Compilation producers: T Bone Burnett, Joel Coen, Ethan Coen.
Engineers include: Roger Moutenot.
Now THIS is a soundtrack! No grunge bands covering cheesy '70s hits, no retro chic, no rap-techno-country-opera superstar crossovers, just an eclectic selection of tunes by some quality performers. You get obscure tracks from Dylan and Captain Beefheart, some sublime vocalizing from Yma Sumac and Nina Simone, and cuts from world-class artists like Moondog and Meredith Monk, whose creativity exceeds their popularity. The film music quota is covered by a slice of Mancini ("Lujon") and the perversity quota filled by the Gipsy Kings' version of "Hotel California." Did we mention the previously unreleased Elvis Costello cut and the Stones cover from late great Texas songwriting legend Townes Van Zandt?
Professional Reviews
Entertainment Weekly (2/20-2/27/98, p.116) - "The Coen brothers' FARGO follow-up may be set in a bowling alley, but don't expect to hear this soundtrack album's bizarre mix of songs at your local rock'n'bowl. Oddities include obscure Bob Dylan and Captain Beefheart songs...operan, avant-classical, and lounge tracks..." - Rating: B
