Already Christmassed-out on the movie front? Did you peak too early and binge watch everything Netflix has to offer already to get you in the festive mood? Then keep the good times rolling plus detox your mind with these movies where the soundtrack is your DJ for the night and better than the storyline…..(not family friendly).
Empire Records (1995) Netflix
An overly sentimental story of an indie record store whose managed and quirky band of employees are battling corporate sterilisation. The film has sex, rock and roll, rebellion, social misfits and music purists. The tunes are superbly eclectic, Billy Idol, AC/DC, The Buggles, The The, Dire Straits and The Throwing Muses all playing a part. Watching this now confirms the record (and CD) store is truly defunct (if only the penny would drop with HMV). Socially connecting through music these days is mainly done over the internet which just isn’t the same. Bars and clubs are mainly full of drinkers and pick-up artists, gigs are full of people who only want to check-in on social media to look cool. Wouldn’t it be great, while we’re riding the bearded retro crest of the wave, for someone to bring back a proper music hang-out….(now who’s getting sentimental!).
Dazed and Confused (1993)
One of the best slacker movies with a killer cast and a mouth-watering soundtrack. Each song is perfectly layered on to each scene as the drama ripples along with no major climax, no goal, just the last day of high school in Austin, Texas, 1976. Alice Cooper’s School’s Out has undoubtedly been over used for kids excitedly bursting out of the classroom doors but I assure you this is the best. Cleverly, the movie blends pivotal sounds of 70s popular music in the US; Dr John, Isley Brothers, War, Peter Frampton, ZZ Top, Aerosmith, KISS. Crack open a beer, sit back and enjoy the ride.
Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist (2008) Netflix
The noughties is when music smashed into so many shards of genres it’s difficult to keep track. For the true music love it meant you could finally, confidently declare to everyone you truly are eclectic without having to actually use that word. Nick and Norah’s soundtrack is packed with lust-tunes from the new guitar based music revolution AND the story revolves around a true fangirl.
200 Cigarettes (1999)
If you’re having a quiet New Year’s Eve plant yourself in a nostalgic movie party of your own, complete with the most hilarious Elvis Costello cameo and Dave Chapelle’s Disco Cabbie. Follow a group of neurotic New Yorkers in 1981 as they try and craft the perfect December 31st experience, only to realise it’s the stuff you don’t plan which becomes memorable. Corny, yes, but the 80′s soundtrack becomes the glue on which the star studded cast hinge their performances featuring the creme de la creme of the era; Blondie, Soft Cell, The Specials, The Ramones, The Buzzcocks and of course Elvis Costello.
Best of the rest:
Singles (1992) - Eddie Vedder, Stone Gossard, Chris Cornell and several other cameos from major grunge bands of the days, if you were a freak for Sub Pop, then you will have already watched this. If you haven’t, stop what you’re doing and watch immediately, the kids will feed themselves….
Almost Famous (2000) - semi-autobiographical flick from a director who always gives a soundtrack the starring role in his work. The film kills Elton John’s Tiny Dancer for ever but will switch you on to numerous lesser known bands such as The Seeds, The Guess Who and the MC5.
High Fidelity (2000) Netflix - it’s an annoying story of male angst over his failing love-life. The answer to his problems is infuriatingly obvious within the first 10 minutes. The break-up lists are frustratingly self-indulgent but the music purist discussions they have in the store are bang on. Just hearing Jack Black utter his potential new band name of ‘Kathleen Turner Overdrive’ is worth it!
