Some of my Favourite Musical Moments in Film
Now when I say ‘musical moments’ I must clarify I don’t mean actual musicals because generally and with some (small) exception I absolutely hate musicals. So this is a celebration of my favourite musical moments within normal movies – a mix up of scores and songs. ENJOY. And watch out for spoilers.
No.1 ‘Kaneda’s Death Pt 2’ /Adagio in D Minor – Sunshine (2007)
Adagio in D Minor is my favourite film score EVER. I really love it, like loads and loads. Kaneda’s Death Pt 2 is pretty much the standard Adagio in D Minor but with a few differences. When Kaneda dies, it’s an intense part of the film and the first time we hear Adagio in D Minor in its entirety. It truly made Sunshine an unforgettable experience for me.
“Tell me…..what do you see?”
No.2 Sean Pertwee singing ‘Fireball XL5’ – Love, Honour & Obey (2000)
Love, Honour & Obey is a fun little movie. A little known British effort, kind of a tongue-in-cheek gangster movie. And the soundtrack is especially awesome because each cast member sings a song. Ray Winstone, Jonny Lee Miller, Kathy Burke, Jude Law…. they all do karaoke at some point, but it’s Sean Pertwee singing Fireball XL5 that is undoubtedly my favourite.
No.3 Vince & Jules leave the coffee shop to ‘Surf Rider’ – Pulp Fiction (1994)
This has always been my favourite track from the Pulp Fiction soundtrack. I always thought it was such brilliant music to use at the end of the film. I know it’s not really the end and shock fucking horror Travolta’s dead! But it’s still perfect music when Vince and Jules walk out the coffee shop together. Cool as fuck.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=soH7t6Mal3A
No.4 ‘Blue Moon’ on a full moon – An American Werewolf in London (1981)
The song Blue Moon is used in this film not less than three times. Bobby Vinton sings one version and The Marcels sing the well known doo wop version. But the version (how many times can I say version? Is there another word for version?) I chose today is by Sam Cooke and plays during the famous transformation scene. And who do I love apart from John Landis and werewolves and stuff? Sam Cooke.
No.5 Frankenstein’s Monster – X-Men First Class (2011)
I really like Henry Jackson’s soundtrack for this film and it was Magneto’s theme that made me sit up and notice it in the first place. There’s not a scene in the entire movie that’s cooler than this one and apart from the wonderful Fassbender I think it’s got a lot to do with the music. Powerful stuff.
“Blut und Ehre“
No.6 A lap dance ‘Down in Mexico’ – Death Proof (2007)
Death Proof is one of my favourite Tarantino movies and its soundtrack is truly rocking! I’m cheating a tiny wee bit because I’m pretty sure this scene wasn’t included in the theatrical cut but oh well. The Coasters ‘Down in Mexico’ is so cool and Arlene’s dance is sexy as hell.
No.7 ‘Fuckin in the Bushes’ with Mickey – Snatch (2000)
Just LOVE this, always have, always will. Fuck yeah! The song (by Oasis) is brilliant and Brad Pitt looks fit as anything. It’s a great final fight and ending to the film.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kE11QxfzC68
No.8 Gingerbread Man ‘Holding Out for a Hero’ – Shrek 2 (2004)
I’ve always enjoyed this and I may even be guilty of watching it on YouTube from time to time. It’s an exciting scene for a kids movie and a lot of that has to do with the Fairy Godmother singing Holding Out for a Hero, which is perfect as Shrek and his motely crew fight their way through the town. Warning – may contain Mild Peril.
No.9 ‘Gimme Shelter’ in – The Departed (2006)
I think I love this song almost as much as Scorsese does. It’s such a cool fucking song and I always knew I’d choose The Departed for this slot over Goodfellas or Casino. Apart from the fact I’ve never seen Casino, that opening scene is a corker and I can hear Jack Nicholson saying “environment” in a Boston accent as I type this.
No. 10 ‘The Man with a Harmonica’ Showdown – Once Upon a Time in the West (1968)
Ahhhhh I love this. I love this, I love this! And I love my grandad who first showed it to me and opened up my eyes and ears considerably. One of my favourite ever showdowns, this scene between Harmonica and Frank is so great. Some people say the music is a little creepy which I guess is fair, but it’s perfect for avenging that’s for sure.
Honourable mentions:
The Guest and The Little Mermaid both have great soundtracks and the only reason I didn’t include either of them was simply because I couldn’t decide on one defining musical moment.
emmakwall (explains it all) 
There’s another naughty bum post on my blog if you’re interested.
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That Death Proof scene is excellent. I love that song to pieces. And I would have unsubscribed if you hadn’t included Shrek 😉
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Me too, it’s a great song and a wonderful scene!
And I’m glad someone else appreciates the Shrek scene! It’s just too awesome isn’t it 🙂
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What’s wrong with musicals? 😦
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Nothing is objectively wrong with them MiB, I just don’t like them 🙂
With exception to: Grease, Bugsy Malone, Oliver! and Chicago. And I enjoyed Les Mis for a one time watch.
It’s more the ‘stage school singing’ I can’t stand. I went to see Matilda the Musical (in London) as I loooove the book and all it did was confirm I don’t really like musicals…. I’d far rather watch a good, solid play with NO singing!
Phew, long explanation !
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So you won’t be on board with a couple of my faves “Seven Brides For Seven Brothers” or “West Side Story” then?
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West Side Story is okay 🙂
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I love the Sunshine score! It’s one of my favourite films and the music laced throughout goes a long way in making it so. Great list Emma.
Adam.
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Thanks Adam!! Every time someone says that feel the same way about the Sunshine score I really feel happy 🙂
It’s one of my favourite films too and I’m sure if the music hadn’t had been in it I might not have become quite so transfixed in the first place 🙂
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I always loved the name Capa too, no idea why. It just sounds cool.
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It is very cool 🙂
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That was fun!
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Good! I’m very glad indeed 🙂
Thanks Ashley Lily Scarlett which is such a lovely, pretty name 🙂
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I like Trainspotting when Renton’s overdose is set to “Perfect Day” though I feel that gets mentioned by people fairly often.
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Yes!!!!!! I love that song 🙂 That’s a great soundtrack, Atomic by Blondie is one of my favourites!
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I forgot about “Atomic” on there!! I use to listen to that and think about the movie like a little weirdo when I was 15.
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I’m glad I’m not the only one lol I used to do the same with the Natural Born Killers soundtrack. That’s probably even creepier!!!!
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I never had that soundtrack and I don’t remember what songs were in the movie, I need to look it up!! I think it’s hilarious & charming you were obsessed w/ the NBK soundtrack–we were just interesting teens that’s all!
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We were indeed! And now we’re interesting adults 🙂
It’s not even that great a soundtrack really. Two Leonard Cohen songs, a Bob Dylan song, a Nine Inch Nails song and I can’t even remember the rest lol.
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Great article, Emma. Awesome choices too. Good variety. I love the Pulp Fiction song. Perfect. I like how you describe that scene too 😉 Every Tarantino movie has more than 1 moment like this. I also love your retro Blue Moon pick with Werewolf.
I’d toss in the opening credit song in The Watchmen, The Times They Are A Changing. Wise Up in Magnolia. Johnny Be Good in Back to the Future. So many… I can see how difficult this list must have been now.
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Jonny Be Good in BTTF!!!! Why did I not think of that, I’m going to have to edit the post and add it in…. Seriously! I’ll mention you of course 🙂
Thank you and I’m glad you liked the post! And Tarantino mention 🙂 he definitely has a brilliant soundtrack in every darn movie!
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Right on!
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Brother!
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Yes! Excellent post, Emma! You know I’m with you on Sunshine. Fucking BRILLIANT score. And I love Fuckin in the Bushes even though I hate Oasis. And Once Upon A Time In The West is amazing. And I’m a big fan of Death Proof. Great post! So glad I have a fellow fan of movie music finally. 🙂
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Thanks Miss Mutant 🙂 yeah I love Death Proof, even though so many people say it’s his worst film it’s one of my most favourites, I could watch it anytime! I get lost in the dialogue 🙂
I saw Oasis live back in 2001, a big Wembley show and Fuckin in the Bushes was the first song they played, was epic!!!!
The Sunshine and Once Upon a Time in the West scores are probably my two most favourites 🙂
Sometimes I think I like the music more than the movie lol!
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Death Proof is great! Great “girl power” movie. Love that. 🙂 Oh, I definitely agree on liking the music more than the movie sometimes. It’s that way with Sunshine. The music makes that movie seem SO much better. I also think Thomas Newman’s scores make a movie better too. 🙂
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I LOVE Death Proof I don’t understand the lack of love for it. I prefer it to some of his other movies! What I really like is the first group of girls (Jungle Julia etc) could be me and my friends really, dead end town and drinking in the same pub where you’ve known everyone for years. I can actually RELATE to the movie in a way and I feel genuinely sad for the girls before Stunt Man Mike crashes into them. Plus the music is great and the dialogue – as ever – is brilliant 🙂
I’m not too familiar with Thomas Newman but I agree good scores can make a movie better, most defo! I’ll check him out, thanks Miss Mutant!! 🙂
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Great list!
I’ve got a list, I just can’t think of any! D’oh! XD
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Thanks you!!! 🙂
I bet your list would be very cool and imaginative!
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Great choices. Especially Gimme Shelter which just makes any scene, trailer or trip down the shops feel cool, epic and awesome.
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Oh doesn’t it just! I love that song so much, it is just so damn cool 🙂 especially on that trip down the shops!
Thanks Ben 🙂
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