The Matrix
Motion Picture Soundtrack (1999)

review by: Michael Walls
Date: 10/11/00

If you've seen "The Matrix" (and liked it) then you have bought this soundtrack already, have been planning to buy the soundtrack or you are deaf.

This CD kicks ass. There is ass flying all over the place. Any ass not tied down is getting kicked on this soundtrack.

I bought this soundtrack after seeing the movie, not knowing who did any of the songs on it. All I knew was that I wanted this soundtrack.

Now, before popping it into my CD player I notice that the first song on this CD is by Marilyn Manson. So I probaby had the standard, canned, 32-year-old, married-with-children, working professional, opinion about this. Which is: He is a (or they are) cross-dressing, makeup-wearing, freak (or freaks) (because at this time I do not know whether Marilyn Manson is a he or she or they).

Nevertheless, I continue to pop it into my CD player.

Holy shit! "Rock is Dead" is the most unbelievable ass kicking song I've ever heard. No wonder these underaged Marilyn Manson fans are so screwed up and violent! This stuff is unbelievable. There should be an age limit and a five day waited period to purchase this music.

This stuff isn't like acid death rock or really bad punk music or hardcore trash. This is extremely hypnotic, gut wrenching, beautiful music. It's not noise and static and screaming monkeys on crack. It's actually music that expresses rage and tranquility at the same time. (Maybe that's a little much, but it's some damn good music.)

There are some screaming monkeys on this soundtrack and a little noise. But for the most part, the whole CD is pretty listenable and appropriate for the mood of the movie.

Other psychotic freaks on this soundtrack include: Prodigy, Lunatic Calm, Defttones, Ministry, Propellerheads (with an insanely fast and groovy tune from that shoot 'em up lobby scene), Rob Zombie and Rage Against the Machine. There is also a great song called "Clubbed to Death" by Rob D, which is just a fantastic techno piece with a dominating piano overture. It's made the rounds to a few movies and most recently heard it in a Nissan Commercial. Great, great song.

Be careful driving to this CD. It makes you feel indestructable and bullet-proof and you may have the sudden urge to drive into a wall at high speeds.