Over the Hedge  (Audio CD) 
by Ben Folds

The best thing about this soundtrack can be summed up in two words: Ben Folds. His contributions (written to match the film, instead of just being plopped down there by marketing execs) are among his best work, and based on this alone his fans--and all lovers of melodic pop--should get this CD. Folds starts things off on a high point with "Family of Me," which sounds like a cross between Brian Wilson and ELO. Alas, it also lasts only a minute and a half: Couldn't we have had an extended version for the CD, especially since the lovely ballad "Still" gets a reprise that lasts longer and builds up to a grandiose finish? The third new track written, performed, and produced for the album by Folds is the upbeat, super-catchy "Heist." Folds also contributes a peppy, kid-friendly cover of the Clash's "Lost in the Supermarket" (already one of that band's most accessible early offerings) and a new take on his own "Rockin' the Suburbs" with new lyrics and a special guest rant by William Shatner. The balance of the tracks is made up of Rupert Gregson-Williams's agreeable score (check out "Let's Call It Steve" for an unwitting tribute to Danny Elfman). --Elisabeth Vincentelli