Ten minutes into this poignant film, I knew I had to have its soundtrack. Since picking up the CD, nary a day has passed that I haven’t listened to it. A track of gypsy rock complete with spirited trombone or tuba bass and indecipherable but saucy Russian lyrics gets you off your tush and dancing, followed by an orchestral movement that might leave you in tears. Gogol Bordello contributes a feisty instrumental version of the traditional “Bublitschki,” then brings down the house at the end with the wacky “Start Wearing Purple” (“all your sanity and wits, they will all vanish, I promise”). Through many listenings, the excellent and tasty accordion playing drew more and more of my attention. No wonder — nearly all those parts cine courtesy of the outstandingly talented Robert Burger, who also played pump organ and Marxophone, a fretless zither. Do yourself a favor: See this movie and hear its soundtrack. (TVT Records)
-Mark Vail