The Commitments

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Binding: Audio CD EAN: 0008811028626 Format: Soundtrack Label: Universal / Island Manufacturer: Universal / Island Number Of Discs: 1 Publisher: Universal / Island Release Date: 1991-08-01 Running Time: 46 Studio: Universal / Island
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Editorial Reviews: Based on Irish writer Roddy Doyle's novel and lovingly directed with admirable restraint by the sometimes bombastic Alan Parker, this quirky 1991 tribute to the enduring and universal power of American R&B took some cynical criticism for its reliance on Baby Boomer-era classics such as "Mustang Sally", "Take Me to the River", and "In the Midnight Hour". But that sword cuts two ways: by casting a motley crew of real musicians, including the guts 'n' gravel-voiced young vocalist Andrew Strong, Parker didn't have to do much coaxing to reveal the obvious respect and affection his players have for this music. The material may not be fresh, but the love with which it's played is timeless. --Jerry McCulley
Spotlight customer reviews: Customer Rating: Summary: **1/2 - a loving tribute to classic American soul and R&B Comment: I have no idea how well the movie "The Commitments" actually did in the UK, but I saw it when it opened here in Denmark twelve or thirteen years ago, and the soundtrack was a huge hit, not least with people of my generation who usually didn't listen to 60s soul music (I was about 18 at the time). This is a wonderful colletion of gritty soul and R&B with a bluesy edge, the arrangements, which include trumpet and two saxophones, are muscular but never overblown. Teenaged Joe Cocker-soundalike Andrew Strong is terrific on powerful soul stompers like "Mustang Sally", "In The Midnight Hour", and "Take Me To The River", and Angeline Ball and the predominantly female backing group share the lead vocals on equally great renditions of "Chain Of Fools" and "I Can't Stand The Rain". This is one of my favorite soul records. It is beautifully executed and sooo well arranged, the production wisely hasn't sanded away all the grit, and all the vocalist are thoroughly convincing. Not the smoothest of soul, but that's fine by me....I like my soul bluesy ;o) "The Commitments" soundtrack is not a novelty project, but rather a totally believable collection of some of the toughest soul and R&B-interpretations ever. 4 1/2 stars - highly recommended. Customer Rating: Summary: Dublin soul for party nights Comment: Just as the film made a lively job of translating Roddy Doyle's homespun tale of Dublin squalor alleviated through dreams, so the music to accompany the film is a collection of spunky soul covers delivered with panache and (in view of the early amateurishness portrayed in the film) fine musicianship. In fact, this collection is far more than soul - it's great party music to be enjoyed totally on its merits. Andrew Strong roars these songs with a voice coming up from his bootstraps - a male Janis Joplin singing classic soul songs with feeling and raw emotion. And in truth, it's very difficult not to be carried along, tap your feet, sing along and have a great time in the process. Moral of the tale: Have fun and don't take life too seriously! Customer Rating: Summary: Quality soul for a good time Comment: Not quite as dynamic as the first volume, but still pretty good. Perhaps the song selection isn't quite so effective, but the results are strong throughout. Good time music with the soul label scores again! Customer Rating: Summary: A good followup to commitments number 1 Comment: After listening to commitments number 1, and watching the movie lots of times I was had specific ideas on what i expected from a follow-up album. This comes pretty close. Some old favourates of any one who likes soul appear here, but the band give something of themsleves into the recording that make this album a must for anyone who has number 1 in their collection. Customer Rating: Summary: addictive listening Comment:** After watching the film, many times, felt compelled to purchase the cd, glad I did - brilliant listening, totally addictive, and with a unique sound of their own, have sinced copied it for the car. Tried to purchase Andrew Strong's debut cd but with no luck, still waiting More Reviews