The soundtrack to a movie that was barely released,
Empire Records is a fine collection of mainstream alternative pop/rock, featuring two hit singles -- the menacing Motown-meets-
Bowie pop of
Edwyn Collins' "A Girl Like You," and the folky "Til I Hear It from You" from
the Gin Blossoms. The rest of the album is hit-or-miss -- mostly noticeable for the debut appearance of
the Martinis, a new band from former
Pixies Joey Santiago and
David Lovering -- but it is enjoyable, nevertheless. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine