Janda and Christian talk movie soundtrack magic!

Summary

Behind The Song: Janda and Christian Talk Movie Soundtrack Magic!

Podcast Information:
Title: Behind The Song
Host/Author: The Drive | Hubbard Radio
Description: Dig into the lyrics of classic rock songs and the storytellers that created them in "Behind The Song," a podcast of essays by The Drive's Janda Lane. Hear what was happening behind the scenes while some of the most iconic songs in rock history were being written.
Episode: Janda and Christian talk movie soundtrack magic!
Release Date: January 22, 2025

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Introduction

In this special bonus episode of Behind The Song, host Janda Lane is joined by Christian Lane to explore the symbiotic relationship between classic rock songs and their placement in movie soundtracks. The duo delves into how certain songs not only enhance the cinematic experience but also solidify their own legacy in popular culture.

The Unique Sound of "I Melt with You"

The conversation kicks off with a discussion about Modern English’s iconic track, “I Melt with You,” particularly focusing on its enduring presence in the movie Valley Girl.

Christian Lane [00:18]:
"One of the things I think that's so interesting about this song, aside from how it's just never gotten old over the 40 years that it's been in the ether, is there's a different sound to this song that you wouldn't always associate with a new wave tune."

Janda Lane [00:49]:
"This song is really driven by the acoustics, and I guess it's just something I never thought about until I got into the recording of it, that it's fully a guitar song and an acoustic song at that."

Christian and Janda highlight the song’s acoustic foundation, which is atypical for the new wave genre dominated by synthesizers. This acoustic element contributes to its timeless appeal and mass accessibility.

Christian Lane [02:16]:
"I really do believe... for most classic song, when they get popular, there's something familiar about them already."

They emphasize how “I Melt with You” possesses a familiar quality that resonates with listeners, making it a staple in both music and film.

The Synergy Between Movies and Music

The discussion transitions to the broader impact of songs within movie soundtracks, using Almost Famous as a prime example.

Janda Lane [04:07]:
"And its placement in Valley Girl is really crucial to its success as well. I can picture it, can't you? Can't you picture the montage where they're really falling in love."

Christian Lane [04:32]:
"Almost Famous... You know, this is a famous example of the rare time that a Led Zeppelin song is allowed, you know, in a movie soundtrack."

They explore how effective pairing between a song and a movie scene can elevate both the narrative and the song’s popularity. The mutual reinforcement ensures that viewers associate the song with specific emotional and narrative moments, enhancing its longevity.

Iconic Soundtracks and Their Lasting Influence

Christian and Janda delve into several notable examples where soundtrack placements have had a profound impact:

• Guardians of the Galaxy:
  Christian Lane [05:44]:
  "Mr. Blue Sky by ELO took on a whole new life and got a whole new fan base... getting placed in movies, the multi-generational thing from films."

  The inclusion of ELO’s “Mr. Blue Sky” introduced the band to a younger audience, demonstrating how film can rejuvenate a song’s popularity.

• Easy Rider:
  Janda Lane [09:31]:
  "Born to Be Wild... it's just like they're so intertwined."

  The soundtrack of Easy Rider was pioneering in its heavy use of rock and roll, cementing the connection between the rebellious spirit of motorcycles and the raw energy of rock music.

• Rocky III:
  Christian Lane [10:06]:
  "Eye of the Tiger... now you cannot separate Eye of the Tiger from Rocky 3 from the Rocky movie franchise."

  “Eye of the Tiger” has become synonymous with motivation and triumph, largely due to its strategic placement in the Rocky III soundtrack.

The Power of Film in Shaping Musical Legacy

The hosts discuss how films can redefine the legacy of songs, making them unforgettable components of the cinematic experience.

Janda Lane [07:13]:
"It's perfect because again, when a song speaks to something in the movie... you just feel like that's a message to him as well."

Christian Lane [11:20]:
"It sounds like a fight. Sounds like you get pumped up for a fight, which is why it was so perfect as the theme song."

They highlight how strategic placements can ensure that songs like “Eye of the Tiger” become ingrained in the cultural zeitgeist, transcending their original context to become anthems in various settings, including sports and personal motivation.

Creating Lifelong Fans Through Soundtracks

The conversation shifts to how soundtrack placements can create lifelong fans by exposing audiences to deep cuts and lesser-known tracks.

Janda Lane [08:24]:
"These pirate radio stations are playing deep cuts on the albums that kids haven't even heard yet. And they're freaking out, hearing this music and just becoming obsessed."

Christian Lane [09:30]:
"That's a top five. I think it would be an interesting exercise to, to come up with a complete top five."

They discuss the role of movies like Pirate Radio in introducing audiences to a broader range of music, fostering a deeper appreciation and discovery of classic rock gems that might otherwise remain obscure.

The Intertwined Legacy of Music and Movies

Wrapping up, Janda and Christian reflect on the intertwined legacy of music and movies, contemplating future episodes focused on specific themes.

Christian Lane [12:26]:
"Well, listen, Christian, thank you so much as always for the music that you produce for the behind the Song podcast and for being a cool person to talk to about songs in movies."

Janda Lane [13:00]:
"On the way, much more classic rock and roll."

They tease the next episode, promising to delve into Valentine’s Day-themed tunes, ensuring listeners that the exploration of music within cinematic contexts will continue.

Conclusion

This episode of Behind The Song offers a compelling exploration of how movie soundtracks can elevate and immortalize classic rock songs. Through engaging dialogue and insightful examples, Janda and Christian illustrate the powerful symbiosis between film and music, highlighting how strategic placements can enhance narratives, influence cultural perceptions, and create enduring legacies for both songs and movies.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Christian Lane [00:18]:
  "One of the things I think that's so interesting about this song... is there's a different sound to this song that you wouldn't always associate with a new wave tune."

• Janda Lane [02:16]:
  "I really do believe... for most classic song, when they get popular, there's something familiar about them already."

• Janda Lane [04:07]:
  "And its placement in Valley Girl is really crucial to its success as well."

• Christian Lane [05:44]:
  "Mr. Blue Sky by ELO took on a whole new life and got a whole new fan base."

• Janda Lane [08:24]:
  "These pirate radio stations are playing deep cuts on the albums that kids haven't even heard yet."

• Christian Lane [10:06]:
  "Eye of the Tiger... now you cannot separate Eye of the Tiger from Rocky 3 from the Rocky movie franchise."

• Janda Lane [09:31]:
  "Born to Be Wild... it's just like they're so intertwined."

• Christian Lane [11:20]:
  "It sounds like a fight. Sounds like you get pumped up for a fight, which is why it was so perfect as the theme song."

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This detailed summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for both existing listeners and newcomers alike.

Transcript

[Janda]

97.1Fm the drive presents the behind the Song podcast, taking you deeper into classic rock's most timeless tunes. Here's your host, Janda.

[Christian Lane]

I'm Janda, joined by Christian Lane for this bonus episode of the behind the Song podcast. Hi, Christian.

[Janda]

Hey, how are you?

[Christian Lane]

So the last episode of behind the Song was A Dive into I Melt with youh by Modern English. A song that I love that is in a movie that I love and I know that you love, too Valley Girl, the Great Valley Girl movie soundtrack. And one of the things I think that's so interesting about this song, aside from how it's just never gotten old over the 40 years that it's been in the ether, is there's a different sound to this song that you wouldn't always associate with a new wave tune.

[Janda]

So for me, yeah, I love, love new wave, but I've always associated it with the synthesizer. This song is really driven by the acoust, and I guess it's just something I never thought about until I got into the recording of it, that it's fully a guitar song and an acoustic song at that.

[Christian Lane]

Yeah, you don't think about acoustic guitars when you think about, you know, music that's made with a lot of synthesizers. So let's hear a little bit of the acoustic that you're talking about in the recreation that you did for this episode of the podcast.

[Janda]

Yes.

[Christian Lane]

Yeah. I mean, that guitar sound, you don't associate with 1980s new wave.

[Janda]

No, it's like the Birds or something. You know, like it's in. The thing about it is too, it's fully driven by the acoustics. Like, that's the main thrust of the song is the acoustics. It has synth in it for sure. It's got earworms galore, but it's an acoustic guitar song.

[Christian Lane]

Yeah, and that's. That's so interesting that you mentioned the birds, because I suspect that that little acoustic guitar inclusion in this song is one of the reasons that it became such a big hit, because there's something classic about it.

[Janda]

You hit the nail on the head right there. I really do believe. I think, you know, for most classic song, when they get popular, there's something familiar about them already. You know, a really good song sounds like it's already been here and it's just already been in your life somehow. And I think this song has that. Yeah, I think that's the power right there.

[Christian Lane]

So let's hear how that acoustic guitar sounds now in the actual recording of I Melt with youh by Modern English.

[Janda]

So yeah, you can hear this sheen to it, this like glistening sort of finish in the mix that I think is kind of what slots it easily into new wave. But they did it predominantly with acoustic guitars. It's really neat.

[Christian Lane]

It kind of reminds me of what ZZ Top did with the Eliminator album. You know, putting in the synthesizers on their blues based rock. Here you have the. The opposite of that.

[Janda]

That is such a great point. It's cool. Drum machines, especially with acoustic, I think is really cool. It's when bands would kind of mash things up and put things together that, you know, maybe you wouldn't normally think of them being together or really featuring them. This song has never lost its legs. It just keeps chugging along. And its placement in Valley Girl is really crucial to its success as well. I can picture it, can't you? Can't you picture the montage where they're really falling in love? That's what a good place to song will do for a movie and then in turn, what a movie can do for a song. And when they have that synergy where people can't separate them, it's just really strong and it. It really helps everybody.

[Christian Lane]

I think it absolutely was almost like another star in. In that. In that montage scene, the song was. And then there are so many movies that you can say that about. I mean, when I think about Almost Famous, I think of America by Simon and Garfunkel, Tiny Dancer, when the sister is driving away, and of course, Tiny Dancer.

[Janda]

I don't know if there's a better example of a song working for a scene and a scene working for it. It's incredible. It gives me chills thinking about the way the band all kind of. They were fighting, but the way they come together, singing the song together. And as trite as that sounds, it's so powerful and it reminds us why we love music so much and why it hooks us so much and why we need it so much.

[Christian Lane]

The entire Almost Famous soundtrack is basically. I mean, that's a shining example of. Well, here you had Cameron Crowe, who wrote for Rolling Stone, this is his movie. So he had some cachet going into it with some of these songwriters and some of these artists and the publishers of their work. You know, this is a famous example of the rare time that a Led Zeppelin song is allowed, you know, in a movie soundtrack.

[Janda]

But you got the mighty Led Zeppelin four times.

[Christian Lane]

Four times for Almost Famous. They don't do that very easily.

[Janda]

You think of Pulp Fiction stuck in the middle with you. Steelers Wheels I don't know. That's another one that just. You can't imagine it without that song.

[Christian Lane]

What about ever since Guardians of the galaxy came out? Mr. Blue sky by ELO took on a whole new life and got a whole new fan base. A younger generation of fans coming in. Like, what is that song? And then, you know, maybe digging into the ELO catalog, which is the beautiful part about all of this music. You know, getting placed in movies, the.

[Janda]

Multi generational thing from films, I just think that's such a great thing that hopefully they'll discover it and go deeper with it.

[Christian Lane]

I'm just sort of switching back and forth here in my mind about movies and songs. Grosse Pointe Blank. Let My Love Open the Door Pete Townsend. I mean, wow.

[Janda]

It's perfect because again, when a song speaks to something in the movie and Cusack's character is so shut down emotionally and it just seems so perfect to say, let my love open the door. And you just. You feel like that's a message to him as well, that, you know, with love he can be a more open person. Like, incredible how the song speaks to the movie in that case, or sheds more light on a character. It's fascinating and it's incredible when that works. And it's just really impactful. Just really slows things down and takes you to a very specific place. And I think that's the beauty of these placements, when they work perfectly.

[Christian Lane]

Said another movie that. I absolutely love the movie and the soundtrack. I know you're going to agree with me on this one. Pirate radio, perfect. It's based on a real life thing that happened where regulation was getting in the way of radio stations playing songs that people wanted to hear in the 60s. So around England, in the UK, these literal pirate radio operators would get on boats because it was in international waters, so the rules didn't really apply. And they would beam their signal out across the water and across the airwaves and they were playing amazing stuff. So if you haven't seen this movie, oh, my gosh is one of my favorite actors. Bill Nighy is in it as the pirate captain, the captain of the ship. You know, you had the amazing Philip Seymour Hoffman. Just the cast is incredible. And some of the songs that are on this soundtrack. Now, this is the 60s, so we're talking, you know, the who and the Holly, the Turtles. Bands like that.

[Janda]

That song that, you know, they use, their song Eleanor by the Turtles. It's. Oh, it's such a. Like a uplifting song anyway, and it's it's just one of the greatest scenes. It's just wonderful. I. I think about that movie a lot because I think about the perfect way to make a bunch of rock and roll fans when you don't want them is to tell them they can't listen to rock and roll. And then when they find that signal that's beaming all these songs that they want to hear, and mind you, not just. These are not just like the hit songs by the artists that they like, these are the deep cuts. So, you know, at a time when kids didn't have a lot of pocket money so they could maybe afford the single, these pirate radio stations are playing deep cuts on the albums that kids haven't even heard yet. And it's. They're freaking out, hearing this music and just becoming obsessed. So I always think of that as perfect storm. Way to make a bunch of fans for life. It's. It's great. I love that movie.

[Christian Lane]

Yeah. It's got to be up there. It's in, I would say, top five, you know, music movies.

[Janda]

Sure.

[Christian Lane]

For. For me, anyway. I'm sure you would agree with that.

[Janda]

Oh, easy.

[Christian Lane]

I mean, there. There are others. I mean, there's got to mention Easy Rider is. Is a great movie with a great use of music. With Steppenwolf, you know, rock and one.

[Janda]

Of the first really, you know, like, packed soundtracks for a movie. It was, like, one of the first times it was, like, really packed with rock and roll people. You know, that was a relatively new thing for movie soundtracks to use rock and roll and revolutionary. You can't think of motorcycles without thinking of Born to Be Wild almost. It's just like they're so intertwined.

[Christian Lane]

Yeah, and that's a good point in that, you know, these movies that become, you know, part of our pop culture, like Easy Rider, then they become entwined into how we think about other things, like motorcycles. I would guarantee that Harley Davidson has sold more than one motorcycle based on the. The feeling that I think is the thing that people are buying, you know, when they're buying a motorcycle. So that's why it's so important to have the right music in. In movies. I mean, there are other ones that, you know, are worthy of mention for sure. You know, of course, the Rocky III soundtrack. How can we forget Survivor's Eye of the Tiger? I mean, the, you know, commissioned directly by Sylvester Stallone to. To come up with the theme song. And. And now you cannot separate Eye of the Tiger from Rocky 3 from the Rocky movie franchise. It's. It's just the way it is, you.

[Janda]

Can'T practically separate it from sports. I mean, it, it became, you know, its use in almost every sport at some time or another for the finals, for the championship, this or that. I mean, it's, it's ubiquitous with doing battle of any kind, of any kind sport.

[Christian Lane]

It sounds like a fight. Sounds like you get pumped up for a fight, which is why it was so perfect as the theme song. And then, yeah, it carried on into just sports, period. We must mention, of course, I mean, Dazed and Confused. Hello.

[Janda]

No more Mr. Nice Guy. That's the first one that popped into my head. But again, that thing is stacked with talent and classic rock songs.

[Christian Lane]

Rock and roll. Hoochie coo. Rick Derringer.

[Janda]

I mean, man. Yeah. I mean, ZZ Top is on that cheap sunglasses. Uh huh. It's so good. That's. Yeah. I mean that, that's a top five for sure, right?

[Christian Lane]

That's a top five. I think it would be an interesting exercise to, to come up with a complete top five.

[Janda]

But that would mean we'd have to agree on our top five. But we could do that. We can, we could fight it out and maybe come up with a top five and just sit and talk about those.

[Christian Lane]

All right, well, here's a harder job, a top 10. And if we're going to fight about it, then obviously Eye of the Tiger has to be the theme song for that episode. What do you say?

[Janda]

Exactly. Exactly.

[Christian Lane]

Well, listen, Christian, thank you so much as always for the music that you produce for the behind the Song podcast and for being a cool person to talk to about songs in movies.

[Janda]

Well, it is my pleasure. And thank you for the chin wag today. It was great.

[Christian Lane]

And the next episode of the behind the Songs podcast is going to be a tune for Valentine's Day. What do you think about that, Christian?

[Janda]

I like it. It makes sense. I don't. I'm. I'm not gonna say what it is though.

[Christian Lane]

Okay, well, be that way.

[Janda]

Okay.

[Christian Lane]

On the way, much more classic rock and roll.