Those are the words that come to mind when I listen to the score to one of my new favorite films, "Punch-Drunk Love." Composed by Jon Brion, this beautifully haunting score gets in your head and stays there (just like the movie). You pretty much feel a party of emotions when you pop this baby in.
While it can be very melodic and soothing at times, it can also get tense and rapid. A lot of the tunes on the score appear to be influenced by the song "he needs me," which was originally from the "Popeye" movie and was performed by Shelly Duvall. (The original song appears on the soundtrack as well). And you really get the feeling that you're watching some sort of cartoon when you play the CD. How strange I'd like something like this, but that's thanks to loving the movie so much.
My favorite tracks are "overture," "tabla," "punch-drunk melody," "he needs me," "hands & feet," "blossoms & blood," "here we go," "le petit chateau," hospital," and "third floor hallway." That's the majority of the album, but those are the songs I listen to the most. I really love Jon Brion's "here we go;" the lyrics really seem to hit home with me. All 17 tracks are a complete joy to listen to.
If you're a big fan of the film and you love a good film score, put "Punch-Drunk Love" on your list. This is a score that I can never get tired of. I'm glad that I have it in my CD collection and it is a frequent visitor in my stereo, I must admit.