Search - Various Artists :: Dan in Real Life

Perfect Soundtrack to a Great Film

S. Smith | Oxford, OH | 11/03/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Once again, Sondre Lerche wields his incredible talent in crafting this quirky (without being annoying), moving (without the melodrama), and just plain charming (without being trite) soundtrack.



Sondre fans will recognize "Airport Taxi Reception" and "Modern Nature" from previous albums, but it's the songs originally written for the film that stand out the most. "To Be Surprised" (my personal favorite) is folksy and inspiring, with simple, elegant lyrics and Lerche bringing his trademark falsetto to bear. "I'll Be OK" and "My Hands Are Shaking" are melancholy laments that don't weigh themselves down with affected angst. "Hell No" is a charming, jazzy number with ethereal Regina Spektor that features a witty call-and-response.



The Pete Townsend classic, "Let My Love Open the Door" and Elvis Costello's "Human Hands," fair pleasantly enough in Sondre's more-than-capable hands (the former of which involves an interesting strings accompaniment). Many critics have faulted A Fine Franzy's take on "Fever" as being the album's Achilles Heel, but Alison Sudol does a decent enough turn if not exactly an original one. Her rich voice is perfect for singing this classic Fitzgerald number and if she doesn't add anything particularly different, she certainly doesn't take anything away.



The unpolished edges give this soundtrack an emotional sincerity that perfectly fits in with the understated sentiments of the film. And while some may consider Lerche's lyrics as one of his few weaknesses, they have never lacked in honesty if not logical sense.



Peter Hedges has made a delightful film and Sondre's contribution is part of that. But in addition to making for a great film, it's also a great album to listen to on its own."

Bouncy Fun Music!

James Hiller | Beaverton, OR | 11/12/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The movie "Dan in Real Life" is a wonderkind type of movie that makes you laugh, cry, and feel, well, complete. Dan, so marvelously played by Steve Carell, struggles with his life issues on a long weekend at his parent's Rhode Island retreat. The script is wise and witty, and never once does it go off-point, creating such a complete reality for this people that you feel like you could slip right into the house and just fit right in.



Watching the movie, I did notice the music, but it wasn't until I purchased the soundtrack that I realized how much the music made the movie what it was. The guitar playing Sondre Lerche accompanies this film with the right addition of levity and more serious songs. His voice is rough and ragged, with a touch of youth that bounces through the songs. Even his cover of well loved and oft-overdone song "Let My Love Open the Door", which features prominently in the film, is a swinging mix of energy and reflection, with some surprising instrumental work.



We may not all be able to get away for a long weekend with our family. But in this case, the music serves as a fun escape in and of itself."

Sondre who?? If you don't know him now, you'll know him soon

C. Brent | Chicago, IL USA | 11/08/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Saw the movie at a sneak preview. Loved the film. Loved the music even more. Went on amazon.com and ordered it right away. Fell in love with Sondre's creamy-smooth voice, the acoustic guitar, the piano, bass, trumpet, light drum beats, the duets, interesting covers, EVERYTHING! I'm addicted to this album and I'm buying all of Sondre's stuff now. Peter Hedges (writer/director) made the right call on this one...music is mellow, hypnotic, and perfect with the film and in my "real life". And the hidden Ruthie "PIGFACE" Draper song was a fun surprise!! (sorry if i ruined it for anybody!)"