Wes Anderson is one of the most recognizable directors in recent history. Even if you haven’t watched his films, you may have seen the TikTok trend attempting to emulate his signature style. His unique aesthetic includes constant symmetry, bright color palettes, and center framing. It evokes feelings of comfort and nostalgia. This weekend, we are getting his eleventh feature film, “Asteroid City.”
This movie is about a desert town called “Asteroid City” and its Junior Stargazer/Space Cadet convention in 1955. Stargazing has always been one of my favorite nighttime summer activities. Whether you have a telescope or rely on the naked eye, it is an oddly calming experience. As you all know, no summer activity is complete without a soundtrack. Since the movie hasn’t come out yet, we can’t review the soundtrack. But I thought putting together a playlist of predictions, or songs that would fit the score would be more fun anyway.
“Space Oddity” by David Bowie
I could fill this whole list with David Bowie songs. While my first pick would have been “Life On Mars?” or “Starman“, those songs have been featured in another Wes Anderson film. “Space Oddity” is not to play second fiddle, though. It is one of David Bowie’s most iconic songs. It makes you feel as if you are floating through space. Wes’s history with Bowie’s music and weirdly unique vibe makes him the perfect fit for Wes. Tell me you couldn’t hear this song in an oddly shot yet exciting third act for one of his films.
“Lost In The Stars” by Frank Sinatra
The whole song is good, those first 40 seconds sold me on this song. That entire section sounds like an old outer space movie score. It could easily fit the Wes Anderson aesthetic and be the buildup to two star-crossed lovers meeting. The rest of the song, with Sinatra’s beautiful vocals, could play throughout their date. For extra aesthetic points, add some radio static.
“Starry Eyed” by michael holiday
From the first notes, this song creates the perfect feeling of an old-timey Wes movie. “Starry Eyed” would be fantastic for an opening sequence showing off the town. For example, we would see the town square, a random couple holding hands, and a kid riding his bicycle. If you are stargazing this summer with your significant other, this would be great for a slow dance break. If you aren’t much of a dancer, it is still a great love song for the nighttime.
“space girl” by Frances Forever
Speaking of excellent nighttime love songs, “space girl” fits well in that category. However, this is slightly different since we’ve been going for the oldies sound on these songs. I’m sure Wes wouldn’t mind the change in pace. Despite the 1955 setting, it’s a retro-futurist era, so timelines aren’t as concrete. “space girl” has that warm/indie vibe, making it easily fit into one of these movies. I’m imagining another dating scene or someone playing it on a jukebox.
“Space Song” by Beach House
This marks the third song with “space” in the title. Can you blame me? Here, we have another modern piece, but just like “space girl,” it is fitting. This song sounds like a combination of a space journey soundtrack and childhood nostalgia. When I first heard this, I felt like I had listened to it my whole life. This song would fit amazingly with a scene that’s exclusively in space or super dreamy, like this scene from “The Grand Budapest Hotel.”
Thank you for tuning in! I have plenty of other songs that fit in here on a playlist. I will link that right above here. Use this for all your stargazing outings and to prepare for the movie. Asteroid City is out this Friday, June 23rd. Happy listening!
