When one tries to think of the names of the artists who have been active and popular for nearly half a century, the list is likely to be surprisingly thin. Names of warning, like Bob Dylan and the Rolling Stones might come to mind. It is unlikely that this could be considered a fiction novel to include in such list, however, the group of shrill voice animated Chipmunks have been around for over 50 years.
This is likely to go unnoticed by today’s audiences today for squirrels, many of which young people can not remember a time before the days of music downloading and MP3 players.
Therefore, it is perhaps not surprising that many of the songs on the soundtrack of Alvin and the Chipmunks 2: The sequel covers the latest pop hits. What is surprising, perhaps in a nod to the longevity of involuntary Chipmunks’ enduring is the large number of old men have also been dusted off and given a new sound for the compilation.
As such, this soundtrack begins with a version of The Kinks classic “more than 40 years old You Really Got Me Basic, that gets old fresh again, thanks in part to the Honor Society of current pop band boys, whose accompaniment of singing Chipmunks helium prevents the song that sounds ridiculous accident.
The following is a clue to the female counterpart of the Chipmunks, the Chipettes ‘Hot n’ Cold. Katy Perry brings us back to cover one of the sillier qualities of the Squirrels: sound-alike versions of popular songs that contribute little to the original as well as squeaky voices.
Several other tracks on this compilation also have this quality, as well as what, Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It), I Want to Know What Love Is, I Gotta Feeling, and Put Your Records On. Despite this, even songs that sound too similar to remain optimistic fun, harmless, and listenable.
Some of the other attempts to update old songs are a mix. Production of exuberant dancepop You Spin Me Round (Like a Record) and Shake Your Groove Thing often done to replay the tracks, while the heavy backbeat added to Stayin ‘Alive is not to avoid sounding dated.
Unfortunately, the soundtrack starts to wear out its welcome a bit by the time it reaches a cover of Sister Sledge We are family. The annoying ubiquitous staple gets no favors from the squirrels and the voices Chippettes’ accelerated, whose stridency becomes a nuisance almost deafening.
Despite these minor objections, the soundtrack was also surprised with a couple of original songs unexpectedly good, as is right and the rocker of caffeine Bring it On. Perhaps it is best to highlight the Chipettes’ The song, with the German dance pop group Queensbury. It is a good balance, cheerful piece of lint Girl Power.
Even those who scoff at the idea of listening to an album full of shrill voices might be enjoying the soundtrack of Alvin and the Chipmunks 2: The Sequel, a good testimony of a lasting part of the history of music.