Various Artists: Moondust
Various Artists on the soundtrack for Andrew Smith's book Moondust
Also In The News
|
Yorkshire batsman Michael Vaughan has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket with immediate effect at Edgbaston today. |  |
Wednesday, 01, Jul 2009 04:47
Heavenly/Virgin, out July 6th.
In a nutshell...
One Small Step For Man.
What's it all about?
A selection of tracks inspired by the stories of the few men who have walked on the moon. 21 tracks selected by the author Andrew Smith and mixed by contemporary DJ Richard Norris. Music interweaved its way around the space race, two parallel methods of getting high in an era defined by hope and chaos. A soundtrack to a book does not sound particularly exciting, but given the subject matter this could be an exciting, inspirational album.
Who's it by?
The tracklisting is certainly impressive, featuring more obvious tracks from the era by David Bowie, the Byrds and Creedence Clearwater Revival, surpisingly place alongside modern offerings from Jeff Buckley, the Flaming Lips and the Handsome Family. The question is does this eclectic mix of artists launch itself into space, or come plummeting back to earth?
As an example...
"Do you realise we're floating in space?" - This reflective line from the Flaming Lips reminding us of our origins and position in the grand scheme of things.
Likelihood of a trip to the Grammys
This will most likely remain a niche release, a nice companion to the book rather than a stand alone album of earth shattering significance.
What the others say
"Some terrific music... but too often you find yourself scratching your head wondering why?" - Music-News.com
"A fine accompaniment for contemplating the cosmos." - Independent
So is it any good?
Andrew Smith's book, Moondust, upon which this album is based, represents a simple idea beautifully executed. However, one cannot say the same about the soundtrack. No doubt this eclectic collection of tracks probably acts as an interesting companion piece to the book. Perhaps something to listen to as you read. But, judging this album purely as a musical experience, it leaves one feeling somewhat deflated.
Space has always been a mystical, magical and exciting concept, and judging by the selection of documentaries, events and movies that have been released in 2009, 40 years after man walked on the moon, what lies above us still excites the our imagination like very little else. Yet, that sense of excitement, the unknown, the mystery of the universe is sadly lacking from this album. There is little sense of coherence in the tracklisting, and although there are some brilliant stand-alone inclusions here, such as the Handsome Family's Blue Sky, the thought-provoking Last Poets, and timeless Bowie classic Moonage Daydream, this feels like a friend's weak attempt at a ill-fitting 'moon-themed' mixtape rather than fitting tribute to magnificent moon landings.
I suppose it was only Smith's intention to provide a audio accompaniment to his book, and I imagine that listened to alongside it, a lot of the questions relating to why specific tracks were included in this order will be answered. The selection is eclectic and original. Yet, ultimately this album feels like a missed opportunity to do something that truly captures the essence of its subject matter. There is a moment on the album at track 18, when Brian Eno's An Ending kicks in, and the mysteries of space seem to be beautifully captured by the eerie, floating harmonies. But this is sadly too late. Like the moon landings themselves, this soundtrack represents a magical concept, rigidly and scientifically executed.
5/10
Greg Ash