One of the most iconic queer love stories in cinema history is celebrating a major milestone. In honor of its 20th anniversary, Brokeback Mountain is receiving its first-ever vinyl release of the original motion picture soundtrack, bringing the sweeping score and emotionally rich songs that underscored the groundbreaking film into a long-awaited physical format.Set for release on September 19 via Verve Forecast, the vinyl edition of the Brokeback Mountain soundtrack includes Academy Award-winning compositions from Gustavo Santaolalla, as well as performances from legendary artists such as Willie Nelson, Rufus Wainwright, Teddy Thompson, Emmylou Harris, and Linda Ronstadt.Fans will be able to choose from several exclusive color variants, including a striking Blue Sky Twist edition available only through the Verve Record Store. Each release will come housed in a deluxe gatefold jacket with a 16-page booklet featuring rare behind-the-scenes photos from the production of the Ang Lee-directed film.A Soundtrack That Matches the Storys Emotional WeightWhen Brokeback Mountain premiered in 2005, it was more than just a filmit was a cultural lightning rod. Starring Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal as star-crossed cowboys Jack Twist and Ennis Del Mar, the film offered an unflinching, tender portrayal of queer love in a time and place where such a relationship was forbidden. The film went on to win three Oscars, including Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Original Score for Santaolallas haunting compositions.The soundtracks blend of folk, country, and bluegrass creates an atmosphere that is both earthy and ethereal. Songs like Emmylou Harris A Love That Will Never Grow Old and Willie Nelsons He Was a Friend of Mine amplify the films raw emotion, while tracks from artists like Rufus Wainwright and Steve Earle add texture to the storys rugged Western setting.A standout inclusion is Rufus Wainwright and Teddy Thompsons dreamy duet of King of the Road, which offers a moment of levity in an otherwise emotionally weighty tracklist. Meanwhile, Mary McBrides No Ones Gonna Love You Like Me and Jackie Greenes I Will Never Let You Go reinforce the themes of yearning and loss that define the narrative.Celebrating Queer Legacy in Mainstream CinemaBrokeback Mountain has long been hailed as the film that shifted the perception of queer cinema in the mainstream. Released at a time when LGBTQ+ representation was still severely limited, the movie opened the floodgates for more complex, nuanced queer storytelling in Hollywood.This re-releasealongside a limited theatrical return this past Juneaims to remind audiences of the films lasting legacy, both in the queer community and beyond. At its core, Brokeback Mountain is a story of love and regret, of what could have been, and what was never allowed to be. And its the music that often carries those unspoken feelings where words fall short.The score is subtly evocative yet emotionally powerful, the press release notes. That sentiment couldnt be more true of Gustavo Santaolallas original compositions, particularly The Wings, which remains a gut-wrenching piece of cinematic music even two decades later.Track Listing (Side A & B Highlights)Side A includes:OpeningHe Was A Friend Of Mine Willie NelsonA Love That Will Never Grow Old Emmylou HarrisKing of the Road Teddy Thompson & Rufus WainwrightThe Devils Right Hand Steve EarleSide B features:I Dont Want To Say Goodbye Teddy ThompsonI Will Never Let You Go Jackie GreeneIts So Easy Linda RonstadtThe Maker Makes Rufus WainwrightThe Wings Gustavo SantaolallaA Queer Milestone RevisitedAs we reflect on two decades of Brokeback Mountain, this vinyl release isnt just about musicits about honoring a pivotal moment in queer cinematic history. For LGBTQ+ audiences, it remains a painful, beautiful reminder of the way love has always existed, even when it wasnt welcomed.Whether youre a longtime fan or a newcomer discovering it for the first time, Brokeback Mountain (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) on vinyl offers a tangible piece of a timeless story.Pre-order your copy now through Verve Forecast and rediscover the music that helped define a generation.Source