‘Get a Job’ Soundtrack
Barefoot Natives
(Barefoot Natives)
Barefoot Natives — Eric Gilliom and Willie K — return with the soundtrack album from the duo’s 2011 comedy film. The local film was released on DVD last week so fans can enjoy the work in both formats.
The CD is a fine demonstration of the men’s range as writers and recording artists. Willie K is the primary writer, but Gilliom’s work also stands out. For instance, with "Maui Cruiser" he weaves together pop and rock and narrative poetry in describing a comically improbable car.
Willie K’s versatility is found in the four originals he contributed. The likely local hit, "Huli Huli Chicken," is a catchy and commercial ode to the fundraising favorite — and a clever poke at local singers who affect faux-Jamaican accents.
"Eia La" and "Ke Aloha," written by both members of the duo, show the guys’ affinity for the hapa haole and Hawaiian music of old.
Two Hawaiian standards, "Ahulili" and "Na Pua Lei Ilima," underscore their appreciation of Hawaiian traditions.
www.getajobmovie.com
"Huli Huli Chicken"
‘Ukulele Dance’
Taimane
(Mountain Apple Co.)
Ukulele virtuoso Taimane Gardner — now officially a one-name artist — displays the breadth of her repertoire with this impressive release. Taimane and her studio musicians put her distinct stamp on tunes from Broadway, film scores, European classical composers and Led Zeppelin. Four originals show her development as a composer.
Audiences tend to be impressed by high-speed "shredding." There’s plenty of it here, and the band is prominent on some selections. Others emphasize her skill as a soloist and the dramatic effects that can be created with quiet precision. "Mission Impossible Theme"/"James Bond Theme" is engaging ensemble work. "La Petite Fille de la Mer" is a beautiful solo number.
Producer Jon de Mello adds value with a second, DVD disc that contains a beautifully filmed interview and several informal performance segments.
www.mountainapplecompany.com
"Bodysurfing"
