The Lovely Tones

Posted by Natalie Zutter , Jan, 2010 @ 3:58 pm

THE LOVELY BONES

Even though he won’t be eligible for an Oscar for his work, Brian Eno has constructed a lovely score for Peter Jackson’s The Lovely Bones, sampling from some of his previously published work. One song, “The Big Ship”, is streaming on YouTube:

It’s a keen example of the grainy, consistent background music surrounding Susie’s family in their grief.

My absolute favorite is doubtless “Alice” by Cocteau Twins — the hauntingly high-pitched piece accompanying Susie’s entry into heaven, announced by its low piano tinkle.

Most fascinating is that there are actually words to this — whenever I would try to imitate it for friends, I really thought that it was just a warbling female voice. Instead, there are quasi-understandable lyrics like “When I lost him ache / Shudder shock of pale”; it forces you to really internalize Susie’s journey, to feel it in your bones.

There are no concrete listings for the soundtrack online, but here’s the most comprehensive list:

1. Reelin’ in the Years – Steely Dan
2. Who Loves You? – The Four Seasons
3. Don’t Ask Me Questions – Graham Parker
4. After Hours – The Velvet Underground
5. Coming Back to Me – Jefferson Airplane
6. How Great Thou Art – traditional
7. Cherish – David Cassidy
8. Cry – 10CC
8. Long Cool Woman in a Tall Black Dress – The Hollies
9. Let Your Love Flow – Bellamy Brothers
10. Look at Me – John Lennon
11. Baby’s on Fire – Brian Eno
12. It’s All Over Now Baby Blue – Graham Bonnet
13. Driving Me Backwards – Brian Eno
14. Song of the Siren – This Mortal Coil
15. The Big Ship – Brian Eno
16. Celtic Swing – Van Morrison

Just as Susie’s outfits and especially her room evoke a ’70s adolescence, the filmmakers’ choice of music constructs the Salmons’ world before it’s rent by Susie’s murder. There are crooners from her celebrity crush, David Cassidy, and grim guitar riffs in 10CC’s “Cry”. As mentioned above, Eno contributes several tracks to the score, with each differing from the others: some use keyboards and stretching the voice, while others rely on melody alone.

Finally, The Playlist has an in-depth script review of one of the earlier drafts, illustrating where certain songs appeared that have since been scrapped, including The Four Seasons’ “Who Loves You” for the scene where Susie is raped and murdered. (The final cut opted for a much more symbolic and kid-friendly interpretation of the tragedy.)

Which song is your favorite? The Lovely Bones is in theaters today.

[Image source: Paramount]

Tags: Brian Eno, sampling, Soundtracks, The Lovely Bones