Microphone Check: Almost Famous
November 15, 2000
Perhaps the most memorable scene of the movie “Almost Famous” is when fictional band Stillwater breaks into a spontaneous rendition of Elton John’s “Tiny Dancer” on their tour bus, giving moviegoers chills at the sheer camaraderie of it.
Produced by the movie’s writer-director Cameron Crowe, Music From the Motion Picture Almost Famous captures these feel-good moments of the movie with a collection of tracks by such classic rock legends as the Allman Brothers, Led Zeppelin and Lynrd Skynrd.
The album re-creates the coming-of-age story of 15-year-old aspiring reporter and rabid rock fan William Miller, accompanying him in his introduction to the world of sex, drugs and most of all, rock ‘n’ roll, presenting his journey through a selection of classic songs from the ’60s and ’70s.
Along with the inimitable “Tiny Dancer,” the soundtrack boasts Simon and Garfunkel’s “America,” the classic road trip song off of the pair’s fourth release, “Bookends.”
Instrument-smashing British invaders tthe Who make a contribution with “Sparks,” an instrumental wonder from the now-multiplatinum album “Tommy.”
The Allman Brothers’ “One Way Out” is the version featured on their 1972 album, “Eat A Peach,” a sound that takes you back to the era of ’70s rock: scratchy voices beautifully executing lyrics over down-home slide and guitar.
The lush, introspective sound of folk-pop legend Cat Stevens is showcased on this soundtrack with “The Wind,” off of his fifth album, “Teaser and the Firecat.”
Of course, a classic rock compilation wouldn’t be complete without Lynrd Skynrd and Led Zeppelin. “Simple Man” is from Lynrd Skynrd’s 1973 debut, “Pronounced Leh-Nerd Skin-Nerd,” and Led Zeppelin lends the luminous “That’s the Way” off of the 22-times-platinum “Led Zeppelin III.”
Cameron Crowe, who created the movie based on his own real-life experiences as a young prodigy in the world of music journalism, obviously knew what it would take to re-create the mood of the early ’70s.
With a soundtrack rich in talent and legend, “Music From the Motion Picture Almost Famous” will satisfy the appetite of any classic rock fan.