Wes Anderson film soundtracks sound like New England thrift stores, and the mixtape you made in freshman year of high school after doing a Kazaa search for “hip,” and the North Pole, if the North Pole was run by Urban Outfitters and BIG VINTAGE DRESSES. You can’t help but be charmed by the Kinks and Nico and some French guy. MAXIMUM TWEE. Today, to celebrate the release of The Grand Budapest Hotel, let’s have a listen to eight of the most whimsical songs from Wes’ movies, based on a five-star Whimsy Ratings Scale. I figured out the math using an impeccably detailed typewriter.
1. “2000 Man” by the Rolling Stones (Bottle Rocket)
Surprisingly not from the Stones’ mod period. An inauspicious beginning.
Whimsy rating (out of five): two Owen Wilsons on a moped.
2. “Here Comes My Baby” by Cat Stevens (Rushmore)
If it’s possible for a song to literally twinkle, “Here Comes My Baby” is a gosh-darn star.
Whimsy rating: three drinking Bill Murrays.
3. “Wigwam” by Bob Dylan (the Dylan original isn’t available online) (The Royal Tenenbaums)
An obscure Dylan tune from his most-loathed album without lyrics but with horns? An obscure Dylan tune from his most-loathed album without lyrics but with horns.
Whimsy rating: three yellow love tents
4. “Life on Mars?” by Seu Jorge (The Life Aquatic)
“Do you like David Bowie?” “No, I only like David Bowie covers by Brazilian musicians.”
Whimsy rating: four shrugging Jeff Goldblums
