Not only have some intriguing details regarding what to expect from the forthcoming T Bone Burnett-helmed soundtrack to The Hunger Games arrived, but a preview of the highly anticipated set is here as well. First things first: Burnett’s film resumé — particularly his contribution to O Brother, Where Art Thou? — would be enough to guarantee that this will be one of the better OSTs of the new year. But take one look at a sampling of the album’s all-star lineup revealed today and that should further up the ante: Arcade Fire, The Civil Wars, The Decemberists, and pop/country superstar Taylor Swift. According to Reuters, all of these artists (and presumably more to be announced) are working on original songs with Burnett for the film, due out next spring.
What’s more, Swift’s contribution became available for purchase on iTunes today. With help from the Civil Wars as her backing band, “Safe & Sound” is a hushed, haunting gem upon first listen. In short, we’re looking forward to potentially hearing more of this type of nuanced material on Swift’s next LP.
In the meantime, more previews from the set are unlikely to arrive until it gets closer to the Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Woody Harrelson-starring film’s March 2012 release. Enjoy the trailer for now: