Listen To: ‘Songs From District 12 And Beyond’

Given the tremendous hype and positive press that the film version of ‘The Hunger Games’ has received, one has to wonder if the folks behind this blockbusting behemoth may have missed something.

Well, wonder no more and just give a listen to the soundtrack’s companion album, ‘Songs From District 12 And Beyond’ which was released on Monday. Even if you disregard the fact that only The Arcade Fire’s track can be heard in the film, you can’t ignore the presence of not one, but two Taylor Swift tunes. Considering that the deluxe edition comes with poster and trading cards it’s obvious this is meant to be nothing but a cash cow. The only thing missing is a coupon for a Burger King “Hunger Games Collectible Plastic Cup.” And I’m sure the marketing tie-in folks at your favourite local multinational fast food chain would be salivating at the chance to phone in the campaign for a movie with such a gimme for a title.

Anyways, check out the the track listing to see for yourself and check out two of the album’s more listenable tracks;  Kid Cudi’s, ‘The Ruler And The Killer’ as well as Arcade Fire’s folkier tune ‘Abraham’s Daughter.’ What do you think of The Hunger Games companion album? I’d love to hear you sound off in the comments.

01 Taylor Swift (Feat. The Civil Wars) – “Safe & Sound”
02 Taylor Swift – “Eyes Wide Open”
03 Arcade Fire – “Abraham’s Daughter”
04 Kid Cudi – “The Ruler & The Killer”
05 Miranda Lambert (Feat. Pistol Annies) – “Run Daddy Run”
06 The Civil Wars – “Kingdom Come”
07 The Decemberists – “One Engine”
08 Glen Hansard – “Take the Heartland”
09 The Low Anthem – “Lover is Childlike”
10 Punch Brothers – “Dark Days”
11 Secret Sisters – “Tomorrow Will Be Kinder”
12 Birdy – “Just a Game”
13 Ella Mae Bowen – “Oh Come & Sing”
14 Jayme Dee – “Rules”
15 Carolina Chocolate Drops – “Reaping Day”
16 Neko Case – “Give Me Something I’ll Remember”