If you’ve turned on your television at all in the last 12 months, you’ve surely heard of “The Twilight Saga.” Author Stephanie Meyer’s series of books about the supernatural love between human Bella Swan and vampire Edward Cullen has created a media frenzy that seemingly affects almost every female from age 8 to 80.
After the international success of “Twilight,” which raked in $70.6 million dollars its opening weekend, the world is waiting hungrily in anticipation for the series’ second film “New Moon.”
With the pressure on, and TwiHards anxiously waiting in the wings, producers of the film have attempted to quench their thirst (no pun intended) by releasing the soundtrack to the upcoming movie.
Music supervisor Alexandra Patsavas (“Gossip Girl,” “Grey’s Anatomy”) delivers an ode to high school heartbreak and star-crossed love affairs to be rivaled for years to come. With an all-star line up that features Thom Yorke, The Killers and Death Cab for Cutie, the soundtrack isn’t lacking in musical talent, or alternative street credibility. Patsavas managed to find a near perfect balance of established bands and independent “no-names.”
Her choice of both musicians and songs rarely stumbles. In fact, besides “No Sound But the Wind” by the Editors, it’s a brilliantly composed album that stands strong without the help of the film. Each contribution to the LP will take you on an emotional roller coaster ride, with heart wrenching lyrics, syrupy sweet singing and haunting cries.
The album’s title track, Death Cab’s “Meet Me On the Equinox” is wholly indicative of the script’s plot. Only seconds into the song, vocalist Benjamin Gibbard (The Postal Service) warns “Let me give my love to you/let me take your hand/and as we walk in the dimming light/oh darling understand/that everything/everything ends.” The band continues to sing of the inevitability of losing love through engaging guitar chords and relentless repetition.
“Meet on the Equinox” is followed immediately by Band of Skull’s rockabilly inspired tune “Friends.” “I need love/Cause only love is true/I need every wakin’ hour with you.” Patsavas pulls listeners from an epic love song to a sugary self-evaluation, while simultaneously introducing them to a new indie band. The album continues to impress with Likke Li’s “Possibility,” Muse’s “I Belong to You” (remix) and Bon Iver’s “Rosalyn.”
It’s The Killer’s “White Demon Love Song” and newcomer Anya Marina’s “Satellite Heart,” however, that are the most poetic. Marina’s painful account of a broken heart after a break-up is odd yet rousing. Her musical timing, much like her voice, is unusual but with lyrics like “I hear you’re living out of state/running in a whole new scene/you know I haven’t slept in weeks/you’re the only thing I see” it hardly matters. “White Demon Love Song” is a masterpiece. With its sadness, yearning and sincerity, it’s the soundtrack’s best ballad.
Even if you’re too ashamed to tell your friends, I still recommend downloading this soundtrack for the ages. You needn’t read the books, watch the movies, or drink the water to enjoy the “New Moon Soundtrack.”
Grade: A
Download (don’t steal): “White Demon Love Song” by The Killers