Heidi Presents; Put your lips together, and blow

I have come to the point in my life where I've realized that there are things that I can do, and things that I can't. I can sing, but I can't whistle.

I'm kind of ashamed of my lack of whistling skill, mostly because I played the trumpet for 7 years, and you'd think that would require a similar skill set, but it's not so. I am able to get a whistling type sound out of my lips, but I can't control it, and I usually end up sounding like a teapot. I can't tell you what I would give to be able to whistle at a good looking boy, at hockey games or when I'm pretending to look nonchalant and innocent in a 1930s screwball comedy.

This might be the lamest blog post topic ever, but once I started thinking about the ubiquitous nature of whistle breaks in music, I couldn't stop. It's maddening - once you start to notice a phenomenon, like how many songs use whistling - it seems like EVERY song uses whistling. I don't really know anyone who whistles as much as pop music and pop culture would suggest, but popular music has used the whistle as an alternative to instrumentation, oohs and na-na-nas forever. After all of my analysis, I think there are five ways that whistling is used in pop music:

The carefree fun whistle - see Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard by Paul Simon
Note in this song how the use of the whistle adds a lightness and brevity to the bridge. It's a whistle you can get your groove on to.

The wasting time whistle - see Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay by Otis Redding
For some reason, popular culture has repeatedly used whistling to signal idle times. I don't whistle while I loiter, but I also don't whistle while I work.

The forward whistle - see Home Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
Conversely, whether it's used in the score to The Bridge Over the River Kwai, by seven dwarves or cheerfully in this song - I love when whistling is used with a driving work song march feel. It generally makes me smile and feel proud.

The sit up and pay attention whistle - see Sissyneck by Beck
Nothing grabs your attention quite like shrill noises - this song starts with a bang of a whistle. One that I've been trying to emulate shamefully for 13 years to no avail.

The earnest whistle - see Patience by Guns N' Roses
It's unclear how GNR managed to make whistling seem melancholy, but I like this play off of the "wasting time" whistle. This song was a great moment in the evolution of the whistle in song.

Did I leave anything out? I apologize for the silliness of this post, but I'm hoping that this will get all of the whistling I've been hearing my head out of my system! After reading this, I bet you're hoping the same.

Heidi Presents: You should listen to this

So, I've written several stories for the B Side that have made a big deal about music that elicits nostalgia and all sorts of deep feelings. While that's all well and good and easy to write blog posts about, I don't really listen to Paul Simon and the Beatles every day (it's more like every other day). I wanted to share with you all what I listen to every day while slaving away at my 9 to 5, with absolutely no grandiose nonsense about how it makes me feel like a natural woman.

All day at work I listen to . . . the radio. I know that sounds strange, but my town has what I think is the best radio station in the world (or at least the best station I've ever listened to). Minneapolis is home to The Current - a public radio station that is exactly what I want a radio station to be. The Current is great because they play anything and everything, whether it's new music, indie, random golden oldies and, (GASP) even local music. You can hear David Bowie followed by the Decemberists followed by Girl Talk. Since it's a public station, it feels like a community and just like the B Side, it doesn't feel judgmental. And, best of all, there are no commercials!

It really works for me, because I don't like to spend money on music, and I'm too lazy to be illegal.

Anyway, I just wanted to share in my delight with some fellow music lovers.

Think you've got a better place to listen to all day . . . let me know!

Heidi Presents: Everybody Hurts . . . Sometimes

I've been pretty down this week. And, it's all because I'm sick. Usually, when I start to feel sick, I just stop being sick and be awesome instead. But I feel like I've been robbed of my mojo, and have absolutely no energy to do anything but write B side posts. I don't know about you, but when I don't cross everything off of the to-do lists that I make for myself each week, I start to feel like I'm failing and then I feel sad. As such, I've wasted most of this week feeling sorry for myself.

That sounds a bit melodramatic. And, I don't want anyone to feel bad for me. I actually kind of relish feeling sad (I also delight in melodrama). I love a good cry, and I promise you, I'm a gold medal weeper. I cry at everything - Sarah McLachlan songs, Google commercials, Pixar, live events featuring child performers (I don't want to talk about my niece's dance recital), Christmas, Janet Jackson in concert, Grey's Anatomy, emergency trips to the vet (a good story for another time) and images of abused animals set to Sarah McLachlan songs.

When I'm feeling sad, I actually start to seek out movies and music that make me sadder. Atonement and, paradoxically, (500) Days of Summer combined with a little Fiona Apple or Coldplay can create an emotionally toxic mix for me. It's worth noting that I would name these two movies and these artists among my favorites - which means my favorite art actually takes the wind OUT of my sails! How crazy is that?

But, no more B Siders! No more! I am quite determined to turn this funk around, and I think there is no better time to start than a Monday. The only way I can think to do this (and that is relevant to you) is to create a mix of perfectly happy songs. Songs that inspire me to let go and accept the facts - the laundry didn't get done this week, I don't get paid as much as I want, my nose looks red and icky, no one called me for two days - and it's all okay.

Five songs do not a playlist make - send me some more happy songs so I can add to my list! Note, Walking on Sunshine will not be accepted.

1. Baba O'Riley - The Who
While watching an I Love the Top One Hundred Greatest Music Ever show on VH1, one of the D-list celebrities said that the The Who sounds like possibility. I love that description, and it fits this song perfectly. This song feels like a breath of fresh air, it opens the soul, and makes me feel more alive. And that ending is killer.

2. Time to Pretend - MGMT
First, this song is all about being a rock star, and it's pretty damn rad. The energy behind the opening hook that is used throughout the song is contagious. I think it was written to be pumped out of your car stereo with the windows rolled down - it's just so much fun.

3. Closer to Fine - Indigo Girls
So, it's kind of a cliche, but I swear, this song is more than the thinking man's Don't Worry, Be Happy! This song is so encouraging, and is about forgiving yourself and letting go. It's only life afterall.

4. Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard - Paul Simon
I don't know what egregious crime these boys committed to get them on the cover of Newsweek, and I don't care. This song is light and fun, and shows the early signs of Paul Simon's fascination of world beats. Plus, the lyrics contain my life's motto - I'm on my way, don't know where I'm going.

5. The Dog Days are Over - Florence and the Machine
Okay, it's overused, but it's overused, because it's awesome! Mixing world music, chipper '60s girl group beats, and supernatural vocals, this song is like a spiritual experience. It's transcendent and freeing, and like that YouTube baby, I have to listen to it on repeat.

Heidi Presents, "Friday Gut Check - My Unfunny Valentine"

I think the B Side's punishment for my LONG absence is to assign me a Valentine's Day post. I actually really love songs about love. But, as a single girl, I'm not entirely sure how I'm going to write this without showing any shades of bitterness, so here goes . . .

When I think of Valentine's Day and love songs, I immediately think of the 80s and 90s power ballads that dominated my middle school dances. If I hear Power of Love, which to be honest I hear a lot, I'm back to the steps of my middle school cafetorium with my gaggle of girlfriends trying to sing my heart out like Celine while watching the boys who were in sports - dance with the girls who knew how to do their hair (the ability to make my hair look anything but straight and triangular has evaded me to this day).

Now, I don't mean to disrespect the song selections made by my school's custodian/deejay/Elvis impersonator, but in a very adult and cynical way, I can't listen to More Than Words, Amazed and Because You Loved Me without rolling my eyes. Don't get me wrong, when given the chance, I sing them at the top of my lungs with as much melodramatic fervor as I can muster. But now, they just seem ridiculous. I mean, I'm your lady/and you are my man/whenever you reach for me/I'll do all that I can -- well, I would certainly hope so, but I don't understand what all of the wailing is for.

While I believe that love is extremely powerful, I don't really believe that love is as grandiose as 90% of those silly pop songs lead us to believe. And God knows, there are enough of those silly love songs. My favorite love songs are simple and easy to take. They're sweet, quirky and interesting, and I'm pretty sure that those are the same qualities that I'm looking for in my own non-existent valentine. Hmmm.

So, as a Valentine's Day treat, here are the love songs that embody the idealized picture of love that I have created in my mind. I hope you enjoy it more than a stale box of conversation hearts. Happy Valentine's Day!

1. God Only Knows - The Beach Boys

I enjoy realism, so any song that includes an admission that love doesn't always last is an easy sell. What's so great about this song is that its wicked awesome composition is complemented with a simple theme. Life is better with you. Nothing is more romantic than that.

2. It Had To Be You - Harry Connick, Jr.

My favorite version of this song is not surprisingly from a soundtrack - Harry Connick, Jr. for When Harry Met Sally. This sometimes over-labored song is performed uptempo, and turns into a breezy shoulder shrugging realization about surrendering to love. There is a reason why this song is a standard - it sets the bar high.

3. Anyone Else But You - Moldy Peaches

You're so rad! I love you!
NO! YOU'RE so rad. I love YOU!
Sigh. Like every song on the Juno soundtrack, I completely ate it up. So much quirky sweetness!

4. Green Eyes - Coldplay

I love how simple and direct the lyrics of this song are. I came here with a load/and it feels so much lighter now I've met you. It's equal parts adoration and elation. When the song opens up midway through; it turns into a study of the joys of love.

5. Kathy's Song - Simon and Garfunkel

This is my all-time favorite song. Number one. No question. Every time I listen to it, I get something different out of it. Supported by a simple, but driving acoustic guitar, the lyrics are just a stream of thoughts from a lost soul. He doesn't know what to believe in, he doesn't think his songs are any good, but the only certainty he has in his life is his love. And, that's more than enough to get him through.

Heidi Presents, "Spooky Version 2.0"

Halloween songs? YES! Unlike my co-contributor, I freaking love Halloween. It's odd, because I'm irrationally afraid of many things including natural disasters, Freddy Krueger and skiing (life's pretty cheap for that type). But, I love the supernatural, the macabre and the KitKats.

So, here's my list of top 5 songs for Halloween.

1. Thriller - Michael Jackson
No song is as synonymous with Halloween quite like Thriller. I know I mentioned that I was terrified of the video as a kid, but Vincent Price's voice still gives me the willies to this day. It's hard to imagine the audacity that Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones had to muster to make this song into a huge hit. It's about monsters on a creepy moonlit night and includes sound effects and an old man cackle. It's totally crazy and uninhibited, and that's why it works so well.

2. Monster Mash - Bobby (Boris) Pickett and the Crypt-Kickers
I'm a sucker for novelty songs. I lived across the street from my elementary school, and every year, the PTA sponsored a delightful Halloween party in the gym. This song always takes me back to those parties, complete with spider rings, peeled grape eyeballs and silly dancing to the Monster Mash. From the opening chain clang to angry Dracula whining about how his Transylvania Twist was ripped off, it's everything that's fun and childish about Halloween.

3. Enter Sandman - Metallica
Speaking of not for children, this song still scares me. I never wanted to sleep when I was a kid, because I always felt like something bad was going to happen to me and I would be helpless to stop it. I mean, even bed time prayers . . . "if I die before I wake; I pray the Lord my soul to take" that's some messed up and morbid stuff for kids to say. So, when I hear lyrics like, sleep with one eye open/gripping your pillow tight . . . I get a little nervous. But, you cannot deny the near perfect guitar riff in that song. It just feels like something bad is about to happen.

4. Hotel California - The Eagles
Are they ghosts? Is it a mental hospital? WHY CAN YOU NEVER LEAVE? It's probably just about drugs, but I love this song. The lyrics are creepy and supernatural, and the guitar banter at the end is truly out of this world.

5. Sympathy for the Devil - The Rolling Stones
Boy, the B side really blew their list missing out on this one. I have to say, that beyond tornadoes, earthquakes and black diamonds, Satan terrifies me. So, I seriously appreciate the Stones' song about evil and how we're all a little bit of the devil. The tribal feel of the opening drums mixed with random cries perfectly sets up a cool and sexy representation of evil. It's damn cool, or maybe I should say hot.

Heidi Presents, "Friday Gut Check - I Want My MTV"

If video killed the radio star, does that mean that MTV killed the video?

When I was seven years old, I distinctly remember my 12 year-old sister and I sitting on butterfly-filled bellies, our eyes glued to the local Fox station waiting with intense anticipation for the world premiere presentation of Michael Jackson's Black or White video. It was an epic moment. A moment we actually planned our lives around. What could be more exciting to a seven year old than a music video starring Macauly Culkin, lovable Norm from Cheers, dancers from around the world, crotch grabbing and that awesome computer generated face morphing technology that was being used for the very first time to morph faces? I'll tell you what was better . . . nothing. It was huge, it was a music video on BROADCAST television for Christ's sake - well Fox anyway. But, at that moment everyone was watching Michael Jackson remind the world that he was the King of Video. From this moment, who could have predicted that music videos would later become so . . . obsolete?

I'll be honest here, I don't think I've seen a new music video in years, mostly because there is nowhere to watch them. I mean, I saw parodies of Beyonce's Single Ladies, before I saw the real thing (I gotta agree with Kanye, it was a cool video). But, I did watch the MTV VMAs this year (stop judging), and proceeded to see three artists win every damn award. BORING!

I think we're past the golden age of the music video, and most likely, for the music industry in general. But, damn, that golden age was awesome - filled with spectacular artistry launching unknown directors and photographers into stardom. Here's my list of my favorite music videos of all time. . .


1. Vogue - Madonna
David Fincher directed this video! What?! In fact, Fincher directed two videos on my list. Absolutely everything about Madonna is iconic, and absolutely every frame of this video could stand alone as a work of art. I don't know if y'all saw that Glee remake, but I was astounded at how much I remembered from the original video. It's a highly stylized video for a song about style. Brilliant, and unforgettable.

2. Closer - Nine Inch Nails
I was terrified by this video as a kid. I mean, I would turn the channel to make that spinning spooky mad scientist guy go away. But, as an adult, I love it. The song is gritty and layered and has to be edited anywhere it's broadcast. So, the video is equally as gritty and interesting to look with intentionally "censored" scenes.

3. Scream - Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson
Two video gods. Brother and sister for the first time. Dancing the hell out of space. I cried when Janet danced alongside this video at last year's VMAs, and realized that this was my favorite Michael Jackson video. It was a personal and angry song, and a hot video.

4. Freedom 90 - George Michael
Again, from David Fincher. It turns out that perfect way for George Michael to rebel against what MTV wanted him to be was to not appear in his own video, and just let a bunch of supermodels take over. Like Fincher's film work, the video feels dark, minimalist and industrial, while still feeling lush. Every time I hear that song (which is a favorite), I see the video in my head. I also just like to dance around like Naomi Campbell.

5. Been Caught Stealing - Jane's Addiction
A predecessor of the silly cross dressing videos from those guys who fight Foo, Jane's Addiction's Been Caught Stealing hits this list as my favorite funny video. From the guy who stuffs carrots up his fake pregnant belly, to the Grease-style grocery store aisle dancing, I hands down LOVE this video. I know I said a lot about videos that are serious art, but there is nothing cooler than rock stars with a sense of humor.

Heidi Presents, "Cover Me Reaction"

Top 5 cover songs?! Tall order, my friend. This is a hard one! There are so many songs like Tina Turner's Proud Mary, Aretha Franklin's Respect and The Beatles' Twist and Shout where the cover version is so iconic and ubiquitous, that no ones cares who did it first. But, covers make me nervous. Karaoke TV phenomenons like American Idol and Glee have brought covers to the forefront of pop culture. It's getting to the point, where I have to wonder, is there any creativity left out in the mainstream?

So, I tried to make my list thinking of songs that were iconic and identifiable before they were covered. Much like American Idol, I'm giving points for groups who reimagined popular songs, but because it's me, I'm also listing songs that I think are great. (Please note 4 of these songs are in some way related to a soundtrack, what's the matter with me?!) So, in no particular order . . .

1. Against All Odds - The Postal Service
Original Artist - Phil Collins

I LOVE this cover. The Postal Service opens with the same haunting and meloncholy feel of Collins' original, but then rocks out to an almost angry and provocative feel. The best break up song of all time, just got better.

2. Live and Let Die - Guns N' Roses
Original Artist - Paul McCartney and Wings

You know I did, you know I did, you know I did. I am a sucker for a little GNR. And, there is something about the rawness of Axl's vocals in combination with Slash's rushed take on the song's identifiable lick that takes this Bond song to a different level. Epic.

3. I Will Always Love You - Whitney Houston
Original Artist - Dolly Parton

I love Dolly! About two seconds ago, The White Stripes' cover of Jolene was on this list, but I changed my mind, because Dolly's version is the shit. But, I feel like the little song she wrote upon the break up of her and her manager was meant for something bigger than Dolly's sweet vibrato. Enter Miss Whitney. Whitney Houston turned up the vocals, and in turn, turned up the heat and power of an otherwise charming song. You cannot tell me that you don't sing along.

4. With a Little Help From My Friends - Joe Cocker
Original Artist - The Beatles

I was a giant Wonder Years fan as a kid, and therefore, I think I was about 16 the first time I heard The Beatles version of this song. I remember being totally underwhelmed. Joe Cocker kills this song, he brings a feel of raw desperation to a fun and funky throw away Beatles song. It's amazing, and iconic in its own right.

5. I Wanna Hold Your Hand - TV Carpio (Across the Universe soundtrack)
Original Artist - The Beatles

I had some major attitude when I first watched Across the Universe. A whole movie of Beatles covers starring Evan Rachel Wood? Ew. But, one of the earlier moments in the film features a girl singing a stripped down version of one of my favorite bouncy Beatles tunes to another girl . . . a cheerleader. Suddenly, the lyrics to I Wanna Hold Your Hand meant something different; the entire mood was turned on its head. It was about deep longing and unrequited love. And, I was sold. Take that Glee.

Honorable Mention - My favorite blue grass band, Nickel Creek takes on Britney. Again, take that Glee.

Heidi Presents, "Monday Gut Check - Seeing Singles"

Attention all haters: I love greatest hits albums. There, I said it. I love the hits. I love singing along with a song and knowing the words, and I refuse to be ashamed of it. You know what's even worse? I like plain old songs more than I like entire artists' catalogs and entire albums. Yeah, take that!

I always think of songs as little portals to a specific time and place in our lives. Celine Dion's Power of Love reminds me of middle school dances, and that's why I love it and that's why it's on my iPod. I just connect with songs . . . so, sue me!

Honestly, I don't even think that iTunes is to blame for my love of individual songs. (Mostly because I'm too damn old to be considered the iPod generation). Instead, I will blame my mother. When I was a kid, my sister and I would spend hours holed up in the corner of our basement between the green chair and the wood stove listening to my mother's collection of 45's on the turntable. This happily resulted in several dramatic interpretations of Leader of the Pack and Chapel of Love. Not to mention, at age 7, every trip to the mall eventually found me wide-eyed in front of the single cassette tape wall at Sam Goody with a sweaty five dollar bill in my hand deliberating the merits of Janet Jackson vs. Bryan Adams. (Everything I do, I do it for the Rhythm Nation).

So, today I consider single songs that I love because I heard it in a movie. I don't know any other songs by these artists, and I really don't care to. I don't even think that they're necessarily the best use of a song in movies. I just remember seeing them on the screen, and thinking that those songs were awesome. You never know where you're going to find your new favorite song of the week, but because I'm such a movie person, it's usually on the screen.

Here goes. . .

Tracks of My Tears - Platoon

I don't really like Platoon. I don't particularly like Oliver Stone. I don't particularly like drug use in movies - which is the scene its used in. But, this song is great, and the first time I heard it was in this movie. Now, it's in constant rotation on my iPod. Go figure. Check out this random YouTube movie montage thing. . . (honestly, who has the time and will to put these videos together?) Link

Try a Little Tenderness - Pretty in Pink

Pretty in Pink sucks. (Sorry John Hughes, but you didn't direct, that must be why it's so lame.) However, this movie has some great moments, including Jon Cryer's Otis Redding impression. Great song, blah movie. Link

This Woman's Work - She's Having a Baby

I'm sure that all of Kate Bush's music is this emotionally charged and heartbreaking. But, I don't really know. Because the only song of hers I've ever heard is This Woman's Work which scores a hysterical crying Kevin Bacon as he recalls why he loves his wife while in a hospital waiting room. Sigh. Another music moment that elevates an otherwise okay movie. Link

Ask Me Anything - Dedication

Dedication is actually a great movie. It's basically a hipster's take on As Good As It Gets. The music used in it is pretty pretentious, but one song had me all a-google after I saw the movie. It's the Strokes Ask Me Anything and it hits at about 1:30 in this clip. You can YouTube the whole movie, I seriously recommend. Link

Stuck in the Middle with you - Reservoir Dogs

This song will make you move and dance . . . even if you're a dancing while torturing someone! Again, I'm not using the real clip here, for fear of squeamish readers. Link
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Songs I learned about in movies is somewhat tough. I think nowadays it's harder to do that - simply because the medium available to listen is so huge. I think it's harder for an artist to breakout by debuting in a film, only because odds are at least some people would have heard of you via Pandora or Myspace or something like that. Anyhow, here are my Top 5 songs I only heard of because of movies.

5. American Beauty: The Seeker by The Who

I saw this movie when it came out and blew my mind. When the seeker came on, it was during Lester's realization he could take his life back. I loved the way I imagined that felt, and loved the song that went with it. I knew other stuff by The Who - but not that track. It immediately made me go out and pick up a Who album.

4. American Psycho: Hip To Be Square by Huey Lewis And The News

"Try getting a reservation at Dorsia now you f***ing stupid bastard!" Yeah, I love this movie. I saw this in high school, and can really say anything by Huey Lewis wasn't a priority for me in life up to that point. I mean, I'd heard of them - but Patrick Bateman gave me a nice lesson in their works during that film. I didn't run out to buy any Huey, probably never will, but hey - lesson learned.

3. Wayne's World: Ballroom Blitz by Sweet

So yeah, I was maybe 10 when I saw this? It always takes me back. But I recall even at my young age thinking they could have gotten a hotter actress to play Cassandra. Anyway, her band Crucial Taunt played Ballroom a couple times during the movie. I enjoyed tapping my toes to it, and then BAM! I learned it was a cover. I checked out the real version, loved it more - picked up a Sweet record. Thanks Mike Myers.

2. The Matrix: Wake Up by Rage Against The Machine

I also love The Matrix. I think the way the movie ended was great, and it was perfectly complimented by Rage rocking it to the credits. I don't think I was really at all into Rage yet, as my love for them didn't start up until right before I went to college. I made my own generic greatest hits record, and this was probably track 1. Neo saves the world, listens to Rage. I had to too.

1. Closer: The Blower's Daughter by Damien Rice

If you haven't seen this movie, you need to check it out. It's a very dark story about relationships, romance and the twists your life can take. All the actors in the movie do a phenomenal job - and the story keeps you very interested. This is another one that the movie ends and climaxes with a song, and in this case - Damien Rice. It's a perfect ending to a great movie. And yes, had certainly never heard of Damien before, or this song. I immediately went to iTunes and downloaded it. Been in love ever since.

Do you have any songs that you checked out solely because it was used in a movie? Tell us about it!

Heidi Presents, "Friday Gut Check - Sounding Off On Soundtracks"

I really like going to the dentist, and it's mostly because of Julia Roberts.

Like most kids, between the ages of 8 and 14, I must have been in the dentist's chair once a month. But, I never really minded it. Going to the dentist meant getting out of school early, enjoying happy gas (I always felt like my limbs were being twisted like a balloon animal, but in a good way.) and of course, picking from "the list."

Before every appointment at Dr. Bob's office, the hygienist would give me a laminated list of cassettes to listen to while I was under nitrous. And being a total dork, I picked the exact same tape every single time . . . the Pretty Woman soundtrack. Looking back, I think that having the picture of Julia's gaping wide pearly white smile was somehow comforting, and inspiring for a girl in the dentist's chair. But, mostly the soundtrack was just kind of happy. The track list includes David Bowie, Roxette and Peter Cetera! For me, a great soundtrack takes on the film's theme and spirit, and the Pretty Woman soundtrack is like a big toothy grin. It's awesome.

But, Pretty Woman doesn't make my list of the top 5 soundtracks of all time:

1. Reality Bites - One of my absolute favorite movies and my favorite soundtrack! Turn it up, you won't be sorry. The movie is a great depiction of the pop culture influence on Gen X, and their reluctance to enter adulthood. To get that same feel, the soundtrack mixes late 70s/early 80s hits like Tempted and My Sharona, quirky artists like Julianna Hatfield and hits like U2's All I Want is You. But, of course, we remember the huge hit Stay from the very quirky bespectacled Lisa Loeb. Oh, Gen X! Your soundtrack rocks. I wish every soundtrack were this good, and that Ben Stiller still made great movies.

Link To Video


2. Footloose - Holy God do I love this soundtrack. Now, this movie is pretty ridiculous, and you know what? So, is the music. Almost Paradise and Holding out for a Hero could easily be the most cheesy melodramatic songs ever written. But somehow, we love that Footloose is cheesy, and by the end of the movie, we feel as exuberant as the title track sounds. But my personal fave is the use of Let's Hear it for the Boy in the best dance scene ever filmed, thanks to the late great Chris Penn. I WILL sing that song in a karaoke bar someday, it's a dream of mine.

Link To Video

3. Juno - It's a gimme. I mean, The B Side and I actually agree on this one! I can't imagine everyone's favorite teenage pregnancy romp set to anything else but this. Every song choice used in the movie is perfect, and the soundtrack stands on its own as totally listenable - even that weird vampire song! Cat Power's Sea of Love makes me teary eyed every time, and the driving opener, All I Want is You, sets the tone for the whole movie.

Link To Video

4. (500) Days of Summer - Any soundtrack that features Hall and Oates AND Simon and Garfunkel HAS to make every best soundtracks list. Much like the Reality Bites soundtrack, the mix of classic songs with modern indie gems fit perfectly with the film's tone. I can listen to this soundtrack over and over, and not get tired of it. It's just lovely. Plus, Regina Spektor is my personal hero, and I've loved The Smiths' Please, Please Please Let Me Get What I Want pretty much forever. Don't just watch the clip for this one, go watch the whole movie!

Link To Video


5. Pulp Fiction - Iconic music for an iconic movie. I honestly don't think Pulp Fiction would have been as successful without the use of C'est la vie and Girl, You'll be a Woman Soon. But, what I really love about the soundtrack are those great instrumental surfer tracks. For a movie that exists solely to be cool, the soundtrack is a perfect match. I always catch myself doing the cool guy nod when listening to it.

Link To Video

Honorable mentions go to Garden State, Romeo and Juliet and Jackie Brown - love those Delfonics. I probably have more movie soundtracks than actual albums, so this was really tough for me.
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So Heidi caught me a bit off guard again and this was totally off the top of my head - but here are The B Side's Top 5 Movie Soundtracks:

PS...big time props to American Beauty, Menace II Society and Pulp Fiction. I love those too!

5 - Batman Forever. The movie is a little underrated to me, but it's still not good. What is good is the soundtrack. U2's Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me was huge. Smash It Up by Offspring is simply an awesome song. And who didn't love Seal's Kiss From A Rose back in the day? Heck - still today! Toss in some Method Man and you've got a soundtrack.

4 - Requiem For A Dream. It isn't so much a soundtrack as it is a score. But quite frankly, this is one of my favorite movies ever. And the soundtrack matches perfectly to the darkness of the film. I have many of the samples on my iPod and I listen to them often.

3 - Forrest Gump. Just look at this soundtrack. Seriously. Some of the greatest classic rock ever. Great movie, and the sounds mingled in with the times.

2 - Juno. I know most of it was done by one artist, but it's great. Mott The Hoople was a great sprinkle add and Sonic Youth covering the Carpenters blew my f'ing mind. Thank you Jason Bateman!

1 - Dark Knight. Duh. I didn't appreciate this nearly enough the first time around. I can crank this movie with the surround sound on and it blows my mind. If you really pay attention to the backgrounds especially when the Joker is about to do something crazy - it just fits. The music made the movie a 5+ star film.

Don't forget to tell us what we forgot, and share your lists!

Heidi Presents, "Hello Darkness My Old Friend"

Garden State. Forrest Gump. Maid in Manhattan. (500) Days of Summer. I could go on and on listing all of the films that have used the music of Simon and Garfunkel on their soundtracks, and it's no wonder. They're the bees knees.

But, when you think of Simon and Garfunkel and the movies, there is only one film to talk about. The Graduate. This soundtrack is the perfect marriage between music and the movies.

If you haven't seen it, The Graduate is about a 21 year old man, Benjamin Braddock, who doesn't know what he wants to do with his life, but who knows what he definitely doesn't want to do - work for his father. Oh, and he sleeps with the wife of his father's business partner - Mrs. Robinson, and falls in love with her daughter Elaine. It's a great depiction of the rebellion of 1960s youth against the expectations of their Greatest Generation parents.

The movie doesn't really end on a positive note. After Ben's romantic grand gesture saves Mrs. Robinson's daughter from a bland married life, we see the two of them on a bus happy that they rebelled, but unsure of their own future. Unsure if they made the right decision. Asking themselves what comes next?

The title credits of the film plays to Simon and Garfunkel's The Sound of Silence, which is a song about futility - people hearing without listening. Check out this clip- Ben is riding an airport treadmill. He doesn't move, but he is being pushed forward. Symbolic much? Watch The Clip!

Now, of course we all know Mrs. Robinson. A song that longs for the past, for heroes like Joe DiMaggio in a world where even democracy had been stripped to a process of choosing between the lesser of two evils. The version in the film is different from the hit radio edit that we're all used to. It sounds lighter, looser and damn cool.

Also used in the film, April Come She Will - a great song about how quickly love can die. And, Bookends, a song about looking back at the loss of innocence. Both songs deal with heavy themes, but are so beautiful that you don't seem to be bothered by the sadness, much like the experience one has while watching this movie.

The mellow and sometimes melancholy sounds of Simon and Garfunkel embody what it's like to question your life. Their music got me through adolescence, and I've returned to them in my quarter-life crisis. They're like a hot bowl of comfort and reassurance for the aimless and uncertain. And, like The Graduate, their music gives no real sense that happiness is imminent. Instead, the comfort comes from knowing that someone else is out there who understands. And, isn't that why we love music and the movies, for that shared experience?

So, readers, what did you think of my first soundtrack post? More clips? More music? Let me hear it.

I promise to be more upbeat next week!

Heidi Presents, "I Wanna Be A Billionaire, So Frickin’ Bad."

Sometimes, I wish that I was a god. I wish I could get whatever I wanted – a new Honda, that job I interviewed for that went to an internal candidate, Oprah earrings and enough vacation time to take that long solo road trip out west to write a book and find myself. But, then I start to think, why be a god when I could be a billionaire?! Then, I would get whatever I wanted with none of the burden of answering the prayers of the poor masses. If I was a billionaire, I could buy Ryan Phillipe’s car from Cruel Intentions, open an art house movie theater that doesn’t make any money, be friends with Oprah and stop caring about finding myself! Selfishness is bliss.

Better and better, if I was a billionaire, I could have any musician play my birthday party. I mean, Elton John played Rush Limbaugh’s wedding. You can’t tell me that was a favor for a friend.

So, here’s this week’s top five list. If you had any power, any pull or a boat load of money, what five artists, dead or alive, would you want to play a private concert for you? Now consider, you’d have to meet these people, so it’s okay to pick someone who seems like they’d be a rockin’ party guest.

I’m going to give my list, and the B Side is going to list his faves. Your job, fair reader, is to help us decide which list is better, and share your own!

Heidi’s List:

Paul Simon: The real inspiration for this post stems from the cancellation of my dream concert. I had tickets to see Simon and Garfunkel, and it was cancelled because Art has a sore throat. I am bitter, and I decided that I don’t need Garfunkel, just rhymin’ Simon. It would suit me fine to hear Late in the Evening and Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard and I’m sure he’d play The Boxer. Plus, that video for You Can Call Me Al, makes me think that he has a great sense of humor.

The Mamas and the Papas: I’m a sucker for great vocals, and I would love to be blasted by their harmonies in person. And, wouldn't it be great to witness all of that backstage tension?

Jewel: You know that artist that helped you get through being 14 years old? For me, that was Jewel. I have always dreamed of hearing her play her second album live and unplugged just for me. Since a lot of her songs that I was obsessed with were not great hits, seeing her in concert just doesn’t do it for me.

The White Stripes: I have never seen them live, and I think there’s a good chance that they won’t tour again. This makes me sad. Always behind on trends, I started to love them much too late. But, I totally think that Meg White would be comfortable with playing a birthday, right? No pressure, Meg - just good times, and unevenly awesome drumming!

Josh Groban: I am not too ashamed to share that one of my dreams is to be serenaded by Josh Groban. He has the voice of an angel, a smoldering, curly haired angel. And, his guest appearances on Kimmel and Glee have shown that he doesn’t take himself too seriously. We’d drink champagne, hit it off and force our inevitable children to be in a singing group. The Groban Family Singers . . . I like it.


AND NOW.....

THE B SIDE'S LIST: (countdown order of course!)

5. Bradley Nowell and Sublime - I'll start the list by commenting that I thought Heidi's challenge was to come up with 5 deceased artists, so that's what I created. And that works because frankly, I can see live artists pretty much whenever, so why not shoot for the stars? Anyway, I'd have loved to seen Sublime play. I feel like they would have put on a phenomenal show and I could jam all night to my favorite hits.

4. Jim Morrison and The Doors - What can you say but wow. Morrison was noted for putting on outstanding shows and if for some reason you doubt that, listen to the live version of 'Roadhouse Blues'. If you're not pumped after that, check your pulse.

3. John Lennon and The Beatles - Do I really need to explain this one? Beatles are awesome, Lennon died before I was born. Hearing them perform 'I Am The Walrus' in front of my face would be epic.

2. Tupac Shakur - Okay, so maybe it wouldn't even need to be a concert so much as sitting down with him and talking to him - discussing music and hearing how he comes up with such brilliant lyrics. What an intelligent, enthusiastic - misunderstood soul that went way before his time.

1. Jimi Hendrix - Come on. Was there any doubt he'd be number one? I'm pretty certain that watching him play a solo like Voodoo Child or even the opening riff to Are You Experienced would be....speechlessly breathtaking. I wouldn't even sing along with tracks because that would be insulting to Mr. Hendrix. Best guitarist of all time, not even close.


What do you think B Siders? Give us your feedback and post your Top 5! This will be a weekly installment all from the desk of my shining apprentice Heidi!

Heidi Presents, "Friday Gut Check - The Beatles."

Thank you John Cusack. Thank you for One Crazy Summer. Thank you for Lloyd Dobler. Heck, I'll even thank you for Must Love Dogs, which was obviously made to be played on cable for audiences who are too bored or too hung over to change the channel on Saturday mornings. (Seriously, NOTHING in the history of film angers me quite as much as the grand finale make out scene in the grocery store at the end of that movie, but I have seen that movie more times that I think is okay to admit. Must love Christopher Plummer.)

But, most importantly, thank you for bringing High Fidelity to the big screen and for introducing to the masses the Top Five List. I'm fairly certain the B Side and I have wasted too many hours of our lives playing this silly game - top five Zeppelin songs, top five movies from the 90s, top five songs that are named after a person - the possibilities are endless.

So readers, let's play. It's not even close to an original blog idea, but it's always enjoyable, particularly on a Friday. Let's play Top Five Beatles songs. Please note that the first top five you list are it, no takebacks. No overthinking. Make your list and do it!

Here's my list, in no particular order.

Something - My God, this song is sexy. The opening guitar riff that's used throughout the song is pure rock and roll sex. It's hot, and I love it.

A Hard Day's Night - I love early Beatles, and the iconic opening chord of A Hard Day's Night helps this song to just barely edge out I Wanna Hold Your Hand's place on my list. Try listening to this without swaying your shoulders - it's impossible!

Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da - Nothing gets me into more pop culture arguments than my irrational and obsessive love of this song. I don't know if it's the honky tonk piano or the raucous feel of the band not taking the song seriously, but this song makes me dance like a crazy person. It's a fun song that I associate with good times. It's a winner.

Eleanor Rigby - The dark and gothic opening of Eleanor Rigby announces that this song is going to be epic. And the rest of the track delivers, with the strings in the driver's seat of creepy melancholy.

Let It Be - I can't overanalyze this one - I'm just going to let it be.

Okay, let's hear it. Tear me to shreds, and share you ideas. Not a Beatles person? Not a problem. Share any top five list.

Heeeeeeeerrrreeee's Heidi!!!

I'm really more of a movie person than a music person, so when the B Side asked me to contribute, there was only one thing I could write about - the Soundtrack.

But, I'm not going to write about that now. Instead, I want to introduce myself. Hi . . . awkward pause . . . I'm Heidi, and I will be popping in on the B Side from time to time with comments on movie soundtracks and to sub in when the blog is left unattended. I just wanted to take this first post to describe my own personal pop culture philosophy. I think the easiest way to do that is to bear my soul, and tell you that my favorite movie is the Karate Kid and that my absolute all time favorite music group is Simon and Garfunkel (who, incidentally are no strangers to the movie soundtrack. I wonder what my first soundtrack post will be about. . . ?) Reactions?

Wow. Your judgment is palpable.

Let me explain, by no means do I think that the Karate Kid is the best movie ever made. But damnit, that endearing and sometimes unintentionally hilarious coming of age tale about mentorship and the triumph of the human spirit - that is entertainment! They don't make movies like that anymore, except for you know, the remake. And, right now, with all that our country has been through lately, that's all I want. I want to be entertained. I want joy. I want to watch Glee, and listen to the classic rock songs that I loved in middle school. I want to geek out with my friends and gush over how amazed I was by Paula Abdul at age six. Because, honestly, that's why I love pop culture, it's the random connections that our shared experiences create among us. That's why we read and write entertainment blogs. And, that's why I'm here.

So kids, why are you here? What do you love about music? What made you the type of person who reads a music blog? Please share.