Richard GIBBS
28 DAYS
OST
VARÈSE SARABANDE
VSD 6151
(33.02)
Crotchet
Amazon
UK
Amazon
USA
As Richard Gibbs' original work itself is unlikely to inspire too many repeat
plays, the emphasis would appear to be more on the songs included here,
particularly the currently in vogue Tom Jones' rendition of 'Lean on me'.
Unfortunately though I found it all fairly dull with Tom's rather self-indulgent
vocal not exactly helping things. But then for fans of the Welsh warbler
it will no doubt be a treat!
Gibbs' tracks like 'A Way to Die' reminded me of sub par Tangerine Dream,
not exactly poor but hardly compelling, while others were vaguely reminiscent
of Thomas Newman's work. Sadly though this composer doesn't quite have the
same inventiveness or substance, so perhaps this might best be described
as 'Newman lite'.
His more up tempo cues such as 'Ode De Toilet', 'A Dingo Stole my Baby' and
'Fragile Package' are also on the bland side, despite occasional flashes
of interest, but his most engaging piece 'Can't Breathe' with its simply
constructed dramatic melody and ticking clock effect does provide some brighter
moments. This clock device is also heard in several other cues, counting
down the 28 days of the title and is a notable feature of the score (and
is actually quite effective)
The other major contributor to the CD is singer/songwriter London Wainwright
III, who provides several relatively brief folksy ditties like 'The Drinking
Song' and 'White Winos' which are pleasant enough in an undemanding way,
without making much of an impact.
To supplement the Tom Jones number, 'Joy to the World' performed by Three
Dog Night and 'Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa (Sad Song)' by Otis Redding are the obligatory
standards that seem to always feature in these kind of soundtracks. Hardly
a reason to buy the CD though.
Certainly not the worst of its kind, but nothing to get excited about.
Reviewer
Mark Hockley
