Tron Legacy Soundtrack by Daft Punk

It is rare now that I like the soundtrack more than the movie, probably because after so many scores they all begin to sound alike. But when Tron Legacy (okay for a movie) ended, I knew I had to get my hands on the soundtrack. And then I found out it was by Daft Punk. Now it was essential. When the black disc was finally in my possession, I sat down in front of my stereo with my eyes closed to listen to it (well, with a magazine handy).

Summary: The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack to Disney's Tron Legacy by Daft Punk.

Reality Check: Nothing special without the "electronic minimalism," just like the movie was nothing without the lights. Any song that didn't have electro additions proved pretty boring (magazine-flipping time). The whole disc was a rollercoaster of likes and dislikes for me. It began slow (tracks 1-2), picked up (3-6), lost me (7-11), picked up again (12-14), wasn't as good (15-20), and had a strong ending (21) if you ignore the last song (22 = yawn). But the soundtrack pretty much kept my attention, and I think I only skipped through one song (although the magazine really helped).

Update: After listening to it again, I discovered the songs I wasn't impressed with before weren't as bad the second time around. That's what I get for listening to it half asleep the first time. =)

Conclusion: For a band's first try at a soundtrack, it was pretty good. Overall, not a bad score. I'll definitely listen to my favorite tracks over and over again. And if Daft Punk does any more soundtracks, I'll be listening.

Genre: "Classic Orchestral Themes with an Electronic Minimalism" Movie Soundtrack

 out of 4 Paws Up

Where the Light Is: John Mayer Live in Los Angeles

A live two-disk compilation of Mayer's hits and a few covers recorded December 2007 at the Nokia Theater in LA. It includes three sets: an acoustic performance, a rare set with John Mayer Trio (with Steve Jordan and Pino Palladino), and a set featuring Mayer's full band.

I'm a huge John Mayer music fan, but not a live music fan. Nowadays, no one sounds very good live. But Mayer is brilliant live - better than in studio even, and that's saying something. In my opinion, Mayer has a perfect voice, and those are so rare nowadays.

I don't love every song (it's a rare day when I like every song on an album), but all of my favorite ones are better than ever. His cover of Free Fallin' is magnificent. My favorite song is the previously unreleased In Your Atmosphere - I can't stop playing it! The whole acoustic set is totally repeat-worthy.

Conclusion: Mayer is even better live. I highly recommend it!

 out of 4 Paws Up