TRAINSPOTTING the soundtrack

Most soundtracks are conglomerations of supposedly hip and apparently classic tunes put together by some slap-happy guy/gal who wouldn't know atmosphere from a hole in his/her body (pick one). They end up as either collections of 80's hits or heavy metal compilations. TRAINSPOTTING (thank Thor) is neither. If you haven't seen the movie, it would be worth your while. But the genius of this album is that you don't have to see the film to understand why these songs were chosen. A quick look at the track-listing reveals that the songs themselves play out like a movie: start with Iggy Pop's "Lust for Life", keep the middle moving with the likes of New Order and Pulp, and end, mournfully and perfectly with the Damon Albarn creation "Closet Romantic". Makes all the sense in the world. As far as I'm concerned, Underworld's "Born Slippy" should be blaring out of every car stereo in the universe. Actually, I demand it. And I know you can all sing along to Sleeper's version of Blondie's ATOMIC -- after all, the words aren't written down because nobody NEEDS them. Then there's Lou Reed practically moaning "Perfect Day". He sounds gutted, and you feel it. Tell me this isn't pure bliss. I dare you. --Jumana