Music for Imaginary Films

Amazon.com
It's not unusual that the best part of a movie is its soundtrack. Dutch duo Gerry Arling and Richard Cameron cut straight to the gravy and created Music for Imaginary Films, a collection of tracks for movies that don't exist. On this, the follow-up to their debut All In, Arling and Cameron continue to write elevated camp (their delicious songs are too sincere and well constructed to be dismissed as kitsch). The concept behind this release is a perfect vehicle for the pair to display their seemingly limitless proficiency in any number of musical styles. So, what kind of movies did A&C have in mind? Some sort of James Bondian caper wouldn't be out of the question, nor would a late-'60s sitcom, nor a jazzy Woody Allen film or wah-wah-pummeled blaxploitation flick, for that matter. A&C has a sense of humor for sure, and a fondness for lounge music from all decades. The song "W.E.E.K.E.N.D," sung in breezy, hushed harmonies, proclaims, "Monday, is not a fun day / and Tuesday, another blues day," sounding severely reminiscent of '60s prime-time TV theme songs. The horn-punched, bass-crazy "Hashi," a song about a "drug-sniffing canine," renders bizarrely vivid images of an animated retro superhero pooch spy. Later down the disc, on "Spacebeach," contributor Fay Lovsky prolifically plays a quavering theremin to its spookiest woooo-OOO-oooo effect--have we just entered a haunted house? Whatever cinematic vision A&C had in mind for these songs, the delight of their listeners results in only one ending--a happy one. --Beth Massa

Tracks:

Le Flic Et La Fille
1999 Spaceclub
W.E.E.K.E.N.D.
Hashi
Let's Get Together
Milano Cool
New Day
Zona Sul (Cocktail Mix)
Zona Sul (Samba Mix)
Spacebeach
Hermann
Shiva's R&R Dub
Shiva's Daughters
The Only Guy

Amazon.com

It's not unusual that the best part of a movie is its soundtrack. Dutch duo Gerry Arling and Richard Cameron cut straight to the gravy and created Music for Imaginary Films, a collection of tracks for movies that don't exist. On this, the follow-up to their debut All In, Arling and Cameron continue to write elevated camp (their delicious songs are too sincere and well constructed to be dismissed as kitsch). The concept behind this release is a perfect vehicle for the pair to display their seemingly limitless proficiency in any number of musical styles. So, what kind of movies did A&C have in mind? Some sort of James Bondian caper wouldn't be out of the question, nor would a late-'60s sitcom, nor a jazzy Woody Allen film or wah-wah-pummeled blaxploitation flick, for that matter. A&C has a sense of humor for sure, and a fondness for lounge music from all decades. The song "W.E.E.K.E.N.D," sung in breezy, hushed harmonies, proclaims, "Monday, is not a fun day / and Tuesday, another blues day," sounding severely reminiscent of '60s prime-time TV theme songs. The horn-punched, bass-crazy "Hashi," a song about a "drug-sniffing canine," renders bizarrely vivid images of an animated retro superhero pooch spy. Later down the disc, on "Spacebeach," contributor Fay Lovsky prolifically plays a quavering theremin to its spookiest woooo-OOO-oooo effect--have we just entered a haunted house? Whatever cinematic vision A&C had in mind for these songs, the delight of their listeners results in only one ending--a happy one. --Beth Massa

Customer Reviews:

Interesting Concept Album.......2005-01-05

This is a novelty album taken to its limits. There are some great songs on this CD of theme songs from fictional movies. There are also some bad ones. Among the great ones are Space Beach, Spaceclub: 1999, Milano Cool, and W.E.E.K.E.N.D.

Whats Not to Love?.......2001-11-02

Another great release from Arling and Cameron. "Music for Imaginary Films" combines disco, lounge, and 60's easy listening with modern drum tracks.

The booklet that comes with the cd is just as interesting and quirky as the album itself. Each track has a small synopsis giving info on the "story" behind the track and some insight on the imaginary film.

I wouldn't excatly call it a dance oriented album, but it dose have some nifty beats, especially on "Lets Get Higher," that song makes no bones about being disco funk. It is not as abstract as "ALL IN," but if you loved "ALL IN" you will enjoy this release.

"A" for creativity.......2001-10-11

strangely, i didn't think this cd was all that until i read the liner notes - THEN it made sense. fun CD - can't listen to it non-stop (especially that darned dog song), but the other ones are pretty fun. good for long drives - lots of variation.

Missed it by *this* much..........2001-09-11

I really wanted to love this album, but can't. There are a few good songs here. The problem: Most of the songs seem too self conscious. Whereas Senor Coconut gives you a little wink to let you in on it, this album says "ATTENTION: WE'RE BEING QUITE CLEVER." Too bad, it could've been great.

Whee!!.......2001-01-13

This music just makes me smile. You gotta love it! Open up your heart, soul, and ears. Let yourself grin. This music makes it easy.