Baz Luhrmann’s ‘The Great Gatsby’ film adaptation is just around the corner, and what better way to prepare for it than by revisiting some tunes from his past films. Luhrmann is not only known for directing amazingly-visual films with over-the-top effects and energy, he also has a unique way on making distinctive stories and give them a special touch —- specially by using modern and upbeat music in them.
This is one of the reasons I decided to make a list of the Best 10 Songs Used in his films. Now, these are not in a specific order whatsoever, they are mainly just the ones that stick out the most. Care to join me in a little Luhrmann-reminiscence?
10. ‘Bolero’ (Moulin Rouge)
This instrumental ballad starts slow, but once the beat picks up, you won’t be able to stop listening to it. Seriously.
9. ‘Time After Time’ (Strictly Ballroom)
This version is sung by Mark Williams and Tara Morice (who also played ‘Fran’ in the film) and it’s a cover version of Cyndi Lauper’s 1984 hit.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVIRK_ejlQI
8. Quindon Tarver – ‘When Doves Cry’ (Romeo + Juliet)
Quindon Tarver. Prince. This song. I’m surprised we didn’t get to hear more of Mr. Tarver’s voice after this soundtrack. Excellent cover, in my humble opinion.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nmq2x5olqyQ
7. ‘Elephant Medley’ (Moulin Rouge)
One song made entirely out of other great songs. It is a medley after all and each one fits perfectly with one another. The Beatles, U2, Kiss, David Bowie, Elton John, among others are include. And you thought Obi-Wan Kenobi could not sing, eh?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOPmgkentZk
6. Elton John – ‘The Drover’s Ballad’ (Australia)
Composed and sung by Sir Elton John specifically for this film. Lyric credits go to Mr. Luhrmann himself.
5. Garbage – ‘#1 Crush’ (Romeo + Juliet)
This song is actually a remix version done specially for the film. The original is a b-side of the band’s debut single ‘Vow’ for the album ‘Garbage’ back in 1995. What’s great about this song is not only the dark-ish feel you get when you listen to it, you also get to experience the beautiful vocals Shirley Manson has.
4. ‘Zidler’s Rap (The Can-Can)’ (Moulin Rouge)
The Can Can. Who hasn’t danced that lately, right? Long and flashy dresses, kicking your legs up high every once in a while. This song includes a remix of Nirvana’s ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ and a small version of ‘Lady Marmalade’ performed by Christina Aguilera, Lil Kim, Mýa, and Pink. The final cut of the song is very, but very, energetic and colorful. It really gives you a sense of how things really worked inside…the Moulin Rouge.
3. Mundy – ‘To You I Bestow’ (Romeo + Juliet)
Edmund Enright, also known as Mundy, recorded this song as part of his debut album ‘Jellylegs’ back in 1996 and it also made the cut to be included in the soundtrack of this film. Oh, the 90’s. They were so great, weren’t they?
2. ‘El Tango de Roxane’ (Moulin Rouge)
Ah, the tango. As I am currently living in Buenos Aires, Argentina, I had the pleasure in watching a tango show this past week, and it was amazing. The dance, the lyrics and the emotions transmitted by them. This song in particular is a remix of a well-known song called ‘Roxanne’ (1978) by The Police and ‘Tanguera’ by Argentine tango composer Mariano Mores. Personally, this is one of my favorite songs of the film. The dance sequence in particular.
And in case you are interested, here is ‘Tanguera’ by Mariano Mores.
1. Radiohead – ‘Exit Music (For a film)’ (Romeo + Juliet)
“Wake from your sleep, the drying of your tears. Today we escape, we escape”. Exit Music (For A Film) was written for Romeo + Juliet’s end-credits, but Radiohead’s Thom Yorke asked that the song wasn’t released on the official soundtrack album. It appeared, however, a year later on the band’s album ‘OK Computer’ (1997). The song is very obscure, but has a very deep meaning. Great way to close a film.
Don’t think I’ve forgotten bands such as Everclear, The Cardigans or even songs like ‘Your Song’ or ‘Come What May’. They were in my head, but they just didn’t make the cut. So, what do you think? After hearing these, are you ready to go back into the musical world of Baz Luhrmann?
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