THERE seems no stopping the success of Juno at the moment – and deservedly so. Having taken America by storm, this clever indie comedy, from director Jason Reitman and writer Diablo Cody, the music to the film is now creating an internet sensation.

The Juno soundtrack is rapidly becoming the best-selling album on the iTunes Music store, having sold in excess of 75,000 copies before it’s even physically available in stores (it’s released in the UK on January 21, 2008).

Needless to say, the music showcased on the 19-track CD plays a prominent role in the film, especially during moments when characters swap their favourite tracks to offer comfort in times of crisis. Hence, the album feels more like a mix tape than a soundtrack, with some kooky indie gems jostling for position with some absolute classics.

The Kinks continue their resurgence (having featured prominently on Wes Anderson’s Darjeeling Limited soundtrack last year) with A Well Respected Man, while Velvet Underground provide a timely reminder of their brilliance with the achingly romantic I’m Sticking With You, which begins with a child-like, innocent quality before maturing into a laidback slice of brilliance.

Alt rock faves Sonic Youth contribute Superstar, minimalist Cat Power seduces with her cover of the Phil Phillips classic Sea Of Love, and Belle and Sebastian charm as they always do with Piazza, New York Catcher.

But for every well-known artist – including Buddy Holly early on – there are some lesser names just waiting to be discovered, which is totally in keeping with the ethos of this brilliant film.

Barry Louis Polisar, for instance, opens proceedings (as he does the film) with the totally lovely All I Want Is You. It’s a breezy mix of acoustic guitar and mouth organ that boasts some lovely lyrics, such as “if you were a wink, I’d be a nod” and “if you were a floor I’d want to be the rug and if you were a kiss I’d want to be a hug”. Polisar is an author and songwriter who writes children’s music and numerous books, poems and stories.

Kimya Dawson’s dream-like, whimsical contributions also add to the overall warmth of the soundtrack, which endears on its own terms and works especially well with the film.

In short, Juno offers terrific entertainment as a film and a cracking soundtrack (or mix tape) to enjoy afterwards. Mark our words, it’ll be one of the talking points of the year – and you shouldn’t miss out in either form!

Download picks: All I Want Is You, Dearest, Tire Swing, Superstar, I’m Sticking With You, A Well Respected Man, Sea Of Love

Track listing:

1. All I Want Is You – Barry Louis Polisar
2. My Rollercoaster – Kimya Dawson
3. A Well Respected Man – The Kinks
4. Dearest – Buddy Holly
5. Up The Spout – Mateo Messina
6. Tire Swing – Kimya Dawson
7. Piazza, New York Catcher – Belle & Sebastian
8. Loose Lips – Kimya Dawson
9. Superstar – Sonic Youth
10. Sleep (Instrumental) – Kimya Dawson
11. Expectations – Belle & Sebastian
12. All The Young Dudes – Mott The Hoople
13. So Nice So Smart – Kimya Dawson
14. Sea Of Love – Cat Power
15. Tree Hugger – Kimya Dawson and Antsy Pants
16. I’m Sticking With You – Velvet Underground
17. Anyone Else But You – The Moldy Peaches
18. Vampire – Antsy Pants
19. Anyone Else But You – Michael Cera and Ellen Page

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