True Stories at Bar Pink on September 25th / 11:30 p.m. / Free

True Stories will perform a late night (11:30 p.m.) set at Bar Pink on September 25th part of a bill that includes Scott Reynolds (All) and Chad Price (Drag The River). It's a free show!

Bar Pink Info 

Bart Mendoza to host online radio show beginning October 5

Bart Mendoza will begin hosting an online radio show beginning October 5. Set to be called , The Time Machine, here is the info from their website:

"Bart Mendoza and guests take you on a musical trip through San Diego’s music history from the 1920’s to the 1960’s, the 1970’s to the modern era. Hits, rare tracks, unreleased material and concerts will be broadcast, local music stories and trivia will be discussed. Other topics will include pending catalog releases from San Diego’s hitmakers past and present, visits to town from legendary performers and the charts. But it’s the music that will dominate air time – if you like Iron Butterfly, The Beat Farmers, Stephen Bishop, The Tell Tale Hearts, Red Flag, The Monroes, The Unknowns, The Cascades, The Kingston Trio, John Stewart, The Crawdaddys, The Penetrators, Trees, Smokey Rogers, Merrill Moore, Frankie Laine, Barbara Mandrell, The Zeros, Ratt, Switchfoot, Blink 182, Jewel, The Rugburns and other San Diego related artists, this is the show for you.   COMING SOON"

 Listen to The Tme Machine at Listen Local Radio

Bart Mendoza's Non Band Appearances / Oct - Dec 2014

Bart Mendoza will be making several appearances in the coming months outside his usual capacity as a musician:

Oct 3     710 Beach Club / as judge at a Battle of the Bands

Oct 5     Kona Kai Resort  / as MC of the San Diego Music Awards Acoustic Showcase
Oct 6     Humphreys By The Bay / part of the crew at the San Diego Music Awards

Nov 2    FM 94.9 / discussing upcoming Animal Shelter benefit

Nov 13  Coronado Optimists Club / speaking about San Diego Music History

Dec 6     The Casbah / as one of several DJ's at the quarterly Record Show

New! Knights of Fuzz book includes entries on Manual Scan, The Shambles and more!

Bart Mendoza contributes an essay to the new book by Timothy Gassen, Knights of Fuzz! If you are a fan of sixties inspired music, you NEED this new book - with info on Manual Scan, the Shambles and Bart's fanzine, Sound Affex with a heavy San Diego presence and items on Shake Before Us, The Loons, The Rosalyns, The Creepy Creeps, The Gravedigger V, The Sidewalk Scene, The Crawdaddys, The Morlocks, The Tell Tale Hearts, The Event and many more- 500 pages!

 

Order "Knights of Fuzz"

True Stories on Cheap Trick Tribute album - Pre-orders now!

True Stories, featuring Bart Mendoza, David Fleminger and Danny Cress, is included in the upcoming Cheap Trick tribute album - Never Surrender - coming soon from Australia's Zero Hour Records! The band will perform "Oh Caroline" originally from the album, "In Color." Produced by Grammy winning producer Alan Sanderson (The Rolling Stones, Elvis Costello, Fleetwood Mac etc.) at Pacific Beat Studios. The album is two disc with 40 artists including: The Heartless Devils,  honeychain, Chris Richards and The Subtractions,Lisa Mychols, The Wrong Dots, Matt Keating, Bill Lloyd, Jeremy Morris, Plasticsoul, Popdudes, The Klank and many more - pre-order now at the link below!

 Cheap Trick Tribute album pre order

True Stories at the Black Cat Bar August 9

 True Stories will perform with John Meeks and the Midnight Pine at the Black Cat Bar in North Park on August 9

Manual Scan on Millions Like Us box set!

It's all still being firmed up, but Manual Scan's (Bart Mendoza, Kevin Ring, David Fleminger, Paul Brewin) song "Nothing You Can Do" has been selected for the upcoming "Millions Like Us" four CD box set from British label, Cherry Red Records alongside the likes of the Purple Hearts, The Prisoners, The Untouchables, The Chords and many more. Details TBA.

Millions Like Us - Track List

The Jeremy Band with guests Bart Mendoza, Anna Troy, Scott Mathiasen and more! August 6

The Jeremy Band celebrates the release of their new album, All Over The World, with an appearance at Lestats on August 6. On hand will be a contingent of musical friends including True Stories Bart Mendoza and David Fleminger, guitarist Anna Troy and singer Scott Mathiasen! All ages.

Bart Mendoza June 30 Beatles Undercover with members of Transfer, Big Mountain, Silent Comedy etc

Live at the Office in North Park / San Diego: The Beatles Under Cover, scheduled for June 30, with an all star band which includes members of Get Back Loretta, Silent Comedy, Okapi Sun, Transfer and the Styletones with guest singers Bart Mendoza from True Stories, Matt Molarius of Transfer, Get Back Loretta’s Kevin Martin,  Shelbi Bennett of Midnight Pine, Jeremiah and Joshua Zimmerman of Silent Comedy and Quino of Big Mountain. 

The Office

Free! True Stories at the Ocean Beach Street Fair, Saturday June 28 2:15 p.m.

True Stories will perform at the Ocean Beach Street Fair on June 28 at 2:15 - Bart Mendoza, David Fleminger, Danny Cress, Orrick Smith and Mark DeCerbo! At the 92107 Stage on Bacon Street in front of Winston's!

Ocean Beach Street Fair

Bart Mendoza appears on TV Show, San Diego Living

On June 19 Bart Mendoza made an appearance on morning TV show, San Diego Living (CW-6), discussing his appearance at the San Diego County Fair talking about his upcoming book , The Beatles and San Diego.Click on the link to view the segment.

Bart Mendoza on San Diego Living / The Beatles and San Diego

True Stories at Art Around Adams Free Music & Arts Festival Saturday June 7

True Stories (Bart Mendoza, David Fleminger, Danny Cress, Orrick Smith) will perform at Art around Adams on June 7, 2014 at 2 p.m.- The Blindspot Records / Smitty's Garage Stage. This is a 2 mile music and art walk with 9 stages and multiple indoor venues. It's a great line up, including the likes of:

Schitzophonics, Gregory Page, The Baja Bugs, Gone Baby Gone, Normandie Wilson, Scott Mathiasen & The Shifty Eyed Dogs, Neon Cough, The Touchies, Christopher Dale, Subsurfer, Tolan Shaw, Divebomber, Inspired and the Sleep, Days of Gravity, High Rolling Loners, Chocolate Revolution, Skelpin, Neighbors to the North, The Peripherals and dozens more!

All Ages. Free music and free comedy trolley between outdoor stages, plus free music in the area's music venues all day long!  

Official Art Around Adams Website

Bart Mendoza's cover designs for The Eddies

Bart Mendoza has designed posters and covers for numerous groups beyond the ones he performs with, notably Los Angeles mod /powerpop trio, The Eddies - here are five designs the band has used on their singles.

Order the Eddies at CD Baby

True Stories appears on new Dwight Twilley tribute album from Australia's Zero Hour Records

This fitting tribute album includes two classic Twilley albums, recast in their entirety:  "Sincerely and Twilley Don't Mind."
The disc features True Stories (Bart Mendoza, David Fleminger, Danny Cress) performing "Didn't You Say."

Other artists include: Rainy Day Saints, Chris Silagyi (20/20), Michael Carpenter, Donovan's Brain feat: Bobby Sutliff, Lannie Flowers, Matt Keating, Spike Priggen, honeychain, Jim Lapesa, Mike Dees, Beekler, Eric Collins and his Ilk, Martin Martini and The Bloody Marys, Sitcom Neighbor, The Frinchers, Popdudes, The Slapbacks, The Mold Monkees, Jared Lekites, Esa Linna, The Bottle Kids, Pop Fiction.

FREE bonus postcard set and badge is included with each purchase.

Order Twilley Won't Mind

The Shambles feature on new soundtrack album, A Box Full of Rocks: The El Cajon Years of Lester Bangs Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Just out is A Box Full of Rocks: The El Cajon Years of Lester Bangs Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, which includes the Shambles (Bart Mendoza, Kevin Ring, Mark Zadarnowski, Bill Calhoun, David Klowden) backing Jon Kanis on his song "It Is and It Isn't." The recording dates from 1995 originally a contribution to the Blindspot Records compilation series. Notable tracks include Kanis's cover of Bangs classic "Let it Blurt," the tunes by a reunited Thee Dark Ages, featuring Jerry Raney of the Beat Farmers. Also included on the disc are contributions by Robert Williams (Captain Beefheart), Jack Gimble, and the Flying Sandolini.

A Box Full of Rocks: The El Cajon Years of Lester Bangs Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Various Artists (2014)

1. Let It Blurt/Jon Kanis (3:46)
2. Where Is The Poet Christ?/Running/The Flying Sandolini (3:12)
3. Pain Of Being White/Thee Dark Ages (1:53)
4. Please Candle With Hair/Robert Williams (4:11)
5. LB, Stick To Your Guns/Thee Dark Ages (4:14)
6. It Is & It Isn’t / Jon Kanis & the Shambles (4:05)
7. Do You Ride The Bus Alone?/The Flying Sandolini (2:24)
8. A Box Full Of Rocks Part 1/Jon Kanis (6:46)
9. El Cajon Blues/Jack Gimble (3:48)
10. They Call Us The Goons/Thee Dark Ages (3:26)
11. Machine Gun/The Flying Sandolini (3:19)
12. Heaven’s Devils/Thee Dark Ages (2:44)
13. A Box Full Of Rocks Part 2/Jon Kanis & The Flying Sandolini (4:09)
14. I Can’t Turn Down/Thee Dark Ages (2:52)
15. Dark Ages Jam Tonight/Thee Dark Ages (3:18)

Order A Box Full of Rocks: The El Cajon Years of Lester Bangs Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

The Shambles feature on new Jon Kanis compilation, All American Mongrel Boy

Jon Kanis has released a career spanning collection, All American Mongrel Boy (1989 - 2014). A number of notable musicians show up in the tracks including Mike Keneally (Frank Zappa, XTC, Dethklok) and Darian Sahanaja  (Brian Wilson, The Zombies, Heart). The Shambles (Bart Mendoza, Mark Zadarnowski, Kevin Ring, Bill Calhoun, David Klowden) appear backing Kanis on his song, "It Is and It Isn't." The song, recorded at San Diego's Blitz Studios by Richard Livoni, was originally released on Staring at the Sun Volume III in 1995, via Blindspot Records. It  was also part of the Shambles long out of print rarities compilation, Reviving Spark (1997), released only in Japan, by 1+2 Records. It  also shows up on a documentary sound track this month.

Jon Kanis

All-American Mongrel Boy (1989-2014)

 

1. Where Is Joe Strummer When You Need Him? (3:12)
2. Welcome Home (2:40)
3. Arlington (2:42)
4. Through These Eyes (with Liv Mueller) (2:12)
5. It Is & It Isn’t (with The Shambles) (4:05)
6. Walk Without Me (4:55)
7. That (5:49)
8. Follow Up (2:33)
9. Dweller On The Threshold (4:41)
10. Holiday Motel (2:17)
11. A.C. In Michigan (4:22)
12. The Sun (4:24)
13. The Colorist (4:37)
14. Make It (4:18)
15. Real Gone (4:05)
16. Think It Over (4:03)
17. The Past Is Not Made To Last (Who Loves Ya, Baby?) (2:39)
18. The Return Of The Edmund Fitzgerald (Albert Hofmann Mix) (3:21)

Order All American Mongrel Boy

Clips from the 2013 Blindspot Records Party including Mark DeCerbo and Bob Tedde with Bart Mendoza

Bart Mendoza joins Mark CeCerbo and Bob Tedde of Rockola for an impromptu "Here Comes The Sun," at the 2013 Blindspot Records party. Video courtesy of Thomas Bottroff. More videos from the party, including performances from Normandie Wilson, Alison Marae and Sierra West can be found at the same page as the video.

Upcoming Concert Dates For True Stories and it's members

Hear are some of the upcoming dates for True Stories and it's members. The band normally plays shows consisting primarily of originals, but for certain events, as noted, puts together special set lists. Speaking and promotional appearances are included. More dates are waiting tbc, so check back for updates...

May 17 - 9 p.m. Tim Pyles and Bart Mendoza - Shakedown Bar - They will host a birthday party for Starlit Productions Joseph Stevens
May 30 - 8 p.m. True Stories - Queen Bee - True Stories opens for Rhythm and the Method, Steph Johnson

June 1 - 1 p.m. Bart Mendoza & David Fleminger - National Cat Shelter, Spring Valley. Performing a pair of cat themed songs in an afternoon of music.
June 1 - 9 p.m. Adam Rosen & Bart Mendoza - FM94/9 - A brief appearance to promote the following Saturdays Art Around Adams Festival
June 6 - 10 p.m. The Baja Bugs (with David Fleminger) - Whistlestop / the music of The Beatles + a few choice extras
June 7 - 2 p.m. True Stories - Art Around Adams Festival / Blindspot Records - Smitty's Garage Stage
June 7 - 5 p.m. The Baja Bugs (with David Fleminger) - Art Around Adams Festival / Blindspot Records - Smitty's Garage Stage
June 12 - 5 to 7 p.m. Bart Mendoza & David Fleminger - San Diego County Fair / special acoustic set: The Music of The Beatles
June 19 - 3 p.m. Bart Mendoza - San Diego County Fair / A short talk on the many and varied connections of the Beatles and San Diego, from concert appearances to cover songs.
June 27 - 2 p.m. Bart Mendoza - San Diego County Fair
June 28 - Noon  The Baja Bugs (with David Fleminger) / Downtown Public Library
June 28 - 2 p.m. True Stories - Ocean Beach Street Fair
June 29 - 5 to 7 p.m. Bart Mendoza & David Fleminger - San Diego County Fair / special acoustic set: The Music of The Beatles

July 4 - 5 to 7 p.m. Bart Mendoza & David Fleminger - San Diego County Fair / special acoustic set: The Music of The Beatles
July 5 - 5 to 7 p.m. Bart Mendoza & David Fleminger - San Diego County Fair / special acoustic set: The Music of The Beatles
July 6 - 5 to 7 p.m. Bart Mendoza & David Fleminger - San Diego County Fair / special acoustic set: The Music of The Beatles + A Birthday tribute to Ringo
July 6 - 9 p.m. Bart Mendoza & David Fleminger, with Normandie Wilson - FM94/9 -A brief appearance to promote the following Fridays "Sounds Like San Diego" show
July 11 - 7 p.m. Bart Mendoza - Museum of Making Music / Bart hosts and provides commentary for "Sounds Like San Diego", a celebration of the areas music, todays performers playing yesterdays hits. Also appearing is the Comeuppance with David Fleminger on acoustic guitar.

August 22 10 p.m. True Stories - Riviera Supper Club
March 28 2014  True Stories - Beatlefair / special set: The Music Inspired by The Beatles

San Diego County Fair Information

True Stories on a new compilation, Power Pop Planet Volume 3

Out Now! Power Pop Planet Volume 3 features 29 tracks including San Diego's True Stories (Bart Mendoza, David Fleminger, Danny Cress, Billy Fritz)  "Hearts on Sleeve", Neon Cough "World of Tomorrow, Scott Mathiasen "Oh Misery" and Normandie Wilson "Nobody Loves You (Like I Do)". Limited to 500 copies, the 2 CD set (with gatefold sleeve) also includes tracks from The Headboys, Myracle Brah, The Stanleys, Popdudes and many more. From Pop Geek Heaven.

 Order Power Pop Planet Volume 3

 

The Jeremy Band new album features guest guitar from Bart Mendoza

A new album from the Jeremy Band, All Over the World, includes live tracks recorded at venues including Lestat's Coffeehouse in San Diego. Bart Mendoza plays guitar and sings on several tracks.

The Jeremy Band All Over The World order link

True Stories to perform at Sounds Like San Diego XI July 11

The sixth edition of Sounds Like San Diego takes place at the Museum of Making Music in Carlsbad, CA on July 11. The History of San Diego's Music, In Story and Song (and projections!)- there is a great line up, today's artists performing yesterdays hits, with commentary by host Bart Mendoza. Selections could include songs by the likes of Jim Croce, Iron Butterfly, Jason Mraz, The Cascades, Nickel Creek, Switchfoot, Stephen Bishop, Tom Waits, The Monroes and many more of San Diego's hitmakers of the past sixty years. Admission includes the show, entrance to the museum plus a slice of pizza and a beverage! :

 

Cindy Lee Berryhill (legendary singer-songwriter)

Johnny Vernazza (former Elvin Bishop Group guitarist, #5 Chart hit)

NE1 (first show in 27 years) 

True Stories (with Bart Mendoza, David Fleminger, Danny Cress and Orrick Smith)

Normandie Wilson

The Comeuppance (includes cellist Heather Vorwerck and Tom Ward of the Nashville Ramblers!)

Tolan Shaw (award winning singer-writer also guitarist with Sister Speak)

Sierra West

Blaise Guld (frontman for Mad Traffic)

Patric Petrie (founder of Celtic wonders, Skelpin)

Chris Leyva

Scott Mathiasen (blues and beat from multiple SDMA nominee)

 

more info:

http://www.museumofmakingmusic.org/events/details/162-local-flavor-sounds-like-san-diego-v i

 

 

True Stories makes an appearance on talk show, Tonight in San Diego

True Stories - featuring Bart Mendoza, David Fleminger, Danny Cress and Mark DeCerbo made an appearance on episode 12 of the talk show, Tonight in San Diego. Bart and David were interviewed (27:12) and the band played the song, "Hearts on Sleeve" (36:45) as well as a few bars of "In Your Arms" (41:15) over the closing credits. The show also includes a cooking segment with author Cathlyn Choi, a monologue and more. The band also played "You Still Take My Breath Away," "Can't Seem To Make You Mine," "Problems of Her Own" and "There's A Lot of Different Ways To Get To School," but these were not broadcast.

 

True Stories bassist, Billy Fritz farewell show

Sadly, True Stories bassist Billy Fritz is relocating to Colorado, but he'll be playing one last show, Thursday February 20 at the Tin Can Alehouse in San Diego, on a bill with Adam Marsland and the Llamadors. Over the years Billy has played with such groups as the Scavengers, The Coyote Problem and many others.

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Bart Mendoza's FYI music column at the San Diego Troubadour now archived

Back issues of Bart Mendoza's monthly FYI column at the San Diego Troubadour, with San Diego related music news and Trivia, as well as international reviews, can now be found at

FYI Archive at the San Diego Troubadour  

The Shambles "All Sorts" included on Sweet Relief 3 Compilation from JAM Records

The Shambles feature on a new compilation, Sweet Relief 3, from Michigan based label JAM Record. Funds raised from sales of the disc go to help victims of natural disasters. The 27 track disc includes contributions from former Beatle, Pete Best as well as Shoes, The Records, Lola’s and Brian Wilson band multi-instrumentalist, Nelson Bragg. An unreleased version of the Shambles song “All Sorts” is included, built around a backing track produced in 2002 by Gregory Page. Musicians include Bart Mendoza (vocals, rhythm guitar), Jeff Berkley (lead guitar, production), Cathryn Beeks (vocals), Derek Duplessie (12-string guitar), Danny Cress (drums) and Dylan Martinez (bass).

It's really a terrific album with a lot of great music, opening strong with Pete Best's psychedelic "Come With Me", complete with sitars and backwards guitars. With it's lyrics about welcoming you to a show, it's a solid introduction and a cool song. Other highlights include the Junipers "Dandelion Man," which is a perfect slice of melancholy jangle pop, the Lemon Clock's garage rocker, "The Beginning of the End," and the Lola's take on the Yardbirds "For Your Love." Meanwhile, The Mayflowers turn up the volume and the energy level with "Move Over" a tune that will appeal to fans of Redd Kross or maybe, Jet. 

Fans of powerpop icons, Shoes, will love the track "Heaven Help Me," up there with their best, with  signature harmonies and riffs on a really good song. These guys know their way around a melody! Also in the icon category are seventies heroes the Records who turn in the second shortest tune here, "Gimme Coca Cola" - at 1:07, a perfect encasulation of everything right with that eras major label powerpop. 

Top track could be Mark and the Spies "Give Me Your Love" - a great folk rocker with a British Invasion beat, this sounds like a lost gem, pure hook and rhythm. That's just the start though. There's a lot of really good stuff. According to producer Jeremy Morris's liner notes, he spent three years compiling this album. One listen to this great compilation proves it was worth the effort.

The Shambles "All Sorts" on Sweet Relief 3

Free Christmas Eve Rolling Stones Tribute Concert at the Casbah / San Diego

Christmas Eve! A night dedicated to the music of the Rolling Stones, at the Casbah! FREE!

The main performance features the music of Exile era Stones and later gems, but The B-Team, will play a mid show set, featuring early to mid sixties Stones classics with a GREAT line up of: Mario Escovedo (vocals), Hector Penalosa (bass), Ian Trumbull (lead guitar), Bart Mendoza (rhythm guitar),  Paul Brewin (drums) and David Fleminger (keyboards). That's members of the Dragons, The Zeros, Manual Scan, El Monte Slim, Uncle Joe's Big Ol' Driver, The Comeuppance (and more), sharing the stage in a set you won't want to miss!

Bart Mendoza's Music Reviews: Soundtracks 1998 - 2004

More unedited reviews, this time all soundtracks. All blurbs are long out of print and contemporary to the title reviewed. They ran approximately 1998 -2004 in the San Diego Union Tribune's weekly art's insert, Night & Day.

OST- 50 First Dates (Maverick) **

Basically this is a collection of ‘80’s radio favorites, redone by modern artist’s, reggae style, this soundtrack works only on a novelty level.  Amongst the 13 tracks here, highlights include Dryden Mitchell’s ska flavored version of the Cure’s “Friday I’m In Love,” as well as Jason Mraz’s dub take on the Modern English’s hit “I Melt With You, ” with the most unusual pairing being Ziggy Marley’s rendition of the Cars “Drive.” Unfortunately little here rises above the album’s obvious gimmick and nothing comes close to equaling the songs these renditions are based on.

OST – A Cinderella Story- (Hollywood) * 

 A star vehicle for Disney moppet Hilary Duff, who performs a half dozen generic pop rock lite tunes here, this soundtrack  album is bolstered with tracks from Goo Goo Dolls and Edwin McCain, but remains formulaic from start to finish. Except for the unnecessary remake of the Go-Go’s “Our Lips are Sealed,” which only proves you can’t keep a good tune down, this is as uninspired as music gets. Night & Day August 2004

OST - A Walk To Remember (Epic 86311) ***

Essentially a vehicle for teen star Mandy Moore, this multi artist soundtrack still features a big enough variety to keep even the most jaded teen pop fan smiling. Easily the best track here is Toploader's hammond tinged remake of 70's classic "Dancing In The Moonlight", in a rare occurrence of the re-make surpassing the original, but local band Switchfoot's four songs come close, especially the killer ballad "Learning To Breathe". Moore's own "Cry" is also a splendid radio friendly tune worthy of chart contention, but it's Switchfoot- who have an equal amount of songs on this CD as Ms. Moore- that emerge as the real stars of this soundtrack.

OST - American Pie 2 (Universal) ***

An excellent collection of today's radio friendly acts, including established names such as Blink 182 and Green Day alongside up and comers, such as Oleander and Uncle Kracker. In keeping with the spirit of the film, most of the music is upbeat, energetic and fun. Highlights include Angela Ammons dance oriented "Always Getting Over You", and Flying Blind's guitar driven bouncy "Smokescreen", but this is as solid a collection of modern rock as your likely to come across.

OST - Dean Quixote (Spinart)

This soundtrack to "Don Quixote", is an essential who's who of the current underground music scene. Featuring Guided By Voices, Kim Fox, Beachwood Sparks, Olivia Tremor Control and many more, highlights are many. Top marks go to the Minders dreamy instrumental "Our Man In Bombay " and the Apples in Stereo "What Happened Then" a plaintive down tempo tune, but this album is a literal  treasure trove of catchy pop oriented tunes. If the movie is half as good as this album, count me in for a ticket.

OST - Die Another Day - (Warner Brothers) *

There's no getting around it, this is easily one of the worst Bond soundtracks ever. In an effort to update the movie franchises signature sound, all the familiar themes now have dance beats added to them, while  Madonna's title song, despite some pop charm, is amongst the weakest Bond themes ever. Disappointing from start to finish.

OST - Freddy Got Fingered - (Restless 73746) ***

This punk rock dominated album comes up aces. Recent tracks like Green Days "Blood Sex and Booze" and one of only two non rock cuts on the disc, Moby's "Unnatural Blues", rub shoulders with classics like the New York Dolls "Personality Crisis" and the Sex Pistols "Problems". Best of all is the inclusion of some lesser-known gems from such unsung Southern California punk heroes as Agent Orange and the Adolescents. Much better than the movie. 

OST - The Hulk (Decca 633-02) ** 

While Danny Elfman's orchestral music will appeal to any fan of symphonic music, the selling point on this disc, is easily the one non instrumental track included, the hotly anticipated teaming of Scott Weiland with the ex members of Guns and Roses, "Set Me Free." The tune itself shows the new group to be keen fans of punk poppers Red Kross, and while it's certainly a decent melodic rocker, it sticks out like a sore thumb on the soundtrack. Even hardcore G 'n' R fans will find it hard to justify the purchase of this album on the strength of one tune.

OST - Minority Report ( Dreamworks)*** 

John Williams latest film score is actually a throwback to the soundtracks of classic film noir suspense thrillers of the pre 1960's cinema. Despite it's futuristic theme, "Minority Reports" Soundtrack has a retro feel that jazz and orchestra fans will love. Favorites include the bongo filled "Spyders" and the tension filled horns in "Anderton's Great Escape", but fans of Mr. Williams work will find this one of his better works in recent years. While not an album you would likely play often, even deprived of the visuals, this is still impressive.

OST - Moulin Rouge (Interscope 3228) ***

A second collection of tunes from the movie, released just in time to cash in on the recent Oscar Hoopla. . Place of honor goes to 2 wonderful takes on Elton John's "Your Song", but there is a lot to recommend here. Other highpoints include the big band arrangement of "Sparkling Diamonds", Nicole Kidman's distinctive voice holding up well. Most of this soundtrack works well without the movie's visuals, but the spoken word version of "Like A Virgin" is truly cringe-worthy.

OST - The Scorpion King - (Universal ) ** Night & Day March 2002

It's probably testament to how big "The Scorpion King" film is expected to be, that the soundtrack was able to pull in so many big names, thereby also doubling as a pretty comprehensive look at today's hard rock scene. The 16 tracks here include most of the current top names from Creed to System Of A Down, but top nod goes to local favorites P.O.D. with a killer remix of their "Set It Off", though Rob Zombie's and Ozzy Osbourne's "Iron head" comes close. If you like your rock bombastic, angst filled and loud, than this will likely be an essential listen.

OST - Shrek (Dreamworks) ***

Surprisingly cohesive and eclectic selection of songs from the current animated kids film, heavy on dance oriented glossy pop. Best track is easily Leslie Carter's insanely catchy "Like Wow!"  and there are  also get 2 different takes on Monkees classic "I'm a Believer", the first a heavy slightly rearranged take from Smash Mouth, and a shorter, not as bad as it could've been version, from Eddie Murphy. With a range from the Baha Men ("Best Years Of Our Lives") to Eels ("My Favorite Monster") there is something for just about everyone, making even the film score closing the CD seem a natural conclusion to a better than average soundtrack.. 

OST - Someone Like You (TVT 6980) *

There are some fine tunes on Someone Like You including Van Morrison's title track  and Shelby Lynne's "Dreamsome", but they shine like diamonds amongst the dross. Hindered by pointless remakes, none worse than Tom Jones and the Cardigans duet on the Talking Heads "Burning Down The House" -though London Bus Stop's annoying cover of "Get It On" comes frighteningly close-  "Someone Like You" never gains momentum or involves the listener, coming off like a scattershot collection of random  songs rather than a cohesive soundtrack or listening experience.

OST - Songcatcher (Combustion) ***

Doubling as an exploration of Appalachian music, "Songcatcher" is an impressive achievement that can stand on it's own. With an all star cast including Rosanne Cash, Maria Mckee, and Emmylou Harris, the music wavers between folk and country. Top cuts are either Iris Dement's fiddle and voice lament "Pretty Saro" or Dolly Parton and Emmy Ressum's mandolin drenched "When Love Is New", but it's hard to pick amongst so many great heart felt songs and performances.

OST - Van Wilder - (Ultimatum 466732) ** Night & Day March 2002

Just like most National Lampoons movies, there is little subtle about this soundtrack, with most of the music meant to be played at maximum volume and shouted along with. That said, this works well as a sampler of up and coming alternative rock acts, with just enough variety to keep things interesting. While there is no faulting the powerpop hooks, energy or dynamics of tracks such as Jimmy Eat World's "Bleed American" or American Hi-Fi's "I'm A Fool", the tunes that really stand out are the ones that break out from the pack stylistically, particularly David Mead's shuffling "Girl On A Roof" and Fuzz Townshends dance hall influenced "At Auntie Tom's".

OST - Zoolander (Hollywood)** 

A very schizophrenic dance oriented soundtrack to Ben Stiller's new comedy about a male model. A brace of hard edged numbers from the likes of Orgy ("Faces"), The Crystal Method ("Now Is The Time") and others rub shoulders with some of the eighties most overplayed hits including Wham's "Wake Me Up Before You Go Go " and Herbie Hancock's "Rockit", for a slightly disconcerting listening experience. There is also a batch of remakes on hand, the best track being one of those, the Wallflowers take on the Bee Gee's "I Started A Joke", though Rufus Wainwright's wonderful "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" (originally by the Hollies) comes close. Despite a few nice moments, this is too disjointed for casual listening.