artist:	Almost Famous
album:	Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
format:	CD
label:	Dreamworks Records
release year:	2000
performance:	8
sound	6
reviewed by:	Brian Kahn

This soundtrack accompanies the recently released movie of the same name. The album is comprised of an ecclectic mix of ‘60s and ‘70s hits, not the overplayed mega-hits on most compilations, but rather a fresh mix of classic rock. ‘Almost Famous’ is a perfect example of how critical a soundtrack is to a movie as a whole. Written and directed by Cameron Crowe of ‘Jerry Maguire’ and ‘Singles’ (another great soundtrack) fame, ‘Almost Famous’ is the semi-autobiographical journey into rock ‘n’ roll of a young music reporter. The main character becomes involved with some of the most influential music and musical groups of the era, many of which are represented on the album. The movie and the music bring the viewer and listener back to the time of political unrest and powerful rock bands.

The soundtrack album features tracks from the Who, Simon and Garfunkel, Yes, Todd Rundgren and Led Zeppelin. Led Zeppelin fans will be sure to note that the use of "That’s The Way" in ‘Almost Famous’ marks the first time a Led Zeppelin song has been included in a soundtrack release. The track listing on this soundtrack is invigorating and differs from the plethora of previously released compilations from this era. Some of the featured tracks include "America" by Simon & Garfunkel, "Sparks" by the Who, "I’ve Seen All Good People" by Yes, "Feel Flows" by the Beach Boys and "The Wind" by Cat Stevens. The mix includes everything from hard-rocking shouters to mellow tracks, many of which you will not hear every day on your local classic rock station. The soundtrack also features a new unreleased song, "Lucky Trumble" by Nancy Wilson (of the band Heart and filmmaker Crowe’s wife) who previously, along with her sister Ann, covered Led Zeppelin’s "The Battle of Evermore."

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