Loving music for me is mostly about context - while there are things that I think I'm destined to fall in love with no matter what, most of the time when I make a connection with something it's about the way I first heard it - where I was, what mood I was in, what I heard before it, what precise moment it was soundtracking, etc etc. That's why mixes are so great - you get to form a little bit of your own context, and the juxtaposition of songs can completely transform the way you hear them. And film soundtracks are that idea taken to the next level, because the film itself is completely generating the context for the song, literally creating the circumstances of that precise moment and pretty much dictating what mood you're in while watching as well.
Anywho - I love a good film soundtrack, particularly when it comes from a film that both features and references some really great music. Earlier this week, I got to see a sneak preview of Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist - which was excellent - and the reason the film piqued my interest in the first place was the buzz surrounding the soundtrack. When the premise of the movie involves two music-loving teens searching NYC for a secret show by their favorite band, you can bet the musical selections are going to be excellent. And they are - there are tunes by Shout Out Louds, Band of Horses, Takka Takka, The Dead 60's, Devendra Banhart, Vampire Weekend and more. Bishop Allen even makes an appearance when Michael Cera's band starts off the night opening up for them.
The soundtrack itself is just like one of the fantastic mixes Nick is famous for in the movie - a great balance of familiar tunes, completely unfamiliar tunes, and a few artists I hadn't really stopped to pay attention to until now. And it's been perfect background music during the second of two insanely busy weeks I've been having, so hooray for that.
Vampire Weekend - "Ottoman"
The Dead 60's - "Riot Radio"
You can pick up a copy of the Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist Soundtrack - it's out now. And I highly recommend the movie - it's hilarious and incredibly well-written and sweet and full of ridiculously awesome cameos (look for a homeless Andy Samberg - amazing). Don't believe for a second that it's teeny-bopper rom-com fare - it's definitely more in line with Michael Cera's other stuff like Superbad and Juno. Gotta love some George Michael Bluth.
