'Scream 2': Yes, There's Real Music

As the holiday release of Scream 2 promises to once again send chills down America's spine, the movie's soundtrack delivers a unique mix of R & B and mainstream modern rock tracks that half-heartedly attempt to characterize the film. The combination of the two genres, however, provides a refreshing change from the normal movie soundtrack which, instead of providing variety, usually throws together a collection of similar-sounding tracks.

Disregarding Kelly's lame "One More Chance," the R & B songs honestly and freshly present twists on Scream 2's horror theme. D'Angelo does the best job with his cover of "She's Always In My Hair," written by the Artist Formerly Known as Prince. He sings hypnotically while the backing music provides the ultimate in sublime background for a slasher movie. The movie's theme "Scream," by Master P featuring Sukk the Shocker, presents a wailing cry for help, obviously fitting into Wes Craven's attempt to bring the horror movie genre into mainstream pop culture. Most humorously, the Kottonmouth King's "Suburban Life" recreates the spirit of idiotic teenage angst that hasn't been so perfectly dealt with since the "You Gotta Fight for Your Right to Party" by the Beastie Boys.

Songs by big modern rock artists like Collective Soul, Everclear and Sugar Ray, on the other hand, are included simply to sell the record. Although they are solid contributions, the true success of this album comes not from these artists, but rather from songs by less well known acts like Less than Jake, the eels and Ear2000 (which boasts Scream 2 star David Arquette in its lineup). Less than Jake's "I Think I Love You" should continue the upward rise for this ska band that isn't afraid to sell out. The eels' "Your Lucky Day in Hell" continues with the spooky theme and Ear2000 closes the soundtrack by blasting through the speaker with its haunting bass line, frenetic guitars and lyrics that kill.

The highlight of the album, however, comes from the wholly different sound of "Red Right Hand" by Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds. Sung with a deep, eerie voice, the song carries an extremely mellow groove. Mysterious sounds radiate in the background--ultimately conspiring with the vocals to create a stunningly arcane song. While the Scream 2 soundtrack may sell because it includes bands like the Foo Fighters and Dave Matthews Band, the real appeal comes from offerings like this one and those from lesser-known groups.