American Dreams: Original Soundtrack 1963-1964

Performer: Original Soundtrack
Distributor: Universal Distribution

Notes: This is an Enhanced CD, which contains both regular audio tracks and multimedia computer files. This is an Enhanced CD, which contains both regular audio tracks and multimedia computer files. American Dreams: Original Soundtrack 1963-1964 includes some of the music featured in the nostalgic Dick Clark-executive produced program. Excepting the several faithful cover versions that were performed by popular impersonators during the show's American Bandstand-set scenes, this could be any garden-variety compilation of '60s chart pop -- including Martha Reeves & the Vandellas' "(Love Is Like A) Heatwave," the Everly Brothers' "Gone Gone Gone," the Kinks' "You Really Got Me," Simon & Garfunkel's "Sounds of Silence," and Otis Redding's "That's How Strong My Love Is." Folks old enough to remember when the songs were originally popular would likely see the cover versions as sacrilege, whether it's Vanessa Carlton's "Wishin' and Hopin'," Duncan Sheik's "Beyond the Sea," India.Arie's "Come Ye," or B2K's (featuring Marques Houston) "My Girl." But the appearances from the younger artists were obviously a way to connect with younger viewers, many of whom tuned in to see Michelle Branch play Lesley Gore and/or Third Eye Blind mimic the Kinks. (Note to those who didn't catch the show: The latter part of that sentence was not made up; it actually happened.) Since everything here has a legitimate connection to a specific episode, the disc makes for a decent accessory for fans of the show. Otherwise, it's perfectly skippable. ~ Andy Kellman Through a fictionalized story based on composite characters experiencing the very real twists and turns of sociopolitical change in the '60s, the TV series AMERICAN DREAMS tells a classic American Story. Of course, the era of its setting provides the opportunity for a fine soundtrack. Naturally, there are gems by British Invasion band the Zombies ("She's Not There"), forward-looking R&B group the Impressions ("People Get Ready"), and others. That's not where the story ends though; a sonic curve ball is thrown with the inclusion of fave '60s tracks performed by contemporary artists. You probably never thought you'd hear Vanessa Carlton taking on the Dusty Springfield hit "Wishin' and Hopin'," did you? Or India Arie making like Nina Simone on "Come Ye?" Well, the AMERICAN DREAMS soundtrack is here to upend your expectations in that regard.

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