Tossing another log into the roaring inferno that is the Snakes on a Plane madness, Decaydance (the label owned by Fall Out Boy’s Pete Wentz) and New Line Records have teamed up to release the official Snakes on a Plane soundtrack (Aug. 15, 2006).
Featuring the majority of Decaydance’s roster (Fall Out Boy, Gym Class Heroes, The Hush Sound and Panic! at the Disco) as well as other notable artists like Cee-Lo Green and All-American Rejects, the 16-track album plays off the indie appeal that the movie has ingeniously cultivated, despite being backed by major distribution, plenty of cash and Sir Samuel L. Jackson.
The result is a compilation of indie rock, emo (are the kids still calling it this?) and a smidgen of hip-hop, woven together with a consistent energy and vibe. Though Sam Jackson sound bites are found throughout the album, few songs were actually written specifically for this soundtrack, and therefore few actually reference the slithery serpents. Rather, most songs are remixes of popular originals, courtesy of a number of DJs, including Hi-Tek and Tommie Sunshine.
The album opens with “Snakes on a Plane (Bring It),” by Cobra Starship with members of Gym Class Heroes, The Academy Is… and The Sounds. Arguably the soundtrack’s most radio-friendly number (take that how you may), “Snakes on a Plane (Bring It)” will likely dominate airwaves in coming days, if the nerds prevail. (And they always do.) The music video for “Snakes on a Plane (Bring It)” can be seen here.
Hip-hop heads may be particularly interested in the Cee-lo track “Ophidiophobia” (naturally meaning “a fear of snakes,”), produced by Organized Noize. Though it is essentially a prayer to the Lord to save Cee-Lo from the snakes on his plane, the song is undeniably infectious and even soulful. Bonus points for the chopped and screwed vocal sample of Samuel L. Jackson: “I’m tired of these muthafuckin snakes on this muthafuckin plane.. I’m tired! I’m tired! I’m tired!”
Halfway through the album is New York rap/rock group Gym Class Heroes’ ode to chasing a breezy on Myspace, “New Friend Request.” Musically, the song is standard and easily-forgettable, and lyrically, the subject matter is more corny than funny. In the context of this soundtrack, however, it is appropriate and fitting, likely to garner a few chuckles from steadfast Snakes on a Plane fans.
Of course, as amusing as the soundtrack may be, it is still a novelty, and its replay value will be questionable once the Snakes buzz dies. And, ultimately, it is somewhat odd to drive around bumping a song about snakes on a plane.
