Thumbsucker (Score) [Soundtrack]

The Polyphonic Spree | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 13, 2005)
• Original Release Date: 2005
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Soundtrack
• Label: Hollywood Records
• ASIN: B000AMJEIW
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #53,327 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The indie drama Thumbsucker, pertaining to a 14-year old boy struggling with the habit that gives the movie its title, gets the symphonic treatment with this original score by Tim DeLaughter of The Polyphonic Spree. Mingling with the flowery orchestration and flute trills are three tracks by the late Elliott Smith, who was involved in the early development of the film with director Mike Mills. While Spree fans have come to expect the full sonic overload of the 20+ strong ensemble, DeLaughter's best track is the one where he picks up a guitar and sings sans backing band, "Wonderful You." DeLaughter is in a delicate situation here, sharing the disc with the superior song craft of Smith. Smith's contributions, including "Let’s Get Lost" from From a Basement on the Hill and the never-before-released "Thirteen" and "Trouble" only hint at what this soundtrack might have been. While DeLaughter's tracks make good film music, Smith's stand upright on their own, regardless of context. Ultimately, both contributors provide the soundtrack with a feeling of adolescent melancholy well suited for the film. -- Ryan Boudinot

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You can have all you ever want in a dream., September 15, 2005

By 

James E. Jacoby (Ft. Lauderdale, FL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Thumbsucker (Score) (Audio CD)

According to the liner notes, Thumbsucker director Mike Mills was working with songwriting genius Elliott Smith on the songs for the movie when Smith passed away. Months later, while struggling with the editing of the movie and the aftermath of Smith's death, Mills attended a Polyphonic Spree concert that changed and moved him so much that he sought out Tim DeLaughter of The Spree and signed him to finish the musical score to the film. "The Spree saved Thumbsucker," says Mills.

The album has a lush score representing Tim DeLaughter and The Polyphonic Spree at their very best, from the powerful and jubilant single "Move Away and Shine" to the sublime and mellow "Acceptance" (which rolls out comfortably for thiry minutes), punctuated with several songs by the late Elliott Smith.

Usually I leave the movie theater wanting to get the soundtrack, but now it's the other way around. This score makes me want to see the movie, as I'm sure it has to be something very special.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars genius music for a genius film, July 31, 2006

By 

kevin (Naples, FL, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Thumbsucker (Score) (Audio CD)

I find it extremely irritating when a reviewer with limited knowledge of a film (or, even worse, when a reviewer hasnot watched the film) takes it upon themselves to trash a soundtrack. The qualms I have with this practice are purely due to my aesthetical opinion: certain films require certain types of soundtracks. Some films, like Almost Famous and Snatch, work best with track lists full of imposing titles and in such a circumstance the music, for a moment or two, becomes the focus of the film. In films like Lost in Translation and Thumbsucker, the music never takes a dominant role over the film itself; instead it plays the role of a constant emotional supplement, accurately and beautifully rendering the action on screen through sound. The soundtrack, to any who has watched Thumbsucker, is an amazing work of art and a case study in complementing an amazing film with amazing, yet not overbearing, music. Any viewer, any fan, and any colleague of Mike Mill's will have the same positive reaction to this soundtrack after watching the great film it supports. Reviewers who review soundtracks without watching the movies they stem from, take note: this album was intended as a complement to great film, not a compilation made at the director's whim...I sincerely challenge you to watch the movie and claim that these songs, soaking in emotion, are dry and banal!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thumbsucker and A Tribute To Elliott Smith make me a happy guy!, October 5, 2005

By 

Dave Dickerson (Tennessee) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Thumbsucker (Score) (Audio CD)

Just picked this up with A Tribute To Elliott Smith here on Amazon and I am glad I did! The Elliott tracks on Thumbsucker are manna from heaven for a Smith fan (obviously) but the Polyphonic Spree stuff is really growing on me as well. Can't wait to see this movie - with music like this in it you can't go wrong.
I also ordered A Tribute To Elliott Smith since Amazon recommended it and I am overjoyed with it as well. This was indeed a good week to be an Elliott Smith fan!