Minions - the rise of Gru : original motion picture soundtrack

"Jack Antonoff (Bleachers) serves as the master of ceremonies à la his recent festival entourages and has assembled a bevy of indie elites and others to tackle over a dozen certified classics from more innocent times ... For the parents of the kiddos out there, if you can get your carseat klatch (sadly missing Will Toledo here) to let you play the Minions: The Rise of Gru soundtrack over their Wiggles CDs (or whatever passes for kiddie pablum rock these days), half of your child rearing battles will be in your rearview mirror. Even The Minions' wordless star turn on Simon and Garfunkel's "Cecilia" is an absolute hoot (no guarantees on that after 30 listens). No doubt, Mr. Antonoff and his indie crew also get credit for making the movie's 90 minute running time zip breezily along".

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"Like any decent soundtrack full of covers, The Rise of Gru has a few winners. Weyes Blood's take on Linda Ronstadt's No. 1 hit "You're No Good" is a showstopper. Likewise, pairing Phoebe Bridgers with the Carpenters' power ballad "Goodbye to Love" works well as her bittersweet delivery elevates the track's inherent melancholy. Thundercat's rendition of the Steve Miller Band's "Fly Like an Eagle" is the picture of space-funk heaven, while Brittany Howard conjures up soulful bliss on a version of Earth, Wind & Fire's "Shining Star" that features original bassist Verdine White. Gary Clark Jr.'s spin on the Ides of March's "Vehicle" is another faithful rendition that never veers too far from the source material's tenacious infatuation and souped-up horns ... In spite of its stacked roster and hypothetically enjoyable concept, intriguing pairings are undermined by heavy-handed production choices".

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