Jen's Music Review
Jenness Mitchell • Published 8 Dec 2011 08:00
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Trent Reznor/Atticus Ross: The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo
The last time Nine Inch Nails frontman Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross teamed up for a soundtrack the duo took home an Academy Award for Best Original Score for The Social Network. Reuniting with director David Fincher once again for the highly anticipated Hollywood re-working of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, this time round the boys have delivered a cold and unsettling piece of work. The score gives way and fades in to effects the audience will see onscreen, which only helps to heighten the tension of the music as there are some deeply distressing moments within the Stieg Larsson Millenium series novel. Those that have read the book or watched the original Swedish film will know one exact scene I am referring to. Over the past year we've seen a rise of major popular musicians take on the task of scoring an entire film. Unlike Tron: Legacy and Hanna, where you could hear the influence of Daft Punk and The Chemical Brothers, you wouldn't have easily guessed Reznor and Ross were behind the electro delicacy of The Social Network. With TGWTDT, they've gone on to create an uncomfortable masterpiece. Amidst their own original work, the trailer and opening track is an explosive cover of Led Zeppelin's The Immigrant Song featuring the extremely awesome Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. I find it dangerously stunning. There's also a neat cover of Bryan Ferry's Is Your Love Strong Enough? performed by How To Destroy Angels (Reznor, Ross & Reznor's wife Mariqueen Maandig). On spending 14 months producing the 39 tracks, Reznor said, "We laughed, we cried, we lost our minds and in the process made some of the most beautiful and disturbing music of our careers." I couldn't have said it better myself. If this soundtrack is anything to go by, TGWTDT is going to be my movie of 2011 and will undoubtedly bag Reznor and Atticus a second Oscar.
Various Artists: Pumped Up! The 2012 Running Mix
It's coming to that time of year when the majority of the country declare 'get fit' or 'exercise more' as their number one priority on their New Year's resolution list. As far as compilations go this solid collection of beat heavy tracks will more than help you on your way to achieving/maintaining a tight bod. The likes of Calvin Harris' Bounce ft. Kelis, Pendulum's Propane Nightmares (V.I.P.), Afrojack's Bangduck (Moguai Remix) and Bassjackers' Mush, Mush should keep you transfixed in a steady running rhythm to the end of your workout. For many out there that don't want the hassle of organising their own music playlist, Pumped Up! The 2012 Running Mix has arranged a nifty selection from the differing dance, pop and indie charts. Alternatively, for those that like their workout music laden with a bit more electro-rock, head to my mate Tash's Spotify page (http://open.spotify.com/user/tashaconway) for a unique playlist; Fatima Whitbread (GYM CHOONS). Featuring the likes of Friendly Fires, Crystal Castles and Cut Copy, if it can get me moving in the morning it must be good.
Spotify Playlist Recommendation:
Los Campesinos!: By Your Hand. Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin: Yellow Missing Signs. Teen Daze: Surface. Youth Lagoon: Bobby. Southern Shores: Tangier Winds. Speak: Carrie. We Have Band: Visionary. Summer Heart: Please Stay. Absofacto: Synthesocietal. Hospitality: Friends of Friends.
I'm slowly getting around to catching up with music sent my way over the past couple of months and the aforementioned tracks are a bunch that have instantly caught my attention. Those that are fans of hip-hop, dance or grime may want to stay clear, as this is very indie-electro-esque.
Extra Info:
If you have a Spotify playlist recommendation, email me on jmitchell@alloaadvertiser.co.uk or send music my way via open.spotify.com/user/jenster13.
Videos to check out:
Kerry Leatham, Do You Fancy Me?: www.youtube.com/user/tapeclubrecords
The Naked & Famous, No Way: www.youtube.com/user/tnafofficial
Trey Songz, What I Be On ft. Fabolous: www.youtube.com/user/TreySongzVideos
Lady GaGa, Marry The Night: www.youtube.com/user/LadyGagaVEVO
Telekinesis, Country Lane: www.youtube.com/user/MergeRecords
Los Campesinos!, Hello Sadness: www.youtube.com/user/losloscampesinos
Gig updates:
We Were Promised Jetpacks, O2 ABC, Glasgow (16 December): www.myspace.com/wewerepromisedjetpacks
King Tut's New Year's Revolution, Glasgow (5-9 January 2012): www.kingtuts.co.uk/nyr
Admiral Fallow, O2 ABC, Glasgow (27 January): www.myspace.com/admiralfallow
This article appeared in Alloa & Hillfoots Advertiser 14 Dec 11
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