In the tiny, rural town of Carthage, TX, assistant funeral director Bernie Tiede (Jack Black) was one of the town's most beloved residents. He taught Sunday school, sang in the church choir and was always willing to lend a helping hand. Everyone loved and appreciated Bernie, so it came as no surprise when he befriended Marjorie Nugent (Shirley MacLaine), an affluent widow who was as well known for her sour attitude as her fortune. Bernie frequently travelled with Marjorie and even managed her banking affairs. Marjorie quickly became fully dependent on Bernie and his generosity and Bernie struggled to meet her increasing demands. Bernie continued to handle her affairs, and the townspeople went months without seeing Marjorie. The people of Carthage were shocked when it was reported that Marjorie Nugent had been dead for some time, and Bernie Tiede was being charged with the murder...

The soundtrack to the Jack Black movie Bernie is one that you're either going to love or not understand in the slightest. I think it's fair to say that you'll get the most out of it if you've seen and enjoyed the movie, as there are a few too many quirky tracks that make much more sense in the context of the film.

The score fuses country music with traditional hymns and a little bit of gospel. For me, the tracks that work best were 'Symphony No. 1, Movement 5 (edit)' (where composer Graham Reynolds gets the chance to showcase his raw talent) and Miss Leslie's 'I Can Get Over You' - which is by far and away the best country track on this album.

The album contains 19 tracks and lasts for 39 mins, 37 sec, and while not one I'd rush out to buy, it does have its moments.

Track listing:

01 - 'Love Lifted Me' - Jack Black
02 - 'Always First Class' - Graham Reynolds
03 - 'What Ever Happened to Sam' - Dale Watson
04 - 'Beautiful Dreamer' - Jack Black
05 - 'Ocean Liner' - Graham Reynolds
06 - 'Everything… About Drinkin’' - Heybale!
07 - 'Eee-gypt' - Graham Reynolds
08 - 'Symphony No. 1, Movement 5 (edit)' - Graham Reynolds
09 - 'El Colas' - Mitote
10 - 'Folding Underwear (What a Friend We Have In Jesus)' - Graham Reynolds
11 - 'Armadillo Gun (Oh Sacred Head, Now Wounded)' - Graham Reynolds
12 - 'Seventy-Six Trombones' - Jack Black
13 - 'I Can Get Over You' - Miss Leslie
14 - 'They Gave Me Life (Flee As A Bird)' - Graham Reynolds
15 - 'Hands on Hard Body (What a Friend We Have In Jesus)' - Graham Reynolds
16 - 'Les Hors d’Oeuvres et Boit' - Graham Reynolds
17 - 'He Touched Me' - Jack Black
18 - 'Back to the Cell (Oh Sacred Head, Now Wounded)' - Graham Reynolds
19 - 'Bernie What Have You Done' - James Baker

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Darren Rea