Still Not Found

By Matt Kallman

Various Artists
Lost in Translation [Soundtrack]
[Emperor Norton, Sep. 2003]

Tokyo, Japan: the hustle, the bustle, the neon flash, and the saccharine coated pop culture addictions are-- by quick, American entertainment standards-- what the metropolis is full of. New York may be the city that never sleeps, but that makes Tokyo the city that never blinks.

Sophia Coppola's second piece of work, "Lost in Translation," does reflect this "nonstop-notion" across the Pacific to a certain degree; from every intersection resembling Times Square, to downtown malls chock full of arcades and casinos, as well as some of the Rainbow Bright meets Max Headroom sensibilities of the menial characters, the film brings some cartoon-ish Japanese stereotypes to life. The storyline itself, however, only plays off of Tokyo's speed to allow the connection between Bob and Charlotte (Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson, respectively) to be slowed down and dragged out. The soundtrack gently nudges their relationship along; soaked in atmosphere, reverb, and electronic ambience, the shoegazer sounds unfold as gradually as the love story.

To many, King Shoegaze himself, Kevin Shields, is probably the biggest draw to pick up this record. While My Bloody Valentine number "Sometimes" makes an appearance, Mr. Shields drops four new tracks here, this marking the first release of original work from the man in over a decade. What's the result? Nothing remarkable, yet nothing bad. The work isn't compassionate or designed to kick off a proper love story, but remains approachable in the sense of familiarity. His work isn't far removed from MBV, and these tracks stand as decent entries to be tossed into their catalogue.

The room left between these bits of score is filled by Coppola's own selection of mostly recent mood music. While the focus may be Shields' work, the remaining tunes fit right in with the hazy dreamscape that the film's leading roles try and maneuver through. "Girls" is a surprisingly great blast from a typically crappy band Death in Vegas, full of plodding, garage drums and ethereal vocals. Completely overlooked French pop outfit Phoenix turn in the most straightforward song of the lot, with the hooky "Too Young." Coupling with the My Bloody Valentine track, The Jesus & Mary Chain's "Just Like Honey" rounds off the album with a classic trip of echoing dream-pop.

Sophia Coppola's film may not be the wild romp one would expect from a downtown Tokyo nightlife, and the soundtrack makes it clear that the pacing of the film is tremendously essential. The intensity of this music is really decided upon by the listener. It could be the backdrop for romance, or music to do the dishes by. In any case, it remains more pastoral than the busiest of Tokyo vacations imaginable.

www.emperornorton.com.

December 12, 2003