Ravenous: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Michael Nyman teaming up withBlur's Damon Albarn? Yes it's true, and--as odd as it sounds--the collaboration works. With its eerie mix of symphonic orchestrations and clunky ragtime,Ravenousdelivers Gold Rush-era instrumentation with all the eeriness ofDeliverance. Stephen Foster's "Welcome to Fort Spencer" is transformed into an off-kilter (and off-key) romp by Foster's Social Orchestra. "Colquhoun's Story" is a meditative squeezebox ditty that sounds downright otherworldly once a meditative flute kicks in. It's not all banjos and jew's harps, however: The Michael Nyman Orchestra does its best imitation of Copland'sAppalachian Springwith "Trek to the Cave." The movie may have gotten mixed reviews, but this score is definitely worth hearing.--Jason Verlinde