Capitol

Finally, something other than cell phone usage and Internet piracy comes along to put a damper on the magic of cinema: Dave Koz's "At the Movies" double album. With a CD and DVD, it rapes the memories of classic films both aurally and visually.

The jazz saxophonist turns his chosen-instrument prowess into a tool for evil by covering 14 mostly iconic theme songs from motion-picture history. While beginning cuts with dialogue clips is a nice touch, the performances are a detriment.

The problem isn't song choice; after all, who among us can't hum at least a few bars of "Over the Rainbow," "Moon River"? or "As Time Goes By"? What's problematic is Koz's super-slick approach to instrumental music: studio-smooth and readymade for the CD changers of investment bankers everywhere. So polished is the production, it should come with a five-year payment plan and 100,000-mile warranty. It's music so sanitized and corporate, the notes have been neutered of all power.

Several guest stars like Barry Manilow and Donna Summer drop by to lend vocals, not a one having the strength to say, "No. Please. Don't."

"”Rod Lott