Music News & Reviews

• Title: Funhouse

Pink‘s fifth album, her first in two years since the release of I’m Not Dead, includes “One Foot Wrong,” “Funhouse,” and the techno dance track “Bad Influence.”  Strangely enough most of the album showcases the lighter softer side of Pink in “Please Don’t Leave Me,” “I Don’t Believe You,” “Mean,” “Glitter In The Air,” and “Crystal Ball.”  I understand Pink’s need to evolve as an artist and soften some with age, but when the majority of your album belongs in the Easy Listening section you may have taken it a step too far.  The old kick ass smirking Pink surfaces only briefly in “It’s All Your Fault,” “Sober,” and finally is released to full effect in “So What” (the album’s first released single which, sadly, isn’t that similar to the rest of the collection, check out the video below).  How will fans react to this softer side of the once wild child of pop?

Would someone please give Pink her balls back?  There’s nothing really wrong with the quality here, it just feels more like a Jewel album than I expected.  Where’s the girl who ranted about pop culture and got the party started?  She makes an appearance or two on this album but seems sedated for the rest.

• Title: Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist (Official Soundtrack)

The one-disc Official Soundtrack to Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist containss 15 tracks.  Included here are the light “Nick and Norah’s Theme” and “Baby You’re My Light” by Richard Hawley, “Our Swords” by Band of Horses, “Very Loud” by the Shout Out Louds, “Middle Management” by Bishop Allen, “Silvery Sleds” by Army Navy, and “Speed of Sound” by Chris Bell.

Like most soundtracks the package is a mixed bag.  Although there aren’t really any stinkers here there’s also no big hits.  The entire album is a mello groove that won’t get you too excited but won’t make you get up to skip tracks or change discs either.  My favorite track would probably be either Nick and Norah’s Theme or “After Hours” by We Are Scientists.

For a soundtrack this is a passable entry and for those who enjoy the movie it will leave you with memorable songs from the film.  As a standalone however it doesn’t offer much for the casual observer to pick it up and let it play.