Okay, so my love of this soundtrack has a lot to do with my love of Devonté Hynes (Blood Orange), but the man knows what he’s doing. In this case, what he’s doing is making me heartsick over an unattainable love happening in Palo Alto, California.
I’ve chosen my five favorite songs (in no particular order) from Palo Alto: Music From the Motion Picture that perfectly capture the temptation, youthfulness and tropical vibes anchored by Gia Coppola’s 2013 release.
P.S. James Franco
Palo Alto – Devonte Hynes
Named for the movie, the opening track of the soundtrack is “Palo Alto”. It is a slow, slinky track reminiscent of 1970s soul. I now have romantic feelings for the city of Palo Alto without having been there. I’ll keep right along thinking that’s normal.
So Bad – Robert Schwartzman
Smooth, poppy vocals over the catchy synth extend the carefree feelings of this soundtrack way beyond the opening song. “So Bad” has a faster tempo than many of the songs I’m listing, but it’s still airy and laid-back. It’s like cotton candy – the texture, the color and the resulting sugar high.
Champagne Coast – Blood Orange
Lust in a five-minute audio file. This one is probably familiar to Blood Orange fans – it was the closing track on 2011’s Coastal Grooves. “Champagne Coast” so perfectly emanates fast-paced feelings of heartache and desire, making it the complete encapsulation of Palo Alto‘s core themes. It very well could have been the reason Hynes was chosen to do more work on the soundtrack AND the actual score of the film.
5FT7 – Tonstartssbandht
The lyrics in “5FT7” may as well be nonexistent when it comes to deciphering content, but the drony, muffled vocals add to that relaxed California feel. Like, in an “I’m so relaxed I can’t even fully open my mouth” kind of way.
You’re Not Good Enough – Blood Orange
I’m sorry, we are three-for-five on Hynes. Should I have just written a Blood Orange review? “You’re Not Good Enough” is classic Blood Orange and perfect anthem for a dead-end love story.
What film soundtrack should we feature next week? Tweet us @WDBM with your suggestions!
