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(500) Days of Summer Soundtrack
- By Various Artists
- Genre: Soundtrack
Common Sense Media says
Young love and adolescent angst: Something for every teen.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to 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.
What's the story?
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.
Is it any good?
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.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about movie soundtracks. What is the purpose of them? Do soundtracks make you want to see the movie? Does the movie make you want to buy the soundtrack?
Talk about new music versus the sounds from several decades ago. Can you spot the songs that were produced in the last few years, as opposed to the tracks that were made before you were born? What differences do you notice?
Discuss love songs. Are the songs on this album different from typical love songs that you might hear? What makes them different? Is a song less romantic if it's too realistic or jaded?
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I never bought a soundtrack before
This soundtrack is the best soundtrack ever created...yet. Every song on it is great. I only bought it yesterday and i already listened the whole way through it so many times! The best songs on the cd are us, the French one which is hard to spell, please please let me get what I want, hero, there goes the fear, and vagabond. This is for whoever liked the movie and for whoever likes indie music.
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| Artist: | Various Artists |
| Release date: | July 14, 2009 |
| Label: | Sire Records |
| Genre: | Soundtrack |
| Parental advisory: | No |
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