Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Sublime Soundtrack: That Thing You Do


Oh, original soundtracks... how do I love thee? Let me count the ways:

1) You don't just grab shite outta the top 40 and stick it in your movie to snag popularity points
2) The songs reflect the trials, tribulations and personalities of the characters much better because they were designed for them
3) The songs invoke the specific memory of the film, and only the film, and as I listen various scenes flash through my mind
4) Sometimes (not always) I get to see my fave actors singing/playing an instrument

That Thing You Do (1996) is Tom Hanks' writing/directorial triumph. Not only is the film an amazing story about the truths behind one-hit-wonders (pronounced Oh-Nee-Ders.. heh), but it incorporates a brilliant soundtrack that is catchy, emotional, and believable as hit music of the time period (1964). The soundtrack peaked at #31 on Billboard's Top 100.

Obviously, here is the title track, That Thing You Do, originally written by the lead singer Jimmy as a ballad, but jazzed up by hipster last-minute-replacement drummer Guy, causing it to become a smash hit.



All My Only Dreams is the ballad of the film. Another cute little diddy, reminiscent of the innocence of music of the time. (Whoa, that was deep)

 


Lovin' You Lots and Lots is the song that introduces us to the movie in the opening sequence. Believe it or not, this song was written by Tom Hanks (although fictionally credited to a made-up band called the Norm Wooster Singers). Check it out - it's fun and peppy, and you'd never know it wasn't a genuine 1964 tune.



Little Wild One - although the message of this song is about leaving your "steady" for someone a little more fun, it's still a catchy, original tune.



My World is Over is sung by a different character in the film, the sensual Ms. Diane Dane, a popular songstress of the fictional record label, Playtone. This song gives us a look at a different genre of music of the time. Amazing!



Of course there are MANY other gems in this movie like Mr. Downtown (sung by a ficticious Frank Sinatra-ish character, and Hold My Hand, Hold My Heart by the girly doo-wop trio The Chantrellines.

But you'll have to check it out for yourself to get the whole picture of this Sublime Soundtrack!

4 comments:

Nathan Lurz said...

IIIIIIII LLLLOOOOVVVEEE TTTHHHHIIIISSSS MMMMOOOOVVVVIIIIEEEE.

Like, a whole bunch. Also, thanks for following!

Melanie's Randomness said...

Oh this movie rocked on soooo many levels!! I'm totally going to listen to the tunes while I'm still here at work! Thanks!

California Keys said...

I live about 5 minutes from where that movie was filmed!

I worked with a guy who was the stunt/body double (at least he said he was) for the drummer....

Christina Harper said...

I always thought this was an underrated movie, but I love it and the soundtrack SO MUCH1 That's why I capped it!

So, seriously, I'm glad you give mad props to this movie. It makes me squee.