If my life were a movie, this would be the soundtrack. I had intended to give a detailed account of every song and the meaning behind each, but it just became too much. I annoyed myself writing it, so I can only imagine how bad it would be to read it. Regardless, here are some notes/memories about some song selections.
The Strokes
I remember working at Sam Goody in high school and getting to listen to the advance of The Strokes' first album, IS THIS IT. It wasn't like anything I had ever heard. At the time, we were in this dark time for music. It seemed like only two types of music were being made – you had pop music like N'Sync, Britney, and Backstreet... OR this absolutely twisted Rap/Metal genre like Limp Bizkit, Korn, Linkin Park, etc. I think The Strokes helped us escape that darkness, and they've been one of my favorite bands ever since.
The Killers
The Killers have a lot of real estate on this soundtrack. The acoustic version of Sam's Town is very good. You can feel all the energy and angst of escaping the small town. The Killers' 2nd album is one of my favorite albums of all time. It doesn't get the credit it deserves. It was such a departure from their first album. Flowers and the band completely redefined themselves – they were just coming off of Mr. Brightside fame – which was catchy and super radio friendly. Sam's Town was an entirely different album – it felt like a love letter to America, Bruce Springsteen, and arena rock.
Runaway Horses is from their latest album and is a super special song to me. We spent nearly a week in the hospital when Sonny was born. Time stopped. It was the scariest time of my life. When we came out, the entire world had changed for us. There was a lot of trauma, but we were so grateful. This song was released that week and felt like it was written for us. I cried the first time I heard it. The lyrics hit really hard on so many levels. I had just had this painting of these wild horses framed – it was my Grandfathers painting, and my parents surprised me with it just a few weeks before we had Sonny. The picture meant so much to me – it's the most vivid memory of growing up and visiting my grandparents, and now it was hanging in my son's room. Watching over him.
Arcade Fire – Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)
I remember buying the first Arcade Fire album at Circuit City for $6.99. It was so different than anything else out at the time. It's hard to describe why this song resonates so deeply with me – I've never been able to – it feels like some sort of ancient truth is being expressed in these lyrics. It's so big and beautiful. A religious experience in a song. Purified color. Purified my mind!
Radiohead
My first concert was Radiohead. I've included 3 of my favorite Radiohead songs on this soundtrack.
Sigur Ros – Staraflur
I played this for Sonny most nights when he was still in the womb.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Little Shadow
This is another song for Sonny.
Jenny Lewis – Acid Tongue
If it's a soundtrack to my movie, it's as much about Steph as it is about me. We've seen her 4 or 5 times live. There is something really beautiful about how she narrates and reflects on her life (all in under 4 minutes).
The Wallflowers – Sleepwalker
Breach is one of my favorite albums of all time. I don't think The Wallflowers get enough praise for this masterpiece. I remember picking this album up with a paycheck from my first job. I was 16 at the time and making pizza at Papa Murphy's.
Morrissey – Everyday is Sunday
I was driving to work, listening to this specific song. Driving through traffic. The weather was terrible, and I was just admiring how the music reflected my mood and commute. Then, I got slammed into by the car behind me. I laughed as the chorus played because it was perfect. This song has to make the soundtrack. Has to be in the movie.
Pulp – Disco 2000
Pulp is required on this soundtrack. This would be the perfect song to play during the trailer's montage.