Garden State (soundtrack)
Encyclopedia
Garden State is the soundtrack album to the film Garden State
. Compilation producer Zach Braff
was awarded a Grammy Award
for Best Compilation Soundtrack for a Motion Picture for his work on the album.
The music in the film features a number of indie-rock artists, notably The Shins
. In an early scene, Sam passes Andrew a headset which is playing the song "New Slang
" by The Shins as she says "You gotta hear this one song — it’ll change your life; I swear." A second Shins song, "Caring Is Creepy
", is also featured on the soundtrack. The presence of Simon & Garfunkel's "The Only Living Boy in New York
" on the soundtrack has been cited by some as evidence of another connection to The Graduate
. Commenting on the soundtrack’s importance to the film, Sponic Zine wrote, "Braff did a masterful job of choosing songs that exemplified the emotional subtleties in the film… he put together a group of songs that complement each other perfectly and, when put together into one album, create something amazing, almost as if they never should have been apart."
On the DVD menu the song featured is 'Motorcylce Ride with Sam' by Chad Fischer. it is a short instrumental
The song "Orange Sky" by Alexi Murdoch
was also featured in the movie, but did not appear on the soundtrack, as the rights to the song were owned by Fox's The O.C.
It was played between "New Slang" and "I Just Don't Think I'll Ever Get Over You" in the film. Additionally, "Love Will Come Through
" by Travis
was used in the film’s trailer, but never made it into the film or onto its soundtrack. The trailer also featured "Such Great Heights
" in the original The Postal Service
version, rather than the Iron & Wine cover used in the film. The song "Chocolate
" by Snow Patrol
appeared in the commercials but didn't appear on the soundtrack.The song "Adelita" by Francisco Tárrega
was played on guitar by Peter Sarsgaard when he was talking to Zach Braff in his room, and played on the video of Sam ice skating in the alligator costume. Also, "Three Times A Lady
" by Lionel Richie
is sung during the funeral scene. Neither song appears on the soundtrack.
in 2005 for Best Compilation Soundtrack Album for a Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media. The Broadcast Film Critics Association
nominated it for best soundtrack.
The album has been successful and has reached gold status
by the RIAA.
hosted by Braff, Zach Braff plays a high school student in a skit where various high school interest groups are attempting to select a theme for the upcoming senior prom
. Braff’s character suggests a Garden State theme because the soundtrack "changed [his] life", but the prom committee describes it as a "Pitchfork
mix CD". Braff's character, Brian Bernstein, replies that he happens to know "...those songs were very carefully chosen"'; nevertheless, the idea is quickly dismissed. He then puts on headphones with the sound of "New Slang" by The Shins playing in the background.
Garden State (film)
Garden State is a 2004 comedy-drama film written by, directed by, and starring Zach Braff, with Natalie Portman, Peter Sarsgaard, and Sir Ian Holm. The film centers on Andrew Largeman , a 26-year-old actor/waiter who returns to his hometown in New Jersey after his mother dies...
. Compilation producer Zach Braff
Zach Braff
Zachary Israel "Zach" Braff is an American actor, screenwriter, producer, comedian, and director. Braff first became known in 2001 for his role as Dr. John Dorian on the television series Scrubs, for which he was nominated for an Emmy Award and three Golden Globe Awards.In 2004, Braff made his...
was awarded a Grammy Award
Grammy Award
A Grammy Award — or Grammy — is an accolade by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States to recognize outstanding achievement in the music industry...
for Best Compilation Soundtrack for a Motion Picture for his work on the album.
Album information
The music that accompanied the film was hand-picked by Zach Braff. Commenting on the selections, Braff said that "Essentially, I made a mix CD with all of the music that I felt was scoring my life at the time I was writing the screenplay." The film’s budget limitations meant that obtaining all the songs Braff wanted for the film proved difficult, but Braff felt that the soundtrack was so integral to the script, he sent a copy of it with every request he sent out.The music in the film features a number of indie-rock artists, notably The Shins
The Shins
The Shins are an American indie rock band comprising singer, songwriter, and guitarist James Mercer, guitarist/bassist Dave Hernandez, Eric Johnson of Fruit Bats, drummer Joe Plummer and bassist Ron Lewis. Their sound draws on several musical genres, including pop, alternative rock, indie rock,...
. In an early scene, Sam passes Andrew a headset which is playing the song "New Slang
New Slang
"New Slang" is a song by The Shins. It was released as a 7" single in 2001, and subsequently appeared on their album Oh, Inverted World. It achieved mainstream popularity after its inclusion in the soundtrack of the film Garden State and its appearance in a McDonald's television commercial...
" by The Shins as she says "You gotta hear this one song — it’ll change your life; I swear." A second Shins song, "Caring Is Creepy
Caring Is Creepy
"Caring Is Creepy" is the first song on The Shins' debut album Oh, Inverted World, released on June 19, 2001. It is notable because it is their first song as a signed band on the label Sub-Pop, serving as a first impression to a broader audience of listeners.The song appeared in the 2004 film...
", is also featured on the soundtrack. The presence of Simon & Garfunkel's "The Only Living Boy in New York
The Only Living Boy In New York
"The Only Living Boy in New York" is a song written by Paul Simon and performed by Simon and Garfunkel. It is the eighth track from the American pop duo's fifth and final studio album, Bridge Over Troubled Water...
" on the soundtrack has been cited by some as evidence of another connection to The Graduate
The Graduate
The Graduate is a 1967 American comedy-drama motion picture directed by Mike Nichols. It is based on the 1963 novel The Graduate by Charles Webb, who wrote it shortly after graduating from Williams College. The screenplay was by Buck Henry, who makes a cameo appearance as a hotel clerk, and Calder...
. Commenting on the soundtrack’s importance to the film, Sponic Zine wrote, "Braff did a masterful job of choosing songs that exemplified the emotional subtleties in the film… he put together a group of songs that complement each other perfectly and, when put together into one album, create something amazing, almost as if they never should have been apart."
On the DVD menu the song featured is 'Motorcylce Ride with Sam' by Chad Fischer. it is a short instrumental
Track listing
- "Don't PanicDon't Panic (song)"Don't Panic" is a song written and recorded by English alternative rock band Coldplay. Originally titled "Panic", the earliest known version of the song existed in 1998, performed live during the band's first gig in the same year. It had a different melody, and was included in the band's second...
" - ColdplayColdplayColdplay are a British alternative rock band formed in 1996 by lead vocalist Chris Martin and lead guitarist Jonny Buckland at University College London. After they formed Pectoralz, Guy Berryman joined the group as a bassist and they changed their name to Starfish. Will Champion joined as a...
— 2:16 - "Caring Is CreepyCaring Is Creepy"Caring Is Creepy" is the first song on The Shins' debut album Oh, Inverted World, released on June 19, 2001. It is notable because it is their first song as a signed band on the label Sub-Pop, serving as a first impression to a broader audience of listeners.The song appeared in the 2004 film...
" - The ShinsThe ShinsThe Shins are an American indie rock band comprising singer, songwriter, and guitarist James Mercer, guitarist/bassist Dave Hernandez, Eric Johnson of Fruit Bats, drummer Joe Plummer and bassist Ron Lewis. Their sound draws on several musical genres, including pop, alternative rock, indie rock,...
— 3:20 - "In the Waiting Line" - Zero 7Zero 7Zero 7 is a British musical duo consisting of Henry Binns and Sam Hardaker. The group members began their musical careers as studio engineers and in 1997 formed the group Zero 7. Their debut album, Simple Things was released in 2001 and received critical acclaim...
— 4:33 - "New SlangNew Slang"New Slang" is a song by The Shins. It was released as a 7" single in 2001, and subsequently appeared on their album Oh, Inverted World. It achieved mainstream popularity after its inclusion in the soundtrack of the film Garden State and its appearance in a McDonald's television commercial...
" - The ShinsThe ShinsThe Shins are an American indie rock band comprising singer, songwriter, and guitarist James Mercer, guitarist/bassist Dave Hernandez, Eric Johnson of Fruit Bats, drummer Joe Plummer and bassist Ron Lewis. Their sound draws on several musical genres, including pop, alternative rock, indie rock,...
— 3:51 - "I Just Don't Think I'll Ever Get Over You" - Colin HayColin HayColin James Hay is a Scottish-Australian musician, who made his mark during the 1980s as lead vocalist of the Australian band Men at Work, and later as a solo artist.- Early life and Men at Work :...
— 5:18 - "Blue Eyes" - Cary BrothersCary BrothersCary Brothers is an American indie rock singer-songwriter originally from Nashville, Tennessee. After moving to Los Angeles and becoming a regular performer at the influential Hotel Cafe venue, Brothers first gained national attention with his song "Blue Eyes" on the Platinum-selling,...
— 4:18 - "Fair" - Remy ZeroRemy ZeroRemy Zero were a Birmingham, Alabama-based alternative rock band made up of Cinjun Tate , Shelby Tate , Cedric LeMoyne , Jeffrey Cain and Gregory Slay prior to his death in January 2010.-History:Before Remy Zero had released any full length albums, Radiohead found their demo tape and invited...
— 3:54 - "One of These Things First" - Nick DrakeNick DrakeNicholas Rodney "Nick" Drake was an English singer-songwriter and musician. Though he is best known for his sombre guitar based songs, Drake was also proficient at piano, clarinet and saxophone...
— 4:49 - "Lebanese BlondeLebanese Blonde"Lebanese Blonde" was a 1998 single released by the Thievery Corporation and later added to their 2000 album The Mirror Conspiracy. It was also featured on the soundtrack to Zach Braff's 2004 film Garden State. It features Pam Bricker on vocals...
" - Thievery CorporationThievery CorporationThievery Corporation is a Washington, D.C. based recording artist and DJ duo consisting of Rob Garza, Eric Hilton, and their supporting artists, including current drummer Jeff Franca...
— 4:46 - "The Only Living Boy in New YorkThe Only Living Boy In New York"The Only Living Boy in New York" is a song written by Paul Simon and performed by Simon and Garfunkel. It is the eighth track from the American pop duo's fifth and final studio album, Bridge Over Troubled Water...
" - Simon & Garfunkel — 3:59 - "Such Great HeightsSuch Great Heights"Such Great Heights" is a single released on January 21, 2003 by The Postal Service, under the Sub Pop Records label. The single includes a previously unreleased track "There's Never Enough Time" and two cover tracks by The Shins and Iron & Wine of "We Will Become Silhouettes" and "Such Great...
" (Iron and Wine cover) - Postal Service — 4:12 - "Let Go" - Frou Frou — 4:12
- "Winding Road" - Bonnie SomervilleBonnie SomervilleBonnie Somerville is an American actress and singer. As an actress, she has had roles in a number of movies and television series, most notably NYPD Blue, Grosse Pointe, Friends, The O.C. and Cashmere Mafia....
— 3:27
The song "Orange Sky" by Alexi Murdoch
Alexi Murdoch
Alexi Murdoch is a singer-songwriter born in London and raised in Scotland, Greece and France, now living in Berlin.- Background :Murdoch was born in London to a Greek father and Scottish-French mother and raised in Greece, just outside of Athens until he was ten, when his family moved to...
was also featured in the movie, but did not appear on the soundtrack, as the rights to the song were owned by Fox's The O.C.
The O.C.
The O.C. is an American teen drama television series that originally aired on the Fox television network in the United States from August 5, 2003, to February 21, 2007, running a total of four seasons...
It was played between "New Slang" and "I Just Don't Think I'll Ever Get Over You" in the film. Additionally, "Love Will Come Through
Love Will Come Through
"Love Will Come Through" is the third single released from Indie band Travis' fourth studio album, 12 Memories. The single peaked at #28 on the UK Singles Chart.-Background:...
" by Travis
Travis (band)
Travis are a post-Britpop band from Glasgow, Scotland, comprising Fran Healy , Dougie Payne , Andy Dunlop and Neil Primrose...
was used in the film’s trailer, but never made it into the film or onto its soundtrack. The trailer also featured "Such Great Heights
Such Great Heights
"Such Great Heights" is a single released on January 21, 2003 by The Postal Service, under the Sub Pop Records label. The single includes a previously unreleased track "There's Never Enough Time" and two cover tracks by The Shins and Iron & Wine of "We Will Become Silhouettes" and "Such Great...
" in the original The Postal Service
The Postal Service
The Postal Service is an American electronic indie pop band composed of vocalist Ben Gibbard of Death Cab for Cutie and producer Jimmy Tamborello of Dntel and Headset.-Background:...
version, rather than the Iron & Wine cover used in the film. The song "Chocolate
Chocolate (Snow Patrol song)
"Chocolate" is a song by UK alternative rock band Snow Patrol. It was released as the third single from their third studio album, Final Straw. The music for the track was written by all four members of the band, while the lyrics are by lead vocalist Gary Lightbody.The single version is slightly...
" by Snow Patrol
Snow Patrol
Snow Patrol are an alternative rock band from Bangor, County Down, Northern Ireland. Formed at the University of Dundee in 1994 as an indie rock band, the band is now based in Glasgow...
appeared in the commercials but didn't appear on the soundtrack.The song "Adelita" by Francisco Tárrega
Francisco Tárrega
Francisco de Asís Tárrega y Eixea was an influential Spanish composer and guitarist of the Romantic period.-Biography:Tárrega was born on 21 November 1852, in Vila-real, Castelló, Spain...
was played on guitar by Peter Sarsgaard when he was talking to Zach Braff in his room, and played on the video of Sam ice skating in the alligator costume. Also, "Three Times A Lady
Three Times a Lady
* The song was also covered in the country genre by country singer Billy "Crash" Craddock on his 1986 album Crash Craddock and in 2007 by Cobra Starship as an iTunes bonus track for their album ¡Viva La Cobra!...
" by Lionel Richie
Lionel Richie
Lionel Brockman Richie, Jr. , is an American singer-songwriter, musician and record producer. Since 1968, he has been a member of the musical group Commodores signed to Motown Records...
is sung during the funeral scene. Neither song appears on the soundtrack.
Accolades
Zach Braff accepted a Grammy AwardGrammy Award
A Grammy Award — or Grammy — is an accolade by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States to recognize outstanding achievement in the music industry...
in 2005 for Best Compilation Soundtrack Album for a Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media. The Broadcast Film Critics Association
Broadcast Film Critics Association
The Broadcast Film Critics Association is the largest film critics organization in the United States and Canada , representing approximately 250 television, radio and online critics....
nominated it for best soundtrack.
The album has been successful and has reached gold status
RIAA certification
In the United States, the Recording Industry Association of America awards certification based on the number of albums and singles sold through retail and other ancillary markets. Other countries have similar awards...
by the RIAA.
In popular culture
In an episode of Saturday Night LiveSaturday Night Live
Saturday Night Live is a live American late-night television sketch comedy and variety show developed by Lorne Michaels and Dick Ebersol. The show premiered on NBC on October 11, 1975, under the original title of NBC's Saturday Night.The show's sketches often parody contemporary American culture...
hosted by Braff, Zach Braff plays a high school student in a skit where various high school interest groups are attempting to select a theme for the upcoming senior prom
Senior Prom
Senior Prom is a still-classified United States Air Force program to develop a stealth unmanned aerial vehicle for reconnaissance purposes , designed to be launched from a Lockheed DC-130, B-52 Stratofortress, or B-1 Lancer.-Origin and development:The program began in the late 1970s after the...
. Braff’s character suggests a Garden State theme because the soundtrack "changed [his] life", but the prom committee describes it as a "Pitchfork
Pitchfork Media
Pitchfork Media, usually known simply as Pitchfork or P4k, is a Chicago-based daily Internet publication established in 1995 that is devoted to music criticism and commentary, music news, and artist interviews. Its focus is on underground and independent music, especially indie rock...
mix CD". Braff's character, Brian Bernstein, replies that he happens to know "...those songs were very carefully chosen"'; nevertheless, the idea is quickly dismissed. He then puts on headphones with the sound of "New Slang" by The Shins playing in the background.
External links
- Garden State Soundtrack Official Site
- Garden State Soundtrack Fans Group at last.fmLast.fmLast.fm is a music website, founded in the United Kingdom in 2002. It has claimed 30 million active users in March 2009. On 30 May 2007, CBS Interactive acquired Last.fm for UK£140m ....
. - Garden State Film Official Site