Dan in Real Life :: Education by Design Store

Editorial Review
In the tradition of Simon & Garfunkel's The Graduate and Cat Stevens' music for Harold and Maude, Sondre Lerche's Dan in Real Life finds the Norwegian sensation lending his coy, almost precious, touch to this movie's soundtrack. Several tracks are plucked from Lerche's back catalogue, including "Modern Nature" (2002's Faces Down), the Elvis Costello-penned "Human Hands" (2006's Duper Sessions), and "Airport Taxi Reception" (2007's Phantom Punch). These and the seven instrumental cue tracks form the matrix surrounding the four originals, among them a smarmy, beautiful duet with Regina Spektor, whose dulcet voice plays ideal foil to Lerche's own. "I'll Be OK" mimics the aw-shucks charisma of every character lead actor Steve Carell plays, offering inspired proof of director Peter Hedges' wisdom in handing the project to Lerche. Elsewhere, a string-heavy cover of Pete Townshend's seminal "Let My Love Open the Door" provides a memorable highlight. Hedges postulates in the liner notes that perhaps the film was made "so more of the world can hear [Lerche's] music," and certainly, this album provides an enticing vehicle for newcomers to his wavering vibrato, saccharine falsetto, and all too genteel songwriting, though existing Lerche fans may lament the relative shortage of new material here. --Jason Kirk
Cached date: AWS Called=true

Customer Reviews

Fantastic music

2008-05-20
A very happy and refreshing album, great for roadtrips and to play in the background at a dinner party. Really fantastic music.

New Sondre Lerche fan!

2008-04-10
I enjoyed the music to this movie during the film, especially the song at the wedding. So, I bought the soundtrack. I had never heard of Sondre Lerche before and am now a huge fan. The songs are unique and fun. But, if you're not a Sondre Lerche fan you won't like this CD. If you are, you'll love it, and if you've never heard of him- give him try. Another thing I liked about this CD is that it had an additional song not listed on the CD cover- the "Ruthie Pig Face Draper" song that Dan's brothers sing before his blind date. Great CD!

Weak Effort

2008-03-15
I enjoyed the movie, and have purchased the DVD, but I will not be buying this soundtrack. I always notice musical selections in movies, and frankly I thought this music was a poor choice. Music can go a long way toward making or breaking a movie, but in this case the movie manages to survive in spite of the music. The music was neither memorable nor well executed. The guitar work was adequate, but the melodies and singing did nothing to enhance the movie. If the producers intended to re-create the memorable folk influence Simon and Garfunkel had in the Graduate, they failed. If that was the goal, perhaps Simon and Garfunkel music could have been used or, in a more modern vein, Randy Newman compositions would have been a better choice.

Not the same as hearing the songs during the movie

2008-03-12
I loved this movie and the score went well during the film. Unless you are a big Sondre Leche (or whatever his name is) fan, you're probably not going to care for the soundtrack much. When Steve Carrell sings the My Love Open the Door Song it is such a climatic point in the story, yep, not even on the soundtrack.

Perfect condition!

2008-02-25
I received this cd, and it was just as the seller said, unwrapped and worked properly.

Dan in Real Life

2008-06-26
This CD is catchy and fun with great music. Sondre Lerche is so good, I had to buy other CD's of his.

Addicted

2008-06-18
I can't get enough of this CD. I let it play over and over in my car, which I don't usually do with other CDs. Sondre Lerche is very talented and has a way of getting you singing along, even with the instrumental songs. I highly recommend this one.

Excellent!

2008-06-09
Really excellent soundtrack! Because of this soundtrack, I am now a devoted Sondre Lerche fan:)

Dan in Real Life DVD

2008-05-31
Great movie and came in great condition. Also, a great price and quick shipping. Would order through Amazon again.

Great CD! Love Sondra Lerche!

2008-05-31
I loved the film so much I got online and ordered this soundtrack the second the DVD was done playing. I am completly pleased with it!