The Last Kiss

Repeating the feat that accompanied his directorial debut, Garden State, Zach Braff has again put together a tastefully assembled compilation of music. The track listing reads like a cherry-picked bouquet of refined American singer-songwriters (Fiona Apple, Aimee Mann, Rufus Wainwright, Ray Lamontagne), sprinkled with literate-yet-popular UK combos (Snow Patrol, Athlete, Turin Brakes) and the lone international megaband (Coldplay, already on Garden State). Based on the selection, Braff is the kind of guy who isn't afraid to show his sensitive side (that'd be the American songs, especially Apple's "Paper Bag" and Aimee Mann's "Today's the Day"), but who also likes to hang out at soft-rock clubs with his cool mates (that'd be the British songs, especially Snow Patrol's "Chocolate" and Turin Brakes' Simon & Garfunkel-like "Pain Killer"). Really, it's a win-win combination-except for those who prefer their rock more rocking, since the mood is, overall, really mellow. (Note that Michael Penn score isn't represented here.) --Elisabeth Vincentelli
Customer Review: Great CD... with or without Zach Efron Braff
I've noticed whenever Braff is attached to a movie, you have to hear all about the music, he chose it, they listened to it while filming, etc. I don't care about Zach, about his work methods, his taste in music or Scrubs... This CD stands on it's own. It's incredible. It's got "atmosphere" by volume... moody, sad, dark, sexy, gloomy, melancholy - it plays like a rainy day. Great Aimee Mann song and one track, an Emogen Heap song is probably the most inspired, innovative, creative and jaw-dropping sound to hit my ears since the last time I listened to a Peter Gabriel CD. I would buy it for that track alone, but it is excellent overall. Highly recommend, the movie was pretty good too - if you like to feel like you got punched in the gut when you're done watching your movies...
Customer Review: John's input...
in a nut shell, this soundtrack fits the movie so well... some totally great tracks...

The martial art of Capoeira was originally created over 400 years ago in Brazil by the African slaves. Unlike other martial arts, capoeira mixes music, dance, acrobatics, and mischievous play into an art form of beauty and finesse. Once recognized, Capoeira showed the world that it is an effective fighting art form. The style is more than a martial art, but also a social event that is rich in tradition and
history. A truly powerful martial art, capoeira resembles a collaboration of dance, fighting, and exotic movements - and even a game.

The first thing one notices when watching Capoeira is the music and weird instruments. Capoeira is played to the sound of a long bow like instrument called the beribau. This along with a tambourine and conga like drum comprise of the rhythm section of the capoeira ensemble. The lyrics, music and tempo all effect the way each capoeira game is played. A capoerista (or player) must know many different songs and rhythms in order to effectively play a good game of Capoeira. When watching the game played, spectators are normally in awe from the movements. The jogo consists of a circle, with the players in the middle and the musicians at the foot of the circle.

Capoeristas begin the game by kneeling at the foot of where the instruments are being played, and then entering the circle with a cartwheel, somersault or other acrobatic move. Once the game has started, the two capoeristas try and trick or confuse their opponent with a combination or feints, kicks and counter attacks. It can take many years to become a master of capoeira, since it requires an almost uncanny sense of space, a flexible body and a calm mind to be able to fully express oneself in a capoeira jogo.

From a defensive position, Capoeira is flashy, imaginative, and also very useful, as the kicks seem to come out of nowhere and can be very hard to defend against. The attacker or opponent has no clue what to expect from the student. The Capoeira student defends himself through the use of dancing movements and acrobatic techniques, executing a fluidity that up until Capoeira were only dreamt of.

The game of Capoeira is really big in Brazil, with thousands of students learning the martial art. It isnt one of the most popular in the United States, although it is offered. In South America it is more prevalent, with jogo games being played in the streets. Many martial arts students dont want to learn Capoeira for the simple fact that the movements can be a bit of a risk. Once you see how the style is performed, it can make you jump out of your seat.
Over the last couple of decades, the art has grown a lot. In 1974, the art of Capoeira became the national sport of Brazil, proving that just about everyone in Brazil had accepted it. As time continues to pass, you can count on more and more competitions and capoeira studios to surface - introducing this truly excellent martial art to newer generations.

J.J. Richards is the co-owner of http://www.capoeiracapoeira.com Visit CapoeiraCapoeira.com for Capoeira moves and Capoeira Music.

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