Top Soundtrack Songs

There is nothing that has a more profound impact on the emotional effect of a movie than its soundtrack. A well-crafted soundtrack serves to supplement the images of the movie with songs that create in the viewer a more poignant experience. This was only re-inforced when I saw Little Miss Sunshine this weekend. I enjoyed the movie immensely, with its perfectly selected cast and smart writing, but this post is about soundtracks. And to me, the most important song of the soundtrack is the last track, played at the denouement, and leaving an impression on the viewers as they head down the aisles. So here is my top five list of best songs to end movies:

5. Fight Club- The Pixies, "Where is my mind?"
A phenomenal song in its own right, "Where is my mind?" was a perfect fit for the ending of the movie when (SPOILER ALERT!) Edward Norton's character shoots himself to kill the alter ego his subconscious had created, Tyler Durden. This song furthered the ambience of the movie in which reality is shaken.

4. The Squid and the Whale- Lou Reed, "Street Hassle"
I will admit, I had not heard this Lou Reed classic until I heard it at the conclusion of my arthouse choice of the year, The Squid and the Whale. Overall, a powerful soundtrack, and the slightly repetitive "Street Hassle" provided a harmonious ending.

3. Little Miss Sunshine- DeVotchka, "How It Ends"
You didn't think I would spend all this time talking about my new favorite movie without including it in this category, did you? LMS' soundtrack tone is consistent throughout (with the exception of Rick James' "Superfreak"), and DeVotchka provides manygreat songs, with this six minute opus being the best of the bunch.

2. The Life Aquatic- David Bowie, "Queen Bitch"
This song was a triumphant finish to a quirky movie that included numerous Bowie covers in Portugese. I was left very satisfied watching all the main characters defiantly strut down the sidewalk with this tune blaring.

1. Donnie Darko- Gary Jules, "Mad World"
An extremely sad song for an extremely sad ending of a movie, this song fit the scene perfectly at the end of Donnie Darko. There is a reason this movie has achieved such esteemed cult status, and the soundtrack did its part.

Honorable Mention: The Breakfast Club- Simple Minds, "Don't You (Forget About Me)", Garden State- Frou Frou, "Let Go",
Rushmore- The Faces, "Ooh La La"
There are a probably a number of classic songs at the end of movies that I left out, but this merely my favorites of the moment, and that is what the comment section is for.

Summer Festival Coverage/Lansing Noise

Just a quick note to please check out my Head Dress Tattoo blog for coverage of Lollapalooza 2006 and other summer festivals in Chicago, including band photos and some short videos (not amazing quality since they were taken on my digital camera, but nice if you weren't there). I'm too lazy to repost them here. Sourry, eh!

Also, please have a look at my article published last week in Lansing State Journal. Just click here.

The Tool Box Five (For Fighting) For 8/6 To 8/12

1. Highlander: Best Movie Ever Made
While Talladega Nights was no Anchorman, it is a high calibur comedy that was enjoyable all the way through. It seems as if audiences are agreeing, the film has already racked up over $90 million in under two weeks.

2. Trivia Time
During the weekly Raw ritual, we had a WWE Trivia contest, hosted by Justin. Dave made a great showing, but I was able to edge him out in the end.

3. Forward Down The Field
It was great to be back in section 246 again (even though I did attempt to move seats) to watch my hometown heroes, the Lions in preseason action. I was impressed with our offensive execution and a little worried by the play of our secondary. We have another 3-4 weeks or so to keep on working towards defeating the NFC champions on September 10th.

4. IFL
Things started off with a bang at this years IFL draft and as always, there was never a dull moment. Well, except for maybe Michelle. My team is once again awful and I expect to be in about the same draft position next year.

5. Congrats
Congratulations to Marc and Amy on getting married. Best wishes to you both.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
Mike Forster was the highlight of the wedding evening. Pounding drink after drink until he was the life of the party, Frosty got more action on the dance floor than anyone I've ever seen. Thank you for keeping Dave and I amused all night long, buddy.

The Tool Box Five (For Fighting) For 7/30 To 8/5

1. One Night Only Part Deux
A big thank you to my lovely girlfriend for hosting Raw this week. Raw has now been held at 6 different locations if I'm not mistaken.

2. Justinet Flix
Since I really don't feel like writing movie reviews these days, I'll give you the ratings of the movies I've seen in the last couple of weeks. The ratings are out of 5.

Seven (3.75)
Super Size Me (3)
Waiting (3)
Saw (3)
Sin City (3.75)
Clerks II (4.5)

3. OK To Ship
My cousin's band, OK To Ship, recently released their debut album and I must say it is quite good. If you ever get a chance to check them out, they're a fun live band. For tour dates and band info go to www.myspace.com/oktoship. You can also check out some of the songs from the album.

4. Skinny Rodriguez
Latino Heat, Ivan Rodriguez, created one of the greatest sport moments I have witnessed live by hitting a walk-off home run to win the game Saturday night. I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate Marc getting married. Awesome stuff.

5. Holy Shish-kabob
The Jaworski family had a birthday bash for Marisa and the food was excellent. It was in a luau theme and it was a good time. Any time anyone makes shish-kabobs let me know.

Quick Lollapalooza Top Ten Preview

I am so excited about Lollapalooza 2006, at Chicago's Grant Park August 4 - 6, that I thought I'd write up a TOP TEN REASONS YOU SHOULD BE AT LOLLAPALOOZA list. So here it is, as quick as my fingers will type it:

10. Sybris - Chicago dreamy indie rock quartet Sybris is set to play Saturday at 1:00. They sound a little like the Pixies, a little like My Bloody Valentine, and a lot like GOOD MUSIC. The female lead vocals are obviously a selling point for me, since I am apparently a sucker for a sexy voice.

9. Anathallo - This group from Mount Pleasant, MI (what?!?) could actually be amazing live. Their lush orchestration and interesting arrangements have been compared to Sufjan Stevens and the Decemberists. Show your support on Friday at 1:00, especially if you're from the Great Lakes State.

8. Manu Chao - Screw Kanye. Across the park from that giant-headed monster, a world music dance party will take place. His music contains elements from British rock and French music, but also sounds from Spain and South America. Forget the hype of that hip hop hooligan. The cool kids will be partying with Manu from 8:30 to 10 on Saturday night. (p.s. - followers and/or members of Kanye's entourage, please don't murder me)

7. Feist - Oh why do you have to be performing during The Go! Team's set??? Canadian vocal vixen Feist will be performing Saturday at 1:30. She recorded her album in Paris, which makes her even hotter. It's for the best that I miss her set anyways. She'd probably break my heart in that short hour on stage. Trust me, Feist can't wait to quit her job so we can get married and have babies. Then one day we will start a family band and we will tour the countryside and you won't be invited! (Sigh...I'm a dork)


6. The Shins - The Shins broke out with two songs on the Garden State soundtrack and a huge college following in the last couple years. For some reason I always thought they were British. Anyways, see them serve up their summery indie rock at 4:30 on Sunday. It should be a good time.

5. Sonic Youth - These days Sonic Youth plays like Yo La Tengo playing like late 80's Sonic Youth (anyone that follows that deserves a pat on the back). The reality is that their new CD is actually good! Make sure to check out these legends of noise rock Saturday at 4:30.

4. The Go! Team - I am actually skeptical as to whether or not the Go! Team can pull off a live act with the same fervour as their live album. But I'm completely willing to find out. See them combine hundreds of samples with live instruments and vocals on Saturday at 1:30. Get ready for a Motown-kung fu-western-cheerleader-indie rockin good time!

3. Of Montreal - Their live shows have the same capacity for fun and excitement as the Flaming Lips (read below). Alternating intstruments and switching between real and electronic drums, this is acid indie pop like you've never heard (or seen) before. Kevin Barnes is hilarious at the mic. You will leave their set (Sunday at 5:00) feeling happy. Trust me.

2. Broken Social Scene - I think this group, with their miniscule 45 minute set on Sunday at 7:30, will emerge as one of the more memorable of the festival. Call it a hunch. At least Feist will only be breaking my heart once this weekend while she provides the powerhouse vocals on songs like "7/4 Shoreline." Be there, or be Canadian.

1. The Flaming Lips - Their set at All Good Fest 2005 in West Virginia was hands down one of the coolest acts I've ever seen. I wish they had a headline slot. At least they get an hour, at 6:30 on Saturday (Saturday's gonna be a good day huh!?). Be prepared for fake blood, giant balloons, strobe lights, confetti, and....oh, wait....I'm giving away the surprises!!! GET EXCITED!!


Wow, I'm exhausted already. Go to www.lollapalooza.com for more info or to buy tickets. Hopefully I'll see you there! (read more of my work at the Head Dress Tattoo blog)

The Tool Box Five (For Fighting) For 7/23 To 7/29

1. Great American B-Dubs
Yes, it was that time again, as the WWE put on a solid offering as did B-Dubs, once they got my wrap right. I guess I am still owed a grilled chicken wrap. All hail King Booker!

2. Weed, Weed, And The Black Crowes
A big thank you to Dave and his dad for allowing me to see the Crowes for the sixth time. It was an awesome show and a definite "high" point of the summer.

3. Justinet Flix
Justin has upped my maximum movies I'm allowed to rent from him from two to three. We'll see if these movies are as good as Seven. We also went to B-Dubs (yes, again), watched 3 South, and played some good old fashioned board games (1313 Dead End Drive anyone?).

4. Smackdizzle
Tuesday, I witnessed both Smackdown and ECW at the Joe. A very solid show, I just wish I wasn't so tired. Next stop, WrestleMania!

5. A Matter Of Me Getting The Squirts
Saturday, I went to a wedding and for the reception it was at a restaurant named "A Matter Of Taste". I just wanted to recommend it as a very fine dining establishment located right on Union Lake in Orchard Lake, MI.