With (500) Days of Summer finally getting the wide release it deserves, I figured there was no better time to file my review for it’s wonderfully indie soundtrack. I always struggle and overanalyze any attempts I make at a mixed CD, trying to balance the indie-pop gems while tucking in a few guilty pleasures so needless to say, this soundtrack does wonders for me.
Kudos must go out to the director of this fine film, Marc Webb, who makes his big screen directorial debut, showcasing his background and history in the music business as a music video director with his choices and usage of music within the film. He uses music as a driving force within the storyline, not as a means to fill space.
The soundtrack features the love of my life, though she may not know it yet, Regina Spektor, who contributes two tracks, Hall and Oates, a wonderful track by The Temper Trap, and Feist just to name a few before closing the album out with a dazzling Smith’s cover by She & Him. I’m usually weary of covers of The Smiths: I recall a conversation with a friend when he mentions no one really dares to duplicate The Smiths sound, so taking on a cover is a daunting task, but luckily for our sake we’re in good hands as Zooey [Deschanel] and M. Ward do a wonderfully haunting 60s soul-pop take on “Please, Please, Please Let Me Get I Want”.
This soundtrack succeeds on two very important levels, it is able to live on it’s own as a great mix and it makes you want to see the movie all over again. I challenge you to find a better movie currently in theaters that’s as smart, funny and charming. You will fall in love with Zooey Deschanel and this soundtrack, this much I can promise you.
The soundtrack is now available and the movie expanded to wide release this past weekend.
(500) Days of Summer: website
