Title - 'Juno' (Rhino Records)
Artist - Various
'Juno' is a smart, sweet, poignantly funny little indie movie about a teenage girl who gets pregnant and the smart decisions she has to make for everyone's sakes.
Like many a soundtrack over the past few years, the soundtrack that accompanies said movie has got a great assortment of artists. Indeed, everything from classic rockers to Scottish mope-popsters, it's a warm folky little affair that leaves you with a wistful little smile at the end.
With warbled lyrics over a strummed guitar from Barry Louis Polisar, and a sedate interlude by Kimya Dawson, the soundtrack bounces into the sprightly Kinks tune "A Well Respected Man." From there, the music slips smoothly into a series of folky pop tunes - Buddy Holly's mellow "Dearest," Mateo Messina's "Up The Spout" (that is basically one minute of strummed guitar!), Cat Power's poignant little folk ballad-take on "Sea Of Love," and the Moldy Peaches' countryish "Anyone Else But You."
However, Kimya Dawson is the overpowering influence on this soundtrack, including the "doo-doo-doo" interlude, she contributes five songs of rambling, quirky pop. But there are some more rock'n'roll moments also in the form of the brilliant sounds of Sonic Youth, Belle and Sebastian's trumpety guitarpop, and the Velvet Underground's romantic, gentle pianopop tune "I'm Sticking With You."
Oh, and there's a sweet little epilogue to this with stars Ellen Page and Michael Cera singing a cute little lo-fi duet at the end called "Anyone Else But You." It's as adorable as their onscreen relationship. Whether you've seen the film or not, this CD is definitely worth hearing.