As a strangely proud Gen-X’er (everything is relative), I’m probably at the tail end of the very last generation of the true mix-tape. Before the introduction of compact discs and later iTunes, we reveled in spending five or six hours poring over a pile of cassettes, hitting stop and record on a tape deck at just the right moment, and then spending another four or five hours listening to the radio awaiting that one final song to complete the mix — and, for good or bad, those days disappeared around the time that the Coreys started making soft porn. Now that it’s just a simple click-and-drag, playlists are traded faster than a Paris Hilton/Lindsay Lohan STD-swap — and the payoff, I imagine, is about as gratifying. Without a mix-tape that’s supposed to take a half-day to compile, what the hell are you supposed to give your girlfriend in between the second and third date to demonstrate what kind of guy you are? It’s a goddamn wonder anyone still manages to procreate.
And we all know there are scenes in movies and television that are inextricably linked to a piece of music — you can’t hear Harry Nilsson’s “Everybody’s Talkin’,” for instance, without picturing Ratso Rizzo slumped over in his seat on a bus; the Foundations’ “Build Me Up Buttercup,” without re-conjuring the There’s Something About Mary end credits; or … umm … Kelis’ “Milkshake,” without picturing a 300-pound Alyson Hannigan doing her best Shakira impression in Date Movie. Since Pajiba is a site that hews pretty closely to television and film, I thought it’d be amusing to compile a mix-tape of scenes from TV and movies that — at least in my mind — are tied to the memory of a specific song. The list, naturally, is subjective and not at all meant to represent the best movie songs (AFI, in its infinite, balding, musical-loving, middle-aged wisdom has already covered that); the following is just an unabashedly self-indulgent compilation of scenes that have stuck with me because of the associated music. Where possible, I’ve included links the YouTube video of the scene in question, some of which I uploaded myself and others of which are of dubious quality.
So, without further ado, hit your play buttons.
1. Damn, It Feels Good to Be a Gangsta, Geto Boys. Office Space
Nick Hornby wrote of mix-tapes that you’ve got to start off with a “corker,” and the Geto Boys provide the perfect mix-tape introduction. For pure comedic value, watching the guys take a baseball bat to the Xerox machine to the tune of “Still” (“Die muthafuckas/Die muthafuckas”) can’t be beaten. But the “Damn, It Feels Good to be a Gangsta” montage, in which Peter (Ron Livingston) knocks out his cubicle wall and guts a fish at his desk, provides the film’s thematic core, brilliantly capturing the whole rebellious office-culture zeitgeist. For the cubicle-monkeys out there, “Damn, It Feels Good to be a Gangsta,” is the ideal way to start off a day in corporate America, particularly if sabotage is on the brain.
2. Don’t You (Forget about Me), Simple Minds. The Breakfast Club
For the second entry, I’ve already broken one of Hornby’s cardinal rules — not to follow black music with white music — but it’d be ridiculous to create a pop-culture mix-tape without including the definitive tune of the John Hughes oeuvre, the one song that may be the most identifiably linked with the entire high-school film subgenre. The Simple Minds song doesn’t even arrive in the movie until its final seconds, and then plays over the credits, but it will forever be associated with Judd Nelson’s fist to the sky. And it may just be the most purely nostalgic song of my generation.
3.These Days, Nico. The Royal Tenenbaums
Wes Anderson ties music to a scene as well as anyone, and he’s got a plethora of scenes from which to pull. But no matter how many times I watch The Royal Tenenbaums, the one scene that always sticks out in my mind is Gwyneth Paltrow stepping off that Green Line bus with her vacant stare and floating toward Luke Wilson while Nico’s “These Days” plays. It absolutely floors me. And as a guy who actually likes Jackson Browne (but wouldn’t deign to introduce one of his songs on the pages of Pajiba for fear of abject humiliation), it’s nice to know that one of his better ballads was given such an elegiac cover.
4. Mad World, Michael Andrews, Gary Jules. Donnie Darko
As fantastic as Donnie Darko was, I very much doubt it would’ve developed as successful a cult-DVD following were it not for Michael Andrews and Gary Jules haunting, piano-based rendition of Tears for Fears “Mad World.” Richard Kelly couldn’t have found a more fitting number to play over the final scenes than this song, which sticks with you long after the credits have rolled.
5. If You Want to Sing Out, Cat Stevens. Harold and Maude
After Maude is gone, and Harold has run his hearse off a cliff, Harold and Maude could’ve ended on a decidedly downbeat note. But Cat Stevens’ “If You Want to Sing Out,” which plays as Harold walks off with his banjo, manages to encapsulate the entire spirit of the film, leaving the viewer with a warm, bittersweet feeling as the credits roll. It hurts a little, but it imbues Maude’s death with the same sense of hopefulness that she injected into Harold’s life. (The scene itself isn’t available on YouTube, but there is a nice trailer spliced together with the song.)
6. My Hero, Foo Fighters. Varsity Blues
Though it managed to steal absolutely everything from Buzz Bissinger’s account of the 1998 season of Texas’ Permian high school football team long before Friday Night Lights was made into a film, Varsity Blues is still one of the greatest guilty pleasures out there for football fans. It’s both embarrassingly bad and uber-fantastic, thanks in large part to James Van Der Beeks’ godawful Southern accent (“I. Don’t Want. Yore Life.”) Played over the final drive, the Foo Fighter’s “My Hero” is the defining song of the movie, thanks to Van Der Beeks’ “inspirational” half-time speech: “Let’s go be heroes.” And no one since AC/DC has struck a power chord better than the Foo, so it’s a motherfucking wonder to me why NBC decided to go with Pink, instead of the Foo Fighters, for its new Sunday Night Football anthem.
7. Where is My Mind, The Pixies. Fight Club
Though the Dust Brothers scored most of Fight Club, the final scene shakes it up a bit with the absolute perfect song for a man who has just realized that he is literally of two minds, while skyscrapers crumble in a shockingly prescient scene. “Where is My Mind,” indeed.
8. How to Save a Life, The Fray. “Scrubs”
The idea for this piece initially came to me on a long drive across upstate New York while listening to “How to Save a Life” on the radio. Though it’s already been hijacked by virtually everyone else (HBO and “Grey’s Anatomy,” to name a couple), I can’t hear the song without thinking of the scene in “Scrubs” when Dr. Cox loses three patients to botched transplants. I can hear the song a hundred times, and the image of Dr. Cox walking out of the hospital is still the one thing that sticks with me. Bill Lawrence is a master of finding the appropriate song for each of his “Scrubs” episodes, but this is the absolute best — and I still get a little verklempt each time I see Dr. Cox break down.
9. Kick out the Jams, Bad Brains. Pump Up the Volume
If this were a cassette, I’d introduce the second side with this song from the Henry Rollins’-fronted Bad Brains. Unfortunately, this is another scene that can’t be found on YouTube, but it’s the turning point in Pump Up the Volume, after Hard-On Harry has apologized for his role in the suicide of a fellow student, and has launched into the film’s central salvo: “I’m sick of being ashamed. I don’t mind feeling dejected and rejected, but I’m not going to feel ashamed about it.” And I don’t know how many times — as a 17-year-old — that I mimed, in my shitty Christian Slater voice, the line that leads into “Kick out the Jams”: “Doesn’t this blend of blindness and blandness make you want to do something crazy?! Then why not do something crazy. It makes a helluva lot more sense than blowing your fucking brains out.” It’s a goddamn shame that the current generation of high-school students doesn’t have a Pump up the Volume to fuel them through their awkward teenage years — and I don’t think John Tucker Must Die cuts it.
10. Good Vibrations, The Beach Boys. Vanilla Sky
Like him or hate him, most folks would admit that Cameron Crowe mixes music with film better than almost any other director. So unsurprisingly, he’s created a number of memorable scenes, including Tom Cruise’s “Free Falling” moment in Jerry Maguire, the “Tiny Dancer” bus scene from Almost Famous, and, of course, one of the most indelible moments in film history, John Cusack holding his boom box below Diane Court’s window in Say Anything. But I think my favorite music moment from Cameron Crowe is from a film that few people liked and a scene that hardly anyone would recognize. It comes near the end of Vanilla Sky, when a histrionic Tom Cruise finally realizes that his current life is only a dream, removes his prosthetic mask, and then completely loses his shit. I think the obvious choice for the scene might have been the aforementioned “Where is My Mind,” or even Seal’s “Crazy.” But there is something surreal and inspired about Crowe’s counterintuitive choice, in no small part because of its association with Brian Wilson, who had had his own mental breakdown. Personally, I just think the choice is plain fucking genius and that it made Vanilla Sky — for all its failures — totally worth the two hours.
11. She Will Have Her Way, Neil Finn. “Sports Night”
This is my most self-indulgent choice, because it’s probably not all that memorable for most fans of “Sports Night.” But it does involve one of my favorite artists and one of my favorite television shows, so I couldn’t resist adding it. The song actually opens season two of the show, but it reappears in the fourth episode, in one of my favorite Dana/Casey moments, involving a pair of panties. The song’s sentiment fits Dana’s remark to Sam (real-life husband William H. Macy) so incredibly well: “You don’t control my world.” And “She Will Have Her Way,” is magical in its ability to musically express Dana’s new sense of (commando) freedom.
12. Afternoon Delight, Starland Vocal Band. “Arrested Development”
For pure comedic value, nothing could approach arguably the best all-time episode of one of the greatest sitcoms of the decade. In this scene of”Arrested Development,” — during an office karaoke session — Michael (uncle) and Maebe (niece) start singing “Afternoon Delight,” only to realize several bars into the song, as Ron Howard’s narration notes: “That ‘Afternoon Delight’ is more adult-themed than its innocent melody would have you believe.” And it only gets funnier later in the episode when Lindsey (aunt) and George Michael (nephew) sing the same duet, while a deaf and oblivious Tobias stands offstage and remarks to a bystander, “That’s my wife and my nephew. We have an open relationship.”
13. Wise Up, Aimee Mann. Magnolia
Hornby wrote that putting together a mix-tape is a bit like writing a letter, and there’s a lot of truth to that statement — I have no idea how many hours I spent trying to parse the lyrics of the Judybats, Van Morrison, or Ani DiFranco (dear God - there was always an Ani DiFranco track, wasn’t there?). And though I’ve never sent the same mix-tape to two women (like Klostermann), I have come awfully close to asking for a tape back after the break up. “Wise Up,” likewise, is the letter in Paul Thomas Anderson’s Magnolia, containing the film’s central message and theme. The entire film, of course, was inspired by Aimee Mann’s lyrics, so the integration of “Wise Up,” (also used to good effect in Jerry Maguire) into this sing-along montage is unbelievably natural, even in the way it clears the third wall but never quite breaks through the fourth. I suspect it doesn’t work for everyone but, for me, it was the most effective scene of the film.
14. Let’s Get it On, Jack Black. High Fidelity
Honestly, I would’ve preferred to end the mix-tape with Stevie Wonder’s “I Believe When I Fall in Love” from High Fidelity, only because it comes during the final scene of the film and provides the appropriate ending for a piece inspired, in part, by Nick Hornby. But it’s not on YouTube and, even if it were, most of it would be rolling credits anyway. So, despite my distaste for Jack Black — who hasn’t made too much of himself since High Fidelity — I include his version of Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get it On.” I’ll admit that it works incredibly well in the context of the film, and I’ll further admit that, in the years following the release of High Fidelity, I couldn’t make a mix-tape without including it. So I suppose it does befit the ending of this piece but, for anyone who returns to the DVD to watch this scene, stick around for the next one — that Stevie Wonder song is pretty unbelievable.
Stop.
A final note: Like any of the other lists we do here at Pajiba, half the fun is in what we miss. So, if you have a favorite scene defined by its soundtrack, feel free to add to the mix-tape in the comments section below.
Dustin Rowles is the publisher of Pajiba. He lives in a blue house with his wife in a hippie colony/college town in upstate New York. You may email him, or leave a comment below.
the Gipsy Kings version of Hotel California during the introduction of Jesus Quinta in "The Big Lebowski". one of the most important movie moments of all time. dare i say....biblical.
Posted by: Keith at September 27, 2006 9:36 AM
Excellent!!!! Bravo!! Dustin...you have touched me like no other has! I shall treasure this mix of what can best be described as a fantastic assortment of scenes. Proves that even bad movies have at least one or two good scenes.
While I concur with all of your choices, I must add that I also thought the scene in Vanilla was perfect. However, there was a better one...the music that was playing at the very end, when he is on the roof talking to his "Tech Support" was, for lack of a better word, "Moving".
I heard that song played on XM Radio, and was immediately reminded of that great scene. I just wish I knew the name of the song!
Posted by: THOR at September 27, 2006 9:39 AM
Thanks, Nevin.
I needed that.
Damn it feels good to be a gangsta has to be one of my all-time faves.
Posted by: Maria at September 27, 2006 10:00 AM
This is one of my favorite pieces ever, Dustin. I (heart) you. Also, I think "Lust for Life" from the opening of Trainspotting is a good pick...the drums that go along with the pounding of Renton's and Spud's feet on the pavement is absolutely perfect. Oh, and so is "Perfect Day" in the same movie, with Renton being dragged off to the hospital.
Posted by: em at September 27, 2006 10:30 AM
Reservior Dogs opening sequence, "Little Green Bag"
Posted by: gmoff tarkin at September 27, 2006 10:31 AM
Perhaps, Perhaps (Doris Day) from Strictly Ballroom-- lots of good music and scenes from that one.
Posted by: Amber at September 27, 2006 10:47 AM
"No, no, no-- it'll look worse. Go that way."
Brilliant.
Posted by: April at September 27, 2006 10:55 AM
"Thinkin' of you workin' up an appetite, lookin' forward to a little afternoon delight."
This totally made my day. That episode of Arrested Development? I wet my pants. Your true brilliance was evidenced in your Sports Night reference. Casey waiting out the 90 days until asking her out with Neil Finn playing in the background was delightful. ALmost as brilliant was the episode's ending with the Dana-Casey smooch to the sounds of "It's In His Kiss". Great television.
Posted by: Rebecca at September 27, 2006 11:00 AM
While on the subject of Reservoir Dogs, I would also suggest "Stuck in the Middle With You" or Joe Tex's "I Gotcha." I heard that song in a Dr. Pepper ad recently and all I could think of was that cop getting his ass kicked. Dr. Pepper must think no one has ever seen Reservoir Dogs, unless they WANT their product to be associated with gratouitous violence.
Posted by: Matt at September 27, 2006 11:00 AM
The one song that I can never separate from the movie when I hear it is "True" by Spandu Ballet (yes, I had to look that up). It's the song Steve Buschemi sings at the end of "Wedding Singer".
It plays on the god-awful EZ Rock radio station at work, and every time I hear it, I expect him to say "Robbie and Julia-ha-ha"
Posted by: KDM at September 27, 2006 11:31 AM
Dr. Pepper? What about the phone company that uses that 5-6-7-8's song from the end of "Kill Bill Vol. 1" (sorry, I don't know what it's called)? Talk about disturbing associations!
Posted by: Armando at September 27, 2006 11:39 AM
Oh, in talking about Arrested Development how can we forget Europe's "The Final Countdown?" I can no longer hear that song and not think of G.O.B. Bluth.
Posted by: Armando at September 27, 2006 11:40 AM
"Tired of Being Alone" by Al Green
This song plays at the end of Dead Presidents, when the cops are raiding Chris Tucker's house, only to find him dead and Soul Train playing in the background.
Posted by: Henry at September 27, 2006 11:44 AM
what about the chemical brothers? song that's playing in the lobby scene of the matrix?
Posted by: urs at September 27, 2006 12:00 PM
I can't believe you would leave out "Fight the Power" by Public Enemy during the opening of "Do the Right Thing." You can't listen to that song without thinking about Rosie Perez boxing and dancing.
Like the other commenter, I second Reservoir Dogs, "Stuck in the Middle with You," while he cuts off the police officer's ear, and
From Rules of Attraction, Harry Nilsson's "Without You," the suicide in the bathtub scene...
(should I be concerned that my most musically connected scenes are both very violent ones? hmmm...and funny, the other Harry Nilsson song, the coconut one, at the end of Reservoir Dogs is rather inducive too... what is it about Harry Nilsson?)
Posted by: amber at September 27, 2006 12:07 PM
Solid list, but I would include one more.
"We'll Meet Again" by Vera Lynn at the end of Dr. Strangelove. Hearing this song full of longing and desperate optimism as the nuclear bombs are exploding is the perfect end to a perfect movie.
Posted by: Kballs at September 27, 2006 12:11 PM
I like Mad World, and it is perfect for the ending montage and summation of the movie, but the song from Donnie Darko that does it for me is Tears for Fears' "Head Over Heels." I have made people who've never seen the movie and don't know anything about it sit through that scene, starting when the piano begins and Donnie jumps off the bus, and it always makes them want to see the whole thing just based off that one clip. It's amazing just to crank up the volume and listen and watch, especially when there are herbal refreshments involved.
Posted by: tlb at September 27, 2006 12:11 PM
As embarrassing as it is to admit, my best friend and I would spend entire afternoons acting out the 'log dancing' scene from Dirty Dancing to 'Hey Baby' by Bruce Channel. I can't hear that song without fighting the urge to pretend I'm balancing on a log, about to fall into Patrick Swayze's arms.
And speaking of 80's movies, can anyone hear 'What a Feeling' without thinking of the Flashdance audition scene?
I guess with dancing movies it's a lot easier to associate a song with a scene and maybe not as earth-moving as heroin overdose + 'Perfect Day'.
Posted by: Karina at September 27, 2006 12:15 PM
Oh Lord, I could write a dissertation on this, because I'm a soundtrack dork...
Where Do We Go From Here - Buffy the Vampire Slayer (yeah, emphasis on "dork")
Only Living Boy in New York - Garden State (ah, get bent Braff haters)
Playing with the Boys - shirtless volley ball scene from Top Gun (awful song in a ridiculous movie, but admit it - you know it well)
Big Empty - The Crow, one of the first modern "genre" movies to really use a soundtrack effectively
Moby song in every freaking Michael Mann movie.
The Elliot Smith song from the end of Good Will Hunting, when the car is just driving down the highway.
Pusherman, from Superfly
The Sound of Silence - The Graduate
I'll stop before I explode.
Posted by: TK at September 27, 2006 12:27 PM
Back to the Big Lebowski-I cannot hear "Lookin' Out My Back Door" by CCR without thinking of the Dude, driving home, fresh from retrieving his stolen junker from the police lot, with a beer between his legs, smoking a joint, and all the hilarity that ensues directly thereafter. I crack up every time that song comes up on the radio.
Posted by: maylai at September 27, 2006 12:34 PM
Hornby really knows his pop-culture music, doesn't he? The truthfulness of some of his writings astounds me still. I was personally a little disappointed in the movie version of High Fidelity at first because various things - one being the difference of ending. But I've come to find that if you take the movie as a mostly separate entity that just happens to have the same name and basic plot as the book, the Jack Black "Let's Get it On" ending is really quite rather fantastic. And the more I thought of the ending, the more I really liked the movie too, as much as I still think it doesn't quite do the book justice.
Posted by: kiyo-chan at September 27, 2006 12:36 PM
Since you mentioend the Coreys, how 'bout Echo & The Bunnymen covering "People are Strange" in The Lost Boys?
Posted by: Lickona at September 27, 2006 12:42 PM
I can't hear "Layla" by Derrick and the Dominoes without thinking of the dead body montage in Goodfellas. The end of that song will forever in my mind have a mobster dangling from a meat hook.
Posted by: stephie at September 27, 2006 12:48 PM
Soooo glad you mentioned "Wise Up" in Magnolia! That was my first thought. As I was reading this and scrolling down the page slowly, I was hoping I see that and I did! Kudos to you for including it!
Posted by: Helcat at September 27, 2006 12:59 PM
I know it's just a performance bit, but I still enjoyed it a lot.
In Talk to Her, there's a scene a party, and the song is called Cucurrucucu Paloma. I don't remember much else from the scene. Maybe it's not definitive, but it sure was pretty.
Posted by: M at September 27, 2006 1:14 PM
Oh, and I'm sorry, I must be a little younger, but "Pusherman" by Curtis Mayfield only makes me think of Jim Carrey in Cable Guy when he hooks up Matthew Broderick w/ the hooker. Sorry I had to admit I saw that movie, but Carey's glued on moustache and the way he walks in that scene are hilarious!
Another one I just thought of...Bob Dylan's "You Belong to Me" (I think that's the title) playing in Natural Born Killers when Mickey and Malorey Knox just killed her father (John Goodman) and start they're killing spree.
Posted by: Helcat at September 27, 2006 1:18 PM
Another shameful reference:
"Great Balls of Fire" always makes me think of the Meg Ryan/Anthony Edwards piano scene in Top Gun.
Posted by: Helcat at September 27, 2006 1:20 PM
Oh this makes me so happy, as I cling desperately to lost art of the mix tape. As does the Neil Finn reference (secret handshake) What a great list.
This is a fun game, so I'll put out my cheesiest favorite: Asia's Heat of the Moment in the 40 year old virgin. It was corny as hell and fit so perfectly with the comedy.
Posted by: MG at September 27, 2006 1:21 PM
Helkat, I too have seen Cable Guy, though honestly don't remember anything except the scene at the medieval place. But Pusherman was written for Superfly... in fact the whole album is outstanding.
Posted by: TK at September 27, 2006 1:21 PM
I agree with Amber about Doris Day's "Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps" in Simply Ballroom. It's interesting listening to Baz's commentary on that scene, about how the song was breaking their budget but he had to use it.
I disagree with the Nico song for the Royal Tenenbaums - the movie is filled with fantastic music, and I'd pick the orchestral version of "Hey Jude" in the introduction, or "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard", or even the relatively obvious use of Elliott Smith's "Needle in the Hay" during the suicide attempt. Maybe it was just Gwyneth's blandness in that movie, but I thought all of those songs had way more of an emotional punch.
Posted by: Sarah at September 27, 2006 1:32 PM
this list is the fusion of my three favorite things, music movies and mix tapes.
suggestions are;
skip james, devil got my woman, from ghost world,
or, sufjan steves, chicago, from little miss sunshine.
also, amber, i though i was the only one absolutely floored by that bathtub suicide scene from rules of attraction
Posted by: marcy at September 27, 2006 1:34 PM
TK, I don't doubt you at all, hence my reference to possibly being a little younger than you. I do remember something in my youth about Superfly, but sadly, it revolves aroung the WWF and Superfly Snooka! HA!
And The Final Countdown w/ G.O.B. and his magic tricks...Oh lord, I'm dying!
Ooh, Ooh, I've got another one! "I'm Alright" from Caddyshack! Who doesn't think of the little shimmying gopher whenever they hear that??
Posted by: Helcat at September 27, 2006 1:39 PM
Has anyone out there seen Billy Elliot? I LOVED this movie.
I love how the soundtrack for the movie is all about T. Rex and rock songs... and then you hit my favorite scene in the movie.
Billy's rehearsing with his teacher after he's just taken out all his frustrations on her and she slaps some sense back into him. You go from this incredibly tense scene to this beautiful, intimate look at Billy's practice time -- when he's really free.
And the song that defines that moment is "A Child is Born," played by Thad Jones. So hauntingly beautiful. It breaks my heart every time I watch this scene.
Posted by: Jelinas at September 27, 2006 1:42 PM
Oh you poor, inexperienced younguns. I gotta go back to the movie (and song) that started all this:
Born to be Wild - Easy Rider
You could feel the energy level in the movie theater just jump. It was a great moment in cinema...thekeez
Posted by: Jeff Keezel at September 27, 2006 1:50 PM
Holy shit, just about everything from Jackie Brown, but "Across 110th Street" is very iconic for both Pam and Jackie as she moves on to a new life. Just letting the camera sit on her face as she's driving for almost the entirety of the song is one of the most poignant moments I've seen in movies.
Also, the classical music from 2001. I know, but it's true.
Posted by: jessecoombs at September 27, 2006 1:50 PM
My guilty pleasure is Harry Belafonte - "Jump in the Line" from Beatlejuice.
Posted by: crunk juice at September 27, 2006 1:51 PM
Don't sell yourself short, Helcat - Jimmy Superfly Snooka is ooooold school. We may be closer than you think. And nice call on Caddyshack. "Hey everybody! We're all gonna get laid!"
And I know this is gonna make me sound a little... weird... but Me'shell NdegeOcello's "Beautiful" in the love scene in Lost and Delirious is a great moment. Is it creepy that I'm citing a movie with a lesbian love scene between two boarding school students? Yes. Does that diminish the effectiveness of the scene? Absolutely not.
Also, let's not forget O Brother Where Art Thou, particularly Hard Time, Killing Floor Blues. Though the R.L. Burnside version is faaaaar superior.
Posted by: TK at September 27, 2006 2:03 PM
Oh, Stephie, you read my mind!! Love "Layla" on it's own, but, yeah, I too see guys on meat hooks and rolling into garbage trucks now!!
And, Helcat, John Goodman does not play Mallory's father in "Natural Born Killers". That was the late great Rodney Dangerfield (gonna check and make sure you're REAL clean....)
This list is brilliant...here's an obscure addition...."O Fortuna" from "Excalibur"--the knights are riding again, Arthur is healed and the land is in bloom...fabulous.
"Car Wash" anyone?
Can anybody drive down the road, hear "Bohemian Rhapsody" on the radio, and not begin banging your head, thanks to "Wayne's World"?
Beating the bar owner with pool cues to the tune of "Don't Stop Me Now" from Shaun of the Dead? Oh, God, I could do this for days....
Posted by: bonbon at September 27, 2006 2:04 PM
Oh man, I LOVE "Across 110th Street"
Posted by: TK at September 27, 2006 2:04 PM
I personally adore Stephanie Says in the Royal Tannenbaums, but I think almost EVERY song in the film is just so...so perfect, like in Rushmore as well, everytime I hear a song that was used in the film I instantly connect it to a scene from Rushmore. With that in mind, I'd like to vote for the song that plays while Max and Herbert are retaliating against each other, because it has such joie de vivre and hilarity behind it. I think the song is called You're Forgiven (or something like that), but I'm not sure who it's by. I also particularly like the last song as well, I think it's by Van Morrison but I'm not sure. I may be getting confused with Royal Tannenbaums. At this rate, I'll just say that Wed Anderson really knows how to pick good people to do music for his films. They're just so nostalgic and perfect! And Where Is My Mind by the Pixies in Fight Club was the single best ending to a movie song EVER! It was quite funny and fitting. I really enjoyed your list, you should do stuff like this more often, thanks!
Posted by: Gina at September 27, 2006 2:10 PM
And that Mad World song is so amazing and haunting, thanks for mentioning it!
Posted by: Gina at September 27, 2006 2:11 PM
Good call on Cucurrucucu Paloma - I spent months tracking down the artist and CD after seeing that movie.
All of the music in Tstosi is amazing, but especially the opening sequence to Mdlwembe by Zola.
Posted by: Karina at September 27, 2006 2:18 PM
maylai - that scene in Lebowski where he hits the dumpster while listening to CCR is indeed hysterical - one we've rewound many a time. That tune is forever changed for me as well.
Posted by: mswas at September 27, 2006 2:21 PM
Ooh! Tsotsi! Good call. Along those lines, "Unomathemba" from A Dry White Season is also great.
And while it's NOT a good movie, Una Palabra in Man on Fire is used beautifully.
Posted by: TK at September 27, 2006 2:56 PM
BonBon-You are correct! Wonder what made me think John Goodman?! Weird! I must have been subliminally thinking of him though b/c I mentioned the Caddyshack song after that. Dangerfield was sooo creepy in that movie.
TK-Another Me'shell song that has nothing (I think) to do w/ a movie, but is so awesome: I think it's called "If that's your Boyfriend..." the next words in that line go "...he wasn't last night!" HA! She's got an amazing voice!
Posted by: Helcat at September 27, 2006 2:56 PM
Helcat, I love you. That song rocks (off of Plantation Lullabies)! Who else has lyrics like "call me what you like, while I boot slam your boyfriend tonight!"
Posted by: TK at September 27, 2006 3:06 PM
"Yoo Hoo" by Imperial Teen: where we are first introduced to the girls in Jawbreaker. That movie is always overlooked, and that moment is classic.
"A Million Miles Away" by The Plimsouls: where Nicolas Cage and Deborah Whatshername discover adult attraction for the first time in Valley Girl. I watched that movie when I was a kid and thought, "Oh. So that's what the big deal is about. No wonder people want to have sex." This is a big deal for a grade schooler.
"All By Myself" by Jamie O'Neal: where Bridget Jones gets drunk by herself in her apartment in Bridget Jones Diary. Although not great cinema, that movie was hilarious, and that scene touched a chord in single women over 23 everywhere.
"God Only Knows" by the Beatles: rolling over the end credits from Love Actually. That movie was so much better than I expected and that song made me turn to my mom and give her a hug.
How about the inspired use of "Just Like Heaven" in "Just Like Heaven?"
Posted by: Robert Smith at September 27, 2006 3:21 PM
So much fun reading what people come up with! For what it's worth...
1. Cream, Sunshine Of Your Love - Goodfellas
The camera slowly inching up to DeNiro sitting at the bar, in time with the bass line. Marty sure can pick 'em.
2. The Who, The Seeker - American Beauty
Brilliant song to jog to on the last day of your life.
3. Brothers Johnson, Strawberry Letter 23 - Jackie Brown
A long-forgotten song, now a favorite. Perfect for dates and driving short distances with someone in your trunk.
Posted by: wavemaven at September 27, 2006 3:28 PM
Okay, everytime I hear Loverboy "Everybody's Working For The Weekend" Chris Farley and Patrick Swayze on SNL.
And I don't care what anyone says about The Life Aquatic, the David Bowie music, and then in Portugese is genius!
Posted by: MRod at September 27, 2006 3:29 PM
Oh and how could I forget!
the Smiths "Panic" in Shaun of the Dead.
Posted by: MRod at September 27, 2006 3:34 PM
Gina -- the song you're thinking of is A Quick One While He's Away by The Who. And that was going to be my pick as well; Anderson always uses songs well, but that one is particularly amazing, his best choice, surely much better than the Nico (I am also a Jackson Browne fan, and don't much care for her version, although it works in the scene).
also, Beck's cover of Everybody's Got To Learn Sometime at the end of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind came about as close as a song in a film ever has to shattering the bones around my heart.
Posted by: BabyTyrone at September 27, 2006 3:41 PM
Fucking perfect, Dustin. Right down to the Jack Black cover of Let's get it on. I will offer a few of my own:
Standoff (1998): Last scene. Hot Chocolate's I Believe in Miracles plays as Robert Sean Leonard's FBI agent character-wounded- limps to freedom after Natasha Henstridge's character is suddenly (via Deus Ex machina) killed. Nice symmetry.
Apocalypse now: Opening scenes: The End by the Doors. That song set the tone for the whole movie and Col. Willard's descent into the 'Heart of Darkness'. It signified the end of life, the end of the Apple Pie view of war, the end of innocence, the end of Willard's career all in conflux at the end of the Nung River. I think even Martin Sheen left that jungle a little crazier than he went in in. Never get out of the boat.
Lord of the Rings: Wood Elves' lament for Gandalf's death. Kidding.
Oh, Kitty X....how could I forget Bridget?? I LOVE Bridget, hell, most of my friends and I ARE Bridget.
And, God Only Knows at the end of Love Actually is by the Beach Boys. It is a great way to end that film....I also love the use of the Beatles "All You Need is Love" in the wedding scene. If that doesn't absolutely bury what you thought was your most romantic experience, nothing will.
Posted by: BonBon at September 27, 2006 4:00 PM
Thanks Bon Bon. And, tragically, I knew that. I must chalk it up to hunger pains as the result of a skipped lunch.
Posted by: Kitty X at September 27, 2006 4:05 PM
The instrumental version of "Playground Love" by Air at the very end of The Virgin Suicides is perfect.
Posted by: Claire at September 27, 2006 4:14 PM
"Something Tells Me I'm Into Something Good" by Herman's Hermits, over the getting-to-know-you montage to end all montages, from The Naked Gun.
I second "We'll Meet Again" from Dr. Strangelove.
But howbout:
and "Day-O" from Beetlejuice
and "Danny Boy" from Miller's Crossing
Posted by: Universal Donor at September 27, 2006 4:15 PM
"God Only Knows" in Love Acutally is by The Beach Boys. And the only version of "Just Like Heaven" that should be used in movies is the one by The Cure.
One of my favorite songs ever to be used in a movie, is "Caramel" by Suzanne Vega in Closer.
OR
"Cover of the Rolling Stone" by Dr. Hook in Almost Famous
Posted by: taylor at September 27, 2006 4:30 PM
"Oh La La" at the end of Rushmore. Also "I am Waiting" by the Rolling Stones. What can I say, I (heart) Wes Anderson.
Beck's cover of "Everybody's Gotta Learn Sometime" always makes me tear up even though I have seen Eternal Sunshine more than 20 times.
Posted by: april at September 27, 2006 4:30 PM
Wonderful! Wonderful! by Johnny Mathis as the gimps drive away with their mom in the trunk from, "The X Files"
Home (1996)
Posted by: MRod at September 27, 2006 4:39 PM
hmm, my favorite is absolutely the intro too "kids" when they come to the opening credits crashing into "daddy doesnt understand" by folk implosion, so perfect.
Posted by: AUDIOPHILE at September 27, 2006 4:50 PM
hey man nice shot by filter in the opening scene of Demon Knight (tales from the crypt). For some reason I always picture the car chase when I hear that song.
Also the sarah mclachlan song that plays when buffy runs away after killing angel in whatever the hell season that was of buffy the vampire slayer.
Um any song from rocky horror will result in me being able to spontaneously quote the script but I don't think musicals are supposed to count here.
How soon is now by morrissey during The craft when the witches are at the chain link fence watching the football game
Posted by: anna at September 27, 2006 5:00 PM
Can y'all stand one more?
Battle Without Honor Or Humanity, by RZA from Kill Bill Vol. 1
Walking down the street with that on the player, you feel like O-Ren herself. Also good to psych up before important meetings.
Posted by: wavemaven at September 27, 2006 5:04 PM
"Wonderful! Wonderful! by Johnny Mathis as the gimps drive away with their mom in the trunk from, "The X Files"
Home (1996)"
God, thanks a lot for that flashback MRod. That episode tortured the crap out of me...I was much younger when that aired (13 to be exact, with a massive crush on David Duchovny) and I cannot hear that song without wanting to run and hide from the inbreds. Damn.
Posted by: em at September 27, 2006 5:05 PM
Put me down for most pathetic contribution: "This Will Be" by Natalie Cole, in (the horrible, but somehow memorable) "Taxi" (Queen Latifah and Jimmy Fallon version). I can no longer hear that song without screeching the high bits...
Which is upsetting, because it used to remind me of the end of "The Parent Trap" remake, which was wonderful if only because it immortalized a cute, pre-coke Lindsay Lohan.
And I'll also submit Damien Rice's "Cannonball" from "In Good Company" - sort of captures the relationship between Topher Grace and Scarlett Johannson's characters perfectly.
Posted by: Jackie at September 27, 2006 5:07 PM
I also loved the list, all of them are wonderful moments (especially Afternoon Delight) but everyone is forgetting some great moments in soundtrack history...
1) You Never Can Tell by Chuck Berry, Pulp Fiction. A perfect song for dancing, and it foreshadows whats going to happen next.
2) Go Ask Alice by Jefferson Airplane, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. Maybe its just me, but I cant help but think of Johnny Depp throwing an orange into the bathtub "when the song peaks".
3) Foxy Lady by Jimi Hendrix, Wayne's World. While Bohemian Rhapsody is more famous, I think Garth's mating dance to attract his dream woman is one of the funniest things I've ever seen. How can you hear that song without making the ears!?
4)Magic Moments by Perry Como, Dogma. The irony kills me, as does the look on Jay and Bob's faces when they're in the diner. Admittedly, while I like all the song placements in that movie, this one just sticks out the most.
And finally....
5) La Cenerentola Overature by Rossinni, Closer. This is the song that plays while the two men chat online. While most people probably couldn't identify it, it is placed in the scene perfectly, so that each swell in the music matches a big idea in the conversation. It suggests that the two are dancing around each other in perfect time to the music.
So many others, but those I really love.
Posted by: Kate at September 27, 2006 5:07 PM
Since someone called me out on my mistaken song genesis, I must do the same.
"Battle Without Honor or Humanity" was recorded by Tomoyasu Hotei.
"I can't believe you would leave out "Fight the Power" by Public Enemy during the opening of "Do the Right Thing.""
So true. I heard that song this morning and was thinking of how kick-ass that part of the movie is! Uncanny. Also love the use of "Teenage Wasteland" in Summer of Sam (an otherwise just-okay movie). Spike Lee's use of music is always pretty damn good.
Also agree with "Head over Heels" in Donnie Darko - just incredible. Also loved the resurrection of The Church's "Under the Milky Way" in that movie. I love that movie so much, partly because Donnie and I are contemporaries to the year.
Music moments in good movies are so easy to find - how about some transcendent ones in mediocre/shitty movies? The Verve's "Bittersweet Symphony" in Cruel Intentions and the cover of "Summer Breeze" in the beginning of I Know What You Did Last Summer.
Posted by: Samantha T at September 27, 2006 5:45 PM
I have to agree with jessecoombs, "Across 110th Street" by Bobby Womack was quite possibly, for me anyway, the perfect marriage of music and actor in a movie. Pam Grier was so perfectly heavy handed with her facial expressions during the final scene, as she drives her stolen Mercedes off into whatever sunset awaits ballsy stewardesses that have a penchant for the Delfonics.
Best line (can't resist): "AK-47. When you absolutely must kill every mutha fucka in the room, accept no substitutes."
Posted by: Smokin at September 27, 2006 5:47 PM
good mix, but here are two vitals that are missing:
sussudio by phil collins(or however you spell it)- the hooker sex scene in american psycho
rockit by herbie hancock- the scene in the "peaches" episode of six feet under when nate converses with a corpse at a funeral
Posted by: snarla at September 27, 2006 5:53 PM
Some thoughts from another strangely proud Gen-Xer...
For me, it's "Little Child, Running Wild" off the "Superfly" soundtrack. God, I love that song. Story of my life. ---
From "Harold and Maude", it's after they make love, and Bud Cort (mmm...) is sitting up in bed blowing bubbles, and the song is "I Think I See the Light." Beautiful. ---
I'll never apologize for loving Jackson Browne! Nico took his virginity when he was like 17 and she was 35 or something, and when she covered "These Days" he was thrilled. --- Rebekah Del Rio singing "Llorando"in "Mullholland Drive." Gives me chills. ---
In "Thumbsucker", they used an absolutely beautiful cover of Big Star's "Thirteen" by Elliott Smith. Not a great movie but the song makes me cry. ---
In "A Clockwork Orange" where Alex is walking through the record store in time to Walter (Wendy) Carlos Williams' Beethoven's 9th Symphony. Coolest Scene EVER!! ---
I'll second the motion for "The Blue Danube"/space flight in "2001." ---
And "Eaten By The Monster of Love"/teen sex in "Valley Girl." Also, "The Fanatic" during the party scene. And The Plimsouls/sex in the club. God, I love that movie. Nick Cage -- what the HELL happened to you?!!??
I'll leave it at that. Sorry, but I get really into this sort of thing.
Posted by: Vivian Girl at September 27, 2006 5:57 PM
Everything from "The Big Chill", the movie that defined the movie soundtrack, and got people interested in Motown again.
Posted by: Deborah at September 27, 2006 6:02 PM
There's this one song from Grey's Anatomy that sticks in my head.
Kendall Payne - Scratch. It plays in an episode of the second season, where Meredith sees the old lady die by all her friends and then goes and breaks down.
Another one, that I'm frankly ashamed of...
Love Spit Love - How Soon Is Now. Always reminds me of how good Charmed used to be; when Shannen Doherty was so much better than Alyssa Milano.
That's it!
Posted by: Viki at September 27, 2006 6:25 PM
I didn't like Morvern Callar that much, but I loved the scene where she walks through the flourescent green supermarket listening to "Some Velvet Morning."
Scorsese using Donovan's "Atlantis" for a brutal murder in Goodfellas...
Fincher using Bowie's "The Heart's Filthy Lesson" over the scrolling-up end credits of Seven...
Posted by: Ivan at September 27, 2006 7:17 PM
I applaud the list, and especially the inclusion of The Breakfast Club/Don't You. However, since TBC is my favorite movie of all time (I love it more than jesus) and since Don't You is my personal theme song and has been since 1985, I abhor its placement at #2. #2? #2 is where you put the not-that-great song you aren't sure should be on the mix, the song that everyone forgets about; it's not where you put the song that defines in three minutes our generation, Dustin. It should close the tape! COME ON.
Posted by: S. at September 27, 2006 7:36 PM
P.S. An enthusiastic seconding of You Never Can Tell, Pulp Fiction.
Posted by: S. at September 27, 2006 7:38 PM
"Wonderful! Wonderful! by Johnny Mathis as the gimps drive away with their mom in the trunk from, "The X Files"
Home (1996)"
I third this! That episode was on TNT a little while back and it still scares the crap out of me. Glad to know I'm not the only one.
I'm also glad so many people agreed with my Reservoir Dogs suggestions.
Along the same lines, I could suggest one of several songs from the closing credits of the Sopranos....
The Kinks-Living on a Thin Line
Johnny Thunders-Can't Put Your Arms Around a Memory
Dean Martin-My Rifle, Pony, and Me
All great songs forever associated with Jersey accents and Tony Soprano's mouth-breathing
Posted by: Matt at September 27, 2006 7:38 PM
Oh jeez so many movie memories. and of course, a few suggestions of my own
1)almost anything ever on the TV show Homicide: Life on the Streets. Some standouts include Suzanne Vega's "Blood Makes Noise" in the episode "All is Bright", "Boom Boom Boom" in the episode "the Documentary", "What if God was One of Us" in "Sniper Part 1", and "No No No" (not the Eve cover I don't think) in the first Luther Mahoney episode.
2) Most of the Grosse Pointe Blank soundtrack, but especially the scene with "Under Pressure" and john Cusack realizing his mortality with the baby... i dunno I'm a sucker for John Cusack.
3) I know you already picked the John Hughes song for the mix tape, but c'mon... the Duckie scene to "Try a Little Tenderness"? Is pretty awesome.
4) Pulp Fiction. I'm drawing a blank on the song, but the one that plays when they're in the basement with Zed.
5)The theme for Requiem for a Dream. When they used it in LOTR commercials, I was so confused.
6) The aria in Shawshank Redemption from Marriage of Figaro. It's so delicate and soaring, such a contrast to the prison life.
7)Velvet Goldmine, anyone? I love that soundtrack. it's so of the era.
8) "Moon River" Breakfast at Tiffany's
9) "As Time Goes By" Casablanca
...i need to get out more...
Posted by: Ryan at September 27, 2006 8:06 PM
Shameful yet I must -
"If You Were Here" by the Thompson Twins, from the end of Sixteen Candles (birthday cake, sitting on the dining room table). Did, does, and will always bring a tear - and make me feel like the longing fourth-grade dork I was.
Posted by: Carla at September 27, 2006 8:10 PM
Damn, i was gonna add my 2c but pretty much everyone here read my mind. All fantastic choices. By the way, the person at the top who mentioned the end of Vanilla Sky: that was Sigur Ros. One of the best bands in the world.
No, wait...I just thought of two more that I don't think have been.
The Blower's Daughter - Damien Rice: Closer
It'll All Work Out - Tom Petty
My Father's Gun - Elton John (both Elizabethtown...yeah, I liked Elizabethtown. Sue me. Crowe rocks.)
Posted by: Arran at September 27, 2006 8:13 PM
One more: Freebird. The Devil's Rejects. Fuck yeah.
Posted by: Arran at September 27, 2006 8:57 PM
The list is awesome and I now want to watch the things I haven't seen, just for those songs.
I know the Neil Finn song from "Felicity" - I know, I know, but there was some amazing music on that show, especially in the beginning. Which brings me to my addition: Aretha Franklin's cover of Bridge Over Troubled Water, from the 1st season Thanksgiving episode. It was perfect, and far more affecting than a scene from Felicity had the right to be. I've actually seen the scene with a different song (syndication sucks) and it doesn't pack the same punch.
Amen to "Llorando", Vivian Girl.
Posted by: elisamaza at September 27, 2006 9:44 PM
I second Keith's Gypsy Kings in The Big Lebowski. Fantastic.
And someone else mentioned the Big Chill. The only song that worked for me on that soundtrack was The Rolling Stones with "You Can't Always Get What You Want", which pretty much set up the whole movie.
What about Desmond Dekker's "The Israelites" in Drugstore Cowboy? Not a great movie, but an unbelievably good use of a song.
Posted by: Rocky at September 27, 2006 9:54 PM
Just off the top of my head, I can't listen to Que Sera, Sera without thinking about Heathers.
Also:
The Cars' "Moving In Stereo" in the classic pool scene from Fast Times at Ridgemont High.
And I don't know if this counts (because it was their movie and all) but put on "Love, Reign O'Er Me" by the Who and I see a moped on the white cliffs of Dover.
Posted by: kushiro at September 27, 2006 10:01 PM
Grosse pointe blank: the opening scene where he shoots the cyclist 'its gonna be a bright, sunshiny day'. No idea what the song is called but i always remember it heh.
An espisode of the sopranos; scene cut to christoper shooting up, Certamente by Madreblu is playing. Its not an english song but it suits the mood perfectly and any time the song pops up on my ipod i remember the scene vividly.
And this will probably annoy a lot of people but: I crack up every time i hear the opening line to that song from Snakes on a plane. I should probably be shot huh... hehe
Kudos on the list, its great, mad world kills me
Dev
Posted by: Dev at September 27, 2006 10:01 PM
dustin, this is such a great idea. and i love your list! i'd add the dylan songs in "Wonder Boys" - 'not dark yet' and 'shooting star' are both incredible.
Posted by: po at September 27, 2006 10:02 PM
Hey, Anna, that version of "How Soon Is Now" in The Craft wasn't performed by Morrissey - it was the Love Spit Love cover, which was later used in Charmed. I think it was a better version.
The other great cover in The Craft, which was a crap movie with a good soundtrack, was the great Juliana Hatfield version of Marianne Faitfull's "Witches Song". It was an obvious choice, but it's got some great power chords, and Juliana makes it work.
Posted by: Rocky at September 27, 2006 10:02 PM
eayh great comments all around here, I have 2 more to add to the list
Hotel California-the entire back half of "Chungking Express," I dont know of any other movie where a song plays so many times and never gets old, and really captures the whole tone of the 2nd story.
"The third man theme" from the movie of the same name, what a risk to put a whole movie's soundtrack on the back of a single person playing a lone insrument, and it couldnt have paid off any more
Posted by: matt at September 27, 2006 10:09 PM
Donnie Darko on the list! *fangirl squee*
I just wanted to add:
"Holy Fool" from the shooting-up-the-deli scene in Boondock Saints. It just fits so well, and it's a really good song out of context anyway.
Posted by: anaxa at September 27, 2006 10:11 PM
Great stuff. A few additions:
Moby, God Moving Over the Face of the Moon during the last scene in Heat (Michael Mann)
Whatever was playing during Last of the Mohicans (Michael Mann) during the last scene where they're chasing up the mountain
Number of songs from Boogie Nights, especially when we first meet the crew during the pool party.
Bruce Springsteen, Secret Garden, Jerry Maguire
"Holiday Road" (?) from National Lampoon's Vacation
The song playing during an episode of "Boomtown" when they juxtaposed a prison execution with finding a cop held hostage.
Posted by: Chris Winters at September 27, 2006 10:16 PM
Kate Bush's "This Woman's Work" in She's Having a Baby
Posted by: JodiG at September 27, 2006 10:57 PM
"sweetness follows" by R.E.M., in Vanilla Sky, when Tom is abandoned in a street by Jason Lee and Penelope Cruz, heartbreaking, is like watching your friends movin on, getting a life while you can`t overcome your deformities, your emotional deformities.
Posted by: goldend at September 28, 2006 12:06 AM
"sweetness follows" by R.E.M. in Vanilla Sky
Posted by: goldend at September 28, 2006 12:13 AM
Ok, I know it wasn't exactly a cinematic gem, but I'm really surprised no one's mentioned the Napoleon Dynamite dance scene with "Just Dance" by Jamiraquoi!
jelinas-I love the opening scene of Billy Elliot with "Cosmic Dancer" by T-Rex!
Also: "White Wedding" by Billy Idol in the Wedding Singer, "Hallelujah" by Rufus Wainwright in Shrek, & "I'm Sitting On Top Of The World" by Al Jolson in Richard III (w. the crazed Ian McKellen spinning down into flames...makes me feel like cackling maniacally)
Posted by: badmonkey at September 28, 2006 12:15 AM
A lot of great ones were mentioned already such as "Without You" and "White Rabbit" but here are a few more...
"Goldenbrown" by The Stranglers---Snatch
"Twist & Shout" by The Beatles---Ferris Bueller's Day Off
"1812 Overture" by Tchaikovsky---V For Vendetta
"Come on Eileen" by Dexy's Midnight Runners---Spaced (TV)...has anyone seen that show?
"Something to Talk About" by Badly Drawn Boy---About a Boy (NICK HORNBY!)
"Black Betty" by Ramjam---Blow...The perfect walking music. I LOVE watching Johnny Depp pound through the airport to the beat.
And about 1200 more...there are too many great moments to list.
Posted by: Jellyfish Kiss at September 28, 2006 12:15 AM
I love when Hugh Grant and that kid in "About a Boy" are singing "Killing Me Softly." It's just a mix of tears and laughter.
I also love all the music by Badly Drawn Boy, but especially during the scene where Grant puts the One Hit Wonders CD of his dad's song in and collapses on the carpet. It's either to "Something to Talk About" or "Silent Sigh," I can't remember which.
And I can't hear Johnny Cash's "Hurt" without thinking of that moment in "Smallville" when Danny Glover is looking through the one-way mirror at crazy Michael Rosenbaum.
Love the choices for the Donnie Darko, Arrested Development, and especially the Scrubs one. I watched that episode a little while ago, and it kind of killed me. I cry too much.
Posted by: Cait at September 28, 2006 12:30 AM
I thought *I* was the only one that thinks of Scrubs & Sports Night when I heard "How To Save A Life" and "She Will Have Her Way," respectively.
Posted by: Mike at September 28, 2006 12:32 AM
For me, it has to be the Dawn of the Dead remake title credits with Johnny Cash - The Man Comes Around playing.
Can't hear the song without thinking of zombies now.
Posted by: CBN at September 28, 2006 12:35 AM
I totally agree with "moon river" from breakfast at tiffany's but it will also always remind me of when Big leaves NY on Sex and the City
Also, as many times as I've watched the sketch Blue Oyster Cult's "don't fear the reaper" will always remind me of Will Ferrell and his cowbell
Posted by: jmurae at September 28, 2006 12:50 AM
I hate these lists; I can't leave them alone. Because otherwise I'll never get any sleep, I'll just limit myself to movies and shows that aired after I was old enough to even notice there was music (so like 1990-ish).
Since Rushmore, Heat, Pulp Fiction, The Big Lebowski, and Eternal Sunshine ... have been covered, I'll move on.
Iggy & the Stooges - "I Wanna Be Your Dog" from Lock Stock: a chaotic, earbleed-inducing song for a head-swirling moment in a film that's probably just a little "too cool for school."
Lyle Lovett - "Mack the Knife" from the credits of Quiz Show: this cover (and it is essential that it be a cover) of one of the era's epitomic songs encapsulates the mood. This is one of the most underappreciated films ever.
Paul Westerberg - "Dyslexic Heart" from Singles: it's the worst song in the movie, but it also captures the spirit of it better than any of the others.
Paolo Conte - "Via Con Me" from Mostly Martha: a part English song in a German movie made that just popped out of the movie. It's a playfully Romantic (note capital "R") film that I highly recommend, and the song is even moreso.
Average White Band - "Pick Up the Pieces" from Swingers: this was a bad miss on your part. I feel no need to explain.
Skeeter Davis - "End of the World" from Girl Interrupted: the movie's only okay, but this scene is truly haunting. Winona Ryder walking in on a hanging body as this absurdly vanilla song plays from a record on repeat was surreal enough to plant itself firmly in my head.
Annie Lennox - "Don't Let It Bring You Down" from American Beauty: it's not on the released soundtrack, but it's truly delicious in the film and makes what could be a squirm-worthy scene feel intimate.
Freedy Johnston - "Bad Reputation" from Kicking and Screaming: I have always believed this song totally sucks and I still do, but when I watched this movie a few weeks ago, I was totally struck by how well wonderfully it fit the tone of the (near perfect) ending. Now I kind of love it in spite of myself.
Krishna Das - "Mere Guru Dev" from Mind the Gap: I can't describe this one; you'll just have to look it up. Flawless.
Styx - "Come Sail Away" from the pilot of Freaks and Geeks: an utterly inexcusable miss.
Oh, hell. I'll stop there. This is too hard, and this comment is too long already.
About the only one people haven't mentioned that I was trying to think of as I was reading was "Mannish Boy" by Muddy Waters in Goodfellas.
Awesome.
OH! And "You can't always get what you want" by the Stones at the beginning of Big Chill.
And pretty much the entire resevoir dogs soundtrack. My friend and I listened to it over and over again in grade 9, I think.
Posted by: Noel at September 28, 2006 1:00 AM
Dammit, someone commented while i was writing.
"Average White Band - "Pick Up the Pieces" from Swingers: this was a bad miss on your part. I feel no need to explain."
Oh HELL yeah. That motorcade through the Hollywood hills, the shitty car doors slamming in time with the beat. Gold. That movie is on my alltime favorite list. That song and "Nobody till somebody loves you" always makes me think of the opening montage. Dammit you're right, I get thinking about lists and can't stop
Posted by: Noel at September 28, 2006 1:04 AM
I totally forgot:
How could anyone hear "it's not unusual" by Tom Jones and not think of Carlton Banks or even in the series finale when Will Smith joins in the "carlton dance"
Posted by: jmurae at September 28, 2006 1:11 AM
I'm too drunk to think of specific scenes, but pretty much all of Repo Man does it for me.
Gypsy Kings in Lebowski is also an unquestionable classic.
Posted by: Alex at September 28, 2006 2:43 AM
Pulp - Like a Friend in Great Expectations (Cuaron) is so incredibly well put together as well.
Posted by: Victor at September 28, 2006 3:16 AM
My list (in addition to the ones already mentioned - and some of these fall into the "shame" category):
"Just Like Honey" and "Brass in Pocket" - Lost in Translation; "What a Difference a Day Makes" - Run, Lola, Run; "Good-night, Sweetheart" - Three Men and a Baby; "It Must Have Been Love" - Pretty Woman (I know, I know); "And Then He Kissed Me" - Adventures in Baby-sitting; "Johnny B. Good" - Back to the Future; "Hallelujia" - Scrubs (Season 1); "Mozart's Requiem" - Amadeus; "Life Could Be a Dream" (or whatever it's actually called - Clue; "It's Raining Men" - Bridget Jones' Diary. And speaking of SNL sketches - who can hear Haddaway's "What is Love?" without doing that side head-banging thing?
Posted by: Kris at September 28, 2006 3:36 AM
Decent choices, but you neglected the best soundtrack ever: Trainspotting. The cue of choice is Lou Reed's "Perfect Day." That scene with that song never fails to floor me.
Honorable mention for the use of "Sister Christian" in Boogie Nights. One of the most tense scenes in film history, and who would have thought Night Ranger could fit it so well?
Posted by: Rob at September 28, 2006 4:11 AM
Ever since "Silence of the Lambs" I always battle an uncontrollable urge to look over my shoulder when I hear "American Girl" - it's come to symbolyze imminent danger...
Posted by: cinekat at September 28, 2006 6:08 AM
Oh, dude. As much as Bohemian Rhapsody is one of my favourite moments in film, there's totally another part of Wayne's World that I just can't disassociate with the song. DREEEEEEEEEAMWEAVER!
Posted by: Laura at September 28, 2006 6:16 AM
I, like many others, was first introduced to Jim Carrol via "The Basketball Diaries". I love his song "People Who've Died" and I can't hear that song w/out seeing Leo in my head.
Posted by: Matty at September 28, 2006 7:52 AM
Also I love Richard Cheese's linge act cover of "Down With the Sickness" from the remake of "Dawn of the Dead". I just picture zombies and the hilarity of this song any time I'm unfortunate enough to hear the original (by Saliva? i dunno). Stupid midwest bars and frat rock.
Posted by: Matty at September 28, 2006 7:59 AM
God, I thought I could stay away... I was so very, very wrong...
Julee Cruise's "Falling" from Twin Peaks is perhaps the most brilliant, haunting song for a TV show.
Either Stevie Ray's "Mary Had a Little Lamb" or the ending's use of The Blasters' "Dark Night" in From Dusk 'Til Dawn.
Purple Rain (yeah, that's right) - the whole damn thing
Sarah Polley's track on The Sweet Hereafter (I forget the name of the song)
"Born Slippy" by Underworld in Trainspotting
I forget who mentioned "Twist and Shout", but I was JUST talking about that on Sunday!
Elmer Bernstein's "Theme from the Magnificent Seven"-- God I fucking love that movie.
And, of course, "Let's Hear It For The Boy", in Footloose! I kid, I kid... sort of.
Posted by: TK at September 28, 2006 8:58 AM
to all those who brought up "Wonderful, Wonderful" from the scariest episode of the X-Files, ever.....thanks!! God, I can't hear that song without flipping out....the only episode of anything on TV that made me go around and check to make sure all my doors were locked!
What about the duet from "Marriage of Figaro" that Andy Dufresne plays over the prison PA in "Shawshank Redemption"? I am not an opera buff, but the power of the music in that scene and the reactions of the men, is breath-taking.
Posted by: BonBon at September 28, 2006 9:20 AM
Whenever I hear the song "Clocks" by Coldplay I always think about Peter Pan (2003)...they used it in THE TRAILER! Its not even in the movie. HAH!
ALSO---"Maggie May" by Rod Stewart always makes me think of Heath Ledger sanding surfboards and singing along in "Lords of Dogtown"...They play it on the Muzak at my work a lot and it always makes me smile :)
"Girl" by Urge Overkill from Pulp Fiction.
How can you not play airguitar and then start dancing like a fiend when that comes on?
"Goodbye to You" by Michelle Branch puts visions of Willow getting dumped by Tara and Buffy&Spike making out in my head. Bit troublesome.
Posted by: Jellyfish Kiss at September 28, 2006 10:29 AM
Sorry for causing flash backs to scary gimps from the X-Files, but I had to go download that from itunes (Wonderful, Wonderful) when my boyfriend told me it scared the crap out of his ex-wife!
It is always greatness when some happy-go-lucky song is playing while something scary, gross, or evil is happening.
And totally agree with the music from The Third Man, that is Anton Karas on the zither. Love that movie!
Posted by: MRod at September 28, 2006 10:36 AM
You know-I was going to mention the 2001 score. I'm a classical musician, so associations like that are not really all that common for me, but it's hard not to hear Johann Strauss' "Beautiful Blue Danube" waltz and not picture spaceships "dancing" (as beautiful a moment on film as I've ever seen--and it's between inanimate objects!). And the opening "Also Sprach Zarathustra," by that "other" Strauss (Richard) is also hard to disassociate with this movie, even after years in classical music.
(Of course, the one I really can't disassociate from this movie is the eerie monolith music, which is from the late avant garde composer Gyogi Ligeti, one of my heroes. It's hard not to hear his choral music and not think about a big giant slab of alien intelligence. Strangely appropriate, too...)
Posted by: Armando at September 28, 2006 10:38 AM
I feel this isn't entirely on point because it's a movie about Beethoven and this is a Beethoven piece, so it's not quite background. That said, the scene when the older Beethoven is conducting "Ode to Joy" and flashes back to being a child when he ran away from his drunk abusive father, undressed, lay down in the pond, and the camera panned away was just about the most breathtaking movie moment ever for me. I mist up just thinking about it.
Posted by: Samantha T at September 28, 2006 10:45 AM
1. i still make mix tapes. they take, on average, a week. sometimes over a month.
2. whoever mentioned johnny cash "man comes around" from the dawn of the dead remake, amen.
3. the beta band. "broken up a ding dong" from igby goes down.
Posted by: breonne at September 28, 2006 10:49 AM
Golden Brown by The Stranglers in Snatch, when the pikey knocks out Gorgeous George. The song at first feels anachronistic to the scene, but on account of the song's progression from whimsical harpsichord to the more dominating airy vocals mirrors the development of the scene and Turkish's speech in a slightly awry, yet perfect manner.
Posted by: Brendan at September 28, 2006 11:28 AM
What a great comment section!
"Someone to Watch over me", I think from Witches of Eastwick -- I picture a blonde, brunette and redhead, all drunk and warbling whenever I hear it.
"Tu A Vo Americano" from The Talented Mr. Ripley and "My Funny Valentine" from the same movie.
That Frank Sinatra song about 16 being a pretty good year from Big Night.
"I've Got You Babe" - Groundhogs Day. It's my favorite movie, I'm not proud!
Posted by: phquaryn at September 28, 2006 11:32 AM
A lot of my favorites have already be listed above, but I'd like to add:
Movies
- Beaches || Bette Midler, "Wind Beneath my Wings" (but I was thrilled when they stopped play it on the radio)
- Real Genius || Thompson Twins, "Everybody wants to rule the world"
- Clueless || "Supermodel" (for the makeover scene) and (the intro scene with) "Kids in America"
- Girl, Interrupted || Argh! I can't pick, it's the whole soundtrack but especially the scene with "Time has come today."
- Forrest Gump || This is another one where the half the soundtrack reminds you of the movie, but especially "It keeps you running" and "Against the wind."
TV
- ER episode #? (where Onspaugh's kid dies) || Green Day, "Time of your Life"
Posted by: Kara at September 28, 2006 12:01 PM
Ileana Douglas ice-skating at the end of "To Die For" to "Season of the Witch" by Donovan.
Perfect.
Posted by: dickie at September 28, 2006 12:57 PM
I've got to say "Paint it Black" by the Stones at the end of the Devil's Advocate. It's another one that mostly plays over the end credits, but that song always calls to mind Pacino's cocky little smile right before they roll.
Posted by: adamae at September 28, 2006 1:45 PM
Everybody Wants to Rule the World at the end of Real Genius is Tears for Fears.
Ooh,ooh,ooh......adamae reminded me...not a big Stones fan, but "Sympathy for the Devil" at the end of "Interview with the Vampire" when the dreaded Lestat/Tommy C. ends up in Christian Slater's car, after just hearing about him all night.
Posted by: BonBon at September 28, 2006 2:16 PM
Hey, the aria's name in Shawshank Redemption is "Sull'Aria". Its performed by Renee Flemming, who is absolutely amazing.
Also, someone above made a Silence of the Lambs mention, and it reminded me of my favorite moment from a movie that goes with the music. Goodbye Horses!!! Anytime I hear that, I either think of Silence of the Lambs or Clerks II (although both scenes are similar!) and laugh hysterically.
Posted by: James at September 28, 2006 2:43 PM
Rocky I can't believe you mentioned "The Israelites" I LOVE that song. My roommate bought his CD because of that movie and then put that song on "repeat" and promptly passed out. I had to listen to that song all night and I STILL LOVE IT. That's the real test, right there.
Can anyone hear Kenny Loggins' "Holiday Road" without thinking of Chevy Chase and Beverly D'Angelo in a loaded-up station wagon?
Posted by: GoBigRed at September 28, 2006 3:02 PM
"Dr. Pepper? What about the phone company that uses that 5-6-7-8's song from the end of "Kill Bill Vol. 1" (sorry, I don't know what it's called)? Talk about disturbing associations! "
The 3 songs by the 5.6.7.8's in the KillBill 1 are
Woo Hoo
I'm Blue
I Walk Like Jayne Mansfield (only 5.6.7.8 original track)
Posted by: Brian at September 28, 2006 3:10 PM
"Ooh,ooh,ooh......adamae reminded me...not a big Stones fan, but "Sympathy for the Devil" at the end of "Interview with the Vampire" when the dreaded Lestat/Tommy C. ends up in Christian Slater's car, after just hearing about him all night. "
Actually a cover by Axl and whoever was in GunsN'Roses at that time
Posted by: Brian at September 28, 2006 3:11 PM
Yes! the Buffalo Bill scene in Silence of the Lambs! Dancing around in his skin suit while that song plays is so disturbing.
And Grosse Pointe Blank? That song is "I Can See Clearly Now" by Johnny Nash. Awesome tune.
Posted by: Go Big Red at September 28, 2006 3:18 PM
I wish somebody else had said this so I wouldn't have to.
"I Want Candy" from Private School. Everytime I hear that song I get... anxious.
Posted by: Dan at September 28, 2006 4:04 PM
Has anyone seen the film All About Lily Chou Chou? It's just got the most brilliant original soundtrack I've heard. Shiori's kite scene is one of the most affecting things I have ever seen. The music is just so perfect. It's also got lots of Debussy piano pieces-I honestly can't recommend this film enough. The rice fields stay with you forever, I swear.
Also "Playground Love" by Air in the Virgin Suicides. It just sets up the mood perfectly. And Bach playing pver Mitsuko's death in Battle Royale. So beautifully done.
My favourite use of music in The Royal Tenenbaums was actually "Stephanie Says" by the Velvet Underground playing over the falcon flying over the city. I adore that song and it was used to fantastic effect.
Posted by: Hug at September 28, 2006 4:14 PM
Stephie--I am so glad that you said this...I was thinking the EXACT same thing and reading the comments to see if anyone else though the same thing. I hear that song in my car and all I can picture is the guy on the meat hook and the guy falling out of the garbage truck. Great song, though!!
"stephie at September 27, 2006 12:48 PM" wrote:
I can't hear "Layla" by Derrick and the Dominoes without thinking of the dead body montage in Goodfellas. The end of that song will forever in my mind have a mobster dangling from a meat hook.
Posted by: wskelley at September 28, 2006 4:16 PM
I thought the song in ChungKing Express was 'California Dreaming' rather than 'Hotel California'?
Posted by: wozzle at September 28, 2006 4:17 PM
Oh--and how could I forget "You're The Best...Around" by Joe Esposito, from The Karate Kid!! I love that song (haha)...very inspirational!
Posted by: wskelley at September 28, 2006 4:19 PM
Rocky - thanks for the kudos on the Gipsy Kings version of Hotel California. just knowing Jesus is about to come on, just as Philip Seymore Haufman says, "well, we just don't know Dude" and the classical flamenco guitar kicks in - its just pure power.
as for really, really, really shitty guilty pleasures, "You're the best.....AROUND" by Joe Esposito from the Karate Kid, during the tournament montage. i mean, that's just so awful its inspiring.
Posted by: Keith at September 28, 2006 4:23 PM
One of my favorite ironic cinematic moments is in Almost Famous when Penny gets her stomach pumped to the tune of Stevie Wonder's "Ma Cheri Amour". Every time I hear that song, it's all I can think of.
Posted by: Evelyn at September 28, 2006 4:25 PM
did that really get posted four minutes before my comment? that's really frightening.
Posted by: keith at September 28, 2006 4:26 PM
this might not exactly qualify (and i might be accused of trying a little too hard here), but does anybody else here associate "Dont Fear the Reaper" with More Cowbell?
Posted by: Keith at September 28, 2006 4:32 PM
yay i'm glad someone else mentioned the way Scrubs used "Hallelujah", even though i liked the rufus wainwright verison better. (that song is so overused now though. "without a trace" used it well, but the first episode of the crapfest that is "saved" used it AND "hurt" in a one-two punch. less is more, guys.)
also, it may just be because I know the opera pretty well, but the use of "una furtiva lagrima" as the evil jonathan rhys meyers theme in Match Point was fantastic. it's so mournful, yet at the same time about something that should be happy. really a good choice.
Posted by: Ryan at September 28, 2006 5:03 PM
The Mockingbird Song from the opening credits in Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. The movie is not great but I love the book and absolutely love Savannah and since I have never heard that song used anywhere else, it is only associated with my most favorite vacation destination ever.
Posted by: Jennifer at September 28, 2006 5:04 PM
Love this post/thread! Here are my picks:
El Bosco, "Nirvana" - from the final scene of Millions
Counting Crows, "Colorblind" - Sebastian and Annette sleep together in Cruel Intentions
Frou Frou, "Let Go" - final scene of Garden State
Three Dog Night, "Eli's Coming" - another great one from Sports Night
Yaz, "Only You" - final scene of Can't Hardly Wait
Radiohead, "Talk Show Host" - Leo on the beach in Romeo + Juliet
OK, that's all for now. Damn, I love soundtracks.
Posted by: Becca at September 28, 2006 5:44 PM
Have to give shout outs to Kev Smith for some excellent music use in Clerks II...Smashing Pumpkin's 1979 and (especially) Soul Asylum's Misery were used absolutely perfectly. As was, of course, Goodbye Horses.
I have to say, and example of bad use of music is The Girl Next Door, a movie which I actually dug a lot. But there was a bunch of great songs (say, for example What's Goin On - possibly the finest song ever written) matched to completely inappropriate scenes. It's like the dude just wanted to throw all his favourite songs in the movie without even considering whether they'd fit.
Posted by: Arran at September 28, 2006 6:22 PM
Great thread. I don't think anyone's mentioned Aimee Mann's cover of Nilsson's "One" at the beginning of "Magnolia," so there it is... which brings to mind another "Amadeus" song/scene where his mother-in-law is screaming at him and is transformed into "The Queen of the Night."
Posted by: kd at September 28, 2006 6:33 PM
Oh, and anyone who's seen the movie M will probably never think of that Grieg tune without thinking of Peter Lorre's character buying a little girl a balloon in order to get her to go with him so he can molest and murder her. And the melody plays an important role in catching him, too, so it's especially memorable.
Posted by: Kris at September 28, 2006 6:44 PM
"Sarah Polley's track on The Sweet Hereafter (I forget the name of the song)"
She did a lot of the music, but I think you're thinking of "Courage" near the end of the film. It's a cover of a Canadian band called The Tragically Hip. Very awesome and fitting for a very awesome movie.
NW
Posted by: Noel at September 28, 2006 7:21 PM
Snaps to Cait who mentioned the Johnny Cash song "Hurt" on Smallville. I couldn't even watch the show much after that because it just couldn't be topped.
Was it the Prom episode on Buffy the Vampire Slayer where Buffy slow danced with Angel to Mazzy Star's "Fade into You"? Because it devastated.
And "Shout" from Animal House. I know. I know.
And the group sing of "Say a Little Prayer" in My Best Friend's Wedding. It saved the whole film for me.
Posted by: Greer at September 28, 2006 8:03 PM
THANK YOU for including Pump Up The Volume. My favorite movie of all time. Long Live Happy Harry Hard-On!
Posted by: HurricaneJessiee at September 28, 2006 8:27 PM
Dustin you are a clever man. Your wife is a lucky woman.
Posted by: Heather at September 28, 2006 8:42 PM
"as for really, really, really shitty guilty pleasures, "You're the best.....AROUND" by Joe Esposito from the Karate Kid, during the tournament montage. i mean, that's just so awful its inspiring."
...or even better, the same song, except in "It's Always Sunny in Philadelhpia" during the steroid montage. So funny...
Posted by: Matt at September 28, 2006 8:55 PM
Maxine Nightingale's "Right Back Where We Started From" in Slap Shot
If you see the original version of the movie, there are a lot of different songs on the soundtrack but they got replaced for the home video and broadcast versions, and this song got used over and over again. Not that it's a bad tune but it's inseparable from this movie
Melanie's "Brand New Key" from Dirk's 'audition' with Rollergirl in Boogie Nights
I could come up with at least two more for Boogie Nights, including Night Ranger's "Sister Christian" and Beach Boys' "God Only Knows"
Peter, Paul, & Mary's "If I Had A Hammer" from Confessions of a Dangerous Mind
That song gets played a lot in that movie but the PP&M version works well in Chuck's 'Go ahead and shoot me' scene
Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come" from Malcolm X
Just so haunting, almost ominous
Posted by: Alex at September 28, 2006 8:59 PM
Oh wow how could i have mixed up california dreaming and hotel california fron Chungking Express, oh wait "the big lebowski" has been mentioned at least a dozen times... yeah that must be it
Posted by: matt at September 28, 2006 9:14 PM
Great article!
I'd definitely add Mama Cass' "Make Your Own Kind Of Music" from the Season 2 opener of "Lost." It was always one of my favorite songs, but now it's completely tied to Desmond and the Hatch.
Posted by: Jay at September 28, 2006 10:17 PM
While I concur with all of your choices, I must add that I also thought the scene in Vanilla was perfect. However, there was a better one...the music that was playing at the very end, when he is on the roof talking to his "Tech Support" was, for lack of a better word, "Moving".
I heard that song played on XM Radio, and was immediately reminded of that great scene. I just wish I knew the name of the song!
I have no idea if this has been said yet or if you'll ever read this, but the song is called Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating in Space by the band Spiritualized.
Posted by: Ryan at September 28, 2006 10:30 PM
Hard Time Killing Floor Blues from "O Brother..." Absolutely haunting in context.
Posted by: Sally at September 28, 2006 10:53 PM
I believe I mentioned earlier that the song near the end of Vanilla Sky was by Sigur Ros, but here's a little more info for the couple of people who were wondering about it: it's the fourth track from their 2002 album () - yes, those two brackets are the title. It's sometimes referred to as "The Nothing Song", but on the actual album it, like all the other tracks, has no title. www.sigur-ros.co.uk has it for download in the "media" section.
Posted by: Arran at September 28, 2006 11:20 PM
Has to be Dire Straits' "Brothers in Arms" from the extraordinary episode of The West Wing, Two Cathedrals, as the President and his men head to the press conference in the rain.
Extraordinary powerful end to the season.
Posted by: ip at September 28, 2006 11:25 PM
ip beats us all. We're all morons for missing that. Egads. Great choice.
thanks so much for the fantastic entry! can you make this a regular (or semi regular?) feature?
here are some that might make an appearance on my quasi mix tape thingy:
Laurel Canyon - In A Funny Way by Mercury Rev (perfect song for frances mcdormand's character in this movie, also perfect for a canyon country drive)
Velvet Goldmine - The Fat Lady of Limbourg by Brian Eno (yum, christian bale in horn-rimmed glasses researching mysterious vanished glam rocker)
Platoon - Tracks of My Tears by Smokey Robinson (willem dafoe was so lovable and sweet in this scene)
Kill Bill Vol II - About Her by Malcolm Mclaren
Almost Famous - Tangerine by Led Zeppelin (crowe squeezed this song in at the very end, but i like it even better than tiny dancer)
L.A. Confidential - Hit The Road To Dreamland by Betty Hutton (amazing montage--lots of great cheerful jazzy songs in this film nestled amongst the pathos, corruption, violence etc)
O Brother Where Art Thou? - Didn't Leave Nobody But The Baby by Emmylou Harris, Allison Krauss, and Gillian Welch (very scary and sexy, yet always makes me think of George Clooney saying about the toad "I just don't think that's Pete.")
Snatch - Cross The Tracks (We Better Go Back) by Maceo and the Macks (perfect song for Tyrone, Vince, and Sol and the squeaky dog)
The Beach - 8 Ball by Underworld (a really crappy movie with a really awesome soundtrack)
The Big Easy - Tell It Like It Is by Aaron Neville (one of the sexiest songs ever)
Trainspotting - Perfect Day by Lou Reed (the shot of Ewan sinking into the floor was absolutely gorgeous)
Posted by: leah at September 28, 2006 11:40 PM
What a great list. Would make a great book: Movielovers Great Soundtrack Guide, or something like that but less stupid sounding.
The list made me think of Pat Garett and Billy the Kid. Not a great movie. Really all I remember of it is Chill Wills (I think he was the actor) as the dying sheriff while Bob Dylan sang "Knockin on Heaven's Door". I always think of that scene and think of my own mortality when I hear that song./
Posted by: dyslexic at September 29, 2006 12:37 AM
Sia's Breathe Me in the final scene in the final episode of Six Feet Under. Beautifully haunting.
The perfect ending.
Posted by: jen at September 29, 2006 12:54 AM
I know The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou is pretty much everybody's least favorite Wes Anderson movie, but I have a real soft spot for it, and hearing pretty much any song from the soundtrack starts the scene it's in running in my mind. Particularly the Zombies' "The Way I Feel Inside", which is played during the funeral at sea. Wes Anderson/Mark Mothersbraugh soundtracks always define songs for me (Oh La La to the max!)
My guess is that the vast majority of people have never seen A Thousand Clowns, an excellent old movie (1965) sadly forgotten by almost everybody except for my dad (it's his favorite movie ever). Part romance, part family drama, part weird comedy and part wrestling match with the modern world - it's sort of like a precursor to some of the better indie movies out these days. Anyway, two of the characters sing and play "Yes, Sir, That's my Baby" on ukelele, and I can't think of the song without thinking of the movie, and vise versa. Seriously, track it down if you ever have the chance.
Posted by: Erica at September 29, 2006 2:24 AM
Jaan Pehechaan Ho, the song at the very beginning of Ghost World, with its super-energetic Bollywood dance, juxtaposed with the weird American characters...priceless. That song has graced nearly every mix CD (sorry! no tapes) I've made since that movie came out.
and much love to those above me who mentioned Cucurrucucu in Talk to Her and Sister Christian in Boogie Nights.
ALSO, the beginning of the Labyrinth, when Jennifer Connelly is running through the park with her fluffy dog, and we hear the first strains of David Bowie's excellent soundtrack. "It's only forever, not long at all..."
Posted by: emily at September 29, 2006 2:47 AM
Here are some of my choices, for what they're worth:
1. "Soulful Strut" by Young-Holt Unlimited - I can't hear this without thinking of that cool handshake thing that (pre-coke, pre-drama, and totally-adorable) Lindsay Lohan does in "The Parent Trap."
2. "Don't Fear The Reaper" by Blue Oyster Cult - jmurae, I think everyone thinks "More Cowbell" when they hear the intro...
3. "Danke Schoen/Twist and Shout" - the Ferris Bueller on a parade float scene. Enough said. :)
4. "Pick Up The Pieces" by Average White Band - Someone mentioned that this is from "Swingers," but I always associated this with "Superman II," because it plays a couple of times in the movie, or the "Wake Up Wakefield" skit on SNL (which was supposed to be a "morning show" for some middle school; the intro music was "Pick Up The Pieces" played very badly by this junior high jazz band). Either way I can't hear this song without thinking of Kryptonians and/or bad junior high jazz bands.
5. "Canned Heat" by Jamiroquai - Long before "Napoleon Dynamite" came out I always thought of that movie "Center Stage" because 1. my teacher actually used this for our dance final (DANCE!) and 2. cheesy movie or not, those thirteen-ish fouettes the main character does at the end (dance...dance...dance...dance...) are unforgettable.
6. "Because" by Elliott Smith - The haunting end to "American Beauty."
Greer, the song in Buffy's prom episode was "Wild Horses" by The Sundays... the soundtrack to my own awkward teenage romances.
Dustin, I liked your inclusion of "If You Want to Sing Out, Sing Out" because I actually went to high school near the cliff where they shot the end scene of "Harold and Maude"... I passed it every day on the way to and from school, and there were many, many mornings that I wanted to drive my car off that same cliff.
Posted by: Joanne at September 29, 2006 3:23 AM
I just noticed that a lot of my choices sound really, really juvenile and/or mainstream/plebeian/unhip/etc, but I think there's enough obscure indie cred in these lists to outweigh my choices...
Posted by: Joanne at September 29, 2006 3:28 AM
Great list! However, I cannot believe that nobody has mentioned Dazed and Confused yet! Free Ride by Edgar Winter and Hurricane by Dylan are infused in my brain with this movie.
Posted by: Brian at September 29, 2006 5:49 AM
"Poison" by Bell Biv Devoe is forever linked with Turk on Scrubs for me now.
Posted by: dickie at September 29, 2006 9:03 AM
How about the last episode of the first Nip/Tuck season with the Carver, when he's got Christian hogtied and all you see is the knife and a single tear running down Christian's paralyzed cheek, and "All I Know" by Art Garfunkel plays:
I bruise you
You bruise me
We both bruise
Too easily
Or "Don't Stop me Now" from Shaun of the Dead
Posted by: Uncle Mikey at September 29, 2006 9:40 AM
Len's "Steal My Sunshine" from the movie Go! Love that movie!
Posted by: Helcat at September 29, 2006 9:44 AM
Brian-
How weird! I was just saying yesterday how much I love that movie and haven't seen it in years. Peter Frampton's "Show Me the Way" sticks out from that movie. As does the classic, "Lowrider."
Love the paddle scenes where Ben Affleck's paddle says: FAH-Q! HA! And the other guy's is named: SOUL POLE!
Posted by: Helcat at September 29, 2006 9:46 AM
Brian-
How weird! I was just saying yesterday how much I love that movie and haven't seen it in years. Peter Frampton's "Show Me the Way" sticks out from that movie. As does the classic, "Lowrider."
Love the paddle scenes where Ben Affleck's paddle says: FAH-Q! HA! And the other guy's is named: SOUL POLE!
Posted by: Helcat at September 29, 2006 9:53 AM
"Poison" by Bell Biv Devoe is forever linked with Turk on Scrubs for me now.
Posted by: dickie at September 29, 2006 09:03 AM
Ah, dickie, one of the best "Scrubs" moments ever. Bring back the air band!
I also had to mention the ending of "A Life Less Ordinary" and the use of Gladys Knight's (and the Pips') "If I were your woman". I love that song anyway, but that song plus Ewan in a kilt was a bit much to handle, even though the rest of the movie was just blah.
Posted by: em at September 29, 2006 10:10 AM
When I hear Loverboy's "Workin' For the Weekend" I think of Grand Theft Auto... same with Twisted Sister's "I Wanna Rock". Too much wasted time on that game.
"I Remember You" - Slim Whitman (House of 1,000 Corpses) Doubt many of you are fans but this is during the long crane shot scene when Otis shoots the Deputy in the head. Chilling.
Not much else to cover, just popping in.
Posted by: The Stew at September 29, 2006 10:15 AM
Sia's Breathe Me in the final scene in the final episode of Six Feet Under. Beautifully haunting.
The perfect ending.Oh, jen, I couldn't agree more...sobbing....sobbing...just beautiful. They did a great job with music throughout SFU.
As for "Don't Fear the Reaper" that IS "The Stand" (this.....is.....hell......)
And, "The Wall".....'nuff said
Posted by: BonBon at September 29, 2006 10:36 AM
The one movie in cinematic history that I equate every song from it with the specific part that it is in is Forrest Gump. That movie did such a wonderful job of making every scene have a distinct feel because of the music that was used in it. And, it allowed those of us who had not grown up in the 50's, 60's, or 70's a chance to see how music changed with time... From a young forest dancing to Elvis' guitar, to Jenny contemplating suicide during Free Bird; from Forest landing in Vietnam with CCR's Fortunate Son to the multitude of other classic scenes in the film.
And, as stated before, Steeler's Wheel's Stuck in the Middle With You will be forever linked to Mr. Blonde's psychotic torturing of the policeman... as will most any song used in a Quentin Tarentino movie. He is the absolute best at making use of a song that you may not have heard in a while, or even ever, and completely reinventing the meaning/translation of the song, simply because of the scene it is used in.
For example: Lime in the Coconut in Reservoir Dogs... and even the song Like a Virgin, due to Tarentino's rant of its actual meaning. Pulp Fiction's Miserlou (the theme song)... while it used to be a surfing anthem, it is now known as the theme to the movie. When I hear "Up on the corner of 10th Street" I can see Pamela Greer from Jackie Brown. Kill Bill also had its moments of soundtrack gold, when the Rza and Robert Rodrigez (sp?) aren't scoring the film.
Posted by: Don at September 29, 2006 11:05 AM
A couple of people have mentioned "California Dreaming" in Chungking Express I prefer Faye Wong's cover of the Cranberries "Dream"(which she calls "Dream Person") It is playing when she first breaks into Tony Leung's apartment and starts remaking is life.
Wong Kar Wai is a great one for music. The scene in Fallen Angels where "she" is listening to the jukebox playing Laurie Anderson's "Speak My Language" is haunting.
Oh, in another vein, running the closing credits of Brick, last year's high school noir over the Velvet Underground's "Sister Ray" was deeply satisfying for some reason.
Posted by: Patrick at September 29, 2006 11:05 AM
Wait wait wait. What about Eye of the Tiger from Rocky!?!? That song is one of the ultimate picker uppers from a movie that is about a person we can all relate to, the underdog. Guaranteed to make me put on my running shoes and go do something the pulsing adrenaline.
Posted by: surly suzie at September 29, 2006 11:45 AM
Frankie Valle & the Four Seasons' "Can't Take My Eyes off of You" in "The Deer Hunter." Christopher Walken is just so haunting in that movie.
Posted by: Samantha T at September 29, 2006 12:43 PM
I love the title track to 24 Hour Party People by Happy Mondays as it plays over the credits. Love it!
Posted by: Luvie at September 29, 2006 1:27 PM
Dude, I'm not familiar with the Bad Brains song you're referencing, so maybe they collaborated for one song or something, but Rollins didn't front Bad Brains, he fronted Black Flag.
Bad Brains was some Rastafarian homophobe.
Posted by: Cory at September 29, 2006 1:36 PM
This is a great discussion. I always think of events in my life in terms of music and still make up mix tapes to fit the "soundtrack." And I've never even bothered to try to explain to anyone why a certain Blue Oyster Cult song ("White Flags") is inextricably connected in my brain to the "Elfquest" series of graphic novels.
I'd include the tracks "Hanging" and "Escape" from the movie "Plunkett and Macleane." I'm constantly frustrated by the use of songs NOT from a particular movie's soundtrack being used in previews for that movie. The first time I remember hearing "Escape" was for the "Romeo Must Die" preview. I rented "P&M" and was overjoyed to find that same amazing track being played as Plunkett rescues Macleane from hanging.
The beautiful "Mad World" song is also used in the opening of a "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" episode.
Minor quibbles:
--The title of the Hot Chocolate song is "You Sexy Thing."
--The title of the Who song is "Baba O'Reilly," God only knows why.
I wish I knew who picked the songs for Quentin Tarantino movie soundtracks (QT himself?) because they are always so PERFECT.
Posted by: Noelegy at September 29, 2006 2:29 PM
Every time I hear "O Mio Babbino Caro" I can't help but think of Helena Bonham Carter and Julian Sands in "A Room With A View".
Posted by: wozzle at September 29, 2006 2:35 PM
great mix. Yuo didn't go for all the obvious choices but put some really great songs on there.... now I want to make a movie mix. dammit
Posted by: cat starr at September 29, 2006 2:41 PM
I'm too lazy to backtrack who said it, but Renee Fleming is not one of the sopranos in the "Shawshank Redemption" Sull'aria. The sopranos are Edith Mathis and Gundula Janowitz.
Glad to see others were equally scarred by "Eaten by the Monster of Love," in Valley Girl. :)
Posted by: HopkinsBella at September 29, 2006 2:43 PM
heres one more for you to add. the scene from in america where the girl is singing desperado. it is absolutely brilliant.
Posted by: dario at September 29, 2006 3:38 PM
Cory, in the movie Pump Up The Volume, there was a cover of MC5's Kick Out The Jams. It was done by Bad Brains during one of the times when HR left the band, and Rollins filled in as the lead singer for the track. A kick-ass version, too.
Posted by: TK at September 29, 2006 3:52 PM
My So-Called Life: Buffalo Tom - Late at Night, when Jordan finally holds Angela's hand in the hallway in the boiler room ep. Violent Femmes - Blister in the Sun, when Angela dances around her room. Veronica Mars: excellent music overall, but specifically: The Dandy Warhols- We Used to Be Friends (duh, opening credits); Veronica - karaoke Elvis Costello cover; so many more.... Freaks and Geeks: Grateful Dead - Ripple, at the end of the last episode when Lindsay and Kim ride off with the hippies in their van.
so many more, but those are the main ones I can think of right now.
Posted by: itti at September 29, 2006 4:27 PM
Armando, you are brilliant. You just SLAYED me with your comment about Europe's "The Final Countdown" making you think of G.O.B. Bluth from Arrested Development every single time you hear it. Lucky for me, I never hear that song, but IF I DID......
Thanks for completely cracking me up!!!
Posted by: Randi at September 29, 2006 5:34 PM
Highlander (series and movie) + Queen (especially "Who Wants to Live Forever")
Posted by: Kris at September 29, 2006 6:02 PM
Such a brilliant listing....well done.
"Billy Elliot" was mentioned but I think the best scene is when he's dancing so angrily to "A Town Called Malice" by the Jam.
I've just seen the trailer of Sofia Coppola's "Marie Antoinette" which is set to "I've lost you" by New Order...I still have chills...
Posted by: Annie at September 29, 2006 6:08 PM
Crying - Roy Orbison from Gummo, absolutely perfect for the last scene....the pool, the dead cat and bunny boy on a rainy day, soooo good.
also again, Crying - Rebeccah del toro from Mullholland Drive....how could this not have been on the list? the first time I saw it made me cry.
Posted by: RayRay at September 29, 2006 6:45 PM
This list is the second best thing the Internet gave me this week, the best thing is the discussion that's been going on after...
What an incredible list of songs! And it comes at a great time as I'm prepping the HOLY GRAIL of mixes for my groovy brother who deserves some good tunes new and old... So let me add to this but with a request: can someone out there in the world wide nets please tell me the name of the song that played during the trailer for Abre los ojos (Open Your Eyes, Vanilla Sky MK. 1), I don't think it's in the movie and I remember the trailer playing before Run, Lola Run and it blew my brains before Lola got a chance to (she still did)...
Anyway, anyone can name that one I'll send VERY good karma your way... And sooooo---
'Bad to the Bone' - from T2 (a guilty pleasure, it fuckin' rocks too),
Overkill - Colin Hay, on Scrubs,
Mama Told Me Not to Come - Three Dog Night, in Fear and Loathing, what a night Johnny had...
Hip to be Square - Huey Lewis, in American Psycho... and Huey didn't want it on the soundtrack...
--and the Charlie Brown music in Arrested Development when everyone's bummed out slays me everytime...
Posted by: Grant at September 29, 2006 7:20 PM
The song "Dreams" by The Cranberries always makes me think of Japanese Buddhist Monks dancing around the monastery after seeing "The Next Karate Kid" about 9 times when I was younger.
I still love that movie.
Its so crap.
OHHH MAN.
And for anyone who has seen "The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert" how can you not picture Hugo Weaving vogueing and Terrance Stamp stomping around with a frown on his face to the song "Finally" by CeCe Peniston?
HILARIOUS!
Posted by: Leanne at September 29, 2006 7:25 PM
Hey, you did a great job here today. I really enjoyed your concept--showing the films and your selections. Damn, It feels good to be a gangsta!
Posted by: d henry at September 29, 2006 8:32 PM
jhupp, thanks for saying 'don't let it bring you down' for american beauty. not on the (amazing) soundtrack but brings me right to that scene every time i hear it. and i forgot all about 'end of the world' playing during that scene in girl interrupted. and i have to see quiz show now.
gotta add: 'i put a spell on you' from stranger than paradise. coincidentally, not on the soundtrack.
Posted by: nicole at September 29, 2006 8:44 PM
I know people mentioned virgin suicides, but I don't think anyone mentioned "magic man" by Heart in that movie when Josh Hartnett is walking down the school hallway.
Then there's "closer" by nine inch nails at the beginning of se7en, and no matter how many times I hear "Suzanne" by Weezer i always think of the end of Mallrats when they're walking off with that chimp.
also, is there anyone left on earth who can hear "time after time" without thinking of romy and michelle???
Posted by: Ellen at September 29, 2006 11:44 PM
How bout "The Man in Me" by Bob Dylan in the Big Lebowski? Brilliant opening to a movie. Or the spanish version of Hotel California that plays when the film first introduces Jesus. Come to think of it, the whole soundtrack to that movie is just awesome.
Posted by: Andy at September 30, 2006 1:18 AM
"How bout "The Man in Me" by Bob Dylan in the Big Lebowski? Brilliant opening to a movie."
how bout a dylan Ending to a movie. Someone mentioned Easy Rider. What got me into Dylan in the first place was "It's alright ma" at the end of the movie. Also haunting.
Another great (almost) ending is the Flower Duet from Lakme in Carlito's Way, when he's watching his woman practice ballet. Excellent.
Posted by: Noel at September 30, 2006 1:57 AM
Another one for Scrubs is when Elliot and J.D. start getting hot and heavy. They are flinging each other around the apartment and what not to The Coral "Dreaming of You." Great song to go with the moment. But I totally agree with the song above and scene. It's my all time favorite scene in any show. I'm still astounded and moved everytime I watch it.
Posted by: Chris at September 30, 2006 4:07 AM
I was hoping someone would mention "Breathe Me" from the Six Feet Under finale. Yay, you did! If I had heard that song by itself, I would have shrugged at it. But in the SFU context? Still gives me goosebumps everytime. Just. PERFECT.
"Needle in the Hay" from the Royal Tenenbaums--where the other Wilson brother shaves his head and then attempts suicide. Gorgeous song, sadly prescient...
In terms of pure cheese, what about
"I Had the Time of My Life" from Dirty Dancing?
Posted by: Lynn at September 30, 2006 4:52 AM
The list shown is mostly touching, effective, scenes where the music amplifies the overall feeling of the movie/tv show.
My favorite uses of music in tv are mostly a little more violent than that....
Ride of the Valkyries - Apocalypse Now
Golden Brown - Snatch, when mickey knocks out the gorgeous george
???? - Snatch, during the scene with the coursing and tyrone getting tortured. If someone could tell me the name of that song id be so thankful.
Fucking in the bushes by Oasis - Snatch -Its basically the theme of the fucking movie, but its used very well in a few scenes
Requiem For a Dream - Requiem for a dream the scene where they take the tv to the pawnshop to sell for drug money
Chariots of fire - Chariots of fire is, and always will be, the best slow motion running song of all time.
And of course the matrix elevator room scene with chemical brothers. That shit is dope.
Posted by: Brendan at September 30, 2006 5:27 AM
The song from Snatch where Tyrone gets run down is called "Disco Science" by Mirwaïs.
I LOVE IT!
I used to listen to it all the time.
ALSO: Another one...
I didn't realize it until I heard the song on TV but I am now going to forever equate the song "Super Freak" by Rick James with Little Miss Sunshine....I kept picturing Abigail Breslin doing that awkward elbows-behind-the-head-pelvic-thrusting move...AHH!
Posted by: Leanne at September 30, 2006 9:26 AM
I don't know if they have posted this one yet but here it goes Better Off Dead the blues song when the black Camaro rolls.
This movie is(in my opinion) the best of 80's teen cinema, cool montage too.
Posted by: BarbadoSlim at September 30, 2006 11:18 AM
great list. i agree w/ lynn about "needle in the hay".
in pulp fiction, that song "girl, you'll be a woman...soon" where uma starts dancing-- that's one of my favorites.
Posted by: javelin at September 30, 2006 11:30 AM
Nice selection. Many of these scenes had the same affect on me. I can remember seeing many of these scenes over the years and immeadiately going to download the songs.
I aboslutely love the Royal Tenembaums soundtrack. Everything on it is great and goes so well with the film.
While the "Elevator Beat" at the end of Vanilla Sky was just scored for the film, I found it to contribute greatly to what I consider one of the best scenes in the movie.
Posted by: William at September 30, 2006 11:33 AM
'Who Will Take Your Dreams Away' by Marianne Faithfull in "Girl on the Bridge." It's one of the most beautiful and haunting scenes I've ever seen.
Posted by: Your Mom at September 30, 2006 11:59 AM
OK. I admit I didn't read all of these 5 billion posts but somewhere in there, I hope someone mentioned Beck's heart breaking ode at the beginning of Eternal Sunshine (of the Spotless Mind). Awww. Fuck. Sooo good.
Posted by: lena at September 30, 2006 1:05 PM
The song being played when the Camaro rolls out of the garage in Better Off Dead is Mannish Boy by Muddy Waters.
Posted by: Brian at September 30, 2006 1:44 PM
Jackson Browne's (with no apologies) "Somebody's Baby" from Fast Times at Ridgemont High.
Nat King Cole's "When I Fall in Love" from Strapless, three years before it was mined by Celine Dion for Sleepless in Seattle.
Posted by: KRK at September 30, 2006 2:24 PM
"Needle In The Hay" by Elliott Smith in The Royal Tenenbaums. Suicide scenes in movies are usually cautionary tales or sappy, but I loved the dignity and choice given to the scene. He PREPARED for what he was doing, and I loved Luke Wilson's stoic look in the mirror.
Siguer Ros "The Nothing Song" at the end of Vanilla Sky. The photo montage of Tom Cruise's whole life, and realizing that he was stuck between two worlds always makes me cry. The song makes you wonder about the choices in your life and who you could have been.
Frou Frou's "Let Go" in Garden State. I liked how the supposedly romantic scene (running back to the girl) didn't come off as romantic but desperate for two people to hold onto something. I play that song on my headphones while standing in Grand Central Station in New York. Over a million people pass by a day, and you wonder how many bits of emotion are rushing past you.
The Pixies "Where Is My Mind" in Fight Club. Not just a great song for a movie, but a great makeout song as well. The song has nothing to do with love or sex, but the backbeat of the bass makes you want to grab onto someone.
Bloodhound Gang "The Roof Is On Fire" in Farenheit 9-11. I love how Michael Moore brings levity to watching human beings get killed. An overwhelming scene with a fun Run DMC song slowed down, bombs going off over the song, and interspersed with bits of Dan Rather commentary and scenes of suicide bombers and screaming women. Gets the absurdity of war across without being preachy.
Not a movie, but one scene that still makes me cry is during The Concert For New York after 9-11, The Who did a live version of "Baba O'Reilly", and you see these men and women in the audience sobbing for people they've lost, but singing along to "Don't cry, don't raise your eyes, it's only teenage wasteland." You feel a mix of total sorrow and total joy, and you can see it on the face of Pete Townsend too; trying to bring dignity to playing this song while the whole world is looking to them for comfort. They sell the concert on DVD. Another good scene is David Bowie sitting with a tiny keyboard alone onstage and plinking out the melody to Simon and Garfunkel's "America."
Posted by: Leanne Scorzoni at September 30, 2006 4:25 PM
In the Tarantino vein: "Strawberry Letter 23" by the Brothers Johnson and Sam Jackson doing the only reasonable thing when faced with Chris Tucker.
..and The Who's "The Seeker" always reminds me the beginning of "The Limey".
Posted by: shrug at September 30, 2006 6:28 PM
Karina brought up a good one. The Crow does use some great mood music, but the best used for me was when they played The Cure during the scene in the loft near the beginning.
Posted by: Smatt584 at September 30, 2006 7:43 PM
"Chariots of fire is, and always will be, the best slow motion running song of all time."
Except, of course, for "I'm Always Here" by Jim Jamison. :P
Posted by: Joanne at September 30, 2006 8:10 PM
Damn, almost forgot, the theme from the Mickey Mouse Club at the end of "Full Metal Jacket". Just thinking of that movie gets that damn song stuck in my head for hours.
Speaking of which, that song that's playing in "Snatch" when they burn Mickey's mum gives me chills every time.
Sinatra's "One More For The Road" from the end of the HBO biopic, "The Ratpack". A perfect song to end a great movie. I had to track it down for my Mp3 after seeing that one.
And thank you, somebody for mentioning Filter's "Hey Man Nice Shot" in TFC's "Demon Night", not a great movie, but a great moment in cinematic/soundtrack history. Definitely not something i would have ponied up to otherwise.
Great discussion topic, but too many more to mention.
Posted by: smatt584 at September 30, 2006 9:18 PM
Great comments!!
Here's one that hasn't been mentioned: "Take Five," in Pleasantville. Not a great movie, but a pretty darn good scene - the two things that first bring color to a staid, black & white town are sex -- and jazz.
Posted by: Gina at October 1, 2006 3:04 AM
I love Blue by Angie Hart that was used in the season 7 episode of Buffy 'Conversations with Dead People'. Its even cooler because Joss Whedon co-wrote the song.
I think Scrubs in general uses music really effectively, no specifics are coming to mind but I've always thought it had great, appropriate music.
Songbird (don't know who sang it) was used in an Alias episode once, its quite an old song, but they used it really beautifully in the episode.
I know, I know "Suddenly 30" (I think it might have been called something else in places other than Australia) isn't exactly high art, but I love Jennifer Garner (and come on, as far as flicks-to-watch-whilst-babysitting-your-younger-cousins go, its pretty good!) and I've always loved the use of Billy Joel's Vienna in that.
Harking back to high school, the I Don't Want to Wait theme from Dawson's Creek was great at the time, and to me really iconic of a certain highschool summer, and will always be tied to the show, however, I've heard that on the recent re-release of the shows on DVD, they had to remove all traces of the song due to copyright issues... anyone else hear that? To me it just wouldn't be the same watching a still-cute-and-decidedly-normal-pre-scientology-pre-tom-cruise Katie (not Kate) Holmes and co. scale the heights of adolescence without that song.
Posted by: Jess at October 1, 2006 3:43 AM
Thanks for including that Magnolia sequence. Truly one of my favorite films of all time.
Posted by: Halfmad at October 1, 2006 11:01 AM
Have to add in:
Freaks and Geeks, the scene where Lindsey's boyfriend sings "Lady" by Styx to her...she's such an amazing actress in that scene, equal parts touched and horrified.
And since Jess mentioned Billy Joel, there's also a wonderful F&G sequence where the three geeks are befriended by a gorgeous new girl who hasn't yet slipped away into the "popular" crowd, and she joins them for an afternoon of shooting off rockets in a parking lot. All three boys are in love with her, and BIlly Joel's "Rosalinda's Eyes" is the perfect capture of how they all feel.
Posted by: Halfmad at October 1, 2006 11:06 AM
"I know people mentioned virgin suicides, but I don't think anyone mentioned "magic man" by Heart in that movie when Josh Hartnett is walking down the school hallway."
YES! That movie got on my nerves in a big way, but that scene was great. Made me realize how rare it is to show teenage girls' lust onscreen.
Posted by: Samantha T at October 1, 2006 1:37 PM
"heres one more for you to add. the scene from in america where the girl is singing desperado. it is absolutely brilliant."
Funny: I associate that song with an episode of Seinfeld (where Elaine is dating a guy who considers "Desperado" "HIS song." "Witchy Woman" (by Santana?) has the same association in my mind because of the same episode.
Which only goes to show how these kinds of associations are formed. This would make an interesting book...
Posted by: Armando at October 1, 2006 3:33 PM
Armando, you are brilliant. You just SLAYED me with your comment about Europe's "The Final Countdown" making you think of G.O.B. Bluth from Arrested Development every single time you hear it. Lucky for me, I never hear that song, but IF I DID......
Thanks for completely cracking me up!!!
Posted by: Randi at September 29, 2006 05:34 PM
>>
Heh-heh. Glad I could make your day, Randi.
Posted by: Armando at October 1, 2006 3:35 PM
I loved this piece--mix tapes pretty much defined the relationship between me and my first serious boyfriend. I still have some old ones, complete with the audible cassette player "click" between songs. I especially loved that you included the final song from Harold and Maude, which has one of my favorite soundtracks evah!
I'll have to add some to the ever-growing list going here:
Simon and Garfunkel's "At the Zoo" from The Graduate,
Bob Dylan's "The Man in Me" from The Big Lebowski (an all-around great soundtrack there),
and of course Roy Orbison's "In Dreams" from Blue Velvet.
Lots of good ones, but several classics that were missed.
"The Entertainer" by Scott Joplin in The Sting. Forever linked to that movie.
"Raindrops keep falling on my head" by BJ Thomas in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Katherine Ross on the bicycle. Awesome.
"Call Me" by Blondie in American Gigolo. Used throughout, including a synth version. Richard Gere doing those hanging situps...it was then I knew what my chosen profession would be. ;) And, Lauren Hutton...Yowsa.
Ravel's "Bolero" in Ten. The soundtrack of seduction for the early 80s.
Posted by: tron at October 1, 2006 11:31 PM
Jess, the Jennifer Garner movie was '13 Going on 30' in the States.
Posted by: The Stew at October 2, 2006 9:24 AM
"As for "Don't Fear the Reaper" that IS "The Stand" (this.....is.....hell......)
Posted by: BonBon at September 29, 2006 10:36 AM"
Absolutely! :)
Posted by: Loob at October 2, 2006 11:27 AM
From Dawn of the Dead , Richard Cheese & Lounge Against the Machine's cover of Disturbed's "Down With the Sickness", the scene where they are shooting the people off the roof.
"I got Leno!"
Posted by: Tara at October 2, 2006 11:31 AM
Bob Dylan's "Things Have Changed", from Wonder Boys.
And at the end of The Big Lebowski, (sigh! Ahh Jeffrey)
"Viva Las Vegas" as sung by Shawn Colvin.
Posted by: Loob at October 2, 2006 11:34 AM
I assume that either I am the only fan of "Lost" and "28 Days Later" here, or I am the only one that loved these scenes. Or someone else mentioned them and I missed it.
"Lost" S. 1 Ep. 3 - Wash Away by Joe Purdy as the outro.
"28 Days Later" - East Hastings by GodSpeed! You Black Emperor during the first empty street scene.
during the beatdown in washington square park in KIDS
RIP harold hunter
Posted by: brandt at October 2, 2006 3:05 PM
May have missed it, but didn't see my favorite from "Big Lebowski" mentioned: crazy dancing with giant bowling balls after being drugged. "..I just checked in to see what condition my condition was in..."
Posted by: biscuits at October 2, 2006 4:11 PM
Pretty much the entire movie Empire Records is a great mix tape.
Posted by: Jarrett at October 2, 2006 9:55 PM
Ok no one's done this but the scene in Toy Story where all of Buzz's things are replacing Woody's in the bedroom and Randy Newman's strange things is playing. Makes me go all 'aww'.
Posted by: JC at October 2, 2006 10:09 PM
My absolute favorite moment is the beginning of Sexy Beast, when The Strangler's "Peaches" plays as you watch Ray Winstone's character broiling in the sun.... so freaking brilliant!
Huge, huge kudos to the mention of "Talk Show Host" in Luhrmann's Romeo + Juliet. The mental image of Leonardo smoking a cigarette in that gorgeous scenery, to the muted strains of Radiohead, was forever burned in my love-struck, 14 year old retinas.
Posted by: Allison at October 2, 2006 10:20 PM
i second "the final countdown" it is a running gag within my house hold when GOB want's to get into "Poof" magazine and he keeps saying he wants to get into that "Poof" and the guy behind him in the office is all hmmmm. Then GOB ends up being the Poof-Goof. That show is so funny. Also props for the Donnie Darko. That is so beautiful.
Posted by: ab at October 3, 2006 2:01 AM
Never posted before but my geeky soundtrack-lovin side couldn't resist.
What about Chris Farley and David Spade belting out the Carpenters' "Superstar"?
Also, Barry Manilow's "Daybreak" from Serial Mom? I can't hear that song without growling along in my best Kathleen Turner voice.
Posted by: porkchop at October 3, 2006 3:02 AM
What A Difference A Day Makes by Dinah Washington in that grocery-store robbing scene in Run Lola, Run. Brilliant.
Posted by: Gina at October 3, 2006 12:45 PM
There's this semi-awful movie that came out years ago called "Love, Honour and Obey" with Jude Law, Jonny Lee Miller, Sadie Frost, and Ray Winstone, and the opening credits are set to this funny karaoke scene--every member of the cast jumps in on this rendition of this cheesy song called "Avenues and Alleyways". For some reason I think it's brilliant. Plus that song sticks in my head like no other.
There are a few others (and sorry if these are repeats)--
Gael Garcia Bernal singing "Quizas quizas quizas" in "La mala educacion" (while in drag and still managing to look fine), the awesome scene from Scrubs when Cox loses his best friend and Coldplay's "Everything's not lost" plays (not a huge Coldplay fan, but damnit, a few of their songs are good), and since I just saw it again this weekend, "Cancion de Mariachi" from the opening of "Desperado". What can I say, I likes me the Antonio.
Posted by: em at October 3, 2006 3:00 PM
two movies with songs that go perfectly with the opening credit helicopter shots of their cities:
"We Are Family" by Pointer Sisters over opening credit shots of Miami Beach in all its neon, flamingoed glory for The Birdcage.
"I Happen to Like New York" by Cole Porter, sung by the late Bobby Short, for the opening credits of Manhattan Murder Mystery as we are shown black and white shots of old twenties and thirties NYC interspersed with grand flyovers of the Bklyn Bridge, etc.
What a great thread.
Posted by: lennyx at October 3, 2006 4:09 PM
"Gael Garcia Bernal singing "Quizas quizas quizas" in "La mala educacion" (while in drag and still managing to look fine)"
That movie was fucking brilliant - the use of music was just one thing that worked perfectly. GGB is one of the finest actors of our time. The "Moon River" in Spanish scene gave me chills, too - for many reasons.
Posted by: Samantha T at October 3, 2006 6:59 PM
virgin suicides has great integration of the period music, "crazy on oyu" when kirsten dunst's character sneak into john harnet's car for that quick kiss, harnets strut as mentioned before, the scences at the dance, and then at the end where they play music through the phone... ahh so good
cant wait to see Marie Antonnet
Posted by: matt at October 3, 2006 9:40 PM
Take Thats "Back for good" has never sounded better then when it was used in the british version of The Office. The chritmas special when Dawn comes back from america and finally realises she should be with Tim, they then walk out of the office together with this playing in the background. Magic.
Posted by: Kate at October 3, 2006 10:35 PM
1. Man Comes Around by Johnny Cash from opening credits of recent Dawn of the Dead remake
Absolutely apocalyptic and somehow upbeat at the same time
2. Abide with Me (hymn) sung w/o instruments in 28 Days Later
This song plays as three survivors walk around desolate London after the city is emptied by a virus/zombies. It is absolutely haunting.
3. American Girl by Tom Petty and HBs from Silence of the Lambs
This song humanized the politician's daughter right before she was abducted by Buffalo Bill.
4. Old Landmark by James Brown in Blues Brothers
The BBs are in a church when they receive the call to go on their "mission from God." JB and the choir sing this as all heaven breaks loose.
Thanks, Sam T, for another great song/scene I'd forgotten about --"Moon River" in Spanish when he and the priest...right? Oh, yeah. Anyway, best use of "Moon River" ever. Gorgeous. And everyone for mentioning The Virgin Suicides soundtrack and The Big Lebowski (my brother's favorite movie of all time). Wasn't this fun?
Posted by: Vivian Girl at October 4, 2006 12:00 PM
Vivian Girl - it's totally on You Tube. Just re-watched it. God, I love that movie.
Posted by: Samantha T at October 4, 2006 4:59 PM
Good call for "Good Vibrations," but the moment I prefer in Vanilla Sky is when Tom Cruise leaves Penelope Cruz's after an all night session of talking about everything and, having name checked Jeff Buckley earlier, "Last Goodbye" plays as he walk to the car. What I love about that moment, is the song itself sounds on the surface like a chipper song. It's got a great guitar riff, upbeat, it makes you feel happy (as Cruise is feeling at the moment), but when you listen to the lyrics, it's all sadnesss. "Kiss me, please kiss me, kiss me out of desire, baby, not consolation" is one of the most heartbreaking lyrics ever. The happiness of the instrumental is contrasted with the sadness of the lyrics, just as the happiness that Cruise is feeling is soon to be contrasted with his life going apesh*t.
Perfect moment from a master of music in movies.
Posted by: Crystal at October 4, 2006 6:41 PM
I thought Sigur Rós' score in Vanilla Sky was the best one of them all.
What I'd add to the list would be:
"Number of the Beast" by Billy Corgan in Spun, during the opening credit
"Blood On The Motorway" by DJ Shadow in Dot The i
Posted by: Clay at October 4, 2006 8:41 PM
Rocky theme - How is it that no one has mentioned this?
Deliverance - Dueling Banjos - Again, no one said this?
Good call, Axegrinder! I love the Rocky theme - it legitimately makes me misty because I think of him getting up early and all the kids chasing him through Philadelphia.
Posted by: Samantha T at October 5, 2006 3:32 PM
i'm not sure if anyone's mentioned them yet, but i have to add a couple to this list:
"spooky" by dusty springfield - in lock stock and two smoking barrels
"total eclipse of the heart" - will ferrel's wedding dance in old school
Posted by: zara at October 6, 2006 3:23 AM
i couldnt resist adding a couple more:
"video killed the radio star" from empire records
bobby darrin's "beyond the sea" at the end of finding nemo
"unchained melody" from ghost
Posted by: zara at October 6, 2006 4:05 AM
and who could forget tom cruise dancing around the house pantsless in risky business to bob seger's "old time rock and roll"
Posted by: sp at October 6, 2006 4:11 AM
Twilight Zone The Movie - Midnight Special by CCR - Opening Story w/ Dan Ackroyd. "Do you want to see something really scary?"
Good Morning, Vietnam - What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong
Love Me If You Dare - La Vie en Rose by Edith Piaff - Played repeatedly through this bizarre, French love story
Napoleon Dynamite opening credits- White Stripes "We Are Going to Be Friends" - The
quirkiness of this movie is perfectly introduced
Hurricane (w/ Denzel Washington) - The Revolution Will Not Be Televised by Gil Scott-Heron - during boxing montage
Beautiful Girls - Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond - Timothy Hutton plays as his friends sing along
"with a little help from my friends" by Joe Cocker in the opening credits for "Wonder Years"
Posted by: goldend at October 6, 2006 10:25 PM
All the songs in Labyrinth, 'cos David Bowie!
David Bowie acting and singing, the beautiful Jennifer Connelly, mystical stuff, and the only musical I know all the words to, songs and dialogue. :)
Posted by: Loob at October 7, 2006 11:53 AM
Grant: Thank you so much! I thought I was gonna bust if I didn't see a mention of Colin Hay's 'Overkill' on Scrubs! I hated that song when I first bought the Men At Work LP all those years ago, but absolutely love the acoustic version, which I've played my CD mix of well over 100 times now.
Posted by: Tony at October 7, 2006 1:55 PM
im a little late hitting this but......faith no more's "falling to pieces" in black hawk down. i cant hear that song and not see people loading guns in my head anymore......and master of puppets by metallica from old school, when theyre kidnapping the pledges in the a team van...sweet!!
Posted by: bill at October 7, 2006 8:12 PM
Suicide is Painless - MASH
Passive from A Perfect Circle - Constantine, when Keanu walks into the zombie bar.
Strange Magic from ELO - Virgin Suicides, when they dance. Fits so perfect to the mood and even to the dresses they're wearing :)
Posted by: Yetused at October 9, 2006 1:13 AM
I haven't been able to read the entire thread, but somehow the use of the peaceful "Atlantis" by Donovan mixed with the violence used in "Goodfellas" has always been one of my favorite movie bits. There's my vote.
"Where I wanna be...she may be..."
Posted by: Green Lantern at October 13, 2006 8:32 AM
I really enjoyed this piece. Too bad I just now had the chance to read it. My entries are:
The Killing Moon-Echo and the Bunnymen-Opening of Donnie Darko. Absolutely beautiful! I was very disappointed that the opening song was changed to INXS-Never Tear Us Apart on the Director's Cut. It just isn't the same.
Search and Destroy-The Stooges-The Life Aquatic. The scene where Steve Zissou and his crew bust into Alistair Hennessey's (Jeff Goldblum's) underwater sea lab.
Run-Air-Veronica Mars. The episode in Season 2 where Veronica and Duncan find Megan's sister imprisoned in a secret room behind her closet.
There are so many more that I love but my favorites have already been mentioned.
Posted by: JoAnn at October 13, 2006 2:47 PM
Hey, I'd like to throw a couple suggestions out there-
The West Wing 'Brothers in Arms' by Dire Straits in "Two Cathedrals". Actually, all the music from The West Wing was carefully chosen, but the second season finale was one of the greatest hours of television ever produced. I can't hear that song without being right back at that rainy night with Bartlet.
Pleasantville, 'At Last' by Etta James. When the two kids are driving down a sunny lane through a rain of ridiculously purple flowers, it's just so fantastic. Other points in the film use more energetic, defiant pieces, such as Buddy Holly, but the slow, relaxed feel of the song and Etta James' deep, powerful voice capture a moment where they aren't being defiant, they're just enjoying the kind of life they're working for.
Any song from Moulin Rouge-I know, it's a musical, but I love it. My personal favorite is the finale, 'Come What May', but apparently other people favor Satine's debut to 'Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend', Christian's ecstatic seduction of Satine in 'Your Song' or Christian's fearful, hurt tirade in 'El Tango de Roxanne'. Even the opening and closing to 'Nature Boy' are amazing. I love that movie, but anyway-
Nip/Tuck, 'Rocketman', when Sean helps his mistress, dying of cancer, to commit suicide in a sunny hotel room. Again, most of the music on that show is pretty carefully chosen, but that scene especially was so perfect, and it was really about her and not Shawn or his reactions or thoughts, though he was the main character.
I don't know if this would count, but the theme song for American Beauty is gorgeous and one of my favorite songs ever.
I'm going to throw The West Wing out again with Yo-Yo Ma's performance of 'Bach's Suite in G Major' in "Noel". The music is relentless and forms a perfect accompanyment to Josh's breakdown.
Posted by: BookNerd at October 16, 2006 1:22 AM
The Neil Finn song in Sports Night is great, but I'm a sucker for "Boogie Shoes" and Felicity Huffman in general.
And the final song in Secretary, "Chariots Rise" by Lizzie West. Such a beautiful song and moment.
"In Dreams" creeps the hell out of me, thanks to Dean Stockwell in Blue Velvet.
Posted by: Kimber at October 16, 2006 6:34 AM
OK, NOW I must dork out after reading these awesome responses:
"Black Betty"- Blow (scene where Johnny Depp is walking thru the airport fresh from meeting El Padrino), and the Stones song at the very beginning credits where the Colombians are actually making coke, niiice!
Nip/Tuck: I'm glad someone mentioned this b/c they make awesome use of music on that show; my fave would have to be "Eyes Without a Face" by Billy Idol when I think they were separating conjoined twins or something; needless to say I ran out a day or two later and bought Billy's greatest hits. :)
Whoever said Virgin Suicides, fuck yeah! That whole soundtrack is ethereal and moving...
include "Dazed and Confused" and "Boogie Nights" and "Deep Cover", "Friday" franchise, My So-Called Life and Buffy's (TV show) soundtracks in their entirity (sp?).
"Time Is On My Side"(yes it is!)-ruined by Fallen (creepy, but awesome demon movie with good 'ol Denzel), also good use of NIN in Denzel's freakout scenes in...shit! I totally forgot the name of the movie with him and Dakota Fanning and he has to rescue her from crazy Mexican kidnappers, that movie!
Someone mentioned "Working for the Weekend" which only reminds me of the coal mining montage in "Zoolander" :)
And lastly (I have to feign doing work a little better!) America by Simon and Garfunkel in Almost Famous, very sweet bittersweet...
Posted by: SoCalGal420 at October 18, 2006 2:11 PM
OK, for real the last one:
American Psycho's entire soundtrack; all the best of the 80s. And who can forget sexy ass Christian Bale banging the hell outta those hookers, flexing in the mirror to "Su-su-sudio"(or whatever that song is called, Phil Collins is kinda weak..)? :)
Posted by: SoCalGal420 at October 18, 2006 2:16 PM
what about "bang bang" used in Kill Bill in the motage scene about the double cross
Posted by: wscanlon at October 18, 2006 10:39 PM
There are tons that could have been on here, but how could Kenny Loggins have been mentioned without bringing up the Top Gun theme, I'm Alright from Caddyshack, or Footloose? Any one of those probably should have made a pop-culture list since he was one of the most popular movie soundtrack denizens for about a decade.
Posted by: Eep at October 19, 2006 7:19 PM
"with a little help from my friends" by Joe Cocker in the opening credits for "Wonder Years"
Agreed, Goldend, agreed.
Posted by: Samantha T at October 20, 2006 10:34 AM
Ok, somebody has probably already mentioned this, but I'm in the library and fast running out of time... so one of my personal favourites:
In Mr and Mrs Smith, Angeline Jolie and Brad Pitt finally beating the crap out of each other to "Express Yourself", after the long build up. Ah, classic.
The dancing to "Mondo Bongo" is also pretty good, but it doesn't make me smile as much.
Posted by: Frou at October 20, 2006 12:03 PM
oh man, this is the best thread ever.
i think in general wes anderson has the most amazing music in his movies - i can't believe no one has brought up "making time" by the creation, which plays over the montage of max's school clubs, and the end scene in the life aquatic when david bowie's "queen bitch" plays while the whole cast is walking down the pier.
i love the xylophone composition "musica poetica" by carl orff, used in badlands (a similar piece was used at the end of true romance)
on the west wing when cj's boyfriend (mark harmon) is killed, and over the whole thing they play "hallelujah" by jeff buckley. i cried like a baby.
every time i hear "sweet home alabama" i picture forrest and jenny dancing (forrest gump)
"wake me up before you go go" now makes me think of zoolander, right before all of his roommates get blown up in the gas fight
Posted by: kate at October 20, 2006 3:57 PM
I don't know about you guys, but I can't even listen to We Are The Champions without shouting "NERDS, NERDS, NERDS!" I guess that shows my age.
Posted by: Kristen at October 20, 2006 4:04 PM
I know I can't possibly say anything that hasn't already been said except that you inspired me to make a mix tape of my own http://myspace.com/wontingwitch. Even though it was virtual, it took me back...
Posted by: wontingwitch at October 20, 2006 7:06 PM
It may not have had a wide enough audience to merit inclusion in a pop-culture list, but how about Sweet Emotion over the parking lot crawl in Dazed and Confused.
Oh, and Tiny Dancer in Almost Famous. I don't even really like the song that much when it's played by itself, but that scene gets me every time.
Man, they're flooding back now... it's just there for the briefest moment, but "Freddy's Dead" playing over the low rider turning the corner in Friday rules.
Posted by: Eep at October 20, 2006 7:56 PM
"Brother in Arms" West Wing Season 2 Finale.
Posted by: Bill K at October 21, 2006 11:02 AM
kate - I could not agree more. "Queen Bitch" in the Life Aquatic was just so... Appropriate.
Posted by: Matt R at October 22, 2006 4:03 AM
Does anyone know the song that plays near the end of the movie "JUST LIKE HEAVEN"? The song, after Elizabeth comes ack to life, and there are scences of her and David, and how they are then living their lives, after she forget's who he is. Please email me if you know this song at leslieg585@yahoo.com
Posted by: Leslie at October 22, 2006 11:06 AM
One of my all-time favorite songs ever from The Matrix soundtrack; Rob D's "Clubbed to Death". Its all slow string instruments, sad piano, and aggressive techno mixed into one georgeous, 7-minute package. The song itself is an experience and bits of it are used throughout the film. If you know this song, please sing its' praises.
Posted by: smatt584 at October 22, 2006 4:14 PM
Okay so I'm a chick flick dork, but...
"I Want You to Want Me" by Letters to Cleo in 10 Things I Hate About You. Feel free to shoot me now.
Posted by: Maddy at October 22, 2006 5:12 PM
I'm a huge Sports Night fan, and I absolutely remember that scene and the song that goes with it. Good choice!
Posted by: katie at October 23, 2006 11:17 AM
Great thread.
Two additions I didn't see here from "There's Something About Mary"....
Joe Jackson's "Is She Really Going Out With Him" when Matt Dillon's crooked P.I. is dating Mary... and, of course, "Build Me Up, Buttercup" over the closing credits....
Also love the "Goodfellas" death scene set to "Layla," and there's another tune I can't think of that's playing when the black helicopter is trailing him before the big drug bust at the end of the movie.
Posted by: Hawkeye at October 23, 2006 2:54 PM
i dont know who said it but im also a sucker for 'jump in the line'
Posted by: samma at October 23, 2006 6:44 PM
I know it was already mentioned, but I must mention it again: We'll Meet Again by Vera Lynn from Dr. Strangelove. That scene is amazing and gives me goosebumps every time I see it.
Posted by: Liz at October 24, 2006 1:20 AM
Or Moving In Stereo.
You know.
Posted by: Liz at October 24, 2006 1:21 AM
Somewhere over the Rainbow (the eukelale version by Israel Kamamawiwo'ole) in the episode of ER where Dr. Green dies just kills me, I cried like a baby.
Posted by: Laurel at October 24, 2006 4:52 PM
Dammit, Hawkeye, great call on Goodfellas. I think the song you're looking for is Monkey Man by the Rolling Stones, but there's more than one song involved in that scene.
Also great is the scene where DeNiro is deciding whether or not to kill Morrie, to the tune of Sunshine of Your Love.
And while we're on the subject of Scorsese, how about Werewolves of London in The Color of Money? Definitely iconic.
Posted by: Eep at October 24, 2006 5:25 PM
Such good choices, all around! Several of my choices are listed in the above posts, but here is one that has always meant so much to me, and I don't think I see it listed above.
"Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want"
By The Dream Academy (covering The Smiths)
It's in the museum scene in Ferris Bueller. The part where Cameron stares at the painting... breaks my heart.
Posted by: YoMama at October 24, 2006 10:21 PM
Sweet Jane by the Sundays in Natural Born Killers, when Mickey and Mallory kiss in her jail cell.
Posted by: ben at October 25, 2006 5:11 PM
I just spent like a hour reading all of the posts, I am thankful to all of you for the posts, good good stuff, too many to mention, but most near and dear to my heart - Pick Up the Pieces in Swingers, Little Green Bag in Resivor Dogs, Layla in Goodfellas, Perfect Day in Trainspotting, Clubbed to Death (also Spybreak) in Matrix - some that I haven't read yet -Woke up this Morning - Sopranos, Confusion (Pump Panel Remix) - Blade, Afternoon Delight - Anchorman
Posted by: Eric P at October 25, 2006 6:59 PM
I totally missed the boat on commenting for this, but for my 2 cents, the best opening scene of any movie is the strip club robbery in Belly, and I think the song is by Soul 2 Soul but isn't available on the soundtrack. Sad.
Posted by: Sara at October 26, 2006 12:16 AM
Great list! Two more that came to mind - both from fairly cheesy 80's movies that are more guilty pleasures than anything:
"Danger Zone" by Kenny Loggins from Top Gun - I can never hear it without thinking of all the fighter planes in the opening sequence.
"Holding Out For a Hero" by Bonnie Tyler from Footloose - I can never hear this without thinking of the scene where Kevin Bacon is challenged by the school bully to a chicken-race on a gigantic tractor, and he wins.
Posted by: Kelly at October 26, 2006 1:22 PM
It's not really part of Anchorman, but the music video for "Afternoon Delight" is also hilarious - easily found on YouTube or with a Google search.
Posted by: Hawkeye at October 26, 2006 2:08 PM
Amen to everyone that's mentioned either Snatch or Lock Stock. Golden Brown is easily my favorite song from the former, and I Wanna Be Your Dog, the favorite from the latter. Also the Kill Bill mentions - I have to add Malaguena Salerosa... Tarantino knows how to pick them doesn't he?
Anyway, on to my little opinion.
I thought that "House"'s use of "Beautiful" in the episode Autopsy was brilliant. The use at the end especially - First off, the fact that it's Elvis Costello at the end. You know it's something he'd have on his iPod, but be ashamed to admit. That, and the fact that they reveal that it was on his headphones the whole time. Very smooth.
Actually, House does a really good job with music. I can't remember the episode, but there was one where he tried to put on some intimidating music, and out comes this ridiculous Klezmer music. And he just cracks out with, "Hmm, that didn't see to have the effect I wanted." anyway, yes. Awesome column. Love the choice of Mad World - song still gives me chills.
Posted by: Stephanie B at October 28, 2006 12:36 PM
Okay, these seem so obvious, why haven't they been mentioned? Am I that uncool in my obsessions? Fuck it.
"Just Dropped In" by Kenny Rogers, Big Lebowski. Come ON people!
"Three Times a Lady" in Election. Sooooo creeepy.
"Shout" in Animal House. Can't think of this song without picturing John Belushi spilling mustard all over himself. Which is as it should be.
"Box of Rain" in Freaks and Geeks, when Lindsay first puts on the record and is dancing in her room. Classic, we've all had that moment with a song when we were teens.
Posted by: dede at October 30, 2006 8:07 AM
""Shout" in Animal House. Can't think of this song without picturing John Belushi spilling mustard all over himself. Which is as it should be."
Or destroying that dude's guitar in an earlier scene. Belushi was allegedly a dick in real life, but how hysterical was he in Animal House?
Posted by: Samantha T at October 30, 2006 3:12 PM
One of the best openings to a film is Sweet Emotion at the beginning of Dazed and Confused. Brilliant.
Posted by: Shawn at October 31, 2006 11:08 AM
I have to agree that anytime I hear "Stuck in the Middle with You" I automatically think of RD. Classic scene, classic song.
The entire Magnolia soundtrack is genius. What about "Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)" in The Big Lebowski? It's basically the theme song of this movie. "Mustang Sally" in The Commitments? And last, but not least, "Mess Around" from Planes, Trains & Automobiles. I love that scene and I love that song.
We should play this game again sometime. Even though the true mixed tape has gone the way of, you know, something that we once used a lot but never use anymore, this list is inspiring me to concoct the perfect soundtrack mixed cd.
Posted by: Shan at November 1, 2006 11:29 AM
Oops, how could I forget...
"Hip to Be Square" from American Psycho.
And, since I'm back again, I'd like to thank you for reminding me of Melanie's "Brand New Key" from Dirk's 'audition' with Rollergirl in Boogie Nights. I haven't heard that song in way too long!
Posted by: Shan at November 1, 2006 11:40 AM
A Town Called Malice from Billy Elliott . . . Most uplifting sequence of a British kid tap-dancing down a dingy Yorkshire block of flats.
Huzzahs to your list!
Posted by: john rowland at November 1, 2006 6:04 PM
What a fine pick Lad....
I must say I woulda picked that NineInch Nails song "A Warm Place" from Natural Born Killers. Mickey and Mallory meet each other again after spending years behind bars....
Brings a tear to me eye every time I see it....
Keep up the good work Pajibans
Love you puppet...
Posted by: Seamus Riggby at November 2, 2006 6:21 AM
Man, I just spent the last 20 minutes reading all the great songs everyone listed. I, too, am one of those dorks who still makes mixes. There's something about a CD not having side A and side B that ain't quite right. Some songs that I didn't see already posted:
Be My Baby by the Ronettes
I loved Dirty Dancing, but what I always remember is this was the song playing on Moonlighting when Dave and Maddie finally had sex.
I Will by the Beatles, sung by Annette Bening's class
I wasn't a huge fan of this movie, but the use of this song (and editing which verses to keep/leave out) was perfect.
Reality Bites
I couldn't decide between My Sharona by the Knack or Tempted by Squeeze - both are great moments in the movie that show friends goofing around.
Eye of the Tiger
Yes, Rocky! But I will show my 80s love and admit that I usually also think of The Cosby Show when one of Rudy's friends (Bud?) was belting this out at the top of his lungs. It makes me laugh just thinking about it.
We've Got Tonight
Not the Sheena Easton duet version either. Although The Wonder Years used music very well on the show, this is the song that sums up the entire series for me. It's from the episode where Winnie starts hanging out with the older kids and breaks her leg. Kevin climbs up to her window (before Dawson and Joey started all that climbing in the window business too, I might add!).
Finally for pure cheese/unintentional comedy, I'm So Excited as used on Saved by the Bell in the episode where Jessie starts taking pills. "I'm so...so...scared!" Bwahahaha!
I am a big music/movie/tv dork so I could do this all night but I will stop.
Posted by: MeToo at November 2, 2006 10:06 PM
"Blue Moon", both versions used in An American Werewolf in London.
"It's a full moon. Beware the moon. And stick to the road. Ooops."
Posted by: Loob at November 3, 2006 12:42 PM
thinking of a totally 80's soundtrack - anything from The Chocolate War... tied to a time & place.
Bingo on Vanilla Sky, it was the perfect song for that moment in the movie. The Beachboys 'Wouldn't It Be Nice' is about wishing and the Cruise character's fake life was supposed to be about living his wishes rather than the nightmare that was his reality ruined by one fatal mistake.
I actually have come to like the movie after seeing it on cable a few times.
Posted by: Cleveland at March 16, 2007 3:47 PM
Rocky-
I have to disagree with you about Drugstore Cowboy--that is one of the best, most realistic portraits of addiction ever committed to the screen. Trust me on this. Besides, how can you go wrong with William S. Burroughs himself as a junkie priest?
That being said, music. Most of my top moments have been covered, but not quite all.
Jeff Buckley's Hallelujah in The Edukators--this moment actually made me cry. It was the perfect song in context, and because the movie is in German the inclusion of that song was completely unexpected.
There are so many moments in Almost Famous that have stuck with me, even though the movie itself hasn't stood up to that many viewings...
Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters, Elton John (I know, I know, but god...)
The Wind, Cat Stevens
My Cherie Amour, Stevie Wonder
I second all the Royal Tenenbaums votes, with one addition: Ruby Tuesday. That movie is one long mix tape itself.
Posted by: Iriska at March 29, 2007 4:28 PM
The ones that stick with me are the scenes in The Harder They Come with Jimmy Cliff's version of "Many rivers to cross" and "You can get it if you really want.
And of course all of Rushmore and Tenenbaums.
If I had to pick one of those it would "Everyone" at the end of TRT.
Posted by: fromanchu at April 1, 2007 9:57 PM
I'm unsure of how I stumbled upon this thread, but it's... awesome.
A few additions (I'm not sure if they've already been mentioned, I didn't read all of the entries)
The Jesus and Mary Chain song "Just Like Honey" at the end of Lost In Translation. It was a fitting song to end the movie.
"Blood of Cuchulainn" at the beginning of one of my favorite movies (The Boondock Saints) is a perfect song for the McManus brothers to go about their day in South Boston.
The Shins "New Slang" is what made the soundtrack from Garden State one of my favorites. The scene where Largeman asks Sam what she is listening to and she puts the headphones on his head and says "The Shins. You have to listen to this... it'll change your life." The look on Sam's eyes as he's listening to the song is one that I always think of when I hear the song. It's as if she's willing him to like it... like she's saying, "It's good, right?" with just her eyes.
Posted by: jdub! at April 5, 2007 5:07 AM
Carly Simon's New Jerusalem at the beginning of Working Girl
As for XFile's Home - I am one of those people who scare easily, and don't like it at all. However Home is one of the very very few XFiles episodes I ever watched, and it still haunts me to this day. Thanks for bringing it all back!
Posted by: eiluj at April 18, 2007 1:21 AM
Henry Rollins didn't front Bad Brains,Black flag was the Rollins fronted band.Check out both bands though.
"In your eyes"
Peter Gabriel. you know the film..
Oh yes.