Pieces of April (Soundtrack) [Soundtrack]

1. All I Want to Know

2. As You Turn to Go - The 6ths

3. Dreams Anymore

4. Epitaph for My Heart

5. Heather Heather

6. I Think I Need a New Heart

7. One April Day - Stephin Merritt

8. Stray With Me

9. Luckiest Guy on the Lower East Side

10. You You You You You - The 6ths

From Amazon.com
For his second foray into movie soundtracks (2001's sublime score for Eban & Charley was the first), underground pop impresario Stephin Merritt supplies a succinct set boasting equal appeal to longtime fans and newcomers. The latter should appreciate the inclusion of material from the best-known of Merritt's multiple bands, including three numbers plucked off the Magnetic Fields' critically lauded 69 Love Songs, and two from the 6ths' Hyacinths and Thistles, featuring guest warbling by Momus and Squirrel Nut Zippers' Katherine Whalen. The big draw for devotees is five new selections: "All I Want to Know" is enlivened by sitar licks, while clip-clop rhythms impart the bittersweet "Dreams Anymore" with a hint of classic country kitsch. Merritt's lyrics remain as sharp and funny ("We belong together/Like sex and violence," he croons on "Heather Heather"), but it's the ever-inventive arrangements--like the offbeat blend of ukulele and harmonium on "One April Day"--that make these gems especially memorable. --Kurt B. Reighley

7 Reviews 5 star:  (4) 4 star:  (3) 3 star:    (0) 2 star:    (0) 1 star:    (0)           Average Customer Review (7 customer reviews)		Share your thoughts with other customers:
Most helpful customer reviews   A wondeful introduction...., May 12 2004 By  Paul Graham (United Kingdom) - See all my reviews Wow, I bought Pieces of April on DVD and unusually for me let the film play thru the credits. I was rewarded with the song 'You You You You You' by the 6ths. With the net so good for researching the track/artist I was surprised to find this CD as I hadn't noticed much music during the film and indeed I was right as there are a few 'added extras' on the disc. The CD is an absolutely wonderful introduction to the music of Merritt anf the two groups - The 6ths and Magnetic Fields. I for one will certainly be investing in further Cds by these.........I hope to spread the word a little more over here in the UK. Was this review helpful to you? (Report this)   Totally worth it, Jan 27 2004 By  H. J. May (L.A./N.Y.) - See all my reviews    At first I didn't think there was enough new material on this soundtrack to make it worthwhile, but the four previously unreleased songs are so completley wonderful, especially "All I want to know" and "Heather". This is an essential for any Stephin Merritt fan. Was this review helpful to you? (Report this)