HIGH FIDELITY

HIGH FIDELITY was nominated for the 2001 Grammy Award for Best Compilation Soundtrack Album for a Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media. The film adaptation of Nick Hornby's cult novel relocates its independent record store setting from London to Chicago, but the HIGH FIDELITY soundtrack thankfully retains the book's eclectic spirit. Though many of the featured artists tend to get caught up in the classic-rock meat grinder, the compilers at least demonstrate great sense by bypassing obvious choices. So, instead of "Like a Rolling Stone," we find OH MERCY's terrific "Most of the Time" filling the obligatory Dylan spot. And, for once, the jittery British Invasion nugget "Everybody's Gonna Be Happy" represents the Kinks-not "You Really Got Me." The soundtrack's lineup also includes a pair from the Velvets ("Oh Sweet Nuthin" and "Who Loves the Sun"), garage-rock icons Thirteenth Floor Elevators ("You're Gonna Miss Me"), and cutting-edge newcomers such as The Beta Band ("Dry the Rain"). There's even a surprisingly soulful cover of "Let's Get it on," done by Jack Black-half of HBO's Spinal Tap-like Tenacious D duo. HIGH FIDELITY is an unusual soundtrack, closer in spirit to a clever mix tape made by that old college roommate whose two lovers were his hi-fi and his bong.