(500) Days Of Summer-Music From The Motion Picture
Various Artists
Sire. 2009.
Summary
The (500) Days of Summer music from the motion picture is an eclectic mix of music from artists like Regina Spektor, The Smiths, Simon & Garfunkel, Doves, and many others. The offbeat independent romantic comedy, released in 2009 to much critical acclaim tells the story of the romance between Tom, a hopeless romantic, and Summer, the girl he falls in love with. However, Summer does not believe in love and romance, and the doomed relationship is the source of much happiness, heartbreak, and self-discovery for both characters. To understand the story is important to understanding the soundtrack, and the first track, “A Story of Boy Meets Girl” introduces the story of Tom and Summer. The songs range from the hopeful to romantic to heartbroken to hopeful again, as the story progresses. Some of the notable titles are “Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want” by The Smiths, “You Make My Dreams” by Hall & Oates, “Mushaboom” by Feist, and “Here Comes Your Man” by Pixies, covered by Meaghan Smith.
Critical Evaluation
The soundtrack to the (500) Days of Summer is as unique and offbeat as the movie, featuring tracks from cult favorites like The Smiths and new indie artists like Regina Spektor, Mumm-Ra, and Feist. There is also a hauntingly beautiful French song by Carla Bruni. For those who have seen the movie, the soundtrack entirely captures the movie, with all its romance, drama, and sadness. For those who have not seen the movie, it is a beautifully curated collection of interesting and new music that can be enjoyed on its own, for the music enthusiast, the lovesick, and the hopeful alike. The soundtrack seems to be dominated by Regina Spektor and The Smiths, which could present a problem for some. Although The Smiths have had a considerable following since the 1980s, Regina Spektor is more an acquired taste, with her idiosyncratic singing style and piano-dominated music. However, her music does complement the quirky side of the movie quite well. Although it is a few years old already, both the movie and the music have a kind of a cult following that keeps it still relevant to teen popular culture.
Reader’s Annotation:
The soundtrack to the film (500) Days of Summer offers a variety of alternative rock and pop songs from the 1980s to today.\
Genre:
Music. Alternative rock.
Curriculum Ties: N/A
Booktalking Ideas: N/A
Interest/reading Level:
Grade 7+
Challenge Issues: none
Challenge Defense Ideas:
This album presents no apparent challenge issues, but prepare to defend selection by having library’s selection policy at hand.
Reasons for Inclusion
Popular music, popular movie soundtrack.