Book Soundtracks

This is interesting that the WSJ did an article on book soundtracks, because I was just about to blog about them (no really, I was).

From Publishers Lunch:

Over the weekend the WSJ looked at books that come with soundtracks--sometimes
formally packaged with the book, sometimes informally posted on the web. "The
idea is that as they read, people can listen to music that matches the mood of
the books. In some cases, the songs are mentioned in the books themselves; in
others, the lyrics mirror themes or plot points."

James Patterson spent
$100,000 commissioning a CD for one of his Maximum Ride titles, and 100,000 cds
were sent to radio stations and given away as promos.

One bellwether
site: "One byproduct of the book soundtrack trend has been the transformation of
a grassroots music blog into a coveted marketing slot for authors like Mr. Ellis
and Mr. Klosterman. The blog, called Largehearted Boy, features a running series
called 'Book Notes.' About once a week, an author of a recent book posts a list
of songs that inspired the work or that readers might want to listen to as they
turn the pages."

Erica Turnipseed has a soundtrack to accompany her novels, the upcoming HUNGER and A LOVE NOIRE. The Soundtrack features Gordon Chambers*, Jason Eskridge, Jazzhole, Leisa Johnson, LEANiN6*, Lisala, Vernon Reid, Marlon Saunders*, M'Balia Singley, Soulfège.

Of course there are others that have done this and I think it is a great idea. I love the fusion of books and music. I think I need to incorporate this into BackList somehow!