Vol. 4, No. 2, February 2008
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Juno (The Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Rhino Records
The film is decidedly pro-choice, confirming that supporting a woman’s sovereignty over her body does not exclude embracing motherhood.
The soundtrack features a collection of chirpy hipster/indie rock tunes largely assembled by star Ellen Page. They provide a refreshingly light tone for a film that, in the hands of anyone but director Jason Reitman, could have been very dark.
The opening credits begin with “All I Want Is You” by Barry Louis Polisar, a folksy, country, innocent little ditty with the lyrics, “If you were a wink, I’d be a nod/If you were a pea, well, I’d be a pod/If you were the floor, I’d wanna be the rug/And if you were a kiss, I know I’d be a hug.”
The film’s theme is “Anyone Else But You” by the Moldy Peaches, a New York indie rock band founded by Adam Green and Kimya Dawson (the tune is later reprised by Page and costar Michael Cera).
Six of Dawson’s songs are also featured here, and thanks to the soundtrack—No. 8 on the Billboard 100 at press time—she has vaulted from obscurity to the national spotlight. Credit Dawson for much of the film’s success, as her music is used throughout to set an intriguing mood. Composer Mateo Messina also based his score on Dawson's songs.
In addition to Kimya Dawson's fantastic contribution, the soundtrack features Cat Power, Mott the Hoople, Belle & Sebastian, Buddy Holly, the Kinks, and Lou Reed's legendary band, the Velvet Underground.
The movie is great and the soundtrack is a true companion piece, much like the Garden State soundtrack a few years back.
Watch the movie first, then go buy or download this mellow collection of anti-folk and rock songs.
