By now the modern listener seems to have developed an appreciation for the cute, indie-flick soundtrack. As seen in the fairly resent films “
The film was directed by Spike Jonze, with a screenplay by Dave Eggers and a soundtrack by Karen O. of musical group The Yeah Yeah Yeahs. The only thing that seemed to be missing was Michael Cera.
Karen O.’s original soundtrack is an extremely pleasant surprise and it seems appropriate that a downright good album would match this original and imaginative film. The soundtrack stands out precisely because of the film’s undeniable imagination and originality. The compilation is a far cry from a cutesy collection of songs culled by highly-paid and attune marketers. Several of her band mates, as well as members of musical groups Deerhunter, Liars and The Raconteurs join Karen O. are on the album.
The soundtrack is interspersed with dialog that those familiar with the film will recognize; however, this is not the only way the music corresponds to the film. The soundtrack swells and recedes, switching between high-flying anthems and disheartened piano passages. Indeed, the latter of these represent some of the best songs on the album. “Worried Shoes,” a cover of a Daniel Johnston song, is one such example. The track is beautiful in its moroseness and scarcity.
Jonze has said that The Arcade Fire’s album, “Funeral” (2004), influenced him greatly in the writing and directing process of the film. The film’s homespun and rickety flavor mirrors the album’s shaky beauty. This wasn’t lost on Karen O., either, whose best songs, like those on “Funeral,” are weary and authentic. On songs like “All is Love,” a children’s chorus often joins Karen O., infusing the tracks with an element of cutesiness that some listeners may find a little too sickly sweet. Still, Jonze’s film deals with mature themes of friendship and loss and the soundtrack largely succeeds where the film does, in relating powerful emotions and tremendous imagination.
4.5 Bobcats!
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