Hello, Music Fans!
So the Oscars have been and gone for another year; Leo DiCaprio is still Oscar-less, J. Law took another tumble walking around the event, and Frozen’s ‘Let It Go’ scooped the gong (perhaps unsurprisingly) for Best Original Song.
In celebration of the event we have themed this week’s Monday Playlist around the best songs from movie soundtracks, in a bid to console Leo, comfort Jennifer, and show that there are actually hundreds of other brilliant movie soundtracks around besides the one for Frozen.
We also took it upon ourselves to photoshop our ugly mugs into that Oscars selfie. We hope it gave you giggle this Monday evening as it certainly gave us one last night! Many thanks to Alex Underwood for face replacing the team – you legend!
What is your favourite song from the movies? Let us know by tweeting your pick with the hashtag #DemonMusic, or by tweeting me directly @NicoClaireAllen.
‘Til next week,
Nicola x
Music Editor, demon-media.co.uk
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1. ‘Too Old To Die Young’ – Brother Dege (from Django Unchained)
Alex Underwood (@broadcasteralex) says: “A good film is propelled into the stratosphere with a (frequently overlooked) great soundtrack. Django Unchained is one of those films. This country-blues song is a brilliant example of it – a great song that compliments a great film. Although it differs greatly from the some of the other songs on the original soundtrack, each one fits the picture very well.”
2. ‘Hey Leroy, Your Mama’s Callin’ You’ – The Jimmy Castor Bunch (from The Wolf of Wall Street)
Alex says: “A funky song that really flows with the lighter, partying side of Jordan Belfort & Co. This soundtrack also features a heavy blues influence, with appearances from Elmore James, Bo Diddley and Howlin’ Wolf, each giving a contrast and an insight to Belfort’s inner turmoil and regret (of which there is, admittedly, little).”
3. ‘The Imperial March’ – John Williams (from Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back)
Alex says: “One of the most instantly recognisable songs of Williams’ extensive and impressive catalogue, this is also one of the most badass. Need more be said?”
4. ‘Young and Beautiful’ – Lana Del Rey (from The Great Gatsby)
Charlotte Selby says: “This hauntingly beautiful track featured on the soundtrack for the 2013 movie adaptation of The Great Gatsby. The track questions whether love can last after youth and beauty have faded, allowing it to fit perfectly with the dynamic of Daisy and Gatsby, and his seemingly undying love for her.”
5. ‘Don’t You (Forget About Me)’ – Simple Minds (from The Breakfast Club)
Charlotte says: “This track is most commonly known for playing in the opening and closing credits of the 1985 coming of age film The Breakfast Club directed by John Hughes, and will forever be a classic slice of cheese!”
6. ‘A Thousand Years’ – Christina Perri (from The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Pt. 2)
Nicola Allen (@NicoClaireAllen): “There is a lot of dislike for The Twilight Saga in the world, but I am not afraid to say that I’m a fan Even if you don’t like the films, and Kristen Stewart’s questionable acting, give the soundtracks a try because they’re pretty good. This little gem from Christina Perri is the perfect song to dedicate to your sweetheart, and coupled with her delightful voice and gentle music, it is a definite goosebump-inducing song. ‘A Thousand Years’ played over the final montage of Breaking Dawn Pt. 2 which looked back on the leading couple’s highlights from the course of the five films, and was definitely a contributory factor to my crying in the cinema. This is a brilliant bit of soundtrack planning, to brought the saga to a stunning and emotional finale.”
7. ‘Lovefool’ – The Cardigans (from Romeo + Juliet)
Nicola says: “Taken from the soundtrack of Baz Luhrmann’s 1996 movie adaptation of Romeo + Juliet, this cheesy little lick from The Cardigans is up there with my favourite tracks of all time. Written about a girl who is in non-mutual love with her man, it’s a great pick-me-up for unexpected break-ups or hard times in relationships. Let’s be honest though, a young Leonardo DiCaprio is always a great pick-me-up (see the music video for this track). All in all, this is a divine 90s classic, ideal for singing into a hairbrush whilst you dance around your room in your knickers.”
8. ‘Ballroom Blitz’ – Tia Carrere (from Wayne’s World)
Nicola says: “Wayne’s World is and will always be my favourite movie of all time. Central to the movie is Wayne’s love interest Cassandra (played by Tia Carrere), a rock goddess who plays gigs throughout the movie with her band Crucial Taunt. In the closing scene of the first movie, the band perform this cover of Sweet’s Ballroom Blitz, really showcasing Cassandra’s incredible vocal talents. She’s an inspiration to women everywhere, and this is just one of many brilliant songs showcased throughout the movie. SCHWING!”
9. ‘Nightcall’ – Kavinsky (from Drive)
Hollie Copas (@hideholliehide) says: “Drive is a rough and ready Ryan Gosling film, that is also a sure fire hit with men and women everywhere. It has it all; eye candy, cars, violence and romance. Wreaking a supernatural, mysterious synth vibe which seems very M83-eqsue, Kavinsky’s Nightcall is covered in deliciously smooth vocals from Lovefoxxx, frontwoman of Brazilian band CSS, as well as a Daft Punk-style robotic vocal accompaniment. Since the track was produced with Guy-Manuel De Homem-Christo – one half of Daft Punk – though, it’s hardly surprising that he’s left a noticeable footprint on the song.”
10. ‘I’m Kissing You’ – Des’ree (from Romeo + Juliet)
Hollie says: “A million and one girls swooned as this beautiful heartbreaker of a song, which oversaw the moment where Romeo and Juliet first lock eyes through a fish tank at the Capulet’s lavish party; the moment where the incredible tragedy began. This song fits the compelling romance beautifully, while delivering a suitable undercurrent of heart wrenching agony in pre-emption to the devastating ending that we all know much too well. The song remains a perfect snapshot of 90’s pop, stretching from the indie element all the way to downright bubblegum.”
CINEMA: A few of the many films whose soundtracks are featured on this week’s Monday Playlist
11. ‘Lose Yourself’ – Eminem (from 8 Mile)
Hollie says: “Eminem wrote and performed this track about the young rapper character B-Rabbit, who lives on the ‘wrong side’ of Detroit’s 8 mile. He desperately wants to make it big in the rap world, but his personal issues compromise the possibility hugely: his girlfriend gets pregnant; his mother is an alcoholic; and he works a dead end job night and day. B-Rabbit is a fictional representation of the struggles and issues that Eminem (Marshall Mathers) had experienced firsthand before breaking into the music industry. This is a gritty, heavy track, with Eminem’s brutally honest lyrics accompanying the darkest elements of the film perfectly.”
12. ‘The Game Has Changed’ – Daft Punk (from TRON: Legacy)
Ethan Williamson (@E523W) says: “Not the best film, maybe, but a fantastic soundtrack from Daft Punk that stands gloriously alone from its origin. Merging a classical, orchestral style score with the duo’s trademark electronic synth, this is not only a brave scoring decision (albeit one that matches the films aesthetic wonderfully), but also a very competent stand alone track.”
13. ‘Mad World’ – Gary Jules and Michael Andrews (from Donnie Darko)
Ethan says: “Haunting and beautiful. I almost don’t know what else to say. A cover that completely owns and reinvents the original song, lending it a solemn, ethereal air perfectly suiting the film. A soundtrack to confusion, and a strange, bittersweet sense of quiet happiness.”
14. ‘Crazy In Love’ – Emeli Sande with The Bryan Ferry Orchestra (from The Great Gatsby)
Elliott Plevin (@elliottplev) says: “I love the vintage, 1930’s style of this cover of the Beyoncé classic. I love the idea of taking songs and adding a spin on them, and I think this song not only fits well in the grandeur of the time period, but also sums up the narrative pretty well as this is a story driven by love and betrayal. The whole soundtrack of this film is amazing and works really well.”
15. ‘Trust In Me’ – Beyoncé (from Cadillac Records)
Elliott says: “This is a great historical film about musical heritage, in which Beyoncé took on the biopic role of Etta James. The film took on a chronological format spanning 20 years, focussing on the life of Adrien Chess (Adrien Brody) and the birth of Chess Records, with the help of a plethora of talented soul musicians. Definitely worth a watch and a great soul soundtrack. Beyoncé’s cover of this track shows off her amazing and flawless vocals, along with her other covers of favourites such as At Last, Once In A Lifetime, I’d Rather Go Blind and All I Could Do Was Cry.”
16. ‘In Summer’ – Josh Gad (from Frozen)
Elliott says: “Probably one of the funniest and strangest moments in Frozen is when Olaf imagines what summer would be like. Seeing a snowman is summer is bound to be a bit strange, and this track creates an air of humour whilst also making you feel a little sorry for him. This song adds a much needed moment of comic relief, and you can’t help but laugh at Olaf’s naïvety.”
17. ‘Weird Science’ – Oingo Boingo (from Weird Science)
Tom Elliott (@TomElliottUK) says: “Danny Elfman is perhaps one of the world’s most famous film composers of all time, yet surprisingly many youngsters these days are oblivious to his big band days. Oingo Boingo wrote the theme song to Weird Science, and what a song it is! Although the band themselves consider the track to be one of their least favourites, its creativity and unique sound really bring the film to life. It was around the time this song was released that Elfman started his career as a film scorer. Talented all over.”
18. ‘Anyone Else But You’ – The Moldy Peaches (from Juno)
Tom says: “This song has become synonymous with the film, which is one of the most popular indie films ever. It’s a simple happy love song and there isn’t much more to say about it than that, I dare you not to smile.”
19. ‘Everybody Needs Somebody To Love’ – The Blues Brothers (from The Blues Brothers)
Tom says: “One of the best films of all time (in my humble opinion) and this song tops it off, instantly on any of my party playlists. It’s so catchy it should be illegal!”
20. ‘What You Wanted’ – OneRepublic (from The Fault In Our Stars)
Harry Dean (@harrydeansays) says: “The novel spent 7 weeks at the top of The New York Times’ bestsellers list, and sold over a million copies in just one year! It’s no surprise therefore that the book is being made into a movie, and is due for release in June this year! The trailer has already given us a sneak peak at the film with What You Wanted by OneRepublic complimenting it beautifully in the background! Their album Native is also pretty good too. I cannot wait for this film, but until then I’ll just watch the trailer and listen to OneRepublic on repeat!”
21. ‘Everybody Needs A Best Friend’ – Norah Jones (from Ted)
Harry says: “I’m a real sucker for some smooth jazz, and Norah Jones has the perfect voice for those brassy tones. Just like the cheeky tones from the trumpet, this song comes from the film Ted, featuring a similarly cheeky and comedic, animated teddy bear. Rumours still surround the entertainment world for a sequel (apparently you should keep an eye on summer 2015) but I think one movie is enough. No need to spoil the first, eh?”
If you have a couple more minutes to spare, why not check out some of our past content?
