Music Review: (500) Days of Summer Soundtrack
What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that this is a collection of retro-rock
and modern songs that mirrors the romantic trials that are the
centerpiece of the movie. While there are a few moments not
appropriate for all listeners (namely the Black Lips' teen
rebel anthem "Bad Kids"), this is a mild collection that might
introduce young listeners to some classic artists, like Hall
and Oates, The Smiths, and Simon & Garfunkel.
The film, (500) Days of Summer, is introduced as "not a love story" and perhaps (500) DAYS OF SUMMER- MUSIC FROM THE MOTION PICTURE follows the same preface. As the film documents one romantic through his pursuit of his dream girl, the movie questions whether true love exists and whether you can hold on to it once you find it. Although love is around every corner on the album, so is heartbreak, cynicism, and despair. But don't think this is a downer. Just like the lighthearted comedy, this soundtrack attempts to put a cheerful face on heartache and unrequited love with a mix of old and new songs, some punk, some folk, some in between, all deep and emotional.
This CD packs a lot of angst and energy into one album. Fans of the movie will love the way this soundtrack follows and refers to the film, while rock purists will celebrate the revival of The Smiths and Black Lips. The album is all about being retro chic, but there are new tunes added to the mix, including a few by critic favorite Regina Spektor and stand-out performances by Feist and Wolfmother. Bonus cameo songs from the stars of the film, Joseph Gordon--Levitt and Zoey Deschanel (who supplies a wonderful rendition of "Sugar Town") go even further to bring the feel of the film to the CD.
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