Lost in Translation

I'm delighted to be able to confirm that this is quite probably THE best soundtrack CD I've purchased for years. It succeeds in every way that a soundtrack album should do-

- It has all of the keys songs and incidental music you remember from the film (and more!)
- All (yes ALL) of the tracks are excellent+ - most are superb.

- It stands up well as a stand-alone album, so there's no need to have seen the film to appreciate the collection of tracks.

Normally, I'm more of a fan / collector of "score" soundtrack CD's, but this (along with the likes of Trainspotting) is a notable exception - it really is _that_ good.

The pieces by Shields are wonderful, but are not necessarily all of the best tracks on the album. There's a super balance here of a variety of styles, but the important thing is that this soundtrack album will leave you wanting to see the film - and then again if you've already seen it!

Best of all, and in conclusion, this album has introduced me to a selection of bands and musicians that I had previously heard of but hadn't _heard_ (if that makes sense) - so I'm off now to start off my Air, MBV and Death in Vegas collections for starters.

Lovely film, even better soundtrack release. Highly recommended.

-John


finally   February 29, 2004
awesomeOrson
4 out of 4 found this review helpful

New music by Kevin Shields? Yes, please.

I have to admit, the first time I heard these songs was when I saw the movie, so my rating is tainted a bit by association. The music fits the movie perfectly. Consider this a review of a soundtrack, not an album.

For me, the main attraction here is the new stuff by Kevin Shields. No, it's not the rebirth of MBV, but it sure is a wonderful tease. "City Girl" stands out with it's half-distorted guitar and almost Lennonesque vocals. I consider the other tracks a bonus, especially Poenix's "Too Young."

IMO, this is the best soundtrack since "Singles." Beautiful stuff.


Lost in the cool feeling   March 2, 2004
Mr. Aj Des Forges (Bristol, England.)
11 out of 12 found this review helpful

This captures the feeling in the film perfectly, and the film captured a feeling from life quite well- its like a wander into the zone of drifting through the complex and crazy world, yet somehow feeling good and elevated about not knowing where you're really heading because there is beauty and excitement to be experianced from a subtle view point. Its more than worth getting just for the Kevin Shields references, although all his contibutions are probably what see it through. City Girl does not disappoint, and I recall hearing it in the film and thinking how amazing it sounded. The MBV track 'Sometimes' sounds extra amazing in the context of this album. Other tracks all have merits, even the slightly cheezy 'Pheonix' (TOO YOUNG) works really well in the context. the DIvegas track sounds amazing here too- Its all working really well- if you enjoyed any music in the film, you'll love this.


A must-have if you liked the film   February 9, 2005
9 out of 10 found this review helpful

If you liked the lost in translation movie (and I did, very much), then this album is a definite must. When I listen to it, I immediately remember all of the scenes from the movie as the music goes. My personal favorites are 'girls' (death in vegas, who also did the excellent album 'scorpio rising') and 'too young' (phoenix), which instantly brings back the memory of my favorite part of the film. The closing track 'just like honey' is fantastic. What else to say - there are squarepusher,air,my bloody valentine... as I realized (correct me if I'm wrong) Sofia Coppola choose the music herself - really good choice of tracks!
There is even a hidden track.
What I like the most about this album is that it combines the guitar sounds with electronica, but all tracks go together in harmony. Also the design of the cover book is excellent.
Buy this and enjoy!


Lost in music   June 21, 2007
N. Morris (England)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

Bought this cd because I couldnt get the Death in Vegas track, "Girls" out my mind (the ahh-haa... one), which is the play over on the menu screen on the DVD. I havent been disappointed. "Girls" and "Just Like Honey" (played at the end of the movie) are pure quality, and the other tracks are all growers. Just like the film I get something more out of the cd everytime I listen to it. Its well put together too, with a sleeve containing pictures from the movie that tell the story. The sounds are also in line with the DVD, so if you want its easy to imagine where you are. And if that wasnt enough, if you are a fan of the film then its worth getting this cd just for the bonus track at the end of "Just like honey"...