Movie Music Monday – Bee Movie

It was on this day in 2007 that Jerry Seinfeld’s Bee Movie premiered. I was working at B-95 at the time and it was a natural tie-in. We had a special advanced screening and we gave away tickets to see it.

My oldest son was 5 when it came out and I remember him loving the movie. We watched it on DVD a lot. There were some great voice talents in the movie, too. Matthew Broderick, John Goodman, Rip Torn, Chris Rock, Renee Zellweger, and many others leant their voices to the film. The film also raised awareness on the importance of bees on the environment.

The soundtrack of the film consists mainly of score pieces by Rupert Gregson-Williams, but does include two pop songs. The first is Sugar, Sugar by the Archies, which was a number one song in 1969. The second was a song that was also released in 1969 – Here Comes The Sun.

It wasn’t the Beatles’ version that appeared on the soundtrack, but a cover by Sheryl Crow. The song is almost a carbon copy of the Beatles’ version. Sheryl does a great job on the song and it is a perfect song for the scene in the movie that accompanies it. No disrespect to George Harrison, because I love his vocal, but Sheryl’s voice almost works better for me.

Movie Music Monday

Today we celebrate two birthdays that have a movie tie-in. Both appeared in one of the greatest films of the 1980’s – The Blues Brothers.

First, we remember the beautiful Carrie Fisher who was born on this day in 1956. While known for Star Wars and many other films, she appears as one of Jake Blues’ jilted girlfriends. Throughout the movie, she is hell bent on killing The Blues Brothers.

Despite having some pretty powerful and amazing weapons, she never seems to be able to get the job done. In one of the most “emotional” scenes in the film, she finally confronts Jake and Elwood. Up to this point in the film, she has been silent, but when she get’s the chance to speak, she let’s Jake have it!

Jake’s list of excuses is one of my favorite part of the film.

Steve “The Colonel” Cropper turns 83 today. He was a member of the Stax house band and a member of Booker T and the MG’s. He played on tracks by Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, Sam and Dave (“Play it, Steve!”), Rufus Thomas, Johnnie Taylor and more.

He is one of the most respected guitar players in the business, and he is still making music! He was one of many amazing musicians who joined the Blues Brothers Band. So it is only appropriate to play a song from the movie. Originally done by the Spencer Davis Group, here is Gimme Some Lovin’

Happy Birthday to Carrie and Steve!

Movie Music Monday – Live and Let Die

On this day in 1927, Sir Roger Moore was born. I was introduced to him by my mother, who loved watching James Bond movies. I am ashamed to admit that as a kid, Roger Moore was the only James Bond I knew. It was years later when I found out that Sean Connery was the previous 007!

Moore would play James Bond seven times in films. His first time was in Live and Let Die.

It was Paul McCartney who was approached to write the movie’s theme song for someone else to record. He agreed to write it only if his band Wings could perform it. He received a copy of the Ian Fleming novel. This was to give him an idea of what the film would be about. In 2010, Paul said:

“I got the book and it’s a very fast read. On the Sunday, I sat down and thought, OK, the hardest thing to do here is to work in that title. I mean, later I really pitied who had the job of writing Quantum Of Solace. So I thought, Live And Let Die, OK, really what they mean is live and let live and there’s the switch. So I came at it from the very obvious angle. I just thought, ‘When you were younger you used to say that, but now you say this.'”

Wings drummer, Denny Seiwell, remembers:

“We were up at the house one day and he had just read the book the night before, and he sat down at the piano and said, ‘James Bond… James Bond… da-da-dum!’, and he started screwing around at the piano. Within 10 minutes, he had that song written. It was awesome, really. Just to watch him get in there and write the song was really something I’ll remember the rest of my life.”

The song was voted the best Bond theme ever in a poll of BBC Radio 2 and 5 Live listeners conducted in 2012. The poll was done to coincide with the fiftieth anniversary of the release of Dr. No.

Happy Heavenly Birthday, to Sir Roger Moore!

Movie Music Monday – The Godfather

Vocalist Jasper Cini was born on this day in 1927. Of course, the world knew him as the great Al Martino. He had his greatest success as a singer between the early 1950s and mid-1970s, being described as “one of the great Italian American pop crooners.”

In World War II, Al served in the US Navy. He took part in the invasion of Iwo Jima, where he was wounded. He took an interest in singing after the war and got some sage advice from a family friend. That friend was Alfredo Cocozza, who was better known as Mario Lanza. It was Mario who suggested that Jasper use the name “Al Martino.”

Al would land a deal at Capitol Records, where he would have hits with “Take My Heart,” “Rachel,” “When You Were Mine,” “I Love You Because,” “Daddy’s Little Girl,” and “Spanish Eyes.” His run of chart success began to fade after the mid-1960s, despite that many of his records continued to reach the U.S. Hot 100. So, he turned to acting.

In 1972, he would play Johnny Fontane in The Godfather.

Al had been told about the character by a friend who had read Mario Puzo’s novel and felt Martino represented the character of Johnny Fontane. Martino contacted producer Albert Ruddy who initially gave him the part. When Francis Ford Coppola came on board to direct, the part was taken from him and given to Vic Damone.

Al went to Russell Bufalino, his godfather and a crime boss, who then orchestrated the publication of various news articles that claimed Coppola had been unaware of Ruddy having given Martino the part. Damone eventually dropped the role because he did not want to provoke the Bufalino family.

“The Godfather” Al Martino, Marlon Brando 1972 ** I.V.C.

In the novel, Johnny Fontane plays a much bigger part than he does in the movie. It was one story line that was stripped and edited down for the film. Al didn’t seem to mind, as he would continue to play the role of Johnny Fontane in the Godfather sequels.

The movie opens with the wedding of Don Corleone’s daughter, Connie. When Johnny shows up at the wedding, he is begged to sing. The song that he sings is the beautiful, “I Have But One Heart.” Coincidentally, the song was the first song ever released by … Vic Damone.

Happy Birthday to Al Martino!

Movie Music Monday – The Big Chill

The Big Chill was released to movie theaters this week back in 1983. The Lawrence Kasdan film featured an amazing ensemble cast that included Kevin Kline, Tom Berenger, Glenn Close, William Hurt, Jeff Goldblum, Mary Kay Place, JoBeth Williams and Meg Tilly. he plot focuses on a group of Baby Boomers who attended the University of Michigan, who reunite after 15 years when their friend Alex dies by suicide.

The soundtrack for the film featured some fantastic soul, R&B, and pop music from the 1960’s and 1970’s. Ten of the songs from the film were released on the soundtrack album; four additional songs not from the film were added to the original CD release as “additional classics from the era.” The rest of the film’s songs, as well as the “additional classics” from the original soundtrack CD were released in 1984 on a second soundtrack album, titled More Songs from the Big Chill.

One of the songs was the first big hit for a group called The Young Rascals. That song was Good Lovin’. Believe it or not, the group weren’t too happy with the song after the recorded it. According to songfacts.com:

Felix Cavaliere of The Young Rascals was listening to a New York soul station when he heard The Olympics’ version (from 1965). The Rascals liked it and played a sped-up version at their live performances with Cavaliere on lead vocals. They recorded the song for Atlantic Records, and although the group did not like the outcome, famed producer Tom Dowd loved the rawness of it and that version was released, becoming a huge hit. It went to #1 in April 1966.

Was it a surprise to the group? You bet! Felix Cavaliere admitted, “We weren’t too pleased with our performance. It was a shock to us when it went to the top of the charts.”

Felix says that the famous “One – Two – Three” countdown was each of the members saying one of the numbers. He told songfacts that the order was: Eddie Brigati (one), Gene Cornish (two), then Felix (three).

The song had a great false ending where there is about 1-2 seconds of nothing. Many DJ’s often played some silly movie drop in that space.

Ok, fellas …. count it off for us …

Movie Music Monday – Robin and the Seven Hoods

Yesterday, I posted about the premier of Columbo with Peter Falk. Coincidentally, today is the anniversary of his birth. He was born on this day in 1927, and is worthy of a two day celebration.

He stars as Guy Gisborne, alongside The Rat Pack in a spoof on Robin Hood. Falk convincingly plays his gangster character to perfection!

So, how does this tie in with my Movie Music Monday feature? Well, the film is a musical and features songs written by Sammy Chan and Jimmy Van Heusen. All the arrangements are done by the legendary Nelson Riddle.

The soundtrack features Sinatra’s hit, My Kind of Town, as well as catchy songs like Mr. Booze, Bang Bang, and Style. Each song was recorded for the film, but when it came time to release a soundtrack album, everything was re-recorded. According to Frank Sinatra Jr., this was because of the better quality attainable in a recording studio as opposed to the process used for film soundtracks.

The song for today is a short one. This may or may not be a good thing, depending on whether or not you think Peter Falk can sing. Yes, he actually sings in the movie!

In the scene, Big Jim (the leader of the crime organization) is dead. A group of gangsters is electing a new leader. Conveniently, the only nomination is Guy Gisborne. In true Robin Hood fashion, he talks of how things will now be “all for one and one for all.”

Check out the difference with the studio version…

Happy heavenly birthday, Peter Falk!

Movie Music Monday – Back To School

While many schools started before Labor Day, the majority of them will start their school year tomorrow. I thought it would be fitting to feature Rodney Dangerfield’s comedy Back to School. This ties in with this week’s Music of My Life post which will feature 1986, the year that the film was released.

The plot centers on a wealthy but uneducated father (Rodney Dangerfield) who goes to college to show solidarity with his discouraged son Jason (Keith Gordon) and learns that he cannot buy an education or happiness. The film also stars Sally Kellerman, Adrienne Barbeau, Sam Kinison, Ned Beatty, and a young Robert Downey Jr.

The Dean of the college that Rodney goes to is played by Ned Beatty. His last name is Martin. When Rodney comes in and calls him Dean Martin the first time, I belly laughed. This was probably a nod to the real Dean Martin who featured Rodney on some of his variety shows.

Those familiar with the movie will perhaps be disappointed that the song I have picked from the soundtrack is not from Oingo Boingo who appear in the film. (Fun Fact: Their frontman, Danny Elfman, wrote the musical score for the film. He went on to write music for the Simpsons, Batman, Tales from the Crypt and more!) Instead, I have picked one that is so obscure, you have to laugh at it!

Michael Bolton really hit it big in 1989 with his Soul Provider album. It featured the hits: When I’m Back on My Feet Again, How Can We Be Lovers, and How Am I Supposed to Live Without You. Many are unaware that this album was actually his SIXTH album. His first was released in 1975 – 14 years earlier. That was when he was known as Michael Bolotin.

In 1985, Bolton released an album that didn’t even chart in the US (or anywhere else, unless you include Sweden, where it reached #45). Everybody’s Crazy was the title track from the album and was a minor hit on hard rock radio stations. Yes, you read that correctly – hard rock radio stations. What makes this even better is that MTV played the video for this song and a young Michael Bolton is rocking his best “hair band” look.

I have NO idea how this song made it into the soundtrack of the film, but it did. What I do know is that the songs from this “rock” album never really made it to any future compilations (except the title track which showed up on his Playlist compilation album). The reason for this was the contrast in musical style between this album and the majority of Bolton’s later (and more successful) musical output. Someone must have felt that those familiar with his Adult Contemporary stuff might not be able to handle his “rocker” side.

I anxiously away your comments on this one, especially my musical blogger friends…

Take it away, Michael…

Movie Music Monday – Grease

46 years ago today, the title song to the blockbuster movie Grease hit number one in America. It was a huge smash for Frankie Valli, but did you know he almost didn’t record it?

The title song is one of four songs that were written specifically for the movie and obviously did not appear in the stage production. It was also recorded later than any of the other songs.

Bee Gee Barry Gibb was asked to write the song. At first, the thought was that Barry would sing it as well. However, it was felt that when people thought of Barry, they thought of disco. The Disco genre was obviously not the vibe of the film.

With Gibb out as the lead singer, they began to think about someone who would better fit the 50’s/60’s feel of the film. Frankie Valli was approached because his vocal range was very similar to Gibb’s. He also represented the “Pre-British Invasion” era that they were looking for.

The title song was the only song in the movie that was not sung by a cast member. Valli was actually given the option of singing the theme or having a role in the film as the Teen Angel. He opted for the theme song and Frankie Avalon was given the role as the Teen Angel.

Even though Barry Gibb didn’t sing lead on the song, he did sing background vocals. Oh, and Barry had his friend Peter Frampton play guitar on the song.

Grease was is last top 40 record for Frankie Valli to date.

Movie Music Monday – Easy Money

Last week the Music of My Life post focused on 1983, and coincidentally today’s Movie Music comes from a 1983 comedy. Easy Money was released on this day back in ’83 and has one of the funniest last lines I’ve ever heard!

The film stars Rodney Dangerfield, Joe Pesci, and Jennifer Jason Leigh. Rodney plays Monty Capuletti who loves to drink, smoke and gamble. When his rich mother-in-law dies his family is told that they will inherit $10 million. There is one condition – Monty has to give up drinking, smoking, gambling and live a healthy life for 365 days.

The movie earned $5,844,974 in its opening weekend, ranking number one at the domestic box office, toppling the prior three-week #1 run of National Lampoon’s Vacation.

Gene Siskel wrote that “the big discovery in the comedy ‘Easy Money’ is that Rodney Dangerfield, unlike most stand-up comics, does not need dialogue to be funny. He is funny just standing still—or his version of standing still, which includes nervous twitching, profuse sweating, pained expressions and rolling of the eyes.” Rodney is indeed funny in this movie, but Pesci’s performance is just as funny!

Billy Joel was asked to write a song for a new Rodney Dangerfield movie, also titled Easy Money, and he came up with “Easy Money.” This triggered the retro approach to the rest of the songs his An Innocent Man album. (Rodney later appeared in the music video for “Tell Her About It’.)

Easy Money is what one author called “a get-up-and-dance, snap-your-fingers, clap-your-hands song complete with a beefy horn section and Billy channeling the vocals of the king of soul, James Brown, or Wilson Pickett.” The lyrics are just as catchy as Billy keeps delivering clever metaphors (“I got a hot slot machine of a system ready to go”) only this time the song’s theme is looking for easy money, rather than trying to get a girl. Billy was clearly having a good time as he is singing.

I always loved this one, sadly, it was never released as a single. I really think this one could have been a huge hit. It’s just too fun!

Movie Music Monday – Love At First Bite

Today the tannest man in show business celebrates his 85th birthday. I am, of course, talking about George Hamilton. He is no stranger to television and movies. His film career started way back in 1959 when he started in Crime and Punishment USA

He played many serious roles both on television and in the movies. In 1979, however, he starred in the hit Love at First Bite, where he showed that he could also do comedy.

Admittedly, the set up of the film is kind of silly: The Communist regime of Romania ejects the Count from his ancestral home, he and his manservant Renfield (Arte Johnson) go in search of the current incarnation of Mina Harker (Dracula’s true love). This incarnation is a fashion model named Cindy (Susan Saint James) who lives in New York City. The comedy ensues when the incurably romantic Count finds it difficult to adjust to life in the Big Apple in the late 1970s.

Richard Benjamin is pretty funny as Cindy’s psychiatrist, Dick Shawn (who is always great) plays a NYPD Lieutenant, and there are funny appearances from Sherman Hemsley and Isabel Sanford.

One of the best scenes in the movie is when Dracula and Cindy dance at a disco. The song that they dance to is I Love the Nightlife (Disco Round) by Alicia Bridges.

The song was recorded in 1978 and was released as the first single from her debut album. It went to number 2 on the Disco charts and became a crossover hit, peaking at number five on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart.

The song is forever connected to the movie. Which is why I find it odd that the 2007 DVD release of the movie features a different song in the relevant scene! I don’t even know what song they used or why Bridges song was cut. Thankfully, the 2015 release by Shout Factory restores the original song to the scene.

The song is heard throughout the movie’s trailer as well….

Happy birthday, George Hamilton!!