Songs In Film

Songs In Film: Van Halen- Panama in Superbad

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I really love when the music chosen for a scene in movie or tv show really fits. Even if it’s for just a brief moment, that scene and song will stick with you. Last night while looking for something silly to watch, Superbad caught my eye. While watching and the scene with the demolishing of the police car happens, I knew right then what I needed to write about tomorrow. Van Halen’s Panama will now forever be tied to Superbad for me. Anytime I hear that song, I always go back to this scene.

 

Van Halen- Panama in Superbad:

 

Songs In Film: Danzig- Thirteen in The Hangover

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The opening credits sequence of the The Hangover has one of the best songs to accompany it. Having Danzig’s “Thirteen” in this place is haunting and it absolutely sets a tone for what is to happen in the film. Interestingly, Danzig originally wrote the song for Johnny Cash. Cash’s  acoustic version appears in an edited form on his 1994 American Recordings debut, while a full length version is on the Johnny Cash box set. No matter what, “Thirteen” is a great song and it’s use was perfect.

 

Danzig- Thirteen in The Hangover:

 

 

Johnny Cash- Thirteen:

 

Songs In Film: Alice In Chains in This Is 40

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This is one of my favorite uses of a song in a movie. What Paul Rudd says to his family about the music he plays them is absolutely spot on. Music from bands like Alice In Chains, will undoubtedly live on in a way that music from our parents era has all these years later.

 

Alice In Chains- Rooster (in This Is 40):

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

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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: Placebo in Cruel Intentions

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The 90’s are my favorite time in music. So many landmark albums came out and shaped my musical taste and became the soundtrack to my life. Though it wasn’t just music, there were so many great films that came out then too. There was something truly remarkable about the combination of music and film during that time. One such combination that has always stuck in my head since I saw and heard it was the use of Placebo’s “Every You, Every Me” in the opening credits for the film Cruel Intentions. It fits so perfectly and sets the tone ever so dramatically.

 

Placebo- Every You Every Me:

Songs In Film/TV: Phil Collins- In The Air Tonight on Miami Vice

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One of my all time favorite TV shows is Miami Vice. I still remember sitting with my dad and mom watching it when I was a little kid. What a great show it was. There were so many really great things about the show, especially the music. The way they chose the songs and where they were placed in scenes are absolutely legendary. One song I’ll never forget along with the scene is when Phil Collins’ song “In The Air Tonight” was played. The entire scene, the way it was shot, the drama, and the mood, perfectly captures the feeling of the song.

 

In The Air Tonight in Miami Vice (Season 1):

 

Songs In Film: Nine Inch Nails Closer in Seven

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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):

 

 

Songs In Film/TV: Metallica in Zombieland

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Zombieland was a really fun movie. I still watch it a lot when I want a good laugh with a side of violence. I’ll never forget seeing it in the theater and then the opening credits started rolling and Metallica’s “For Whom The Bell Tolls” begins. What a great way to open the movie.

 

Zombieland Opening Credits:

Songs In Film/TV: Nine Inch Nails on Twin Peaks

I will admit I haven’t started watching the return of Twin Peaks yet. It’s on my list of things to do though. Last night on Twin Peaks, Nine Inch Nails performed their song “She’s Gone Away.” This track is one of the more interesting songs on the new EP Not The Actual Events. It should be mentioned that the entire EP is quite wonderful. It’s chock full of “post-industrial” soundscapes and signature Trent Reznor mannerisms.

Anyways, check out Nine Inch Nails performing on Twin Peaks!

 

Nine Inch Nails- She’s Gone Away:

 

 

Songs In Film: Nirvana- Breed in Shoot Em Up

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A couple weeks ago while looking for something to watch, I noticed that Shoot Em Up with Clive Owen was just starting. So, of course I had to get comfortable and watch. It had been quite a while since I last saw this movie, and it’s still a fun action movie. Far fetched as all hell but, one hell of a good time.

While I was watching, I totally had to make a note to share one of the shoot out scenes that featured Nirvana’s “Breed.” This song fits perfectly in the scene. Check it out!

Nirvana- Breed in Shoot ‘Em Up: