It's the highest compliment when you buy a soundtrack before you see the first frame of the film. Zach Braff had great success with Garden State because the songs were great and stood by themselves. He also specializes in introducing new bands that people should hear.
In this case, he balances the mix nicely. Opening with Snow Patrol's "Chocolate", he shares a great track for people who only know their big single "Run".
Joshua Radin is introduced to a larger audience with the beautiful "Star Mile". It has sweet vocal elements that recall Simon & Garfunkel's "The Boxer".
Turin Brakes comes next as a newer band with some nice harmonies in "Pain Killer".
Coldplay's "Warning Sign" anchors the record with a great song from a few years back. Recorded years before the massive success of "X&Y", it sounds new again.
The Cary Brothers' "Ride" blend acoustic guitars, strings and floating vocals for a beautiful song.
Athlete's "El Salvador" sounds a little like a British Barenaked Ladies with a Beck influence.
Imogen Heap's stunning "Hide and Seek" can't be on enough soundtracks. First appearing on The O.C. and then on her "Speak For Yourself" CD. It's almost not fair to compare it to the rest of the CD. It's just too beautiful.
Rachael Yamagata's "Reason Why" is reminiscent of Sarah McLachlan while Ray LaMontagne's "Hold You in My Arms" almost recalls Jeff Buckley.
Remy Zero picks up the pace with the rocking "Prophecy" while Fiona Apple contributes "Paper Bag. Aimee Mann slow things down with "Today's The Day". Amos Lee offers his great vocals with "Arms of a Woman". Rufus Wainright mixes multiple styles on "Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk".
Joshua Radin and Schulyer Fisk close the CD with "Paperweight": a sweet duet with harmonies that are hushed and intimate.
That's really why Zach Braff's 2 soundtracks are so great. They don't have the feel of a slick movie soundtrack. The songs are what would be playing in the CD player when you fall in love, driving around or just hearing a great song for the first time.
Highly recommended.
-EveningOcean CD "The Attraction" Evening Ocean com
THE ATTRACTION