Original Soundtrack - Dukes of Hazzard [Original Soundtrack] (CD)

All Music Guide

Pop culture fans probably would've liked this set to include Waylon Jennings' original television theme, but Willie Nelson's autopilot remake is probably satisfactory for this broad and snickering, nostalgiaaping film adaptation. Disregarding Jessica Simpson's insultingly horrible rendition of "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'" it doesn't even sound like music, it's just blips and slicedup fiddles behind Simpson's feathery nothing of a lead vocal the Dukes of Hazzard soundtrack is an enjoyable, if somewhat obvious collection of southern rock and AOR staples that takes the occasional country or leftfield detour. "Call Me the Breeze" fulfills its Skynyrd quota, as does the James Gang's "Funk 49" for classic rock. The prideful country rock of the Charlie Daniels Band's "South's Gonna Do It Again" is a more novel choice, and the big dumb stomp of Ram Jam's 1977 novelty "Black Betty'" will probably never get old, and it doesn't here. (Note: Dukes includes the nonradioedit version; it inc...ludes an Edgar Winterlike guitar breakdown.) "Hillbilly Shoes" is Montgomery Gentry's 1999 country radio breakthrough, and Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble's "Pride and Joy" is perfect for those scenes of Daisy Duke tending bar. A more unlikely inclusion is "Change My Mind" from the Blueskins, Wakefield England young'uns who rip like Yardbirds revivalists. The Blues Explosion gets in on the act too, contributing "Burn It Off" from 2004's Damage. Dukes of Hazzard is also bookended by jokes from Nelson's Uncle Jessie. - Johnny Loftus, All Music Guide Read more Less