Review: "Hung" [TV Soundtrack]

Desperate times call for desperate measures and Ray Drecker's situation couldn't be much tougher. The former high school sports legend turned middle-aged high school basketball coach is divorced and struggling to provide for his kids when his already run-down house catches fire. Looking to take on a second job, Ray decides to exploit his best asset in a last-ditch attempt to change his fortunes. Created by Dmitry Lipkin (creator of 'The Riches') and Colette Burson, HUNG uses dark humor to tell the story of a man fighting to survive personal setbacks that have been compounded by a troubled economy. Read more about the show here.

The original soundtrack to this HBO show features a diverse list of artists, but the general theme is soulful rock. There are a couple of exceptions thrown in, putting this soundtrack into the familiar trap of being an inconsistent listen. For example, the dated 80s sound of the Psychedelic Furs song, "Love My Way", the quirky cover of Woody Guthrie's "This Land Is Your Land" by L.A.R.P. , and the obnoxious Mickey Avalon rap "My Dick". "Love My Way" is a terrific song, but sounds grossly out of place here. "My Dick" also sticks out like a sore thumb (lol) - it is a serious miscalculation by those who put this compilation together.

The strengths include some awesome gems by the retro sounding Black Keys, country legend Loretta Lynn, and the amazing funk rock of Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings. Grant-Lee Phillips shines as always on "Strangest Thing" and Morcheeba gives an emotive vocal on the sultry "Everybody Loves A Loser". Additional highlights include the haunting beauty of Joseph Arthur's "Walk Away", Craig Wedren's well done cover of Queen's "Play The Game", and the insightful acoustic ballad "You Gotta Suffer A Lot To Be Happy" by Sunny and Sharé Love You. A few missteps, but largely an enjoyable collection of tunes.

Track listing is as follows:
1. I'll Be Your Man- The Black Keys
2. Have Mercy- Loretta Lynn
3. Walk Away- Joseph Arthur
4. How Long Do I Have To Wait For You?- Sharon Jones And The Dap Kings
5. Strangest Thing- Grant-Lee Phillips
6. Play The Game- Craig Wedren
7. My Dick- Mickey Avalon
8. Everybody Loves A Loser- Morcheeba
9. I Feel Just Like A Child- Devendra Banhart
10. Change Is- Ryan Bingham
11. You Gotta Suffer A Lot To Be Happy- Sunny And Sharé Love You
12. Love My Way- Psychedelic Furs
13. This Land Is Your Land- L.A.R.P.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 11

The "Hung" Soundtrack is out June 22.