Instead of getting a bunch of headliner singers together, Paul Thomas Anderson (Executive Producer of the album) chose nine songs by a virtually unknown singer, Aimee Mann.  Mann's lyrics are not only poignant to life, but also fit the film well.  Mann has a cult following and refuses to give into the industry and sign a contract with a big company.  Because of that, she has not gained the fame and acclaim of such artists such as Fiona Apple and Sarah MacLachlan.  As you'll see in her lyrics, she writes from the heart and I hope in the near future she gains the acclaim she rightfully deserves.
        Anderson also added a couple songs from the 80's which fit well, and one from the 90's.  I listened to this soundtrack for about a week before I saw the film, getting hyped up for it.  And now that I've seen it, I can't get the songs out of my head.
        Below are the lyrics to my two favorite songs.  They are both nominated for Fidelio Awards.  For more info. on Aimee Mann, go to:

http://www.aimeemann.com

Nominated for Best Song,
1999 Fidelio Film Awards

*Winner of Best Song
Momentum
Performed and Written by Aimee Mann

Oh, for the sake of momentum
I’ve allowed my fears to get larger than life
And it’s brought me to my current agendum
Whereupon I deny fulfillment has yet to arrive

And I know life is getting shorter
I can’t bring myself to set the scene
Even when it’s approaching torture
I’ve got my routine

Oh, for the sake of momentum
Even though I agree with that stuff about seizing the day
But I hate to think of effort expended
All those minutes and days and hours I have frittered away

And I know life is getting shorter
I can’t bring myself to set the scene
Even when it’s approaching torture
I’ve got my routine

But I can’t confront the doubts I have
I can’t admit that maybe the past was bad
And so, for the sake of momentum
I”m condemning the future to death so it can match the past
 
 

Wise Up
Written and Performed by Aimee Mann

It’s not
What you thought
When you first began it
You got
What you want
Now you can hardly stand it, though
By now you know
It’s not going to stop
It’s not going to stop
It’s not going to stop
‘Til you wise up

You’re sure
There’s a cure
And you have finally found it
You think
One drink
Will shrink you ‘til you’re underground
And living down
But it’s not going to stop
It’s not going to stop
It’s not going to stop
‘Til you wise up

Prepare a list of what you need
Before you sign away the deed
‘Cause it’s not going to stop
It’s not going to stop
No, it’s not going to stop
‘Til you wise up
No, it’s not going to stop
So just give up