Though more notable for the musicians who contributed to the album than for the actual music contained therein, the
Backbeat soundtrack is actually a fantastic record that holds its own even when judged by purely musical criteria.
Backbeat (the movie, which is unfortunately a bit of a hack job) chronicles
the Beatles' developmental period in Liverpool and Hamburg, so the idea behind the soundtrack was to assemble musicians who could accurately convey the raw, quasi-
punk feel of the early leather jacket-clad Fab Four. Producer
Don Was, though not usually associated with high-power
garage rock, does an excellent job of assembling an amazing
post-punk supergroup, the members of which perform cover tunes from
the Beatles' actual repertoire with aplomb and surprising cohesion. The band includes powerhouse vocalist
Greg Dulli, best known as the leader of the
Afghan Whigs,
R.E.M. bassist
Mike Mills,
Nirvana drummer/
Foo Fighters guitarist/vocalist
Dave Grohl,
Thurston Moore (legendary six string strangler with
Sonic Youth), noted alternative
rock producer/guitarist
Don Fleming (
Gumball,
Hole,
Teenage Fanclub,
Screaming Trees), and
Soul Asylum vocalist
Dave Pirner.
Pirner, though he only participates on three songs, contributes some of the most energetic lead vocals of his career.
Dulli, too, sounds like he's having the time of his life. Overall, the band sounds pretty convincing, except for
Grohl's drumming, which, though typically excellent, is obviously from the post-
John Bonham hard rock era. Despite that small flaw, however, this album is highly recommended, as it gives a much better idea of the early
Beatles over-the-top energy than the film itself. ~ Pemberton Roach