For those of you that are fans of Showtime’s hit Series, Californication, here’s the dish on Season Four’s Soundtrack featuring exclusive tracks from artists Tommy Lee and Queens of Dogtown. The musical arrangement is anything but ordinary with a cacophony of sounds ranging from the psychedelic rock of Shooter Jennings, “F*ck You I’m Famous” to the contemporary folk of Gregory Alan Isakov’s, “If I go, I’m Going.”
The Soundtrack begins at a seemingly angry place, giving off a cavalier “I don’t give a rat’s ass what you think” kind of vibe. So, to say the least, it is very reminiscent of Californication’s leading man, Hank Moody (David Duchovny). Driven by his dysfunctional lifestyle, Moody ended Season 3 of the show in Jail, leaving his character in a “bad place” so to speak. So, like his state of mind and being, the first few tracks of this Soundtrack lend to his more hedonistic side. Songs like ” Sex on Wheels” by My Life with the Thrill Kill Kult actively portray the seedier side of the show. The song is a blend of chaotic noises but has an effective even inappropriate edge like the show itself.
The second half of the Soundtrack is much more engaging. Maybe it’s because it is less shallow and self absorbed, but the songs come across more developed. The best tracks are the ones occupied in relaying the softer side of the show, Hank Moody’s inner dilemma and longing to belong. They are nostalgic pieces. These include, “I Remember You,” (Queens of Dogtown) “Second Life Replay,” (The Soundtrack of Our Lives) “If I Go, I’m Goin,” (Gregory Alan Isakov) and “Home Sweet Home” (Tommy Lee). In the middle of these songs is a track, “Wanted Dead or Alive” by Warren Zevon that seems rebelliously placed but gets the point across. Hank Moody won’t give up the chase (even though at times it screams failure). All in all the music fits the show, and if you like the sort of mixture of debauchery and inner soul searching that Californication promotes then you should enjoy this soundtrack.
The Soundtrack is available at all retail and digital outlets January 11, 2011.
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