What is your favorite genre of music?

Most purists would not consider soundtrack as a music genre. However, my interests align with it. I have a large CD collection. I bought most of them back when iTunes was still a thing. Usually, this was after a trip to the cinemas with friends.

I’d import them into my laptop, which in turn expanded my iTunes library. Most of these discs were purchased at JB HiFi. This was before I got into online shopping. I was an avid music fan. I’d browse the CD aisles of JB. They were never crowded. Most people were more interested in snagging games or DVDs. Others were after cheaper CDs. The rest were drawn to music players. Half the time, I knew what I wanted. Other times, I would browse the racks, looking for inspiration. Given their large range, it was a daunting task. Regardless, all of their CDs are brand new. Yes, in case you’re wondering, they have a specific section for ‘Soundtrack’.

Since iTunes conked out, I have only sporadically embraced music subscriptions. I used Apple Music a few times but not Spotify. My first music player was an iPod Touch. The line has since been discontinued. As the smartphone, the iPhone could function as a music player, negating the need for the former.

‘Zone out’

One of my personal faves is Walter Mitty. Interestingly, I nabbed the CD from eBay. It was sent brand new from the US. I love the motley of songs. Artists such as the late David Bowie, Mumford and Sons, Jose Gonzales, and Of Monsters and Men make this a must-hear. There are soft ballads and intense tunes. Examples of the former are ‘Don’t Let It Pass’ by Junip and ‘The Pina Colada Song’. Step Outside and ‘Dirty Paws’ embody the latter. ‘Lake Michigan’ by Rogue Wave is another winner. I don’t normally purchase CDs from overseas. Nor do I buy stuff on New Year’s. Yet this was well worth it.

Curiously, Walter only got mixed reviews but was a box office success. In spite of the varied critical response, me and my friend loved it. With Ben Stiller and Sean Penn, you can’t go wrong. The killer tunes, employed at genius moments, only added to its allure. For most of us, Walter’s humility is very relatable. He represents the common man, the battlers, the forgotten. When he zones out, we grasp his daydreaming. When he yearns for Kristen Wiig, we remember our desperate crushes. His Greenland treks light a scent.

‘Soup Questions’

Finding Forrester is, hands down, my favourite movie ever. It has the late Sean Connery and Rob Brown. Matt Damon, F. Murray Abraham, and Anna Paquin round out the Oscar winners. Rapper Busta Rhymes tops off the stellar cast. I can relate to both Jamal and William. Gus Van Sant, my favourite director, helmed the production. Observers would note that there are strong similarities between Forrester and Good Will Hunting. Both of his efforts are laudable.

Forrester was about my two top pursuits: writing and basketball. In one scene, Jamal poses a harmless question. His mentor says that he asked a ‘soup question’. This pertains to a query that does not concern the asker.

Of course, I had to score the CD. ‘Over the Rainbow’ by the late Israel K. is a beauteous take on the timeless ballad. In no time, you’ll be singing along to stars and rainbows. ‘Coffaro’s theme’ is sentimental in its simplicity. In the movie, it plays during the scene where Jamal’s flubs cost them the city title. The theme was perfect for the film’s climax. William asks Jamal if he missed those freebies on purpose. Jamal responds that ‘It’s not really a soup question, is it?’

The jazzy album is not for everyone. Listening to the songs brings back memories of a more innocent time. Despite my familiarity with the disc, it never fails to cheer me up and give me a dose of nostalgia.

The Curtain Rod

Spider-Man 2 has some good tunes, too. Dashboard Confessional offers their hit song, ‘Vindicated’. As the lead single, this really gets you in the vibe. Other notable artists include Hoobastank, Maroon 5, and Switchfoot.

My uni friend once told me that this is his favourite Spidey movie. He loved it as it humanised Peter Parker. Seemingly invincible, he was a lot more grounded in this outing. He learned how to channel his powers and to deal with steep challenges. For the first time, he lives away from his Aunt May. He earns a wage and pays rent. While I saw the original Spidey, I did not behold the second one at the theatre. The first instalment was a big talking point in class. Not as much with the second salvo.

‘Vindicated’ was playing while I sat this big exam. My seatmate, Barba, sung along. Suddenly, a big ‘Southerly’ swept the curtains to his face. The buster also ruffled his feathers, I mean, papers. I half expected Robert Frost to nudge Barba in the back.

The proctors quickly fixed the nuisance. They should make a movie starring Barba. ‘The Windy City’ would fit the bill. Wow, I couldn’t believe that his singing was that bad. In case you’re wondering, Barba flunked that exam. Of course, I passed it.

‘Topnotcher’

Juno was an Oscar winner way back in ‘09. At the ceremony, it took home Best Original Screenplay. The storyline was good. Ellen Page and Michael Cera were an adorable couple. Nowadays, the former goes by Elliot Page. ‘Loose Lips’ by Kimya Dawson was nice, if a bit political.’Tree Hugger’ and ‘Sleep’ by the same artists are likewise solid efforts. ‘Vampire’ is also robust. By far my favourite song is ‘Anyone else but you’, which was performed by the two leads. Cera and Page rock guitars as they duet in the closing scene.

The soundtrack topped the charts, a testament to its marketability. Likewise, the film did quite well at the box office. From an initial limited run, it went on to gross $231 million and garnered universal acclaim. It was regarded by most outlets as one of the year’s finest.

Subjective

I own other soundtracks, including The Beach, Stranger Things, and Crazy Rich Asians. They usually have a couple of standout songs, but a lot more mediocre tunes. In particular, Stranger has all these bland eighties hits that did not strike a chord with me. I also have American Pie, an older soundtrack. The songs are more punk-rock and in your face. I also bought A Walk to Remember for the sister.

These CDs are far from the latest. It doesn’t have to be a newness contest. It’s about quality, timelessness, and personal preference. Sometimes, the date and chart rank is irrelevant. Satisfaction is relative.