STAND BY ME [Movie Soundtrack] (by Various Artists)

SUMMARY:                         RUNNING TIME: Approx. 23 Min.

Released by Atlantic Recording Corporation in 1986, this soundtrack features ten vintage songs by the original artists.  The tracks are:

 Title:             Artist:           Running Time:

1. Everyday                   Buddy Holly                       2:07
2. Let the Good Times Roll     Shirley and Lee          2:22
3. Come Go With Me            The Del Vikings         2:40
4. Whispering Bells                The Del Vikings         2:25
5. Get a Job                          The Silhouettes          2:44
6. Lollipop                             The Chordettes          2:09
7. Yakety Yak                        The Coasters              2:49
8. Great Balls of Fire              Jerry Lee Lewis         1:49
9. Mr. Lee                             The Bobbettes            2:14
10. Stand By Me                      Ben E. King                2:55

REVIEW:

It’s the kind of album that is easily overrated as nostalgia or simply easy to dismiss altogether. Saved for last, the title tune’s timeless magic is worth the price of admission alone.  Yet, apart from Ben E. King’s classy presence, the Stand By Me soundtrack comes off as a merely a sample of American Graffiti’s far more extensive songbook.  Even if this compilation is by no means remarkable, its well-chosen assortment offers a pleasant retro-style listening experience.  The album’s ridiculously short running time, however, is its biggest detriment.  If one doesn’t mind how fleeting this album really is, then it’s likely a worthwhile bargain. 

PACKAGING:

All the tracks, artists, and their running times are listed on the case’s back cover.  The fold-out booklet includes stills, a track listing; running times; composition credits; and artist credits.     

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                     6 Stars