Soundtracks

At the weekend, I went to see The Lovely Bones at the cinema; and, as soon as I got home, I looked up the soundtrack. This track ('Alice' by the Cocteau Twins) made the film for me; the ethereal quality to the vocals are haunting and, moreover, reminiscent of the haunting plot-line. Obviously, a soundtrack should compliment a film. And yet, I would categorise a soundtrack as truly effective only by its ability to reawaken the film. The songs should bring both the characters and the action back to life, even after time has passed.

The song led me to thinking about other soundtracks; a list of my top-ten favourites may be in order.

10. The Boat That Rocked - Various Artists

It goes without saying that it is the that songs make this film; it is a film about music, after all. The Kinks, Eric Clapton, David Bowie, The Isley Brothers, The Moody Blues ... the list goes on. Famous names, brilliant songs.

Favourite tracks: 'These Arms Of Mine' - Otis Redding/'With A Girl Like You' - The Troggs

9. Harold and Maude - Cat Stevens

Seriously underrated film. Seriously brilliant soundtrack. Definitely one to listen to on repeat; the perfect compliment to a chilled mood.

Favourite tracks: 'Trouble'/'Don't Be Shy'

8. Pride and Prejudice - Dario Marianelli

Initially, for the list, I wanted to stay away from soundtracks that are purely scores; but, inevitably, that was impossible. This - and the soundtrack to Atonement - is beautiful.

Favourite tracks: 'Dawn'

7. American Beauty - Thomas Newman/Various

Both the songs and the score for this film are remarkable; a soundtrack that will have you thinking about the film for months after you've watched it.

Favourite tracks: 'Dead Already'/'Don't Rain on My Parade'/'Arose'

6. The Hours - Philip Glass

Another score; but what a powerful score it is. The simple refrain Philip Glass works with is powerful and graceful. The score is continuous, but not repetitive (or, at least, not in a negative way). Rather, Glass allows the music to build, an idea that perfectly echoes the arrangement of the film. Melancholy and moving, it is the perfect soundtrack.

Favourite tracks: 'Escape!'/'The Hours'/'The Poet Acts'

5. Where the Wild Things Are - Karen O And The Kids

I haven't seen the film yet, but if the soundtrack is anything to go by, I'm in for a treat. Bizarre yet enjoyable, the songs are generally upbeat and the perfect choice for a kids' film.

Favourite tracks: 'Animal'/'Hideaway'

4. The Chronicles of Narnia - Harry Gregson-Williams/Various

The music in this film is perfect: evocative of childish wonder and magic, working along the same lines as the movie itself.

Favourite tracks: 'Can't Take It In' by Imogen Heap

3. Juno - Various

Alternative music for the masses. Equal parts weird and fantastic, this soundtrack is so perfectly matched with the film itself it could have been chosen by the main character. Both funny and lovely. Guaranteed to give you a warm squishy feeling inside.

Favourite tracks: 'Sea Of Love'/'Expectations'/'All I Want Is You'

2. Amélie - Yann Tiersen

I've yet to meet a person who doesn't love the music from this film. Melodic and very French.

Favourite tracks: 'La Valse d'Amélie'/'Comptine D'un Autre Été: L'après Midi'

1. Garden State - Various

What a film. What an OST. The instant Coldplay's 'Don't Panic' began to play (right at the beginning), I knew that this was a film I would like - and I did.

Favourite tracks: 'In The Waiting Line'/'Let Go'/'Such Great Heights'