On its surface, is the traditional studio-assembled , bringing together heavy hitters ( , ) with cult favorites ( ) that have little connection. However, the record turns the formula on its ear, creating a dark, hypnotic mood that doesn't let up until the end of the album. It's the first half of the that is the most impressive. Beginning with the club-ready riffs of 's -produced and segueing immediately into the loose, dirty stomp of and the seductive pulse of , the album draws connections between artists that don't seem to have anything to do with each other. What ties nearly everything together is the underlying dark rhythmic pulse -- each song has a vague menace that is also sexual. With the notable exceptions of , and -- whose songs are used to deflate the mood -- is a surprisingly effective, atmospheric record; although only three of the songs are featured prominently in the film, it's even better than the movie. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine