Search - Various Artists - Soundtrack :: 3000 Miles to Graceland (2001 Film)

Grab-bag with select highlights

wellwellwell | bog | 05/10/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"If you saw the movie `3000 Miles To Graceland' then you know what kind of music to expect from its soundtrack. However, if you didn't see the movie, you'll be wondering what bands like [Hed]P.E. and Nothingface are doing on the same album with Elvis. And there's really no answer to that; other than that they were trying to boost the album's appeal. Most of the songs are featured on the band's full-length CDs and therefore only become enjoyable if you haven't heard them yet (i.e. Spineshank, [Hed]P.E., Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Crystal Method, etc.). The real gem on this soundtrack is the Elvis Presley classic "Such A Night", which you can now call a `classic' thanks to its appearance here. "Such A Night" really should've been the movie's theme, in place of the lackluster "Franklin's Requiem" (George Clinton). And since it's not featured on ELV1S 30 #1 Hits, this CD becomes a must-own for the diehard Elvis fan.Of the 14 tracks, we could've done without about four: "Smartbomb" (BT), "Come In Hard" (Hardknox), "Loaded Gun" (Hednoize), and the aforementioned theme song. All those songs are nothing compared to The Crystal Method's "Vapor Trail", which is the only techno song you can call good. But since they were featured in the movie I guess you're forced to include them. Hah. The few great songs are "Killing Time" by [Hed]P.E., "In 2 Deep" by Kenny Wayne Shepherd and the epic "Such A Night". But as I said before, the fact that they are featured on the artist's earlier albums make them only great to the uninitiated. The one track that really jumped out at me is Bender's awesome "Angel Dust"; which fit in very nicely with `the van scene' (as I like to call it). That song might've actually spawned my liking of them. Sadly, on another down note, Uncle Kracker's "Who's Your Uncle?" is an edited version of the song; which is kind of odd considering that "Killing Time" isn't. And also, Uncle Kracker's smash hit "Follow Me" was featured in the movie and is NOT on the soundtrack. Go figure?...The music on this soundtrack is either nu-metal, techno, blues, or classical; in the case of Elvis. There is great diversity from song to song and I think that allows for a better-than-average soundtrack. But still, there are a few aspects that keep it from being perfect. As I said, "Follow Me" wasn't included here when it was in the movie; and the same goes for the Elvis tracks "My Way" and "Trouble". It's hard to believe they didn't include Elvis songs when the movie was loosely based on The King himself. And, again, as I said, Uncle Kracker's track is edited; which in turn makes it unmemorable and annoying to listen to. Without those inaccuracies, this soundtrack would've been awesome. Even so, I highly recommend it if you saw and enjoyed the movie. And even if you haven't seen `3000 Miles To Graceland' yet, the soundtrack is still beneficial and worth frequent listens. So if you enjoy nu-metal, techno, blues and Elvis--and can handle them all at once--then certainly buy this album."

One of my favorite albums!

fredfenster | Spokane, WA United States | 03/06/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This soundtrack is very much like the movie itself: loud, mindless, and alot of fun. My personal favorites: the head-banging intensity of "Killing Time," "It's Gonna Kill Me," and "New Disease," as well as the blatantly Fatboy Slim-ish techno tune "Come In Hard," one of the best recent songs of its kind. And the album ends in high style with "Such A Night" by The King himself, which will bring a smile to the face of anyone who has seen the movie's great end titles sequence. All in all, a real guilty pleasure of a CD."

Could've been better...but not by much.

Brent A. Anthonisen | Alpharetta, GA, USA | 10/20/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I understand that the movie (and especially the accompanying soundtrack) are targeted toward a younger audience, but at least two of the Elvis tunes from the movie ("My Way", toward the end, and "Trouble", when Kurt Russell "gets into character") really would've added that extra kick to this work as a soundtrack.
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Having said that, this is a great collection of modern, sludgy, insanely aggressive music. I understand that Demian Lichtenstein made his mark first as a music video director, and just as a director from that medium has to put effective imagery behind a song, his choices (assuming they were his) for music to add effective audio background to this exceptional action/crime flick are absolutely spot-on.
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A lot of these songs might as well be older Soundgarden or Alice In Chains tunes sped up and mixed with the odd hip-hop beat, but if you like those acts to begin with (as I do, very much), you're not going to be disappointed with this soundtrack. If you liked the movie, you definitely won't feel cheated buying it.
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If you HAVEN'T seen the movie, trust me, it's worth at least a rental. The music is featured prominently enough to give you a good idea of how it sounds on the CD, so you will be able to get a good idea by watching the movie whether or not you feel this CD is for you."