MOG Editorial Review

Though The Descendants is celebrating multiple Oscar nominations this year, most viewers of the film must feel shock that its soundtrack didn't garner a nomination. Rather than litter its score with quirky instrumentals and off-beat indie pop like many similar films these days, director Alexander Payne helped set a different tone for the movie with a set of serene Hawaiian tracks, including several by the legendary Gabby Pahinui. However, The Descendants also comes as a revelation for those uninitiated to Hawaiian music, as songs like Keola Beamer's "Kalena Kai" have a distinct sadness to them despite its mellow pace.