The soundtrack to Lost in Translation was one of the best things about the film. I'll forever hold it responsible for making me picture twilit cityscapes when I listen to shoegaze (where previously I would have just pictured blurry shapes and faded colours). Though it compiles such wonderful tracks by Death in Vegas and Air, it's the original compositions by Kevin Shields that make it such an essential purchase. City Girl is ostensibly the film's main theme, and it's simplicity itself. There must be about four chords there, basic drumming and the most rudimentary lyrics imaginable (Basically: City girl/You're so beautiful/I love you). And yet, with the dirge-like guitars and tired, tired vocals, it perfectly encapsulates the alienating state of being so jetlagged you're out of your mind. Further Listening My Bloody Valentine Sometimes (Loveless, 1991)