WHEN THE WIND BLOWS - ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE SOUNDTRACK

I never saw the animated film When the Wind Blows, but its release was during the latter stages of the Cold War when nuclear holocaust seemed a real possibility (and still is to this day, but has been mostly forgotten). This is the soundtrack to that film. Side one featured songs by David Bowie, Hugh Cornwell, Genesis, Squeeze, and Paul Hardcastle. Side two was entirely by Roger Waters and the Bleeding Heart Band.

The Waters material is done quite well. However, like most soundtracks, it has a good deal of sound effects and little in the way of interesting music. After all, it's intended purpose was as a backdrop for video and wasn't supposed to stand on its own, although some of side two is fairly well done. The most interesting parts are those in which the characters voices are present, especially after the nuclear event occurs and the aftereffects of radiation sickness. It is really saddening and touching to hear.

Side one is chiefly pop songs, with the exception of the odd The Brazilian instrumental by Genesis (off their Invisible Touch album). This soundtrack is really for collectors only and is of limited interest to the progressive rock community. Waters fans should seek out. It might be of interest to historians studying social responses to the nuclear arms debate. Two stars.