Get Shorty (CD) by Original Soundtrack

CD. In line with the movie's tongue-in-cheek treatment of the gangster noir genre, Get Shorty's soundtrack features a tumbling mix of dusky soul jazz informed by the spirit of Henry Mancini's "Peter Gunn Theme." John Lurie contributes most of the tracks, striking a fine balance between straight bop and movie theme atmospherics. Fellow travelers Morphine and Medeski, Martin & Wood contribute some sophisticated back-alley fare of their own, with Morphine's dub and flamenco cut "Bo's Veranda" deserving special mention. And adding breakbeat momentum, Greyboy goes in for some syncopated funk rhythms overlaid with strings and light fusion touches on "Panacea." In the midst of all this, Us3's opening cut comes off sounding a bit outdated, while the two Booker T. & the MG's sides fit right in with the retro soul program. A perfect soundtrack purchase for acid jazz fans who likes their grooves laced with smoky ambience. ~ Stephen Cook, Rovi

GET SHORTY