Soundtracks That Made Movies

     These are all well made films, but the music is what made them timeless. Songs make scenes and vice-versus, here are some of the best.—boone sturt.

(Angus): A movie all parents should show kids as a prerequisite for high school. With an Oscar award winning cast in the most relatable tale of teen angst since “The Breakfast Club”, the only thing that outshined the actual plot was the soundtrack. Every song is appropriate, memorable and was worth the risk of downloading on Napster. (Am I Wrong—Love Spit Love, Ain’t That Unusual—Goo Goo Dolls, You Gave Your Love to Me Softly—Weezer, J.A.R.—Green Day)

(Blow): An amazing true story of the biggest drug dealer in the United States through the 80’s, his rise and fall told through the brilliant acting of Johnny Depp and a soundtrack that accents this film in every good way, and makes the scenes go from memorable to legendary. Great songs from that era support an already incredibly strong narrative of someone who didn’t understand that money isn’t real. (Mississippi Queen—Mountain, Black Betty—Ram Jam, Blinded by the Light—Manfred Mann’s Earth Band, Can’t You See—The Marshall Tucker Band)

(Garden State): An original, eccentrically beautiful movie that’s incredibly relatable to all people going through the daily anxieties of their 20’s, realizing you can always and never go home again. The song choices do nothing but enforce Zach Braff’s interpretation of carpe diem. Natalie Portman as an adorable epileptic, and “Sheldon” as just a fast-food knight are highlights. (Don’t Panic—Coldplay, Let Go—Frou Frou, New Slang—The Shins, In the Waiting Line—Zero 7)

(Igby Goes Down): This amazingly well-casted dark comedy really exemplified that at least one Culkin can really act. Backed by a fantastic soundtrack of bands you’ve probably never heard of, and fucking Jeff Goldblum, it’s worth considering in your options. (Everybody’s Stalking—Badly Drawn Boy, The Weight—The Band, Bohemian Like You—The Dandy Warhols, Brokenupadingdong—The Beta Band)

(8 Mile): Besides the masterpiece he wrote in 5 minutes “Lose Yourself’ Eminem included all his favorites in this epic biopic. The artists reflect the times, and more so paint an accurate picture of Marshall Mathers origin story. Highlighted by his interpretation of Mobb Deep’s “Shook Ones” at the end, absolutely trashing the Avengers Falcon, who is not a gangster and real name is Clarence. It’s truly an homage to everything that’s great about hip-hop. (Shook Ones, Part II—Mobb Deep, 8 Mile—Eminem, Player’s Ball—OutKast, C.R.E.A.M.—Wu-Tang Clan)

(Outside Providence): Please see this movie if you haven’t. it’s vintage Farrelly brother’s and Alec Baldwin’s best shit. It’s funny, touching and slightly stupid. The soundtrack is not. A fantastic blend of stoner-rock from that time, it does justice to character Drugs Delaney and his creative writing ability as demonstrated below while he listens to the Little Feats immortal classic. (Long Train Running—The Doobie Brothers, Do It Again—Steely Dan, I’d Love To Change The World—Ten Years After, Venus—Shocking Blue, Sweet Home Alabama—Lynyrd Skynyrd)

(Varsity Blues): This movie was the launching point for several people, and if you ever played competitive sports in high school you absolutely identified with this movie, even more so if you started. The music makes every scene more realistic, the majority of these tracks could be heard in locker-rooms nationwide at the turn of the millennium. (My Hero—Foo Fighters, Run—Collective Soul, Every Little Thing Counts—Janus Stark, Nice Guys Finish Last—Green Day, Nitro—The Offspring)

(Joe Dirt): Say what you want about his hair, this man did have good taste in women, cars and music. This cult-classic is supported by a soundtrack of American classics, proving he is in fact a “rocker” through and through exemplified by his favorite-artists-ever rant at Dennis Miller, and most of his list are just as legendary as he is. (Hold Your Head Up—Argent, Burning For You—Blue Oyster Cult, Hold On Loosely—38 Special, China Groove—The Doobie Brothers, Rocky Mountain Way—Joe Walsh)

(American Pie): An American sex-driven classic of high school senior year through the eyes of four friends, is actually pretty hysterical. The predicaments, lines and characters are in some way or another everybody you ever went to high school with in the 90’s. The soundtrack is a perfect “Culmination” of essential music of that era’s music. (Mutt—blink 182, Flagpole Sitta—Harvey Danger, Semi-Charmed Life—Third Eye Blind)

(High Fidelity): This movie was the moment that Jack Black blew up playing the overzealous, overopinionated, smart-ass professional music appreciator/record store salesman/lead-singer. This movie is highlighted by him and his discussions of anything top 5 in music, and a soundtrack that even his character would approve of. A pure Chicago movie, done by beloved native son John Cusack, who showcases the city throughout his romantic odyssey in search of real happiness and pop-music. (Oh! Sweet Nuthin—Velvet Underground, Dry The Rain—The Beta Band, Let’s Get It On—Marvin Gaye/Jack Black, The River—Bruce Springsteen)