your tears won't fall, your tears won't fall, your tears won't fall forever.

The inner jacket and sleeve work are nothing special. There are some special limited edition CD’s on the market but beware of fakes and burned copies. The music is all the same but the jacket art and sleeve are slightly different. I have yet to obtain the European version of this soundtrack but I am told that it has two extra songs that were cut from the playlist when characters were removed.

As always … thanks for reading … ^V^ Freak ^V^




Recommended: Yes