with the energy of a fanatic’s mix tape. Rushmore rescued Creation’s “Making Time,” and Life Aquatic does the same to The Zombies’ “The Way I Feel Inside.”
More than anything, though, the soundtracks contribute to the overall themes much more than the plots. Aquatic uses David Bowie songs to wonderful effect in connecting dark, otherworldly seascapes both in their original versions and in Seu Jorge’s acoustic versions sung in Portugese. Who knew “Rebel, Rebel” could sound so sad?
The instrumentals of Mark Mothersbaugh (formerly of Devo, but increasingly known for Anderson film soundtracks) complement the pop songs with a drifting, almost regal quality. Instead of playing Donovan’s cheesy and undeniable ode, Mothersbaugh creates soundscapes for lost kingdoms. A few selections from Norwegian composer Sven Libaek sound like the backing track to lost 1960s grade school reels, but infinitely cooler.
A few further standouts chop the waters in the lazy river of sounds. Folkie Joan Baez’s proud “Here’s to You” fits perfectly next to Iggy and the Stooges’ raging “Search and Destroy.” And if that doesn’t tell you something about the magic of an Anderson film soundtrack, few things will. |
