Various Artists, Thumbsucker Original Score

Based on the novel of the same name, Mike Mills’ cinematic indie hit Thumbsucker tells the story of a teenager who adamantly maintains a habit of sucking his thumb. While other external forces view this as an obstacle that he needs to overcome, the film explores all of the other natural but less noticeable dysfunctions of family life. With that kind of a story, what better music to accompany the film than that of the trippy, happy, relaxing variety?

The majority of songs on the score were composed by Tim DeLaughter of the orchestra/cult The Polyphonic Spree; the songs are intricate orchestrations of many different instruments that seem to result in Woodstock reminiscences. You know those scenes in movies where a character runs through a beautiful field and everything is all happy and warm? The music that DeLaughter and his minions produce here can best be described as the soundtrack to those sorts of scenes. The album also contains three previously unreleased tracks by the late, great neo-troubadour Elliott Smith (probably best known for his work on the Good Will Hunting soundtrack). These songs, not unlike his other material, are minimalist yet pleasant ballads of emotion.

This may be the kind of music that you prefer to have playing in the background to create ambiance. On the contrary, you might like to listen to this stuff and sing along. Whatever your preference, this album contains a lot of soft talent and is well worth a listen.