Hurry! Hurry! Step right up and be the first on your block to listen to Devon Reed’s soundtrack to “Songs from The Bigtop.” Not only does he produce a major film, ladies and gentlemen, but he wrote all the songs on the album to be performed by some of today’s greatest indie and power pop artists. Featuring songs performed by Doug Martsch (Built To Spill), Matthew Sweet, The Clientele, The Marbles (Robert Schneider of Apples in Stereo), Tullycraft, and more. Reed wrote each song custom based on the sound of each artist, and it’s sounds pretty good. Most of the album is full of lush ballads that speak wistfully of Devon’s love of circus life. Highlights include Michael Leviton’s “I Only want Sky” and Matthew Sweet’s “Wild” as mid tempo pop songs with just the right touch. Like a good box of chocolates, sweet suprises are to be found, for example the excellent “I Just Can’t Keep Up” by The Owls. A few tunes here didn’t thrill me, but that’s to be expected on a compiled soundtrack of artists with such unique styles. The link that ties it all together is Devon Reed’s songs, and the album evokes warmth and a hint of melancholy. Hopefully the film itself is as well crafted as the soundtrack. It’s only available on itunes. And who doesn’t love the circus?
Devon Reed Main Site | IMDB profile on the movie | Itunes
Listen to Michael Leviton’s “I Only Want The Sky”
Listen to Damien Jurado’s “Ashes”
What a great variety of songs. From the rockin’ “Way To Walk” & “Wild” to the sentimental ballads “I Only Want The Sky” & “Ashes”. Devon Reed is certainly a great new talent. When will the movie be released?
This is an incredible compilation of songs and artists. It’s good to hear such a rockin’ tune from Mathew Sweet after so long. Lisa Germano, Doug Martsch and Communique also contribute impressive works.