Last Kiss Soundtrack CD

Zach Braff's 2004 film, GARDEN STATE, introduced indie-rockers the Shins to a huge audience, propelling that band into well-deserved mainstream stardom. One wonders how many guitar-wielding waifs lined up outside Braff's door wanting to be on the soundtrack of his 2006 film, LAST KISS. While the majority of artists on this mellow, wryly melodic collection are already stars in their own right (Fiona Apple, Aimee Mann, Coldplay), it looks like Joshua Radin may be the next Braff-blessed boy to get a career jolt. His plaintive folk-guitar ballad "Star Mile" is the centerpiece of the album; it evokes Elliott Smith, the aforementioned Shins, and Simon & Garfunkel with its achingly sweet harmonies and acoustic purity. Also present are Rufus Wainwright's self-deprecating addiction ditty "Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk," and Snow Patrol's delicious 2004 hit "Chocolate."