Songs In Film: The Pixies Debaser in This Is 40

There are just some movies/films that get the music just ever so right. When you watch Judd Apatow’s This Is 40, there are a plethora of great songs used at such perfect moments. Lately I’ve been delving back into the the catalog of the Pixies and while listening to Doolittle of course this scene came to mind. Paul Rudd in this movie is absolutely perfect as well! It’s quite interesting too how spot on his characters take is on music and how it relates from yesterday to today.

Paul Rudd explains The Pixies “Debasser” off of Doolittle in This Is 40:

Pixies- Doolittle:

Songs In Film: Refused- New Noise in Crank

Last night while looking for something to watch before bed, I found a movie I haven’t seen in a little bit. Thankfully too it just started. One thing I forgot about is the first song used in the movie and it inspired this post. While watching it dawned on me that the song that kicks the movie off is “New Noise” by Refused. What a perfect song to start this movie! It’s seriously very fitting for the scene and the things that happen next. Take moment and watch! And if it’s been a minute since you’ve seen Crank, I suggest a good re-watching! I’m now waiting for Crank 3 hahaha!

Crank with Refused’s “New Noise”:

Songs In Film: Peter Gabriel- In Your Eyes in Say Anything

The film Say Anything has one of the most iconic scenes ever involving a song. John Cusack’s Lloyd Dobler stands beside his car, boom box over his head, blasting Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes” (from his stellar debut solo album, So) into Diane Court’s bedroom window, just to let her know that he has not given up on her. When talking about the scene writer/director Cameron Crowe (that’s right Say Anything is a Cameron Crowe film if you didn’t know) said “That scene is like Romeo under the trellis, But I have this feeling when I watch it that it’s filled with double emotion – both with the story and the actors, whose own trepidation bleeds in.” This scene and song is truly amazing and one that will stand up for centuries. Interestingly, Peter Gabriel initially turned down Crowe because he confused the film with another film in production at the time, a John Belushi biography called Wired.

The Scene:

Peter Gabriel- In Your Eyes:

Songs In Film: ACDC in Empire Records

Empire Records is one of my all time favorite movies. It’s one of those movies that really does capture the time period and the connection of life to music. Over the years, the cult status of the film has grown by leaps and bounds. Besides launching many careers for a lot of the actors in it, the soundtrack was amazing. There is one scene in particular that I’ve always been fond of and have wanted to recreate if I had a job and boss like that. I’m talking about the scene when Lucas and AJ are rocking out to “If You Want Blood” by AC/DC while their boss Joe, locks himself in his office and plays along on the drums to blow off some steam. “If You Want Blood” is my all time favorite AC/DC song so, it’s only fitting that I share this with you!

AC/DC- If You Want Blood (in Empire Records):

Songs In Film: Elton John- Tiny Dancer in Almost Famous

This has got to be one of the best, if not top 5 all time uses of a song in film. Personally, anytime I hear Elton John’s “Tiny Dancer” I immediately think of this scene from Almost Famous. It’s seriously one of the best uses of a song in film EVER. It’s absolutely perfect. It also makes me want to watch the movie too. There isn’t much need to go on rambling about this one. Just enjoy it, especially if it’s been a minute since you’ve seen the movie.

Elton John- Tiny Dancer in Almost Famous:

 

Songs In Film: Lynyrd Skynyrd- Tuesday’s Gone in Happy Gilmore

When you think of Lynyrd Skynyrd, I’m sure the first thing that comes to mind is “Free Bird.” That’s the same for me too. Over the years though, I’ve really come to the realization that “Tuesday’s Gone” is a better song than “Free Bird.” That’s just my opinion, and we can talk about that later if you’d like. Anyways, the other night while looking for something mindless to watch, I noticed Happy Gilmore was about to start and so I settled in and watched. As it began I couldn’t help but remember that “Tuesday’s Gone” opens and closes the movie and its the perfect song to do both. So with that in mind, check out this great use of the song in one of the funniest movies ever!

Tuesday’s Gone in Happy Gilmore:
Opening Credits:

 

 

Ending:

 

Songs In Film: David Bowie- Cat People (Putting Out Fire) from Inglourious Basterds

Quentin Tarantino has a knack not just for making great films but, also knowing just what songs to use for the scenes. Going back to Reservoir Dogs, you could get a sense that Quentin knows just what he’s doing in this regard. Over the weekend I saw that his epic 2009 masterpiece Inglourious Basterds was on. It had been a minute since I sat and watched so, naturally, I felt compelled to do so. The use of David Bowie’s “Cat People (Putting Out Fire)” in this film was absolutely outstanding. The song fit the mood and the way the scene was put together is a work of art. Enjoy this moment of Quentin’s greatness.

 

 

Songs In Film: Metallica- Master Of Puppets in Old School

Old School is still one hell of a funny movie. I was watching it recently and made a note to include the scene with Metallica’s “Master of Puppets” as part of this topic. This scene is funny and shot very well, and the use of “Master of Puppets” is perfect.

 
Metallica- Master of Puppets (in Old School):