Movie Music Monday – Risky Business

It was on this day in 1983 that Risky Business was released in theaters. It featured Tom Cruise is what many consider his “break out role.” It also starred Rebecca DeMornay, Curtis Anderson, Bronson Pinchot, and Megan Mullally. Cruise was picked for the role over some other famous actors who auditioned for it including, Tom Hanks, Kevin Bacon, Sean Penn, and John Cusack. Michelle Pfeiffer was actually offered the female lead role, but turned it down.

Roger Ebert enjoyed the film. He said that the film featured “New faces and inspired insights and genuine laughs… one of the smartest, funniest, most perceptive satires in a long time… not only invites comparison with The Graduate, it earns it.“

The soundtrack of the film was done by Tangerine Dream. Their music makes up half of the movie’s soundtrack. Mixed in with their music are songs from Muddy Waters, Prince, Phil Collins, Journey, Jeff Beck, and the song I’m featuring in this blog. I’m sure I don’t even have to tell you what it is, because it is THE song that is forever connected with one of the films greatest scenes.

Old Time Rock and Roll by Bob Seger was released in 1979 and had all but gone away before it was featured in Risky Business. Thanks to the film and the iconic scene featuring Cruise’s character sliding across the floor, dancing in just his pink shirt, socks, and white briefs while lip synching to the song, it enjoyed renewed popularity.

As far as the influence on pop culture… the scene has been recreated in episodes of many television series, as well as in films, parodies, and advertisements.

So today, find a nice smooth wood floor, throw on a pink shirt, white socks and your tightie whiteys and sing along …

Old Time Rock and Roll

Just take those old records off the shelf
I’ll sit and listen to ’em by myself
Today’s music ain’t got the same soul
I like that old time rock ‘n’ roll
Don’t try to take me to a disco
You’ll never even get me out on the floor
In ten minutes I’ll be late for the door
I like that old time rock ‘n’ roll

Still like that old time rock ‘n’ roll
That kind of music just soothes the soul
I reminisce about the days of old
With that old time rock ‘n’ roll (oh)

Won’t go to hear ’em play a tango
I’d rather hear some blues or funky old soul
There’s only one sure way to get me to go
Start playing old time rock ‘n’ roll
Call me a relic, call me what you will
Say I’m old-fashioned, say I’m over the hill
Today’s music ain’t got the same soul
I like that old time rock ‘n’ roll

Still like that old time rock ‘n’ roll
That kind of music just soothes the soul
I reminisce about the days of old
With that old time rock ‘n’ roll (oh)

Still like that old time rock ‘n’ roll
That kind of music just soothes the soul
I reminisce about the days of old
With that old time rock ‘n’ roll

Still like that old time rock ‘n’ roll
That kind of music just soothes the soul
I reminisce about the days of old
With that old time rock ‘n’ roll (hey)

Still like that old time rock ‘n’ roll
That kind of music just soothes the soul
I reminisce about the days of old
With that old time rock ‘n’ roll

Still like that old time rock ‘n’ roll