By Jim Shea

Party on Wayne! There have been a good number of films based on Saturday Night Live sketches, but no SNL sketch has captured the current generation (for its time) better than Wayne’s World. While the grunge era was in full effect in the early 1990s, people were still remembering the “glory daze” of 1980s hair metal with their “laid back” way of life. Comedian Mike Myers played his role as Wayne Campbell, host of a public access show geared towards the “Generation X” crowd. If it just so happens that you can’t find the original Wayne’s World movie at your local rental shop, this soundtrack will give you the essence of what Wayne’s World was all about.

Now, the songs specifically made for the movie, such as the ones done by Wayne (Myers) and Garth (Dana Carvey), along with the tracks performed by actress Tia Carrere may have been cute back in the day, but if you bring them into today’s standards, they are just downright cheesy. So cheesy, culture shock hits in and you begin to wonder “Was the 1990s really that bad?” No fear though, it’s all just meant for fun.

Moving on to the other tracks, fans of the 1980s rock scene would be pleased to know that bands like Queen, Alice Cooper and Cinderella are included in this soundtrack. There is a Black Sabbath song on there, too, but it doesn’t include Ozzy Osbourne on the mic. Instead, notable metal vocalist Ronnie James Dio takes over vocal duties for Sabbath for this song. Quick side note-Sabbath had Dio as the vocalist for a short period of time in the early 1990s, but many Black Sabbath fans consider Ozzy to be the one and only singer for Sabbath.

Also, there is some variety in the Wayne’s World soundtrack with Red Hot Chili Peppers and Jimi Hendrix appearing, as well. Overall, you have the good, the bad and the ugly with the Wayne’s World soundtrack. While it’s doubtful that you’ll just get this soundtrack for Tia Carrere’s music alone, you’ll definitely get a hoot and a holler with Wayne’s World. Just remember one thing: if this isn’t your cup of tea, then this album will probably make you “hurl.” ?

The Chronicle gives ´Wayne´s World OST´, by Various Artists two 1/2 out of five stars.