Kevin's Eleven: What's In A Song?

Have you ever been listening to the radio when a song comes on that instantly reminds you of the movie in which it was featured?  Or see a movie poster, and suddenly have a part of its soundtrack stuck in your head? The  perfect placement of music into movies  requires plenty of skill and attention to detail.  The right song in the right place, however, can make a film.

There are a few ways in which a song will find its way to a movie's story:

• Character led song (See Ferris Bueller/Twist & Shout)
• Opening/Closing Credits (See Fortunate Son/Every Vietnam Movie)
• Plot Apex in Montage format (See Footloose)

Some movies have better song placement than others, so today I would like to acknowledge the 11 best placed songs in movies.  These songs have been so perfectly imbedded into the film, that the two forms of art become forever bonded in our minds.

However, before I begin, there are two important rules incorporated into the list:

* Songs must not be a creation of the movie 
   (Ray Parker Jr Clause)
* Must not be performed by a Canadian artist whilst standing on the Bow of a Ship 
   (Celine Dion Amendment... My List, My rules)

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Kevin's Eleven

11.Lil Green Bag: George Baker Selection
      (Reservoir Dogs)

K-Billy DJ Steven Wright spinning you into this gory directorial debut for Tarantino.

10. Gangsta's Paradise: Coolio
       (Dangerous Minds)

It was the last time that either Coolio or Michelle Pfeiffer were relevant... 

9. New Age Girl: Dead Eye Dick
     (Dumb and Dumber)

Samsonite?!?! I was WAY off!

7. I'm Alright: Kenny Loggins
     (Caddyshack)

Don't Sell yourself short judge, You're a tremendous slouch!

5. Unchained Melody: Righteous Bros
     (Ghost)

Ruining recreational pottery classes since 1990

3. I Will Always Love You: Whitney
     (The Bodyguard)

And iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii-iiiiiiiiiiiiiiii-iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii will miss Whitney. 

8. Danger Zone:  Kenny Loggins
     (Top Gun)

(Others Receiving Votes: Take my Breath Away) 

6. Don't You: Simple Minds
     (The Breakfast Club)

Could you describe the ruckus sir?

4. Holiday Road: Lindsey Buckingham
    (National Lampoon's Vacation)

Sorry folks, park's closed. Moose out front shoulda told ya. 
 

2. Axel F: Harold Faltermeyer
   (Beverly Hills Cop)

Axel F, Glenn Frey... One of the best soundtracks ever!

Number One
Power Of Love: Huey Lewis & The News
(Back to the Future)

            1.21 gigawatts? 1.21 gigawatts? Great Scott!  









-Kevin Aherne

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