Jul 24th, 2012
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The Chugg Checklist: Film Soundtrack Songs
I’m going to level with you. The first album I ever owned was Spice Girls’ Spice. I’m not ashamed, but to be fair, it was a gift (an awesome gift). The first album I ever purchased was the soundtrack to Joel Schumacher’s “film” (it was more of a repeated punch to the face) Batman and Robin. It was George Clooney’s worst ever career decision, the last time we’d ever see Chris O’Donnell (apologies to both NCIS:LA fans) and the most confusing use of nipples ever (Why does Robin have suit nipples but there are no Bat-nipples on Clooney. WHY JOEL, WHY?!)…
…but I digress. The soundtrack was boss. Smashing Pumpkins, U2 (1990s U2), REM, R Kelly, Bone Thugs N Harmony, JEWEL! It signaled the start of my love affair with film soundtracks. And while I do have a friend who admits to rocking out in his bedroom to orchestral scores by John Williams (the Titanic score was super badass), I am fascinated with pop bands who decide to pen tunes specifically for soundtracks. The practice has become rather prevalent in recent times, with several indie-cred bands submitting tracks for not-so-indie-cred films. Arcade Fire have recently written two songs for the upcoming teen flick The Hunger Games and a myriad of bands were fighting over who would be on the next Twilight soundtrack. Can’t really blame them, when you consider the impact that the popularity of these wide reaching films have on the bands that soundtrack them.
While some great stuff has come from soundtracks of late, they can’t hold a candle to these classics:
10. Air – Playground Love (The Virgin Suicides)
This first entry is not so much about this particular song, but Air’s general work on the soundtrack to The Virgin Suicides and their efforts elsewhere. The French duo are absolute masters of capturing the visual mood of a film and translating that into their aural output.
Continue the list after the jump. Oh and let me know what you reckon are the best songs written for film soundtracks…
