Tindersticks 'Claire Denis Film Scores 1996-2009' (Constellation Records/Live, 2011) (mp3s)

Seeing Tindersticks perform a selection of their film music with projected visual accompaniment at the Queen Elizabeth Hall this week reminded me what a powerful, sympathetic sound they can create.

I've loved the majority of their studio albums but not engaged too much with their soundtracks. That would seem to be a mistake as there is a real depth and variety there.

The jazz-inflected 'Trouble Every Day' was a highlight amongst highlights and they played cues from the six soundtracks they've made for French director Claire Denis with incredible lightness and control. It's a control that contrasts with their some of their early work which had an endearing shakiness to it.

To try some of this for yourself, Constellation have made a handful of mp3s available on their website.

'Children's Theme' from the 'White Mischief' soundtrack highlight the variety - a flute and picked electric guitar foundation augmented with resonant bass then a sonorous horn-like part and drums creating a kind of twisted folk.
Download Tindersticks 'Childrens Theme 1' (mp3) (Constellation)

Whereas 'The Black Mountain' from 'L'Intrus' is more avant garde with a cold wave of synth augmented by clanking, delayed guitar clips and topped with a gorgeous rich solo trumpet.
Download Tindersticks 'The Black Mountain' (mp3) (Constellation)

All the Claire Denis soundtracks have been collected onto a very lovely box set on Constellation (vinyl or CD) and the live show tours through the summer with UK live dates in the Autumn.

Highly recommended.