‘Private Parts’ Soundtrack Has New, Classic Cuts

Howard Stern

“Private Parts: The Album” (Warner Bros.)

Just on the strength of radio pioneer Howard Stern’s fan base and his self-promotional zeal, the soundtrack to his first film - which debuted at No. 1 on the charts this week - would be an instant smash even if it were a blank disc. But it’s not; it’s packed with new music from such cutting-edge acts as Porno For Pyros, Marilyn Manson, Ozzy Osbourne with Type O Negative, Green Day, and an uncredited LL Cool J with Flea, Dave Navarro and Chad Smith; classic rock standards by the Ramones, Cheap Trick, Deep Purple, Ted Nugent, Van Halen and AC/DC; bits of dialogue from the film; and Stern’s own collaborations with Rob Zombie (“The Great American Nightmare”) and the Dust Brothers (“Tortured Man”). A successful venture into the world of record-making by the self-professed “King Of All Media.”

LeAnn Rimes

“Unchained Melody/The Early Years” (Curb)

These recordings, made by country superstar LeAnn Rimes when she was 11 and 12 years old, were apparently forced into release as her second Curb album after the runaway success of the single “Unchained Melody,” which went from a B-side retail promo piece to a radio smash. This collection of eclectic country and pop tunes proves that her voice is a truly remarkable instrument that can survive and even flourish amid wah-wah guitar, flutes and echo chambers. Her song selection shows that Rimes is firmly straddling pop and country; for her, Bill Monroe’s “Blue Moon Of Kentucky” is as valid as the Beatles’ “Yesterday.”

Spice Girls “Spice” (Virgin)

Britain’s Spice Girls are the embodiment of the girl group, ‘90s style. They were formed by a music biz entrepreneur whom they proceeded to fire, taking matters into their own hands and making attitude and spunk part of their shtick. They co-write all their songs, starting with their breakthrough hit single and video, “Wannabe,” one of many perfect pop/R&B/hip-hop confections on the album. Other highlights include the swayin’ “Say You’ll Be There” and ballad “2 Become 1.” A cute record that will certainly propel the Girls to instant global fame.