From Frances Ha to Frozen , these films were accompanied by the best music this year.
The Broken Circle Breakdown
Especially: "The Boy Who Wouldn't Hoe Corn," "Wayfaring Stranger," and "If I Needed You" by The Broken Circle Breakdown Bluegrass Band
This evocative and tragic love story has been likened to Blue Valentine and Walk the Line, but, in actuality, there's no film quite like it, and one of its strongest elements is its bluegrass soundtrack. The lush, highly emotional covers of folk classics (sung by the main characters, who fall in love because of their shared love for American music) are heartbreaking without being heavy-handed, and profound without being complex, making for one of the best soundtracks of the year, hands down.
The Sapphires
Especially: "Who's Lovin' You," "Get Used to Me," and "Gotcha" by Jessica Mauboy
This indie film is based on a true story about four indigenous girls in Australia who form a band and, with the help of an unemployed talent scout (played by the adorable Chris O'Dowd), tour around Vietnam, entertaining soldiers during the war. The film is filled with Supremes-esque, showstopping numbers, most of them sung by the insanely gifted Mauboy.
Inside Llewyn Davis
Especially: "The Last Thing on My Mind" by Stark Sands With Punch Brothers; "Please Mr. Kennedy" by Justin Timberlake, Oscar Isaac, and Adam Driver; and "Fare Thee Well" by Oscar Isaac and Marcus Mumford
Oscar Isaac proves he can more than handle the pressure of being the frontman of this much-anticipated Coen Brothers flick. Also, the above clip is as hilarious as it is musically impressive. Did I mention Justin Timberlake?
Upstream Color
Especially: "As If It Would Have a Universal and Memorable Ending" and "Leaves Expanded May Be Prevailing Blue Mixed with Yellow of the Sand" by Shane Carruth
On top of directing, writing, and starring in this mind-bending film, Carruth also composed the soundtrack (and he went through a similar process for Primer). You'd think he'd be stretching himself too thin, but just give this layered soundtrack a listen and you'll see how eerily perfect it is for the very special narrative at hand.
