Thursday 29 April 2010

Review - Various - True Blood - Music from and inspired by the HBO Original Series

Various - True Blood - Music from and inspired by the HBO Original Series

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8 out of 10

"I want to do bad things to you" threatens Jack Everett in the inviting introductory track to this album, as if he is alluding to the blood, romance and violence of the renowned TV series, True Blood, but define "bad?". For those already sucked-in who are regularly tuning-in to see the mysterious and often debauched escapades of those dwelling in the fictional town of Bon Temps, Louisiana, the songs on this album sum up the atmosphere, appeal and scenes from the show. The show's heroine, Sookie Stackhouse finds her world growing all the more unreal with each plot turn, but the sounds on this album are most definitely real in an authentic accompaniment to the HBO programme in which they are all sung by Louisiana natives. There are also the nods at local scenery too, with Lucinda William's Lake Charles, as well as Swampblood a fiery number by Th' Legendary Shack Shakers.

The Cures' Just Like Heaven is turned into an almost unrecognisable ode due to the female vocals in a slow and soulful cover by The Watson Twins. But the show-stealing tune on the soundtrack is easily, Christine's Tune aka Devils In Disguise by the Flying Burrito Brothers, not only because you could imagine it being played while you sip liquor on the rocks and play spot the 'vamps' in Merlottes' bar (from the programme), but also because it's the most upbeat song of this collection despite the warnings in the lyrics. For those who have yet to be 'glamoured' by the show's vampires this offering would prove ideal listening for a late summer's evening in a good end to a baking afternoon with ample feet stamping to the album's last great high, Bones.

Listen: www.trueblood.com

Tracklist:
1. Bad Things - Jack Everett
2. Bleed to Feed - CC Adcock
3. Lake Charles - Lucinda Williams
4. Give It Up - Lee Dorsey
5. Swampblood - Th' Legendary Shack Shakers
6. Play With Fire - Cobra Verde
7. Just Like Heaven - The Watson Twins
8. Christine's Tune (aka Devil in Disguise) - The Flying Burrito Brother
9. Two - Ryan Adams
10. Strange Love - Slim Harpo
11. From A Whisper To A Wind - Allen Toussaint
12. I Don't Wanna Know - Dr John
13. The Golden State - John Doe ft. Kathleen Edwards
14. Bones - Little Big Town

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