The Score: Fight Club by The Dust Brothers

It’s been over 20 years now since the release of Fight Club. Interestingly enough, that film and the book, are even more relevant now that ever. If you really examine the themes of it, you’d be pretty astonished by what the overall message is. Granted that’s if you’ve never really delved into both of them. One of my favorite things about the film has always been the music though. What The Dust Brothers created not only was perfect for it but, it also set a tone for a lot of other composers to follow as a template. Throughout the film, The Dust Brothers were able to tap into many different sounds to really encapsulate the vibe of the scene. The intensity of the performances mixed with the music created a very amazing tension that played off each other so well that, when you listen to the score on its own, you start to feel like you might have tapped into Jack’s inner dialogue. Interestingly, director David Fincher originally wanted Radiohead to create the music for the film but, Thom Yorke declined, as he was worn out from all the promotion of OK Computer.

 
The Dust Brothers Fight Club Score:

Songs In Film: Donovan- Hurdy Gurdy Man in Zodiac

David Fincher’s film Zodiac, is quite a remarkable film. There isn’t one thing about this film that I have any complaints about. Everything about it from the performances, the cinematography, art direction, etc, it all makes this film something great. The soundtrack for the film is also something special. You know how Quentin Tarantino has a knack for picking the right songs, well David Fincher is right there with him. In the first scene in the film, Fincher’s song selection of the Donovan song “Hurdy Gurdy Man” is absolutely perfect. I still remember the first time I saw this film and thinking what a perfect use of a song for this scene. If you’ve never seen Zodiac, I highly recommend it.

Donovan- Hurdy Gurdy Man in Zodiac:

 

 

Donovan- Hurdy Gurdy Man (Album Version):

Great Music Videos: Nine Inch Nails- Only

I’m sure you all know by now that Nine Inch Nails is my favorite band. While thinking of what to share with you all today, I wound up with the song “Only” in my head. There are a few things about the song that are really cool. For starters the song was the number one song on the modern rock charts for seven straight weeks when it was released. “Only” is the 20th most played song in the bands live history. And, the music video for the song, which was directed by David Fincher, is one hell of a great video and truly artistic. The CGI heavy video is one of the most intriguing videos in the latter part of Nine Inch Nails’ history. David Fincher and Trent Reznor are one hell of a team together. Their shared vision and ability to create genuine art is profound. Enjoy this great and now classic video.

 
Nine Inch Nails- Only:

 

Here’s a bonus… Check out this awesome remix EL-P (from Run The Jewels) did:
Nine Inch Nails- Only (EL-P Mix):

 

Cover Song: Billy Idol (The Doors)- L.A. Woman

Back in 1990, Billy Idol released his fourth solo studio album entitled Charmed Life. The album featured the hit single “Cradle Of Love.” That song went on to win multiple awards for it’s video which was directed by David Fincher. There was another song on the album though, that got a lot of attention, and that was Billy’s cover of The Doors classic, L.A. Woman. His version was shorter than the original and it also had a bit of a different vibe but, it was still one of those covers that stood out for being unique and still honoring the original. The video for the cover was also directed by David Fincher. L.A. Woman is one of my all time favorite songs by The Doors, and ever since I heard Billy Idol’s version when I was a very young kid (think I was 6), I’ve loved it even more. By the way, Billy Idol is still a badass and continues to rock the stage and release great rock music.

 

Billy Idol- L.A. Woman:

 

 

 

Billy Idol- L.A. Woman (album version):

 

Songs In Film: Pixies- Where Is My Mind in Fight Club

I woke up this morning with the Pixies song “Where Is My Mind” in my head. While I was singing the song to myself it made me want to watch Fight Club. To this day, the ending scene of Fight Club when “Where Is My Mind” plays is one of my all time favorite scenes and endings to a film. The placement of the song is absolutely perfect.

 

End Scene of Fight Club with Where Is My Mind:

Songs In Film: Nine Inch Nails Closer in Seven

One of my all time favorite movies is Seven. It’s a damn near perfect film. The performances are great, the story, the realism and of course the soundtrack. I’ll never forget seeing it for the first time and thinking to myself that “THIS” is one hell of a film and I can’t wait to watch it again and again. David Fincher really proved himself as a filmmaker with Seven and his career since than is damn near flawless. The opening credits sequence for the film features Nine Inch Nails’ classic “Closer.” Though it’s technically a remix done by the the experimental group Coil. Either way what a great choice of song to start off the film.

 

Nine Inch Nails- Closer (Coil Mix):

 

 

Cover Thursday: Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross and Karen O (Led Zeppelin)- Immigrant Song

I’m not a fan of the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s at all but this version of Led Zeppelin’s “Immigrant Song” is fantastic. The arrangement from Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross as well as the visuals from the opening sequence of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo make this great.