High Fidelity
Nick Hornby's novel about a middle-aged, obsessive record-store owner and his struggle with growing up in an adult world indifferent to the finer points of soul music was a sharp commentary on life, love, and a decades-long affair with popular music. If any moviehasto have a decent soundtrack it's this one. And it does. Perhaps a little light on soul (Stevie Wonderis a hip pick, but how aboutArthur Alexanderor evenOtis Redding?), it specializes in cult and indie bands that should be familiar to many. TheVelvet Underground,Love, the13th Floor Elevators, and theKinkshonor the old school, whileRoyal Trux,Stereolab, andSmogrepresent the newest wave.Elvis Costelloappears with a strong pick from an odd era (early '80s), and his greatest imitator,John Wesley Harding, is featured as well. This probably should have been a box set--you end up wanting more.--Rob O'Connor