VA - There's Something About Mary - Music From The Motion Picture (1998)

For all of its vulgarity, There's Something About Mary was sweet and cheerful, due in no small part to Jonathan Richman's terrific, heartfelt appearances as the film's chorus. They were funny and warm, like the movie itself, and they form the core of the film's soundtrack, which is also a delight. Like any soundtrack, it isn't perfect -- a few of the songs, such as Zuba's "Speed Queen," fall flat -- but there are enough terrific pop and alt-pop songs, from the Dandy Warhols' "Every Day Should Be a Holiday" and Ivy's "This Is the Day" to Joe Jackson's "Is She Really Going Out with Him" and the Lemonheads' "If I Could Talk I'd Tell You," to make it thoroughly entertaining, especially for any fan of the film. Besides, anyone who has seen the film will not be able to resist a smile with the closing "Build Me Up Buttercup," which became the improbable theme to this brilliant comedy.~ Review by Stephen Thomas Erlewine