Juno Soundtrack

CD REVIEW

Every so often a small independent film grabs a lot of attention. Juno has followed such surprise hits such as Napoleon Dynamite and Garden State. And much like the latter, on Juno the off-the-wall soundtrack is integral to the film.

Almost half of the 19 songs here come from the pen of one of the most idiosyncratic indie-folk singers, the unpredictable Kimya Dawson, whose lyrics are often, well, unusual. Most of these are gentle, but “Loose Lips” is an anti-authoritarian anthem which by way of criticising George W Bush resorts briefly to crass language.

Dawson’s quirkiness and vulnerability reflects that of the film, which communicates a sound pro-life message.

Other artists featured, such as the twee Belle & Sebastian and the assertive Cat Power, have clearly influenced Dawson, giving this compilation a coherent mood.

Even the soundtrack’s older songs (by Buddy Holly, the Kinks, Velvet Underground, Mott The Hoople and Sonic Youth) are weaved effortlessly into this set.

Still, this is mostly Kimya Dawson’s showcase (her two previous bands also feature here), and one must like her style to like this album. Not everybody will. Those who do, however, will find much to treasure on this excellent soundtrack album.

Listen to: Anyone But You (Moldy Peaches; reprised by the film’s two leads); So Nice, So Smart (Kimya Dawson); Superstar (Sonic Youth); A Well Respected Man (The Kinks); Sea Of Love (Cat Power); Expectations (Belle & Sebastian)