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by pat
1.
Blues Brothers 2000
So did anyone expect those numbers after my number one? Well then scroll
down. The sound quality is much crisper, there's more songs on this one,
more legends of the genre. It also has some nice performances of a few
Blues Brothers Band classics that were previously only available on their
live albums, this time sans crowd noise. The end of film jam sessions
alone are worth the price. It didn't come out of my car cd player for
a week solid once.
2. Stand By Me
First sountrack I ever bought, and still holds up. The songs are all catchy,
but more importantly they remind you of moments in the film. A soundtrack,
properly done, finds the perfect lyrics, melody, etc. for the period,
for the feel, for the situation. I think most guys I know can't hear Ben
E. King's title track and think about four troubled kids lookiing for
what's left of Ray Brower, and about how you never forget the friends
you have at that age. Now I'm gonna go play with my kids.
3. Kids in the Hall: Brain Candy
Matthew Sweet, They Might Be Giants, Liz Phair, Odds, Shadowy Men on a
Shadowy Planet, many cool people on this disc. Some of the songs on it
were released outside of the album, some are exclusive. A few sound bites,
even two bands created for the sole purpose of the film/soundtrack (Paul
Bellini, Death Lurks). Who cares? Me. I like these bands, and I would
have bought it if it was just a compilation. I also would've gotten it
had it just been for the KitH. So there. You get your happy ending.
4. The Blues Brothers
You know what Blues Brothers 2000 was missing? Of course you do. John
Belushi, not to mention Cab Calloway, Ray Charles (not dead), John Lee
Hooker (not sure), and of course a script. As I said before, as far as
a disc the sequel soundrack rocks, but I'd be lying if I said I hadn't
worn out several copies of this on tape, vinyl, etc. over the years. I
think I even know all the words to the James Brown gospel number. Wait....yep,
I do.
5. The Commitments
I am counting Volumes 1 & 2, because they should have been a double
disc. Hell, a triple. The Commitments should put out an album a year,
but that would betray the purpose of the film. Oh well. This is the kind
of CD so cool, your ex-girlfriend will steal it just to make you mad.
Put it in the changer at any party. Keep it in the wallet in your car.
If you're ever not sure what you're in the mood to listen to, this is
one of those ones you always wind up popping in.
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by
AG
1. Tommy
Got a feeling
'75 is gonna be a good year ...
2. Rushmore
A quirky collection of under-known British Invasion tunes, all of which
underscore this deadpan comedy perfectly. Add in Mark Mothersbaugh's delicate
score, and you have one of the better soundtracks ever. Second best, apparently.
3. Jesus Christ Superstar
Technically, I suppose this and my #1 pick aren't up here so much for
the movies they represent (I find the movie of Tommy to be assaultive,
and JCS is, at best, cheesy dated fun), but for the quality of the recordings
themselves. This album streaks ahead of its 1970 predecessor with a fuller
sound, better orchestration, and solid performance energy. The best recording
of the material on the market.
4. Reservoir Dogs
Before Ally McBeal co-opted "Hooked on a Feeling" ... before
Fun Lovin' Criminals sampled "You can torture me all you want"
... there was this soundtrack. Interspersed with snippets of dialogue
by Steven Wright and the rest of the cast are rare (at least c. 1992,
rare) and exotic gems from the '60's and '70's. Joe Tex, Bedlam, Steeler's
Wheel ... and Harvey Keitel.
5. That Thing You Do!
A buoyant, charming companion album to a buoyant charming movie. Say what
you will about the movie's repeated use of the title track (eleven times!),
but you'd be lying if you denied that it's a catchy, catchy song.
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by
jim
1. Cry-Baby
Some of you may think that my selection of "Cry-Baby" may be
a bit repetative. To that, I say "Suck it up, Sailor.". "Cry-Baby"
is an all around great motion picture. The soundtrack combines the films
well-written original songs (performed primarily by Rachel Sweet and James
Interval) and 50's rock 'n' roll and R&B to make a "hep"
collection of "jukebox records" with lots of "vulgar, jazz
words".
2. The Crow
Just a superb collection of music. For my money, Stone Temple Pilots turn
in the best track on the album. This record is so full of angst and anger
you want to explode. Then just when you think you're going to hit bottom,
"It Can't Rain All The Time" comes in and heals all wounds.
Listening to this soundtrack is like feeling the movie.
3. Evita
The soundtrack here esentially is the movie. However, it plays better
on CD. Without the sometimes overproduced visuals and sometimes awkward
physical performances (I say sometimes, since on the whole, I liked the
movie) it allows the natural vocal talent and inflection of Madonna and
Antonio Banderas to take center stage. It is here, with only the music
that this film truly comes alive.
4. Grease 2
No typos here. The original "Grease" makes me want to vomit.
"Grease 2", on the other hand, is fun and cheesy and completely
unconcerned about it. "Let's Do It For Our Country", "Reproduction",
"Score Tonight"? It's so much fun. That's without mentioning
Michele Pfieffer singing hits like "Cool Rider". Give it a listen,
it's okay. Just remember one thing...you cannot sing a comma.
5. Empire Records
This perhaps marks the only time in the history of history that two films
featuring songs by Maxwell Caufield will make the same Top 5 list. This
disc is defining of all things good about the alternative music revolution.
I only have two complaints. No track with Rene Zellwegger singing on "Sugar
High" and no second disc of music. The movie has so much more great
music to offer.
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