Looking for recommendations for recent popular music soundtracks

November 15, 2009 6:21 PM

Does anyone have any recommendations for somewhat recent (post-2000) TV or movie popular music soundtracks (or some other kind of compilation)? I tend to like alternative rock, but I'm open to any genre.

I've realized that I've been in a musical rut for the past several years, so I'm looking for a fast way to discover new music and expose myself to some of what I've missed. I've gotten the soundtracks to Scrubs and Garden State, and I've found a lot that I like in them, but I'm also almost finished with them.

So, any recommendations?

posted by cosmic.osmo to Media & Arts (15 answers total)

I like the soundtracks to Weeds and to Juno.
posted by Pineapplicious at 6:44 PM on November 15, 2009

The "Juno," "The Squid and The Whale," and"Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist" soundtracks had some good songs.
posted by Frank Grimes at 6:45 PM on November 15, 2009 [2 favorites]

I think the Veronica Mars soundtrack is great, and has a lot in common with those for Scrubs and Garden State.
posted by daelin at 7:17 PM on November 15, 2009 [2 favorites]

The 500 Days of Summer soundtrack isn't too bad.
posted by backwards guitar at 7:18 PM on November 15, 2009 [1 favorite]

though some/most of the songs aren't actually in the movie, the Wicker Park soundtrack is one of my favourites. good artists.

also: In Good Company.
posted by gursky at 7:31 PM on November 15, 2009 [1 favorite]

might like this one: http://www.amazon.com/Music-Motion-Picture-21/dp/B0015O5WO4/ref=sr_shvl_album_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1258343358&sr=301-1
posted by debu at 7:50 PM on November 15, 2009

The music on the tv show "Chuck" is fabulous too. List of songs by episode here: http://nbcchuck.wordpress.com/music-from-chuck/
posted by JannaK at 8:21 PM on November 15, 2009

The soundtrack for O Brother, Where Art Thou? is generally thought of as one of the greatest soundtracks of all time, and I would have to agree with that sentiment.

Additionally, the soundtracks of Wes Anderson's movies tend to be top-notch, especially Rushmore.

And, don't forget High Fidelity.

(Finally, um, assuming you're in the U.S., a great way a lot of people use to discover new music is Pandora or Last.FM as well.)
posted by General Malaise at 10:35 PM on November 15, 2009

I liked the soundtrack to Brokeback Mountain. Also - not quite post-2000, but American Beauty. For each of these, pay attention to what was actually used in the movie, not just what's sold on the compilation CD. Sometimes they leave out great songs.
posted by needs more cowbell at 11:45 PM on November 15, 2009

You're looking for shows and movies which employ Alex Patsavas, the grand damme of music supervisors these days. She broke out doing The O.C., which had five or six soundtracks (off of just four seasons!). She oversees Gray's Anatomy, Gossip Girl, Chuck, Twilight, Rescue Me, Private Practice, and seemingly countless others. She's the one other music supers imitate. You don't necessarily need to buy soundtracks from shows she supervises; instead, just look out for artists who appear on those shows and follow them down rabbit holes to explore their musical corners.
posted by incessant at 11:46 PM on November 15, 2009 [3 favorites]

I think the Slumdog Millionaire soundtrack is amazing, though more electronic-meets-Bollywood than alternative rock. But if that sounds intriguing, it's easily worth at least a listen.
posted by 1901gunner at 3:22 AM on November 16, 2009

Most Wes Andersen movies have great songs, though even I find them a little Mark Mothersbaugh-heavy. I like the Royal Tenenbaums soundtrack myself. Juno's soundtrack is great and not only because it has "Piazza, New York Catcher" on it. Trainspotting has more of the alt-rock granddaddies.

As you can see from the list above, if you look for films branded as quirky and indie, there be the good soundtracks. This list should also help you out.
posted by zoomorphic at 6:48 AM on November 16, 2009

Seconding 500 Days of Summer as well as most Wes Anderson soundtracks.

Also Garden State.
posted by Windigo at 9:08 AM on November 16, 2009

Seconding the various O.C. compilations (note that the 3rd is indie holiday music) and Veronica Mars. They aren't exactly cutting edge now though, since the last O.C. one came out in 2005. Not that it matters much, but you aren't going to find the next big thing on these discs.
posted by smackfu at 11:32 AM on November 23, 2009

The Boat that Rocked! So many classic rippers on that one. All tunes from the 60s and 70s of course, and you'll recognise a lot of hits instantly, but there are some other tunes that really shine after a few listens. The movie is great as well.
posted by mandrake at 7:24 AM on January 10, 2010