Ethan’s Soundtrack Picks

April 9, 2021
  • Princess Mononoke (Joe Hisaishi)
    • Hollywood blockbuster orchestration meets Japanese traditionalism. This is an incredible soundtrack for studying or just if you want to hear some loud, intense music for Miyazaki’s wildest movie. Our copies currently in stock are Japanese imports — totally essential for the Ghibli superfan!
  • Good Time (Oneohtrix Point Never)
    • The intensity of this movie owes so much to Daniel Lopatin’s work on this soundtrack. The music is just as cold, suspenseful, and hypnotic as the movie itself. Our copies in store come with a wanted poster featuring a police sketch of Robert Pattinson’s character.
  • The Mirror/Stalker (Eduard Artemiev)
    • Soviet filmmaker Andrei Tarkovsky uses music in his films very seldom. These two soundtracks actually fit on one disc: The Mirror on Side A, Stalker on Side B. The music drifts between cold orchestration and minimalist early 70s synth music. Superior Viaduct, a Vertigo favorite reissue label, put this one together in a high quality cardboard cover with stills from the films.
  • Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence (Ryuichi Sakamoto)
    • Honestly just a great standalone piece of Neoclassical New Age music from Japanese classical/experimental music pioneer Ryuichi Sakamoto. The title track is beyond classic, a 5-minute masterclass in theme music.
  • Bob’s Burgers (Various Artists)
    • Just a heartwarming group of songs from a perfect TV show. One of those things where I wouldn’t recommend it if you’re not into the show, but for those Bob’s Burgers superfans it’s an absolute must. Sub Pop put this one together, with over 100 songs on 3 LPs, also available on cassette!
  • Heartworn Highways (Various Artists)
    • I’ve actually never seen this documentary because it’s just impossible to find now, but the soundtrack is some straight tops outlaw country from Texas in the 1970s. Some of the saddest, most beautiful music out there.