Napoleon Dynamite [Soundtrack] in Bloomington, MN

Napoleon Dynamite
's
soundtrack
works on the same mix of awkward and sweet that typifies the film. It's sprinkled liberally with soundbites of
Napoleon
himself (
Jon Heder
) and those in his life, such as quotable comebacks like "Yeah right, who's the only one who knows the illegal ninja moves from the government?," or
Kip
's (
Aaron Ruell
) declaration of his plans to become a cagefighter.
also takes a page from the
Rushmore
by sequencing composer
John Swihart
's suitably quirky score amidst the handful of
indie pop
and 1980s faves that anchor the set.
Rogue Wave
fans will note a live version of the
Out of the Shadow
standout
"Every Moment,"
and
Figurine
"New Mate"
is a gem from the trio's 1999 revivalist
synth pop
album
Transportation + Communication = Love
. Though the music here is united by a certain offbeat quality, relationships -- family, friends, love, self -- are the real focus. It gives listeners the range, from the swagger of
Bow Wow Wow
"I Want Candy"
to the crackling
soul-jazz
and bootstraps message of
Money Mark
"Sometimes You Gotta Make It Alone."
There's also a touchingly heartfelt cover of
Cyndi Lauper
"Time After Time,"
and less often heard '80s standouts from
Yaz
(
"Only You"
) and
Alphaville
"Forever Young"
). With its movie quotes, endearing score (including
Swihart
's version of
"The A-Team Theme"
), and well-chosen musical cues,
is a comprehensive keepsake of a film likely destined for cult favorite status. ~ Johnny Loftus