Well the movie may have garnered mixed reviews but this soundtrack is quite something else. In fact I will state categorically that it’s one of the best I heard in the last ten years. Director Wim Wenders has always been astute when it comes to choosing music for his films, but on this occasion he has excelled himself. Sure, it’s got the right names like Grinderman (Nick Cave), Get Well Soon, Portishead, Irmin Schmidt, Iron & Wine, Calexico,  The Velvet Underground, Beirut, Bonny Prince Billy, Thom, Beth Gibbons & Rustin’ Man and more, but it’s also bursting with superb songs - many written specifically for the film.

Grinderman has written two songs specially, ‘Dream (Song For Finn)’ and ‘Song For Frank’ both of which could sit more than happily on a Grinderman album and attract highly favourable reviews. Get Well Soon have also written  two songs for the film, ‘Busy Hope’ and the closing song ‘Good Friday.’ All four songs mentioned are indie rockers with strong pop sensibility. Portishead’s ‘The Rip’ sounds better here than it sounds on the band’s album, while Beth Gibbon & Rustin’ Man’s ‘Mysteries’ seems also to have also gained from its inclusion. There are some specially written instrumental pieces from Irmin Schmidt (’Bei Flavia I’, ‘Fresko’ and ‘Bei Flavia II’) which are highly atmospheric, dramatic and melodic - they stand alone as beautiful pieces. One of Iron & Wine’s best songs, ‘Freedom Hangs Like heaven’, is included and is a sonically superior version. The Long Winters provide a slice of driving country rock with ‘It’s A Departure’, while Calexico returns with its classic ‘The Black Rail.’

There’s an even older slice of musical pop history with The Velvet Underground’s ‘Some Kinda Love’ which still sounds fresh. There’s also a rhythmic ‘Beds In The East’ from Thom specially written for the movie, which is so loaded with melody and distinctive choruses that it could be a charting single.

If you buy just one soundtrack in 2009, make it this one. It’s diverse and it’s awesome!

4.5/5