Smoke Signals by Original Soundtrack Prices

At its best, the soundtrack to Smoke Signals is a beautiful experience--simple orchestrations with plaintive flute and guitar (just check out "Arnold Is Dead") give the soundtrack to this Native American-directed, -written, and -acted film an introspective feel. Too often, however, the otherwise moving score by B.C. Rich resorts to standard rock clichés. The electric guitar used throughout has a generic '80s metal sound, which does little to enhance the film's tone (unlike the included and wonderful vocal contributions from Native American ensembles Ulali and the Eaglebear Singers). Guitar-shaded soundtracks can work extremely well (check out the excellent Gas Food Lodging score). Here, however, the ax is up-front and distracting. It's a shame because on more subdued tracks like "Charles Bronson, " "Fry Bread Riot, " and "That's My Father, " the Northwest Sinfonia is simply sublime. Cuts by singer/songwriters Dar Williams and Jim Boyd are also featured, making this soundtrack all the more powerful. --Jason Verlinde