Slitch (Original Soundtrack/+DVD)

Slitch was the kind of multimedia release consumers could expect to see more of starting around the time of its 2003 release: a combination DVD-CD, with neither of the components long enough to stand too well in the marketplace on their own, but forming a good deal when packaged together. Side One of the disc is a DVD with a 23-minute short film by Dianne Bellino, Slitch, about a summer's day in the life of a sexually charged young woman, which also features Will Oldham as "The Surfer." Side Two of the disc is a music CD with a half-hour of mostly (though not wholly) instrumental soundtrack music to the film, written and performed by the Continental Op, aka Oldham and David Pajo. Like many soundtracks, it's more of a side project, of interest to serious fans rather than an important part of Oldham's discography. But it's pleasing enough, the first few instrumental tracks conveying the ambience of a childlike, dreamy summer day. Things get into weirder, eerie, electronic noise on "Heavy Minor," and Latin-flavored creepiness on "Fantasy," while the final two songs, "James Tired" and "Magnifico," find Continental Op getting into blunt, almost hardcorish punk territory. As for the film, it too is of some merit but ultimately kind of slight, capturing some of the moods of everyday life, fantasies, and sexual dalliances in a Rhode Island summer. Also included on the DVD is an audio commentary track by director Bellino, as well a 1994 Palace music video of "Come In," for which Bellino did animation. ~ Richie Unterberger|