True Blood

"I wanna do bad things with you."

Greetings from Hilton Head Island, South Carolina! I've taken a little while to make the best choice for my next post and decided on the "True Blood Soundtrack (Season 1)." I debated whether to include this album or not for some time now. However, I kept coming back to it, and I've decided - I really enjoy this soundtrack, just like I enjoy the series. Which, by the way, has its second season finale on Sunday Sept. 6th at 9pm on HBO. This season has been great and will surely end with a bang! This soundtrack has several of the great songs that are featured throughout the shows and also featured during the closing credits each week. While listening to this soundtrack I had a hard time defining the type of music that is included. Its not country... which I pretty much despise, sorry just not my cup of tea. And its also not conventional rock. I've decided to call it Southern Rock. It makes you feel like you are in the swamps of Louisiana and are listening to a band made up of good 'ole boys that happen to be great musicians. And since I happen to find myself in the south right now, what better place to pay tribute to a great collection of Southern Rock.

BEST REMAKE: Play With Fire performed by Cobra Verde (originally by the Rolling Stones)

While I'm sure Stone's diehards will probably hate me for this, I absolutely love this version of the classic "Play With Fire." Cobra Verde's version is even darker than the original, with a slow, deep drawl of the bands lead vocalist. The music is also extremely simple, piano, bongos, and a few other various percussion items that I'm not quite adept enough to identify. All these components together make for an eerily delicious song. Its also perfect for the series. Its dark, slightly "scary," and overall badass. Perfection.

BEST SOUNDTRACK SIGNATURE SOUND: Bad Things by Jace Everett

How could it be anything else?! This is an AWESOME song. Like the previous song, it perfectly sets the tone for the True Blood television series. The creator of the series, Alan Ball, found this song as he was trying to find musical inspiration for the show. According to the musical supervisor, Ball came across this "wickedly badass" song on itunes:

"After hearing Jace's drawled combination of romance, sex, menace, and humor, True Blood's musical bloodline was set..."

Like other series opening credit songs (think Friends, Sex and the City, etc.) this song will always be synonymous with True Blood.

BEST NEW ARTIST: CC Adcock & The Lafayette Marquis

This great band adds four songs (to the Bonus Track version of the soundtrack - MUST GET!!!!) to the True Blood soundtrack. Bleed 2 Feed, the first of his songs to be included was written exclusively for the album once he heard his music was being considered. These songs were the main reason I dubbed the theme of the soundtrack "Southern Rock." There is definitely country inspired music within his songs, but mostly they feature strong rock beats. I dare you to listen to these songs and not bop your head - you won't even realize that you're doing it, until the songs over and you are left wanting more. Definitely look this guy up. Check out his two albums on iTunes: C.C. Adcock, and Lafayette Marquis - they're both straight out of the bayou.

1. Bad Things by Jace Everett

2. Bleed 2 Feed by CC Adcock & The Lafayette Marquis

3. Lake Charles by Lucinda Williams

4. Give It Up by Lee Dorsey

5. Swampblood by Th' Legendary Shack-Shakers

6. Play With Fire by Cobra Verde

7. Just Like Heaven by The Watson Twins

8. Christine's Tue (A.k.a Devin In Disguise) by The Flying Burrito Brothers

9. Two by Ryan Adams

10. Strange Love by Slim Harpo

11. From a Whisper to a Scream by Allen Toussaint

12. I Don't Wanna Know by Dr. John

13. The Golden State (Feat. Kathleen Edwards) by John Doe

14. Bones by Little Big Town

15. Maison Creole (Live At Merlotte's) [Bonus Track] by CC Adcock & The Lafayette Marquis

16. I'm Ready (Live At Merlotte's) [Bonus Track] by CC Adcock & The Lafayette Marquis

17. Fool to Care (Live At Merlotte's) [Bonus Track] by CC Adcock & The Lafayette Marquis

18. Whiskey's Gone (Live) [Bonus Track] by Zac Brown Band

19. Jesus Asked Me Out Today (Bonus Track) by Amanda Jane and The God Rockets

ps - if you are dying for more True Blood music, be sure to go to the series homepage (click on my blog title to take you there). They break down every episode and list out each song that has been featured in every episode. Its a great site with a lot of fun information!

Meet Joe Black

As I mentioned briefly in my first post, choosing the name of a blog is almost as important as the purpose of the blog - in my opinion. Its very much like a mission statement. What better title than a quote from my favorite movie and favorite movie soundtrack. Yes, Meet Joe Black is my favorite movie. I know, most people can't stand this movie but I personally love it, and perhaps its because of the beautiful instrumental score that accompanies the 3 hour long movie. This quote specifically comes as Anthony Hopkin's character is trying to describe love to his daughter. He encourages her to look harder for real love, love that makes you, "sing with rapture and dance like a dervish."

Composed by Thomas Newman the score perfectly compliments this 'other-worldly' movie. He combines the use of strings, a small brass section in major crescendo's, delicate piano pieces, and a smooth flute melody to express all of the emotions of the film. At times the score is very soft, almost quiet, and within its silence speaks volumes. The main melody that winds in and out of each track has been stuck in my head since I saw the movie all those years ago - yes it is that good. If you don't enjoy classical music (honestly I don't see how you couldn't but to each their own) then you probably won't like this choice. However, if you are reading a great novel, pop this one in and you may find your reading enhanced! Other works of Thomas Newman includes "The Horse Whisperer" and "Shawshank Redemption."

BEST SONG/SCENE COMBINATION: That Next Place - Final Scene

In this final scene of the movie, we find the three main characters closing one chapter of their lives and opening another. They are at the grand estate of the family in New York State during the 65th birthday party of William Parish. Probably the most lavish party I've ever seen, even by movie standards. While William and Joe look down on the party, fireworks begin to light up the sky, creating a ceiling of sparkles overhead. At this point the steady score rumbles into a beautiful crescendo (aka gets louder for music laymen's). Its an amazing combination and truly wraps up the entire movie nicely. I've included a clip to give you an idea of what I'm talking about, however, was only able to find it in Spanish (I told you, no one else seems to like this movie!) - so please don't judge on the strange Spanish voices of Anthony Hopkins and Brad Pitt.

BEST SOUNDTRACK SIGNATURE SOUND: "Somewhere Over The Rainbow & What A Wonderful World" by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole

Seriously, if you haven't heard this Hawaiian's version of Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What A Wonderful World you have been in a cave your whole life. But since it is such a great rendition I had to give it a "Best of" award. The song is featured during the credits of the movie, but an instrumental version is also played during the party that was mentioned above. This song fits perfectly in Meet Joe Black because of its hopeful tone about life. Both songs are about seeing the beautiful in life and finding a way to get there - which is exactly what the film is trying to convey. Sadly, Israel died in 1997, but remains one of the most influential Hawaiian artists.

1. Yes

2. Everywhere Freesia

3. Walkaway

4. Meet Joe Black

5. Peanut Butter Man

6. Whisper of a Thrill

7. Cheek To Cheek

8. Cold Lamb Sandwich

9. Fifth Ave

10. Frequent Thing

11. Death & Taxes

12. Served Its Purpose

13. Sorry For Nothing

14. Mr Bad News

15. Let's Face The Music & Dance

16. Question

17. Someone Else

18. What A Wonderful World

19. That Next Place

20. Over The Rainbow/Wonderful World performed by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole

500 Days... Redux

So, it was brought to my attention that I didn't really let you all (all one of you anyway) know what my favorite songs were on this soundtrack and why. Well, in light of this glaring error, I've decided to include "Best of..." awards for each soundtrack I include on this forum. The "Best of..." category's may vary from soundtrack to soundtrack, but they will have overlap between each selection. Maybe even a year end recap and a "Best of the Best of's..." awards will be in order. So here we go...

BEST SONG/SCENE COMBINATION: "You Make My Dreams" by Hall & Oates

Ok, this one is extremely cheesy, but its meant to be! The reason this song/scene combination takes the cake is because as soon as I hear the opening few guitar chords, I instantly picture Joseph Gordon Levitt with a cute little animated blue bird resting on his hand. Basically this scene is the "big musical number" of the movie and comes directly after a successful night with the main characters love interest. I dare you to watch this scene and not giggle to yourself and tap your toes. Impossible. Now anytime I catch wind of this song, I will always think of 500 Days.



BEST NEW ARTIST (well to me anyway): Wolfmother

Wolfmother is not really 'new' to the world, but they are new to me. Their contribution to this album is a catchy Rock/Folk mix titled, "Vagabond." While this particular song definitely skews to the Folk side, the majority of their music tends to akin a 70's Classic Rock group. Think Led Zepplin meets Queens of the Stone Age. Their most recent album, and the one that includes Vagabond, is a self-titled album "Wolfmother" from 2007, and can be found on iTunes for $10.99. This October they will be releasing a new album, "Cosmic Egg." While there were several artists on this album that could have been taken this particular category, Wolfmother in my opinion has the best overall sound. And who doesn't love Classic Rock? We need more of it in the world. Nouveau Classic Rock, I like it.

BEST SOUNDTRACK SIGNATURE SOUND: "Us" and "Hero" by Regina Spektor

Yes two songs. But through the unique jazzy vocals of Regina Spektor, these two songs exude all of the emotions that the movie 500 Days goes through. "Us" is very upbeat with its staccato piano and violin instrumentals and Regina's bright vocals adding to the overall effect. This is the musical equivalent to the excitement of falling in love that you feel with Tom and Summer. "Hero," on the other hand, expresses the surprise and shock when a great love falls apart. The minor chords of the piano and haunting vocals take you on a ride through a break up. The essence of the movie, falling in love, breaking up, and moving on from it all. Check and check with "Us" and "Hero."

500 Days of Summer

"This is a story of boy meets girl. But you should know up front, this is not a love story."

So, I've decided to jump on the bandwagon and start my own blog. I know everyday people are now inundated with new "bloggers." So why in the world would anyone want to read an online diatribe by yours truly? Well, honestly I'm not too sure. However, I thought to myself, if there is something out there that I find particularly interesting, maybe just maybe there is at least one other person who does as well. Several of my friends have blogs, and their friends have blogs, so why not me.

The key to all of this is to choose a topic. Ah the topic! This is the biggest decision, besides the name of your blog, and is truly the key to any blogs success. You have to write about something that you are sincerely passionate about, no luke warm feelings. There are a lot of things I like, but what do I love. And more importantly what do I love enough to write entry after entry, keep me coming back for more if you will.

After a session of talking movies and music with my friend Rick today, I realized I had my answer right there. Movie soundtracks, I love movie soundtracks. Soundtracks are the souls of movies, and they can make or break a movie in my opinion. If you don't believe me, next time you watch your favorite movie... PAY ATTENTION... you probably love the music too. Whether it is an instrumental score, random gatherings of various artists, or a compilation of one musicians songs, the movie would be nothing without its musical accompaniment.

Beyond adding emotion and soul to a movie, it can also be a great avenue to finding new artists. Soundtracks are like a pandora radio station, they put together songs and artists that have a similar feel - and generally speaking if you like one song on a soundtrack you will probably like a vast majoirty of them. I recognize this is not always the case, but keep an open mind, you might be surprised. I guarantee that at least one artist on any soundtrack you enjoy will spark your interest enough to find more music they've made. Soundtracks open doors in your musical world: walk through.

My other favorite thing about soundtracks is that every time I hear a song from a movie, or ideally listen to the soundtrack in its entirety, I get to relive the movie all over again. Movies, good ones anyway, leave an impression. Scenes are etched into your memory and the music that is played in the background of those scenes can help trigger those memories. You get the chance to experience those emotions all over again anytime you want.

Ok ok, so lets get into the nitty gritty. As you can tell by the title of this post, my soundtrack of choice today is "500 Days of Summer." First of all let me say, if you haven't seen this movie, you MUST go out and see it today. It is absolutely an amazing movie. Its funny, sad, silly, and clever - but is most definitely not first date material! The very first 'song' on the soundtrack is also the opening narration of the movie. This sets the stage for all of the songs you hear thereafter. From the unique vocals of Regina Spektor, the vintage sound of The Smiths, to the obvious inclusion a little Hall & Oates, this musical version of the movie takes you through all the highs and lows of the main character, Tom Hansen.

1. A Story of Boy Meets Girl - Mychael Danna & Rob Simonsen

2. Us - Regina Spektor

3. There Is a Light That Never Goes Out - The Smiths

4. Bad Kids - Black Lips

5. Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want - The Smiths

6. There Goes the Fear - Doves

7. You Make My Dreams - Hall & Oates

8. Sweet Disposition - The Temper Trap

9. Quelqu'un M'a Dit - Carla Bruni

10. Mushaboom - Feist

11. Hero - Regina Spektor

12. Bookends - Simon & Garfukel

13. Vagabond - Wolfmother

14. She's Got You High - Mumm-Ra

15. Here Comes Your Man - Meaghan Smith

16. Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want - She & Him *

* She & Him is a band that is headed up by the movie's co-star Zooey Deschanel. Definitely a unique sound, but damn that girl has a good voice!