Stream Entire "Brokeback Mountain" Soundtrack

The Brokeback Mountain soundtrack is one of the most exciting new albums to come out this season. The movie's original tunes are composed by the talented Gustavo Santaolalla. Parts of his mesmerising instrumental score are intertwined with vocals tracks performed by Willie Nelson, Rufus Wainwright, Emmylou Harris, Mary McBride, Teddy Thompsons and others. The Argentina-born Santaolalla has been called the guru of alternative Latin musical production and previously wrote the scores for 21 Grams and The Motorcycle Diaries.

Rooted in country, folk and bluegrass, the music on this record perfectly conveys the emotional intensity and the authenticity of the movie's love story that is set in the breathtaking Wyoming landscape. Tender ballads by Rufus Wainwright and Emmylou Harris are mixed with the upbeat country stompers of Linda Ronstadt and The Gas Band.

In an interview with TIMBT, Santaolalla explains that he was pushed to a new creative level to write music about a love affair between two cowboys. His unique approach to scoring music was very appealing to director Ang Lee. "Usually the way this business works is that they do a first cut, then they send you the cut and then you start scoring," Santaolalla said.

"The way I did [my] last three films is that I read the script, I had a meeting with the director, we talked about it, and then I started composing, writing and recording stuff. And it has been great because it has been very useful for the creative relationship with the director."

I'm particularly fond of Mary McBride's arresting vocal performance on "No One's Gonna Love You Like Me." Rufus Wainwright and Teddy Thompson's duet on their cover of Roger Miller's 1964 "King of the Road" is another gem that should not be missed. The album concludes with the gorgeous Santaolalla composition "The Wings" that is the official movie theme song. For those interested in reading more about Brokeback Mountain, make sure to visit Towleroad's movie link page.

# Stream the entire "Brokeback Mountain" soundtrack [wma]

# Listen to a podcast interview with Ang Lee [mp3]

# Watch "Brokeback Mountain" movie trailer [wmv]

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Interview with Alex Patsavis, Musical Director The O.C.
Alex Patsavis is the musical director for the FOX television series The O.C. She also puts together the show's very successful compilation albums that have become almost as popular as the series itself. Patsavis preference for unknown indie tunes has given many young bands an ideal platform to gain notoriety in the commercial mainstream. The O.C. Volume 5 includes tracks by Kaiser Chiefs, Rogue Wave, Imogen Heap and The Subways [mp3]. I emailed Alex a few questions about how she goes about picking the songs for the show and the albums. Read further to see what she replied.

Arjan: Why do you think audiences are so turned on by your selection of music for the show?
Alex: I think that audiences have been so favorable in their response because source songs are used as almost as another character in the show. We (the producers, editors and I) spend a lot of time making sure that exactly the right song is chosen for each spot.

Arjan: Do you receive a lot of demo tapes from bands? What is the most interesting thing a band has done to get your attention?
Alex: I get about 400 submissions a week - lots of emails, show invites etc. Nothing too exciting as far as bands getting my attention - just wish they would skip the glitter.

Arjan: What aspects do you look for in a song for the show?
Alex: A well-crafted well-recorded track with an interesting lyric… Something immediately compelling.

Arjan: When you are not compiling soundtracks for The O.C. what is rocking your own iPod?
Alex: This week - Starsailor, Every Move A Picture, Clearlake, Infadels, Electric President and Rock Kills Kid.

Arjan: If there would ever be a hot gay love scene in the program, what song would you pick for it?
Alex: Depends on the characters and setting but I think Keane is romantic and Rufus Wainwright is always genius.

Arjan: Thanks for the email interview, Alex!

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Stream Amber "Just Like That" (Jeff Barringer Edit)
Check out an exclusive stream of Jeff Barringer's radio edit of Amber's new dance tune "Just Like That." Amber hit the top of the dance charts a few years ago with songs like "Sexual" and "This Is The Night." After leaving Tommy Boy Records, she took some time off to write and produce "My Kind Of World," her first independenly released record that shows a grittier side of the singer.

"Just Like That" will be released as a single on January 10 (with a pre-release on iTunes). Fans of Amber's dance hits can breathe a sigh of relief after hearing about the rock and worldbeat influences on her album. This new tune proves that Amber is still a bonafide dancefloor diva. Several remixers have reworked the song including Jason Nevins, Jeff Barringer, Solar City vs. DJ Rico and Sweet Rains. If you want to know more about the song, make sure to vist Chris' blog and read his interview with Amber. Stream the entire Jeff Barringer edit in the (new) Arjan Writes Music Player below.

# Click to stream Amber "Just Like That" (Barringer Edit)

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Rewind: Atomizer "Hooked On Radiation" (PSB Mix)
Nag Nag Nag continues to be one of the hottest (gay) club nights in London. Every Wednesday, a mix of "freaks, pansexuals and errant pop stars" pack Ghetto on Falconberg Court to dance to a fierce mix of pop, gothy electro and punk. Since its opening in 2002, the party has become a cultural phenomenon that is frequented by artists like Boy George, Mylo and Pet Shop Boys.

The night is ran by DJ Jonny Slut (aka Jonny Melton) who has been very particular about the music played at Nag Nag Nag. "The music was the key thing. As well as electro, I've always been a fan of late punk, early new wave, art-school punk like Cabaret Voltaire, Delta Five, Gang of Four and Wire, that kind of stuff," he tells IdeasFactory in an interview. "That's been the music I've always returned to so I also wanted to start a club where I could play that sort of music alongside the new electro. I could see a lineage between the two styles: the new electro music is more thoughtful and arty."

Together with DJ pal Fil OK, Melton also started the electro-synth duo Atomizer that was signed to the famous International Gigolo Records. Produced by Jimmy "KLF" Cauty, "Hooked On Radiation" was their first release that hit stores in 2003. The band is hosting a bunch of old remixes on their web site, including one by the Pet Shop Boys who are big fans of Atomizer's live shows. What I like about this mix is how the fierce punky styling of the original is infused with Pet Shop Boys' signature melodic pop sensibilities that creates a deliciously bizarre brew. (Purchase the entire CD on Amazon.)

Currently, Atomizer is touring around the world. They recently did remixes for Boy George, Kings Have Long Arms and Sioban Fahey. Their forthcoming next single is titled "Zero Zero/Nostalgia (There Is No Money In The Underground" and will be put out on NagNagNag Records.

# Listen to Atomizer "Hooked On Radiaton" (PSB Mix)

Stream New Alanis Morissette Song
Check out Alanis Morissette's brand-new track "Wunderkind" from the The Chronicles of Narnia Original Soundtrack album. The song starts out as a quiet lullaby but slowly swells into a grand, cinematic tune filled with a positive holiday spirit.

# Stream Alanis Morissette "Wunderkind"