Rushmore

The likable and jovial soundtrack to the American cult film, Rushmore, zeroes in on swingin' London, in particular, the mod scene of the mid-/late '60s. Thankfully, all the heavies are included: Creation, the Kinks, the Who, the Faces. More thankfully, however, are the atypical song choices: the Kinks' "Nothing in This World Can Stop Me Worrin' Bout That Girl," the Who's zesty mini-opera, "A Quick One While He's Away," the Faces' reflective "Ooh La La." Cat Stevens, John Lennon and Chad & Jeremy — who check in with the album's only hit single, "A Summer Song" — also are included (as are some original, but dull, orchestral pieces by Devo member Mark Mothersbaugh). A rare soundtrack that works, formatting its individual and well-chosen tracks in service to the album's sum.