Where would we be without music in our favorite films? While some may rely mostly on score, the needle drop of a pop tune can be quite satisfying when paired with a memorable scene. There could be a few opportunities for this type of moment on the way thanks to some exciting music news that also concerns the film world.
While we’d still love to get our hands on the score by “Jeff Who Lives At Home” and “Cyrus” composer Michael Andrews, we’ll definitely settle for a new track from Beck from the former film. The Duplass’ latest film has helped give Beck fans a pretty stellar new track in “Looking For A Sign” that falls right between Mutations and Sea Change-era Beck, which is certainly a good thing. The mostly acoustic-driven track is also a step away from the work he did as Sex Bob-Omb on the “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” soundtrack, and is hopefully a sign that Beck wants to get back to making music again. We can only hope. Listen to the track below.
It’s not a secret that Johnny Depp keeps the kind of odd company that frankly makes us a tad envious, and apparently his repertoire also boasts goth-rocker Marilyn Manson. The two have been kicking around some ideas in the recording studio of late, and perhaps keeping with the whole ‘70s-era theme of the upcoming Depp-starring “Dark Shadows,” the duo have recorded a cover of Carly Simon’s gem “You’re So Vain” for Manson’s upcoming album Born Villian. Out May 1st, the album will feature the cover of a track long said to have been written about nefarious playboy Warren Beatty, but perhaps the duo see something in the lyrics that corresponds to the anti-institution approach they take to their careers in Hollywood? We’re probably grasping at straws and maybe they just love Simon’s back catalog, we’ll find out in May. Perhaps it isn’t too late to throw this on the “Dark Shadows” soundtrack, as long as it sounds nothing like Manson’s previous cover of the “The Nightmare Before Christmas” track “What’s This?”
Next, Grammy-nominated Michael Jackson protégé Karyn White is set to make a pretty big showing with ten original songs appearing on the soundtrack for Spike Lee’s latest joint, “Red Hook Summer.” The polarizing film, which our writer called “emotionally devastating” in our mostly positive review from Sundance, will see tracks that White collaborated on with Eurythmics mastermind Dave Stewart and Nelly Furtado regulars Track & Field Productions. Her debut album is apparently close to finished, with “Red Hook Summer” set for an August release and a soundtrack release hopefully to follow. It should be noted the film has score pieces by Bruce Hornsby as well.
Meanwhile, artrockers Blonde Redhead are attached to score "The Commentator," a documentary about Danish filmmaker Jorgen Leth by the legendary Albert Maysles. In 1976, Leth made "A Sunday in Hell," an important film about the Paris Roubaix cycling race, and he now works as a commentator for the event. The proposed documentary will follow Leth as he works at his gig, and as he tracks the race. But this all depends on if enough Kickstarter funds can be raised — it needs over $15,000 with about 48 hours to go — but should it get made, it will appropriately screen as part of the Bicycle Film Festival.
Here's something that's off the beaten path. Brooklyn-based singer/sometimes comedian/ improvisor extraordinaire Reggie Watts has created a new original soundtrack to Ridley Scott's 1985 fantasy film, "Legend." Starring Tom Cruise, Tim Curry and Mia Sara (from "Ferris Bueller's Day Off"), the soundtrack he wrote is available free online now and you can download it from his Facebook page. Just over an hour and a half long, the soundtrack was totally improvised and created on the spot using just Watts' voice and digital delay pedals. Think "The Wizard Of Oz" and Pink Floyd's Dark Side Of The Moon only with "Legend" and custom made by Reggie Watts.
Finally, fans of Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page can rejoice, as a previously unreleased avant garde soundtrack from the early ‘70s is finally set to ring through your ear buds on March 20th. Entitled Lucifer Rising and Other Sound Tracks, the collection assembles several rare recordings conducted at the Zeppelin guitar virtuoso’s home studio, including the titular piece that was originally intended to be in Kenneth Anger’s 1972 short film, “Lucifer Rising." Even though the music never made the final cut, Page did in a cameo role as “Man Holding Stella of Revelation,” though fans probably just want to hear the musician wail on his axe. If you’re eager to get your hands on this collection, the set is available exclusively through Page’s website, with an LP edition and a run of numbered copies also to see release. For those quick enough to grab one of the first 93 copies, it will be autographed by Page himself. Lucky you! [Prefix/THR/Eurweb/Consequence Of Sound/Rolling Stone]