Tindersticks

Claire Denis Film Scores 1996-2009 Constellation Records ****

We freely admit to not having seen all of French impressionist director Claire Denis' films, but over the years (from 1996's Nenette et Bonito 2009's White Material), we have heard extracts and snippets of their respective soundtracks by Nottingham band Tindersticks. Their soundtrack work doesn't display any affinity whatsoever with, say, Clint Mansell or Danny Elfman. Instead, they filter their own unique selling points (beautifully arranged, elegantly orchestrated and ultimately solemn music) through a colander, resulting in some very fine, subtle vignettes. On a standalone album, this would be simple pleasure enough, but across this five-CD box set it's a shameless embarrassment of neoclassical riches. Highlights are many, but the work on White Materialand Trouble Every Day, in particular, is quite (and quietly) stunning. See tindersticks.co.uk

Download tracks: Maid Theme(Trouble Every Day), Yellow Dog(White Material)