The Royal Tenenbaums - Soundtrack

Soundtrack

The score was composed by Mark Mothersbaugh. The soundtrack also features rock songs from the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.

There have been two soundtrack album releases for the film. The first, in 2001, was well received by most critics, though some songs were omitted; notably, Paul Simon's "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard", Van Morrison's "Everyone", John Lennon's "Look at Me", The Mutato Muzika Orchestra version of The Beatles' "Hey Jude" and two tracks by The Rolling Stones. Erik Satie's "Gymnopédie" was also used in the film, but never appeared on either soundtrack.

In 2002, the soundtrack was re-released with three songs not found on the 2001 release, but the two songs by The Rolling Stones ("She Smiled Sweetly" and "Ruby Tuesday") were not included, because, while the band allow their music to be used in films, they rarely allow the songs to appear on soundtracks. The Van Morrison track, which served as the closing credits song, was also still missing. Additionally, the "Lindbergh Palace Hotel Suite," credited as original music by Mothersbaugh on the 2001 release, was retitled on the 2002 soundtrack release as "Sonata for Cello and Piano in F Minor," performed by The Mutato Muzika Orchestra.

Elliott Smith's song "Needle in the Hay" is heard during the scene in which Richie attempts suicide by slitting his wrists.