Strictly Background Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Artist:  Frank Lenz
Label: Velvet Blue Music
Time: 29 tracks/57:36 min.

The post card promo for Strictly Background by Frank Lenz blatantly claimed that "if this doesn't make you happy, nothing will." The rock cynic in me immediately wanted to reply "oh, yeah? we'll see about that!"  This is a soundtrack for a movie, after all.  The Edge, John Mark Painter, Queen, T-Bone Burnett, and Michael Been (among others) have all created interesting movie soundtracks that I like.... but making me smile?  Not a movie soundtrack.  No way.

Two seconds in to the 2nd track and I am grinning from ear to ear (the first track was a way-too-short Americana-esque track that could have almost been lifted from a Vigilantes of Love album).  The burly cynic in me couldn't do anything to stop my smirk, try as he might.  This is quirky and fun music...  almost like you are listening to the soundtrack of some ultra-cool 70s sitcom that never made it on the air because it was just too groovy for the masses.

Of course, be aware that this is a movie soundtrack - not a solo album.  Many of these songs are short - really short.  A large number of them are instrumental, and some even repeat sonic themes heard earlier for continuity.  Not to mention that many moods are covered here.  Some songs are playful; others are melancholy; while others are rollicking.  I haven't seen the film, but I can bet that the songs fit the scenes perfectly... maybe even make the scene in some cases.

One of the best critiques I can give of any soundtrack is that it makes me want to go see the film.  Usually, it goes the other way around: see the film, hear some interesting background music, then go buy the soundtrack.  Strictly Background makes me want to see the film. Kudos to Lenz for making this project more about creating something that promotes a film rather than creating his latest solo album.  Which is no small feat considering about 95-98% of all the music was written and performed by Lenz.

The main problem that I have with this album is that, as mentioned previously, the songs are so short.  They have to be, of course.... but as soon as I am digging a song, it is over and on to the next song / scene.  With a total of 29 tracks that clock in under 60 minutes, you can see what kind of brevity I am referring to here.

But on the other hand, that also lends to the quirky coolness of this disc.  Lenz doesn't have to drag on and on with each song just to prove to you how good it is.  He says his peace and moves on.

By Matt Crosslin 

Matt Crosslin - editor of  Down the Line http://www.downthelinezine.com>, web design,  occasional writer
I'm a major music fan with a great wife that cheerfully indulges my taste in "weird" music.  My wife and I love to travel to strange lands, but I can't get her to join me in watching obscure SciFi TV series from start to finish.