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: 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: Infectious Grooves- Feed The Monkey in Encino Man

Yesterday, I was listening to Suicidal Tendencies. While listening, I thought back to watching Mike Muir and Infectious Grooves playing the prom in Encino Man. They played “Feed The Monkey” and absolutley rocked the prom. I still think the dance sequence with Pauly Shore, Sean Astin and Brendan Fraser is perfect and hilarious. It’s fun to go back and watch that movie. It still holds up and is still funny. If there were ever to be a sequel (though it’s been a really long time), they need to bring Infectious Grooves back to play.

Infectious Grooves- Feed The Monkey in Encino Man:

Infectious Grooves- Feed The Monkey (Album Version):

Songs In Film: Lou Reed- Satellite of Love in Adventureland

The movie Adventureland is one of those movies that flew under the radar a bit when it was released but has since become a sort of Dazed and Confused type of cult movie. It’s got a really good ensemble cast, a good story, decent performances but, the real standout is the soundtrack. There are so many great songs found in this movie. One of my favorite scenes in the movie is this part when Jesse Eisenberg and Ryan Reynolds are driving and talking and Lou Reed’s “Satellite Of Love” is playing in the background. The whole scene plays out perfectly and this song plays an interesting and pivotal role for the characters. If you haven’t seen the movie, I recommend it. I’m sure it’s streaming somewhere. AND, if you’ve never listened to Lou Reed’s Transformer album, you should most definitely do that as well!

Lou Reed- Satellite Of Love in Adventureland:

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: 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):

Songs In Film: Motorhead- Ace Of Spades in Grosse Pointe Blank

Grosse Pointe Blank is one of the best films of the past 25 years. It’s funny, heartfelt, violent and all around great. Plus the soundtrack to the film is superb. This movie is one of those that you can watch constantly just for fun. It’s also one of those that when it’s on, most people tend to watch it no matter how far in the movie already is. John Cusack is perfect as Martin Blank. I was recently watching the movie the other night and there was a scene I made a note of and had to present it here. Motorhead’s “Ace Of Spades” was featured in the movie in one of the coolest scenes. Check it out!

Motorhead- Ace Of Spades in Grosse Pointe Blank:

 

 

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):