The wait is ogre! I saw that this soundtrack finally made it onto vinyl, and I’m a Believer. There’s an All Star cast of musicians on this soundtrack. Okay, sorry, just had to get all of that out of the way. Long before the Minions, 1999’s Shrek was the landmark animated film for Dreamworks, and even more uniquely, one that didn’t appear to be a reaction to a similar film by Pixar. Nicholas Cage was originally considered for the role of ornery ogre Shrek, but the film’s directors decided to go with Chris Farley, but they weren’t out of the swamp yet. Nearly all of the film’s dialogue had been recorded but remained unfinished before Farley’s untimely death. After a complete rewrite, Mike Myers was cast, and also came close to completing his dialogue before the film’s staff decided on a third re-record, this time in order to give Shrek his iconic Scottish accent. After all of the drama with the voice acting, the soundtrack fit into place relatively easily. The film’s choice of music is interwoven to the plot, using a collection of pop music and oldies to propel the story forward. "All Star" by Smash Mouth became an unavoidable hit after its inclusion during the film’s opening credits, this appears to be the track’s first appearance on vinyl in the US since an uncommon 1999 jukebox 7”. Also includes Smash Mouth’s “I’m a Believer” (including a reprise by Eddie Murphy as Donkey), “Best Years of Our Lives” performed by the Baha Men, and "I’m On My Way" by The Proclaimers. Please note that the soundtrack substitutes the film’s John Cale cover of Leonard Cohen’s "Hallelujah" for one by Rufus Wainwright, “Bad Reputation” originally by Joan Jett is performed here by Halfcocked. This LP is pressed on black vinyl and includes a printed insert.

• first time on vinyl
• black vinyl vinyl pressing
• includes printed insert
• music label: Geffen 2019

reviewed by SHREKT 08/2019