Saturday, February 5, 2011

Sound of Soundtracks: Marie Antoinette

Marie Antoinette, starring Kirsten Dunst, is a top favorite. Most of my friends know I am a history lover, and especially love to see it portrayed in movies and novels. This is another classic (true) story that is mixed with more modern music and was perfectly done. Every time I hear a song from this soundtrack, I always get the strongest urge to watch the movie in that moment.



Siouxsie and the Banshees: Hong Kong Garden


The Strokes: What Ever Happened?


Bow Wow Wow: Aphrodisiac


Gang of Four: Naturals Not In It


Adam & The Ants: Kings of the Wild Frontier
(I think my favorite!!)



I honestly feel like so many of these songs are playing in my head as I go through my life. I connect with them; they make me feel so alive. If you haven't seen this movie, it is well worth your time.

Enjoy!

Friday, January 28, 2011

Sound of Soundtracks: Romeo & Juliet

William Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet, starring Claire Danes and Leonardo DiCaprio. An exceptionally well done modern twist on an old classic. This soundtrack was the first one I ever owned, and opened the doors for me to others.

One of my first Garage loves! Haunting and provoking!


Everclear: Local God


One Inch Punch: Pretty Piece of Flesh


Des'ree: Kissing You
A bit on the romantic side, but this song is sweet and simple; easy on the ears with such a beautiful voice to listen to.


Mundy: To You Bestow


Radiohead: Talk Show Host
Thank God for this song on this album! This opened me to Radiohead at such a young age. This song is actually reported to be the single to have turned a lot of people to Radiohead, as many fans were somewhat unimpressed with their earlier releases. Oh, how I love them!!!


The Wannadies: You & Me Song
Totally fresh, totally cool.



Brief tonight, forgive me. Enjoy these!



Thursday, December 30, 2010

The sound of soundracks

I have met few other people, though I know they are out there, who really appreciate soundtracks. Ever since I was a pre-teen, I have LOVED them and owe a lot to them. You may find a recurring theme of me sharing songs and artists with you that I discovered off of a movie or commercial. I'm amazed at how little people around me pay attention to the score of a movie or background music for video game ads. Most of the time, that's all I hear. This is the first blog in a short series dedicated to amazing songs from soundtracks. Enjoy!


CRUEL INTENTIONS

I am so grateful for this movie's music. I have fallen in love with many artists because of this album and have still loved all the songs for 12 years now. Here is a sampler of song of the greats.


Placebo: Every Me Every You
Placebo is AMAZING and it blows my mind that I could have never known it. I would pay a lot of money to see these guys in concert. They are truly diverse, catchy, a little edgy and, above all, fresh.


Blur: Coffee and TV



Counting Crows: Colorblind
By far the most beautifully melancholy song with the best and most engaging lyrics of any on this album. It's surprising just how hypnotic this is, despite the repetitive piano tune; CC did great here.


Marcy Playground: Comin' Up From Behind
These guys seem to be notorious for "Sex & Candy" but have been overlooked by radio airwaves. John Wozniak has a sexy, creepy, haunting voice that's hard to ignore.



Faithless: Addictive
Not the typical, ordinary most people listen to, but worth listening to.



And finally...
The Verve: Bittersweet Symphony
Yes, it would be a crime had I not included this one. It's just incredible. That's all I can say.



My husband and I always pop this soundtrack in when we go on road trips, and I would highly recommend it if you have one coming up. And if you don't own this one, get it. You won't regret it.


Friday, December 10, 2010

In the holiday spirit

I got some free time to wrap up some Christmas gifts and I can't help but feel in the spirit of the season. It really is the most wonderful time of the year. You will find many businesses this time of year softly playing Christmas themed music to help boost your spirit and your credit cards.

Now, I am all about Christmas time and the true meaning of Christmas, but I can't help but love a little bit of the unconventional, as is my nature, and indulge in A Nightmare Before Christmas. I saw this movie in theaters as a child and I have loved it ever since. And just between us, the main reason that I love it so is for it's music. I'm sure you are now getting in your head the "This is Halloween" song, as I usually do every time I think of the movie. But, what I would like to share with you, that I hope you have never heard before, is a special gift. There was a cover album made specially for this soundtrack with some amazing artists. This is certainly an incredible treat that I hope you enjoy, as well!

"Nightmare Revisited"

DeVotchKa: Overture
I really won't comment on each track, but this just gives me chills. Honestly, most of them do. You will much regret if you don't check each one out; that is if you have any appreciation for this film!


Danny Elfman: Opening
Danny Elfman is genius. GENIUS!


Marilyn Manson: This is Halloween


The All American Rejects: Jack's Lament
Eh...I'm not a big fan of these guys as they are typically very whiney. But they did well in choosing to cover such a great song.


Amiina: Doctor Finkelstein/In the Forest


Flyleaf: What's This?


The Polyphonic Spree: Town Meeting Song


The Vitamin String Quartet: Jack and Sally Montage


Sparklehorse: Jack's Obsession


KoRn: Kidnap the Sandy Claws
I somehow came across this track, which introduced me the album, so it is naturally my favorite on this album. KoRn did well.


Rise Against: Making Christmas
Again, not a big fan of Rise Against. I haven't given them much of a chance (they've done little to impress me thus far) but they do get props for this one.


Yoshida Brothers: Nabbed
Retro flashback yet somehow, still pretty cool.


Rodrido y Gabriela: Oogie Boogie's Song


Amy Lee: Sally's Song
An obvious choice? Yes. A beautiful voice? Hell yes.


Rjd2: Christmas Eve Montage


Plain White T's: Poor Jack
Another "eh", but these guys did a great job on this one.


Datarock: To the Rescue
A little too "Go Go Gadget", but, hey, they tried.


Shiny Toy Guns: Finale/Reprise
LOVE these guys. I was a little disappointed overall but still enjoyed it.


Danny Elfman: Closing


The Album Leaf: End Title



I hope you enjoyed this is much as I did sharing it with you and listening to it again. It will not be often that I share an entire album but I thought this of most importance on a special occasion. Let me know what you think.

Merry Christmas!














Saturday, December 4, 2010

This comes as no surprise

Anyone who really knows me knows that I am a music fanatic, lover, critic, and scout. One of my life dreams would be to spend my days listening to music and discovering bands. I can't deny that it is one of my greatest passions and I get such a sense of fulfillment every time I get to share a new band or song with people. Since I have become a mommy, I can't say I have spent as much time in this hobby as I would like to. So this is my way of getting back into what I love. I will be scanning the net and radios for good stuff, but for now I will just share some old favorites!

Thom Yorke: Hearing Damage
Although this song was featured on a Twilight soundtrack (a book/movie series that I do not endorse), it shared a playlist with many other great artists. Thom Yorke is one of my secret boyfriends and I will be a Radiohead fan until the day I die. When some of my favorite bands like Muse and Modest Mouse have sold out, Radiohead is still edgy and unique. This particular song puts me in a state of sedation. It's almost like a peaceful religious experience. I can't get enough of this song, or of Thom.


Nine Inch Nails: Survivalism
Trent Reznor is another one of my secret boyfriends. NIN is one of the only industrial rock bands I have encountered that stand out. Year Zero truly got my musical notes going, and although Reznor's been making music for a couple decades now that, I believe were far ahead of their time. Another Version of the Truth (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMW5x3GAx-w) makes me think of what death will be like, as morbid as that may sound. It begins calm yet eerie and ends serene and comforting.


Slipknot: Vermillion Pt. 2
It's so funny how much flak I get for being a Slipknot fan. It's easy for people who haven't really listened to their music to place them in a stereotypical heavy metal band that screams and is really saying little at all. Vol. 3:The Subliminal Verses was, in my opinion, GENIUS! Corey Taylor is out of this world incredible (and yup, you guessed it---another secret boyfriend!). This album was their first, I believe, to have acoustic songs and it is absolutely beautiful. I am, of course, also a fan of their hard stuff. Though there is some screaming, the lyrics are beautiful and intense. You'd be hard pressed to find another band with so much passion and use of variations on basic human emotions. I feel touched every time I hear anything from them.




With all opinions and musical selections I will post, I shall always appreciate feedback, of both positive and negative. Or if there is a band you want me to listen to, please leave a comment and I will post what I think!

Hope all is well. Rock on.