Catch and release, the latest Jennifer Garner vehicle, came and went from theaters amidst relatively little fanfare. The film's soundtrack offers some enjoyment for lovers of lightweight post-punk/alternative rock.

The Foo Fighters' output over the last few years has fallen into one of two categories: hard rocking or soulful acoustic. "Razor" their offering here which kicks off the album, falls into the latter category, featuring a gentle Dave Grohl melody over strummed major chords. The Lemonheads' "My Drug Buddy" originally appeared on that band's 1992 release It's a Shame about Ray. It's fluffy and easy on the ears like much of this collection.

"Mornings Eleven" by the Magic Numbers includes a breakdown section that almost suggests a doo-wop influence. In addition the chorus contains some of the most sublime intentional voice cracking this side of the Cranberries' Delores O'Riordan.

New Radiant Storm King's "The Winding Staircase" comes closest to out-and-out rock of any track on this CD. A distorted guitar opening gives way to a chorus of stacked harmonies. "What if You" by John Radin revisits the stylistic territory of the Foo Fighters tune, with a gentle melody over spare acoustic accompaniment.

"Let The Bad Times Roll" proves that Paul Westerberg still rules the garage band roost as much as he did during the Replacements' heyday. A shambling track with a typically cynical lyrics, this song first saw the light on Westerberg's 2002 release "Stereo," but would not have sounded out of place on the Mats' "Let It Be."

"Soul Meets Body" contains most of the elements that have made Death Cab For Cutie a household name in recent years, from a steady rhythmic groove to solid strummed guitars to the thoughtful, almost quizzical voice of Ben Gibbard.

Anyone looking for extremes is advised to look elsewhere. This album maintains an even tone from beginning to end, and the result is a certain sameness to the songs. It is worth remembering that this is a movie soundtrack, and presumably the tracks were selected for their relevance to the film. Whether the music enhances the movie I cannot say, having not seen it as yet. But I can tell you it makes for a rather bland soundtrack album.

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- www.movievine.com review by © Copyright Jay Doughty

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