Before you judge someone, skate a mile on her board. I’m fairly certain nobody ever said that. But it kind of applies in this scenario. Let me explain: As an old white dude from Canada who’s never been on a skateboard, I know I’m the exact polar opposite of the target audience for HBO’s Betty, a dramedy about young female boarders in New York City. But I do like to expand my horizons now and then, so I’ve been watching it — and though I’ve only seen a couple of episodes so far, I’m intrigued enough to go along for the ride. I feel the same way about this soundtrack from Japanese composer Aska Matsumiya. Anchored by deep, slow-moving grooves and topped with mind-expanding sonics, her dozen instrumentals — which are augmented by some decent but inessential cuts from other artists — are as trippy and soothing as a mega-bong hit in a warm bath. I don’t know if that’s conducive to skating, but it sure goes well with some serious sofa riding. Hey, don’t judge me until you’ve surfed my couch.
THE PRESS RELEASE: “Milan Records will release a soundtrack album for the HBO original series Betty. The album features selections of the show’s original score composed by Aska Matsumiya (Skate Kitchen, Spelah and the Spades, 37 Seconds). Also included are songs by Cigarettes After Sex, Rosehardt, Ruby Haunt, Volta Jazz & others. Betty is created and directed by Crystal Moselle based on her feature Skate Kitchen and stars Dede Lovelace, Moonbear, Nina Moran, Ajani Russell and Rachelle Vinberg. The drama follows a diverse group of young women navigate their lives through the male-dominated world of skateboarding in New York City. The series currently airs every Friday night on HBO.”
