Radio LBB: National Cinema Day
This weekend marked National Cinema Day in the UK. Not only a day to celebrate the best pictures to ever grace the big screen, but as music supervisors, any excuse to dig into our favourite film soundtracks and movie sync moments. It turns out we all had very strong feelings* about what constituted the ‘best’ soundtrack or score and picking just three was almost impossible. But in the end, here some of our top soundtrack and scores. Happy National Cinema Day!
*no office friendships were harmed in the making of this article
Jen
‘Young Hearts Run Free’ by Candi Stanton from Romeo + Juliet
I could've picked any number of tracks as the whole soundtrack is incredible but this moment in the film is so joyous and such an incredible set piece and is one of my earliest memories of discovering a "hidden gem" through a film.
‘Hip to Be Square’ by Huey Lewis & The News from American Psycho
Christian Bale giving an in depth appraisal of the song to a drunk Jared Leto just before he chops him to pieces is iconic.
‘That Thing You Do!’ by The Wonders from That Thing You Do
The best original song integral to a film's plot ever written. Fight me.
Siân
‘Magic Dance’ by David Bowie from Labrinth
I think this was one of the first pieces of music from film that truly permeated my mind and memories. It filled my childhood dreams and nightmares alike.
For me it still stands up today, it’s so silly and fun and classically '80s!
‘Harlem Shuffle’ by Bob & Earl from Baby Driver
There are so many brilliant music moments from this film but I’ve plumped for the opening credits. The whole use of music in the film is a music nerd’s dream! The music is completely integral to the film with each track being supported by every element of the film taking it to another level.
American Beauty score by Thomas Newman
The use of tuned percussion was so unconventional at the time but set the tone perfectly. It's another one that has truly stood the test of time and had a lasting impact on music written for picture.
Alice
‘This Land’ by Hans Zimmer from Lion King
Chills every time. I once played this in a cathedral with a full orchestra and 60-piece choir, and it was the best day of my life.
‘Gabriel’s Oboe’ by Ennio Morricone from The Mission
I’m a huge Ennio Morricone fan (who isn’t). There aren’t a whole load of oboe-led pieces that will make me cry but this one absolutely will.
‘I’m Just Ken’ by Ryan Gosling from Barbie
Iconic. Seismic. Legendary. This song has no business being as good as it is. Oscar worthy? Absolutely.
Josh
‘Pure Imagination’ by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Bewley from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
All three of my picks could have been from this film. It's insane that we have the Quaker Oats Company to thank for not only one of the best films of all time but ALSO original songs like 'Pure Imagination', 'Candy Man', 'Oompa Loompa', 'I've Got A Golden Ticket', 'Cheer Up Charlie' AND 'I Want It Now'. It just doesn't miss!!
‘Tokyo Drift’ by Teriyaki Boyz from Fast and The Furious: Tokyo Drift
I listen to this song almost every time I drive through the Blackwall Tunnel at 30mph and every time I feel like I am expertly drifting down that car park spiral in the movie. If that doesn't show the power of music I don't know what does.
‘Everybody Knows’ by Leonard Cohen from King of Kong
This is a documentary about two guys fighting over getting the highest Donkey Kong score - Billy Mitchell, the world record holder, is heavily suspected of cheating throughout it and the drama of this track, Cohen's deep gravelly voice and the lyrics are just such a perfect fit for this villainous character.
