Here is another "comedy about love in the Nineties." I wonder if it is as close to reality as Singles. Hmmm.

The soundtrack to Reality Bites is Hollywoodically correct. Some hotshot from California has put together a package to catch the 90210 generation. If it was Pretty in Pink in the Eighties, it's Reality Bites now.

The Knacks' "My Sharona" begins the clip in that cheesy Eighties style for the ever retro Nineties. Forewarning, you may feel like you are participating in a beer commercial on this track. "Spin the Bottle" is a cool and unlikely hit of Juliana Hatfield's, but all you hipites already know her Become What You Are. Hence, you have the song available. The Indians radio song "Bed of Roses" is the third piece. The Posies recorded a new number called "Going, Going, Gone." Great band, boring song. Also, if you've heard Lenny Kravitz's "Spinning Around Over You" and Crowded House's "Locked Out" being drowned in our memory banks over the airwaves, you can thank this soundtrack.

One of the movie actors, Ethan Hawke, recorded a stripped down, bar room loser song "I'm Nuthin'." Dinosaur Jr. has more imports that J. Mascis does hair strands, making it a wonder why their import "Turnip Farm" was picked. I'm sure the movie will make sense of it. Trademark Dinosaur here. Squeeze's re-recorded version of the classic "Tempted" should leave a favorable taste. Elvis Costello co-produced the original and plays guitar and sings backup on this pleasing newer version. Big Mountain puts a reggae beat into Peter Frampton's "Baby I Love Way", although the song is not in the movie.

Other artists on the disc include World Party, U2, the subtle hip hop of Me Phi Me, and Lisa Loeb & Nine Stories. All the lyrics, except J. Mascis' piece are included.

Altogether, Reality Bites is a good soundtrack and a good buy for songs you didn't want to purchase entire albums for. It resembles some Nineties favorites. Even without being too watered down.

Reviewer:  Greg Brown, courtesy of Flash Magazine.