With "The Master" now open in limited release and hitting more cities in the coming weeks, talk about what the film is (a raw portrait of the hunger and pain of finding meaning in one's life) and isn't (an expose on Scientology) will continue for Paul Thomas Anderson's latest film. And one of those talking points will also be the excellent soundtrack, which, in addition to Jonny Greenwood's avant score, also features a very good helping of big band and jazz/pop standards. And while the official soundtrack release is mostly centered on the composer's works, we've got our hands on the full list of tunes in the movie.
Indeed, it's a pretty canny move by PTA to blend songs that are (more or less) from the era with Greenwood's work, as it adds another textural layer that keeps audiences off balance during what is already a delightfully off-kilter picture. The songs gently offer insight to the plot and characters at various points throughout the film, so here's a bit of a warning: there are mild spoilers in the list of songs below, particularly when it comes to one song near the end that you might be best going in cold to experience.
Otherwise, if you have seen the movie, here's everything that caught your ear. Samples below including Greenwood's astounding "Baton Sparks."
"The Master" Complete Tracklist
"Baton Sparks" from "48 Responses To Plymorphia" – Jonny Greenwood
"Get Thee Behind Me Satan" – Ella Fitzgerald
"Dahil Sa Iyo"- written by Miguel Velarde Jr.
"Sweet Sue, Just You" – Noro Morales
"Overtones" – Jonny Greenwood
"You Go To My Head" – Larry Clinton & His Orchestra
"Don't Sit Under The Apple Tree (With Anyone Else But Me)" – Madisen Beaty
"Dancers In Love" – Duke Ellington
"Lotus Blossom" – Duke Ellington
"I'll Go No More A-Roving" – Philip Seymour Hoffman
"Children Of The Family" – Eban Schletter
"Celebration Solitaire" – Eban Schletter
"A-Tisket, A-Tasket" – Melora Walters
"No Other Love" – Jo Stafford
"The Deep Boo Sea" – written by Winston Sharples
"On A Slow Boat To China" – Philip Seymour Hoffman
"Changing Partners" – Helen Forrest