Like all too many other movie soundtracks, the two-LP American Hot Wax merits attention mainly just from those who seek a film souvenir. On the first record, which contains live performances from the film’s finale, you will find a pair of rousing Chuck Berry evergreens. The rest of the disc, however, intersperses disappointing Jerry Lee Lewis and Screamin’ Jay Hawkins efforts with the mostly second-rate work of groups that existed only on screen. Offering the original versions of “Rave On” (Buddy Holly), “Tutti Frutti” (Little Richard), and a dozen other rock classics, the second LP proves more consistently enjoyable. But all of its selections have been anthologized ad infinitum.
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