Still Crazy: Soundtrack
Still Crazy - Soundtrack"Strange Fruit" - various
Still Crazy - Film soundtrack
Format reviewedCD
Released1998
Product code3984 28235-2
LabelLondon
Track ListingThe flame still burns : All over the world : What might have been : Brian's Theme (acoustic) : Dirty Town : Stealin'Black moon : Live for today : Bird on a wire : Ibiza theme : Scream Freedom : A woman like that : Dangerous thing : Brian's Theme (reprise).
ReviewA film soundtrack in the true sense: the songs are an integral part of the film and are recorded for it, with at least some of the stars of the film. Unless you have seen the film, the CD may seem a little dodgy - but the film stands watching over and again. Jimmy Nail and Billy Connolly contribute musically and the band has a surprising range of names - drums by Michael Lee (now of Page and Plant), Hammond by Rabbit, piano by Steve Nieve, Bass by Guy Pratt and Guitars by Steve Donnelly, Clive Langer and, surprisingly, Ralph McTell.
The story is of Strange Fruit, a failed rock band, riven by ego battles and distractions who break up after the intervention of the gods. What seems like lifetimes later, they are talked into to getting together for one last gig - and then conclude that if they are going to do one gig, they could re-take the world. The egos have been replaced by misguided pride as all the band have fallen on financial or emotional hard times - and things don't improve much.
All the history of rock is here - the lead guitarist who has a nervous breakdown and hides, the former drug addict, completely burned out, the singer running (and hating) his own roofing business and the one who ends up selling condoms in the Med, as well as the Rock Wife and long suffering PA secretly in love with one of the band and secretely loved by another one; the roady who had even held onto the tour bus in case they ever needed it. Donna Air has a bit part as a hitch-hiker. Most of the actors take no part in the real music. The band have all sorts of silly adventures, including spiritual experiences, as they try to get ready for the reunion gig. A truly excellent film and, once you've seen it, the CD is a great reminder. To be fair, though, although some of the music is superb, some of it is by comparison weak - but even so, it is enjoyable. And so it should be with songwriting credits for Russ Ballard (Argent), Chris Difford (Squeeze), Billy Connelly and Clive Langer. One of the games you can play is "spot the influence." Uriah Heep is one that looms large over the rockier pieces.
One thing shines through - the amazing guitar playing of Steve Donnelly. It's been a long time since anyone plugged a guitar straight into the emotions - Donnelly does it again and again. Sometimes, it's almost painfully emotional. Absolute genius.
Oh, and one more thing - this is the film where the (actor) drummer was criticised with the immortal line "It's like you are building a shed."
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