Reviewed by Beth Squires
featuring the music of Satyajit Ray, The Kinks, The Rolling Stones, Peter Sarstedt, Ustad Vilayat Khan, Jyotirindra Moitra,
Shankar-Jaikishan, Jodphur Sikh Temple Congregation, Jyotirindra Moitra, Alexis Weissenberg, Kisore Kumar & Asha Bhosle, Narlia Village Troubadour, Udaipur Convent School Nuns And Students, Fritz Reiner And The Chicago Sympnony Orchestra, Ustad Vilayat Khan, Joe Dassin
Runtime 55 minutes | UK RRP £11.99
Produced by Wes Anderson & Randall Poster
The complete change of setting for Wes Anderson's latest film The Darjeeling Limited has caused the soundtrack to evolve quite differently from those of his past movies. Don't worry though, it still has that kooky Anderson feel, despite Devo founder Mark Mothersbaugh not working on it as he has on Anderson's other soundtracks.
Satyajit Ray has contributed some superb tracks that reflect the vibrant cultural setting of the film. Charu's Theme is a very short but atmospheric piece of music, but the thing is, with all these Indian inspired tracks littering the soundtrack, it would be nice to hear some pieces that are not familiar from other films. They are still gorgeous, however, and really provide a feeling of the film. Peter Sarstedt's Where Do You Go To (My Lovely) is the most memorable track played within both Darjeeling and, prominently, in the accompanying short, Hotel Chevalier. We first hear it when Jason Schwartzman is expecting Natalie Portman and the tune is revisited time and time again throughout the main film to humorous effect. It's a gently melancholy, yet uplifting track with standout kooky lyrics and will certainly be a track you remember from the movie. The Kinks get no less than three outings on the soundtrack, which won't be a surprise to those who have heard Anderson's previous efforts. Each of the songs showcases his more traditional sound — laidback, semi obscure tracks that reflect that late 60s / early 70s vibe he loves. The early Stones track, Play With Fire, marks the first time the band has actually made an appearance on the soundtrack release following licensing issues in the past, and it's great that they're finally present. At a grand total of 22 predominantly wordless tracks, The Darjeeling Limited soundtrack is a mostly laidback mix of Indian inspired music and chilled rock songs with the odd moment of dramatic classical music interspersed. It ends with the oddly jaunty Les Champs-Elysses by Joe Dassin, which rounds off the soundtrack on an up.