By Andy Rathbun
Herald Columnist
“Slumdog Millionaire” soundtrack
A.R. Rahman, MIA and more
WHY CARE? Director Danny Boyle (“Trainspotting,” “28 Days Later”) puts together soundtracks like he makes films, which is to say, with skill.
TRIVIA: Two of the album’s better tracks — “O… Saya,” featuring MIA, and “Jai Ho” — are among the 49 songs short-listed for a 2009 Oscar nomination.
STANDOUTS: On “Aaj Ki Raat,” an eager drum beat is the foundation beneath 1980s-styled synthesizers, Bollywood vocals and punches of guitar. The album also includes MIA’s great song “Paper Planes,” in case you don’t own it.
FANS DIG: Globalization.
ANDY SAYS: The album turns pop music into neon curry with its blend of Bollywood and electronica. All 13 tracks may be hard to stomach for someone not into the genres. Still, mostly, this teems with energy.
GRADE: B
“A Different Me”
Keyshia Cole
@1. a BODY STYLES:WHY CARE? The multiplatinum R&B star returns with a sexed-up record.
TRIVIA: Around the age of 12, Cole had one of her first recording experiences with MC Hammer.
STANDOUT: Gregorian chants give way to Arabian instrumentation on “Erotic,” a track that lacks risque lyrics but delivers the promise of its title with stabbing strings and a pulsing beat.
FANS DIG: Getting crazy, Top 40 style
ANDY SAYS: I could overlook the Jerry Maguire song title (“You Complete Me”) if Cole’s lyrics said something new. But too often she uses impressive vocals and slick production to express old tropes. One guy drives her crazy, she sings, while she’ll make beautiful music with another. Losing control shouldn’t sound so dull.
GRADE: C-plus
Andy Rathbun 425-339-3455 arathbun@heraldnet.com
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