Career
He is known mainly for his original contributions to film soundtracks, including the title songs for critically acclaimed films Happiness, sung by R.E.M."s Michael Stipe, and American Splendor, in which he himself appeared singing the theme. He also contributed three songs to the film The Tao of Steve, including the title song and “(I Just Wanna Be) Your Steve McQueen.” Other films to which Mirsky has contributed music are Palindromes, The Company and Desert Blue. Mirsky’s 1996 debut album, Songs About Girls (& Other Painful Subjects), garnered great praise from critics, as did four subsequent albums:, Was it Something I Said?, Everyone’s Having Fun Tonight! and Year of the Mouse.
Mirsky also contributed a cover of George Harrison"s "Don"t Bother Maine" to a 2002 tribute album, "He Was Fab," as well as a cover of "Escape (The Piña Colada Song)" to 2013"s Drink a Toast to Innocence:A Tribute to Lite Rock.
Among the musicians who have played on Mirsky"s recordings are Jon Gordon, best known for his guitar work for Suzanne Vega, and Larry Saltzman, guitarist on a number of Simon and Garfunkel tours. He also appeared as a contestant on Jeopardy! in January 1988, finishing in second place.
