Movie Songs

Sometimes I'll be driving in my truck, hear a song on the radio, and say to my passenger, "What movie?" A quick "No." is usually the response. By the tone in their voice I can tell that they are really saying, "No, you movie obsessed weirdo I don't know what random piece of worthless trivia you're referring to."

I know that these little nuggets of info are truly worthless in the long run, but you can't tell me that there are not certain songs that trigger particular movie memories. I've compiled a list of the obvious and not so obvious songs that remind me of particular films. If you would like to add to this list just shoot me a line.

In Your Eyes by Peter Gabriel-Say Anything
If this song doesn't put the image of John Cusack holding his boombox over his head then you live a horribly sheltered life. Before Jerry McGuire and before Almost Famous Cameron Crow wrote this incredibly sweet screenplay. If you haven't seen it or even haven't seen it in a long time I would suggest renting it.

Everybody Wants Some by Van Halen-Better Off Dead
This little John Cusack movie has a special place in my heart. I don't care how many times I watch this but when The fat neighbor kid gives the French exchange student a picture of himself for Christmas, I laugh every time. Dancing hamburgers... faggetaboutit.

Higher And Higher by Howard Huntsberry-Ghostbusters 2
Yes, an oldie but a goodie. The song that made lady liberty walk down the streets of New York city. Bill Murry on the mike asking the locals to sing along. It's amazing how everyone just stands around and watches this monstrosity walk. I'd be running faster than a Japanese business man in a Godzilla movie.

I'm Alright by Kenny Loggins-Caddyshack
While we're talking about Bill Murry I had to add this little gem. If you don't remember this particular song maybe you've seen the dancing gopher that sits on your local propane dealer's desk that dances to this tune. What the hell happened to Kenny Loggins anyway?

The Power of Love by Heuy Lewis And The News-Back To The Future
This and Back In Time by God-knows-who make me want to say out loud "Your kids Marty! Something's gotta be done about your kids!" At which I reply to myself: "What do they become assholes or something?"

Hotel California by The Gypsy Kings-The Big Lebowski
"Nobody fucks with the Jesus!" How true.

Banana Boat Song by Harry Belefonte-Beetlejuice
All right these are getting too obvious.

Once In a Lifetime by The Talking Heads-Down And Out In Beverly Hills
I'm a Nick Nolte fan and this is my favorite Nick Nolte movie. This song is in contention for my favorite song ever too. At my college graduation the top student in all of the Natural Sciences department gave a speech that was based on the lyrics to this song. Before that moment the song was a bunch of gibberish. It only reminded me of Nick Nolte sifting through Beverly Hills garbage. Interesting fact about this movie: The story Nick Nolte tells about how he became a bum is a true story. Nick did get thrown in jail for making fake draft cards in the 70's.

Tougher Than Leather by Run DMC-Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back
Hot chick scene. The image of those four girls jumping out of the van covered in leather never leaves my mind. The chick on the far right of the group (I think) is Lunchbox's wife. Lucky bastard.

The Man Comes Around by Johnny Cash-Dawn Of The Dead (new version)
The first ten minutes or so of this movie is one of my favorite openers. They play this song at the beginning title sequence. A hauntingly perfect fit.

The Lonely Bull by Herb Albert And The Tijuana Brass-Kill Bill Vol. 2
I think this song is in the movie but I'm a Herb Albert nut and I think this song fits perfectly. When I play Herb Albert at work anyone I'm working with that's over 40 perks up their ears and says, "Herb Albert?" They immediately think I have class.

Whipped Cream by Herb Albert And The Tijuana Brass-Casino Royale
While we're on the subject... They're remaking this movie with a new James Bond. Clive Owen of Closer and Danial Craig of Layer Cake are in contention. Either one would be great if it were an action pic but Casino Royale was a spoof. I wonder who will play the Woody Allen role in the new movie?

Every Song On The Pulp Fiction Soundtrack by various artists-Pulp Fiction
One of the many beauties of this movie is it's soundtrack. From Al Greene to Urge Overkill they all ring the Pulp Fiction bell every time I hear them.

Total Eclipse Of The Heart by Bonnie Tyler-Old School
The Dan Band is the name of the group that butchers this song at Will Ferrel's wedding. When I hear it on the radio I can't help but sing the revised version.

Funkytown by Lipps Inc.-Dumb and Dummer
This track was not in the movie but was in the trailer which was aired repeatedly. It just stuck.

Come Fly With Me by Frank Sinatra-Catch Me If You Can
When I hear this song I can't help but picture Leo walking down the terminal in his flight suit with all those hot chicks behind him. A truly wonderful scene. I don't even know if this song is playing in the background at the time but I always will associate the two.

Sweet Emotion by Arosmith-Dazed And Confused
Opening scene. This is one of those cases where I've heard the song a thousand times but once I saw it associated with this movie it forever altered it's meaning in my brain. If you took a shot every time Mitch grabs his nose during this movie you would die of alcohol poisoning.

Bust a Move by Young MC-Safe Men
This song is in tons of movies but if you've seen this little movie with Steve Zhan, Sam Rockwell, and Paul Giamatti as Veal Chop you know what I'm talking about. Best bar mitzvah scene ever! "From the Wailin' Wall to the Social Hall everyone stand up and wail for Big Fat Bernie Gale!"

Jumpin' Jack Flash by The Rolling Stones-Fear And Loathing In Los Vegas
This is another one of those songs that took on a new meaning once I heard it at the end of this film. I saw this movie for the first time while I was on mushrooms. Big mistake. Everyone else in the room was just as stoned as I was and demanded we turn it off during the scene where Benicio Del Toro was freaking out in the bathroom. We sat there in silence for what seemed like an eternity until I couldn't take it anymore. I got up and turned it on again, I had to see what happened. Getting through the movie was like some kind of mental obstacle course and I guess that's why the end is so important to me.

We Are Going To Be Friends by The White Stripes-Napoleon Dynamite
A perfect opening tune for this picture. There are two different people in this world: Those that get Napoleon Dynamite and those that don't. I'm very happy that I'm in the former group of people.