Soundtrack Review

Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist

When Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist hit the scene in 2008, there was realization in the music and film industry in terms of how much excitement and a presence soundtrack could actually have. Based on the title alone, you better believe this film was going to have a killer track list. It is now 2011, 3 years since this movie was released in theaters and you better believe people are still jamming out to this soundtrack—well at least, I am.

Forget the mainstream bubblegum pop, and soft core melodies of the radio ballads, Nick and Nora’s Infinite Playlist takes us on a journey we’ve only been few times before. With bands such as Vampire Weekend, Takka Takka, Band of Horses, Bishop Allen, and The Dead 60′s blending their unique sounds together, you know you’re in for a wild ride.

If you haven’t seen the film, you need to rent it… right now! Basically, the film follows the story of Nick (Michael Cera), a young bass guitar player who is trying to make a name for himself in the underground indie scene of New York. With his vast knowledge of music he tries to put the charms on this girl, Norah (Kat Dennings), who is just as strange if not stranger in her feelings for Nick as he is. While Nick, Norah, and some pals of theirs are on the hunt for the discreet playing location of an amazing band called, Where’s Fluffy?, Nick and Norah discover something between them. Dare we call it love?

On to the soundtrack, which is amazing in more than one way. I’ll be the first to admit that the only band I’d heard of was Vampire Weekend, whom I believe was on the rise to national notoriety during the time. Now I’m all over this soundtrack like Rice Kripies on marshmallow.

The first track to open the film  is Chris Bells‘ “Speed of Sound“, which is an appropriate opener due the to the mix of emotions this song emotes from the listener. While the credits role we’re looking over an animated NYC, and finally on the song’s calming cords and the distant strumming of the guitar, we’re at the start of the film.

However, right when you think you’ve settled down into this sense of calmness comes Devendra Banhart’s “Lover“. This song is dangerously addictive, and you’ll find yourself bopping your head to the beats after only several seconds of listening. It’s the contrast of songs that makes this soundtrack standout from so many others.

Taking it up a notch, and the film’s first real energy pumper is one of my favorite tracks on the score, Bishop Allen’s “Middle Management“. The song is a fusion of ska-punk with a touch of folk. About midway, when the drums really get going, there’s just no stopping this explosion of raw sound. If I remember correctly this song was used in all the promotional material for the film. Listen to it below:

If you’re looking for a song that’s a bit softer in nature, the track for you comes  from a band that seems to like sucking blood during their off-time, Vampire Weekend. The track is titled “Ottoman Couch“. I’ve probably put a dent in my iPod with the number of times I hit the replay button with this song. I’m not sure there’s any other way to describe this song than pure magic. It’s balanced with the right amount of drums, violins, and guitars that you can’t help to start singing along. It doesn’t help that the lyrics are brilliant as well. Here’s a sample:

“Ottoman couch, how handsome your furniture
Lovelier now, but dressed for a funeral
Begging you to sit for a portrait on the wall
To hang in the dark of some parliamentary hall

Elegant clothes, you want to be seen with her
Under your tweeds you sweat like a teenager
Begging you to sit for a portrait on the wall
To hang in the dark of some parliamentary hall…”

If you asked me for one song that sums up this entire film in both lyrics, beats, and sound, I’d answer you with After Hours by We Are Scientist.  Literally these guys are something else. Their lyrics speak exactly what the characters are going through by the end of the film. Basically, Time Means Nothing, especially when you’re still young. Go out, have fun, and live life .

Now I can’t possibly talk about how great each one of these track are so I’ve posted a couple more songs in video form below. If you like this soundtrack be sure to check out some of the bands’ other stuff they’ve got out. You’ll be sure to find something you’ll like. Overall, I’d say that there’s not another soundtrack that can touch Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist, it’s just that different and great. It’s richness in different genres and songs, which spans back to the 80′s, is absolutely amazing.