Grace of My Heart

Performer: Original Soundtrack
Engineer: Dan Marnien; Julie Last; Larry Hirsch; Leslie Ann Jones; Tony Phillips; Charlie Paakkari
Distributor: Universal Distribution

Notes: Producers include: Burt Bacharach, Elvis Costello, J Mascis, Larry Klein. Recorded at Capitol Studios, Los Angeles, California. Burt Bacharach & Elvis Costello's "God Give Me Strength" was nominated for a 1997 Grammy Award for Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals. Audio Mixers: Steve Krause; Brian Sperber. Recording information: Capitol studios, Los Angeles, CA. Editor: Bobby Mackston. Arrangers: Eddie Karam; David Campbell ; Gene Page; Jim Cox; Jimmie Haskell; Elena Barere; Burt Bacharach. Allison Anders' film Grace of My Heart told the story of a female songwriter whose career closely resembled that of Carole King's. The film followed her as she worked her way through the Brill Building before going out west to fall in love with a tortured leader of a surf-rock band (a thinly veiled Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys), and then establishing herself as a solo artist with an album that recalled Tapestry. In order to make the film work, Anders need a collection of new songs that not only recalled classic '60s pop, but also were convincing as hit singles. She assembled an astonishing roster of professional songwriters -- including Burt Bacharach, Gerry Goffin, Elvis Costello, David Baerwald, and J. Mascis -- that managed to fulfill her goal. The majority of Grace of My Heart is astonishing, capturing the feel and sound of classic '60s pop from Phil Spector to the Beach Boys. Occasionally, the lyrics are a little too knowing ("Unwanted Number"), but the songs themselves are wonderful, particularly the Lesley Gore knockoff "My Secret Love" (which was co-written by Gore and sung by Combustible Edison's Diane Dane), Costello and Bacharach's collaboration "God Give Me Strength" and J. Mascis' bright "Take a Run at the Sun." It's a surprisingly successful and fresh collection, one of the rare soundtracks as cohesive as the film itself. And, even more importantly, it's filled with songs that sound like forgotten classics. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Spin (11/19/96, p.147) - "...Costello's best work in years and J Mascis' return from the aesthetic dead..." Q (4/97, p.122) - 4 Stars (out of 5) - "...Clever craftsmanship and touches of real flair..."

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