Andy McCluskey (OMD), Rob Kroehler (Ladylike), Jack Antonoff (fun.) and Andrew Dost (fun.) have formed a formidable pop collective for “A Million Stars”, a tune drenched in ’80s sheen, which features on the soundtrack to the Jack Black and James Marsden comedy The D Train. McCluskey, Antonoff, and Dost harmonize together splendidly, no doubt due in part to the latter two’s proclivity for harmonized vocals in the music of fun. Above all else, though, it’s the stylistics of OMD that shine through most resoundingly on “A Million Stars”; both the chorus and the synths used throughout the tune are highly reminiscent of OMD’s most recent LP, 2013’s English Electric (which we here at PopMatters are big fans of).
In addition to his presence on “A Million Stars”, Dost is responsible for the original score to The D Train.
Dost tells PopMatters, “We wanted to capture some of the themes of the movie: turmoil, angst, and nostalgia, and hopefully some fond memories and redemption. The process was so much fun and a natural collaboration, though Jack and I were the only ones in a room together at the same time. I already had such a deep connection to the movie from scoring it, and it was fun to re-approach it from a song perspective, especially to get to work with such talented people. It was really a joy to work with Andy, and Jack and Rob are two of the best creators a person can know. Hopefully McCluskey, Kroehler, Antonoff, and Dost can make something again soon.”
The D Train OST is out now via Lakeshore Records (iTunes).
Watch the trailer for The D Train: