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"Slitch" the movie is worth a viewing. The word "slitch" evidently is a mashing of "slut" and "bitch" and is used as a nickname for the film's main character by her two evil step-sisters (the existence of which gives the film a fairy tale-like feel). The film's main subject matter is desire and how it can rule our lives. The Slitch's life is one of sexual conquests, and we see three here: one just ending when the movie begins, one failed attempt with The Surfer who has just moved in next door (played by Will Oldham), and one that starts just as the movie ends. Will Oldham's appearance in this movie is pretty substantial, and it is entertaining to see the Bonnie Prince portray someone not-quite-there, as he flusters his words when getting hit on by the Slitch and is hypnotized by some surfing videos while on their only date. The core of the film, though, is the Slitch. Not her words or her actions, but the look on her face as she rides her bike after just giving a guy a blowjob, rolls around on her bed thinking of her next conquest, and attempts to flirt with a homely convenience store cashier. "Slitch" the soundtrack is also worthwhile. Most of the tracks are mood pieces meant to enhance their corresponding scenes. The guitar part of "Faster" is great, its soft sound giving off a carefree vibe for the goofy plucking sounds to play off of. "La La La" has a similar feel, mixing a bed of cello with the sing-songy repetition of "la la la." Some of the rest of the mood pieces are too fragmented or unadorned to be interesting on their own, but that's to be expected. The soundtrack also includes two Mekons-like hard rock songs meant to correspond to the music Slitch listens to on her walkman. "James Tired" is just plain old horrible garage punk, but "Magnifico" works despite the fact that no one is taking themselves seriously. Since the music is different than the norm for both Pajo and Oldham, this soundtrack is not something you will return to very often, however it replishes hope for the potential of the Continental OP pairing that the previous recording had completely dashed. The second installment in Papa-M's "audio tour diary" is less worthwhile than the first, but still is worth owning. If you're like me, you're resigned to the fact that you'll buy them all, so whether it comes recommended doesn't matter. Two features three songs along with a two minute bonus track. The centerpiece here is "Mary Was the Kind," which likely is a eulogy for Stereolab's Mary Hansen. Recorded in Bloomington with Dan Burton (like the version of "Beloved Woman" from One and using the same backing string section), the song isn't an outpouring of sadness and emotion, but rather a low-key thank you for friendship and regret that the world has lost a generous person. Using a simple piano part and a few harmonica wails, musically this song is not the best, but it is a nice and fitting tribute. Opening track, "Black is the Color," is much better musically, its blend of acoustic guitar and electronics would work great just as ambient instrumental soundscape. The colorful lyrics are also fine, however the song ends with a call and response of the song's title, coming out of the darkness, which seems misplaced and silly. "World's Greatest Sin" is an "A Mighty Wind"-style folk song, but about 8 minutes after it's over, a hidden track emerges, mixing violin (played by Paz of Zwan?) with electric guitar for a great two minute instrumental easter egg. For those of you who might catch any upcoming Oldham tour dates, please keep in mind that Will needs tour support. Will Oldham needs tour support bad. His recent CD-single consists of two previously released songs. Song A: "Happy Child" originally appeared on the Tweaker cd Attraction to All Things Uncertain. Oldham wrote and sang these lyrics to Tweaker's music (Chris Vrenna formerly of Nine Inch Nails). It's not a great song—the singing not matching the sounds very well—although it is interesting to hear Oldham really project in order to be heard over the crumble of Vrenna's electronics at the end of the song. Song B: "Forest Time" was originally released on a one-song 10" that came packaged with a book of photography by Erik Wesselo. It's a beautiful song, transitioning from a stark acoustic guitar intro to a chilling string section, however Oldham lyrically just tosses out memorable lines like "filling up the girl" and "brand new footprint-maker born" instead of conveying anything real. Don't buy this unless Will looks really, really hungry.
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