Music: Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist

Thursday, October 9, 2008

There have been a lot of comparisons between last winter’s surprise smash hit Juno and the recently released Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist, and rightfully so. Both star Michael Cera, both feature hipster kids falling in love, and both have killer soundtracks made up of great bands most mainstream music fans have likely never heard of.

While Juno’s music was centered on The Moldy Peaches, which made them popular, Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist soundtrack is much more diverse and gives exposure to a plethora of up-and-coming bands. The movie focuses on a night of seeing bands in New York City, and the album is full of indie rock and electro acts that would likely be a part of just such a night.

Standout tracks include the very catchy Bishop Allen and Richard Hawley tunes “Middle Management” and “Silvery Sleds,” “Negative,” a song by Project Jenny, Project Jan that features amusing and slightly inappropriate lyrics, and the lazy, happy, electro melody of “Nick & Norah’s Theme” by Mark Mothersbaugh. Indie rock fans should also be excited about tracks from Vampire Weekend, We Are Scientists, Band of Horses and Shout Out Louds, all favorites among the hipster elite.

The only unfortunate track is by The Jerk Offs, Cera’s character’s band in the film. The track is clearly weaker than the rest and sticks out like a sore thumb.

It’s nice when a good movie is paired with a good soundtrack, and Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist is up there with the soundtracks of Garden State, Dan in Real Life and, of course, Juno.

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