Could you imagine watching the final fight in the Empire Strikes Back without the soundtrack? I bet you would feel like something was missing. Music is almost always a key component in most great films (and some really bad ones too). Here are 5 of my favorite film soundtracks I enjoy and would recommend to my friends who may be unfamiliar.
5. “The Mack” (1973) – Willie Hutch
“The Mack” is certainly one of the worst movies I’ve ever seen, but the music composed by Willie Hutch is incredible. “I Choose You” makes me want to save up for a mink coat, diamond ring and a gold Cartier watch. Listen to “Theme of the Mack,” and you might consider trading in your Audio A7 for ’73 Cadillac Coupe Deville. “Mother’s Theme” is one of the most beautiful pieces of music I’ve ever heard. I would highly suggest checking this one out if you aren’t familiar.
4. “Wildstyle” (1983) – Various Artists
“Wildstyle” is a film directed by Charlie Ahearn that highlights Hip Hop culture during the early 80s. The film’s soundtrack, in my opinion, is one of the best ever compiled. “Down By Law” puts my mind in a smoky underground club in the Lower Eastside of Manhattan. Listening to “Gangbusters” makes me want to go by a case of aerosol spray cans and paint the walls of my Aunt’s basement. If you’re curious about the inner city culture of New York City, definitely check out this film and the accompanying soundtrack.
3. “More” (1969) – Pink Floyd
“More” is a film that I don’t necessarily enjoy watching for the narrative, but I think the soundtrack is incredible. The psychedelic “Main Theme” is phenomenal. Listening to it makes me feel like my face is melting and dripping into an infinite abyss. “Ibiza Bar” makes me feel like I’m Super Mario jumping from red and white toadstools and flying into clouds with smiley faces. The “Dramatic Theme” is audible lysergic acid diethylamide. If you’re unfamiliar with this film and soundtrack but a fan of late 60’s psychedelic rock, definitely put listening to “More” on your to do list.
2. “La Planete Sauvage” (1973) – Alain Goraguer
“La Planete Sauvage” is one of the strangest and most impressive stop motion films I’ve ever seen. The film’s soundtrack is also one of the best I’ve ever heard. Almost of the songs here are interpretations of the same number but I enjoy it nevertheless. “La Bracelet” gives me chills every time I hear it. The drums, piano, guitar, bass and flute on this record give me an out of body experience. “Strip Tease” puts me into a Buddhist monk type of meditational state. Listening to the female vocals on “Ten et Tiwa Dorment” make me feel like my life is a dream. The record is definitely a harder one to find. I just saw one selling on ebay for $250. If you happen to come across it for a cheaper price I’d definitely suggest grabbing it.
1. “Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai” (1999) – The RZA
Jim Jarmusch’s “Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai” is probably my favorite film as well as the soundtrack. It’s one of the eeriest ones I’ve ever heard. “Zip Code” puts my mind in a musty, dark and rainy Jersey City alleyway. “Cakes” sounds like a sonic interpretation of Gordon Park’s character Priest unwrapping a kilo of cocaine. “East New York Stamp” sounds like a dozen razor blades ripping through human flesh. I know my descriptions may sound strange and morbidly dark but watch this film and listen to the soundtrack and you might gain a better understanding.
One Response
MOVIE THAT HAS THE GREATEST IMPACT: “A PATCH OF BLUE.” AT THE TIME OF ITS RELEASE, IT GOT MARGINAL REVIEWS. SEEN TODAY, IT IS A FILM WHICH ADDRESSES RACISM, BLINDNESS, SOCIAL INJUSTICE, CHILD ABUSE,
POVERTY AND PROSTITUTION. IT IS QUITE SIMPLY ONE THE FINEST FILMS EVER MADE.
“THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES” ABOUT SOLDIERS RETURNING FROM WORLD WAR II. FREDERIC MARCH REGAINS HIS JOB AS A LOAN OFFICIAL IN A BANK. WHEN HE GRANTS A VETERAN WITH NO COLLATERAL A LOAN TO START A FARM, HE IS OSTRACIZED BY THE BANK PRESIDENT. LATER HE TELLS A GROUP OF BANKERS HE TRUSTS ISSUING LOANS TO VETS BECAUSE THEY ARE THE SAME PEOPLE—WHO WON THE WAR!
“CAMILLE.” PERHAPS THE GREATEST LOVE STORY EVER FILMED. GRETA GARBO ILLUSTRATES WHY SHE WAS SUCH A REVERED STAR. SHE CONTRIVES A STORY TO BORROW MONEY FROM A WEALTHY BARON TO RUN OFF WITH ANOTHER LOVER. THE BARON, WHO ISN’T FOOLED, LENDS HER THE MONEY REGARDLESS, AND WHEN SHE KISSES HIS CHEEK, HE SLAPS HER. THE CAMERA MOVES IN ON HER FACE.
WITHOUT UTTERING A WORD, HER FACE SHOWS, FIRST, ANGER, THEN HUMILIATION–AND THEN AS SHE LOOKS DOWN AT THE MONEY IN HER HAND, JOY. IT IS ONE OF THE GREATEST SCENES IN FILM HISTORY.
“GIANT.” DISMISSED AS JUST ANOTHER EPISODIC FILM AT THE TIME, IT IS MUCH MORE–IN LARGE MEASURE TO ELIZABETH TAYLOR’S EARLY PERFORMANCE AS A STRONG-WILLED FEMINIST WHO CHANGES HER RED-NECKED HUSBAND.
“FAIL SAFE.” A TIMELY STORY WITH FLAWLESS PERFORMANCES. AND JUST HOW WOULD THE PRESIDENT REACT IF THE U.S. ACCIDENTALLY LAUNCHED A NUCLEAR MISSLE?
“HUD.” HANDSOME, CHARMING HUD IS JUST NO DAMN GOOD. HIS FATHER KNOWS IT, BUT HUD’S NEPHEW IDOLIZES HUD.
BUT THEN THE STORY GOES DEEPER AND WE FIND THE FATHER’S RESENTMENT STEMS FROM AN AUTO ACCIDENT IN WHICH HUD KILLED HIS BROTHER–THE FATHER’S FAVORITE SON. PAUL NEWMAN’S FINEST PERFORMANCE AND MELVIN DOUGLAS IS SUPERB AS THE FATHER.
“THE HEIRESS.” RICH BUT HOMELY, AN HEIIRESS IS A DISAPPOINTMENT TO HER FATHER. WHEN A HANDSOME YOUNG FORTUNE-HUNTER PROPOSES MARRIAGE, THE FATHER THREATENS TO DISINHERIT HER. THE STORY IS A LESSON IN HUMAN MENTAL CRUELTY AND THE ENTIRE CAST IS PHENOMENAL.
“LES MISERABLES,” “THE GRAPES OF WRATH,” “SEVEN DAYS IN MAY,” “THE MAN IN THE GRAY FLANNEL SUIT,” “2001,” ALL GREAT STUDIES IN HUMAN NATURE. I
COULD GO ON, BUT THESE ARE SOME OF THE BEST.