With its Cannes premiere only a few short weeks away, Walter Salles’ upcoming Kerouac adaptation “On The Road” has almost matched “The Dark Knight Rises” in terms of publicity, with character posters for seemingly every credit on the film and stills galore. You can now add a rich soundtrack to that mix, as details of the album have hit the web.
Due overseas at the start of May from Universal Music France, the album is comprised largely of original score from Academy Award-winning composer Gustavo Santaolalla, who won consecutively for his work in “Brokeback Mountain” and “Babel,” and brings his sun-drenched polish to the film. Also included are blues selections from Son House, Slim Gaillard, Coati Mundi, and Greg Kramer, as well as Ella Fitzgerald singing “I’ve Got the World on a String,” a portion of which is used on Kristen Stewart’s character one-sheet. Rounding off the set is an audio recording of Kerouac reading “On The Road,” as a tribute as well as possibly a subtle reminder to pick up the re-released tie-in. Overall, the soundtrack’s minimal use of period classics almost seems tame, since someone like Cameron Crowe would go crazy for the chance to man the car radio, but we presume/hope the film itself features more music from the era.
“On The Road” features a laundry list of talent including Sam Riley, Garrett Hedlund, Kristen Stewart, Kirsten Dunst, Viggo Mortensen, Steve Buscemi, Amy Adams, Tom Sturridge, Alicia Braga, Danny Morgan and Elisabeth Moss. The film opens in France, along with a few other European countries, in late May, while no domestic release date has been announced yet, but should be expected soon. Also no word if the soundtrack will crossover, but we presume it will once the details of the North American release start coming together. [Film Music Reporter]
"On The Road" Soundtrack Tracklist
1. Sweet Sixteen – Greg Kramer
2. Roman Candles
3. Yep Roc Heresy – Coati Mundi
4. Reminiscence
5. Lovin’ It
6. The Open Road
7. Memories / Up to Speed
8. I’ve Got the World on a String – Ella Fitzgerald
9. That’s It
10. Keep it Rollin’
11. Hit That Jive Jack – Slim Gaillard
12. God Is Pooh Bear
13. Death Letter Blues – Son House
14. I Think of Dean
15. Jack Kerouac Reads ‘On the Road’ – Jack Kerouac
