Go Soundtrack CD

There are, at any given time, so many movie soundtracks on the market, all of which feature popular contemporary artists, that one often wonders whether the films might just be excuses to release another slew of all-star compilations. Whatever the motivation, music fans should be pleased, especially when the process bears such fruit as the varied and energetic soundtrack to GO. Not a disc for the electronica-resistant, the collection is comprised primarily of dance-friendly sonic collages--Lionrock's "Fire Up The Shoesaw," BT's "Believer," and Philip Steir's treatment of Steppenwolf's "Magic Carpet Ride." For shameless boogie-inducement, however, top marks go to Fatboy Slim's heavily textured rave-up, "Gangster Tripping."

The frenetic is tempered with the fluid and dreamy. Tracks by the likes of Esthero and Natalie Imbruglia feature lush, diva-like vocals. To spice the salad, there are admirable pop inclusions: SoCal's retro-new-wave No Doubt (whose edgy "New" kicks off the record), the bright, infectious hook of Len's "Steal My Sunshine," and the laid-back soul of Eagle-Eye Cherry. Taken together, this mash of house, pop, rock, rap, and trip-hop adds up to a wonderfully appealing, high-energy all-in-one collection.