My song picks for my 30 Days Song Challenge today inspired me to make a list of my favorite film scores of all time. So, here it goes:
1. Godfather (Nino Rota)
The most haunting piece of music that I’ve ever heard. Definitely best of the best. No question on why the theme of this movie became classic just like the movie itself.
2. Up (Michael Giacchino)
Especially the track called Marriage Life. When the music is playing during the movie, you will experience the best of 4:21 minutes in cinema history. No kidding.
3. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 (Alexandre Desplat)
I have been a fan for this franchise for years, but never really care with the score, until Deathly Hallows Part 1 hits the theatre. At least there three favorite tracks of mine: Obliviate, Snape to Malfoy Manor and Farewell To Dobby. I am so happy to know Desplat will do the second part as well.
4. Love Story (Francis Lai)
Not really my favorite movie, but it wasn’t a bad movie at all and I could understand why it became such a classic. However, the best part is obviously the score. You will probably have heard it even when you haven’t seen the movie.
5. Psycho (Bernard Herrmann)
Alfred Hitchcock favorite composer. He at least has written the scores for almost every Hitchcock masterpiece from The Trouble with Harry (1955) to Marnie (1964), of course the one for Psycho (1960) no doubt was his best work.
6. The Omen (Jerry Goldsmith)
I almost couldn’t play this one while I am alone. Someone said this is the Lord of all horror soundtracks. Listen to it yourself if you don’t believe me. I played this while I am writing this, but maybe I shouldn’t as my neighbor might think I started a cult or something.
7. The Exorcist (Steve Boeddeker)
Quite confusing on whom did the score. It seemed it was done by many different artists, but the one that I love the most is called ‘Tubular Bells” composed by Mike Oldfield.
8. Lust, Caution (Alexandre Desplat)
I was so intrigued by every element at the movie: acting, story, direction, cinematography, and more especially the score. I thought it was brilliant and couldn’t wait to find out the person behind it. I was so happy to find out that it was no other than Alexandre Desplat.
9. Kill Bill Volume 1 and 2 (RZA)
I’d love to have Quentin Tarrantino playlist, it seemed we might like the same kind of music. Thanks to him, I got to know Nancy Sinatra and Shivarree’s goodnight moon. However, the track that caught my attention the most was called The Lonely Shepherd – Gheorghe Zamfir (produced by RZA), at the end of Kill Bill volume 1 (what a perfect ending).
10. Forrest Gump (Alan Silvestri)
My earliest memory in paying attention at movie scores. It’s still one of the best scores of all time.
Honorable mention: Rosemary’s Baby (Christopher Komeda), Life Is Beautiful (Nicola Piovani), Let Me In (Michael Giacchino), The Golden Compass (Alexandre Desplat), Heaven and Earth (Kitaro), The Chroncles of Narnia: The Lion, The Wich, and The Wardrobe (Harry Gregson-Williams) more especially the track called Evacuating London), Midnight Express (Giorgio Moroder)
Some scores that I love, but never seen the movie, here as follow: Breakfast at Tifanny’s (Henry Mancini), Romeo and Juliet (Nino Rota)
What about television show? There was one and only score that I love the most. It’s from the Twin Peaks and it’s written by Angelo Badalamenti.
NOTED: I haven’t edit (or re-read it), so I apologize if there were errors in spelling, grammar, etc. I deliberately mentioned some names here without asking their permission and I apologize for that too, let me know if you want your names to be removed.
Never across in my mind that one day I’d visit Argentina, but here I was for the most magical eight days in my life. I arrived in Buenos Aires and there they are: Leandro and Noelia. Both are Roxette fans, who I knew for quite sometimes only through internet, but finally met face-to-face. They were so friendly and before I knew it, we started talking (during our trip to their apartment) like we’ve known each other forever.
They invited me to stay in their apartment. It was a lovely place. I felt like home instantly. The view from 8th floor was amazing too, but it didn’t really matter because I was just too exited to get to know them and looking forward to my first full Roxette concert ever. In fact, it was my first full concert of ANY band ever. The view from the apartment
Later, since I just couldn’t wait to have the Roxette tickets in my hand, we went to a place where I plan to pick them up. Even though that was the beginning of fall, to me the weather was quite hot, kind of remind me of Indonesia. To think about it, the area where I was staying looked so similar with Jakarta. In some way, I felt like I was home. So, I didn’t really mind surrounding by lots of people, being in a hurry all the time, and no place to seat sometimes at public transportation. Of course, Buenos Aires had subway, while Jakarta had train. Some parts of this city were European influenced, something that Jakarta didn’t have.
Then, I got tickets! Still it’s going to be few more days before we attend the concert. The next day, Noe and Leandro went to Uruguay. I had to stay at home because I didn’t have the proper visa. Also, our other friend, Scott was coming from the US. I’ve known him since 2005 (I think), but never met him in person. He spoke Spanish really well and he took a taxi by himself from the airport to the apartment. Later that day, we went to downtown (though I made us go to wrong direction, but thankfully we manage to find the right way).
The next day, Noe and Leandro came home with two people who I have never met. Diego and Laura, who also Roxette fans. They’re going to stay with us. Diego was cool and funny. Laura couldn’t speak English, but I like her a lot. I think she’s a sweetheart. So, here we are people who never know each other before now staying together. I couldn’t help thinking how if one of us turns into a psycho killer? (lol I guess I watched too much Hitchcock). Of course, we’re all just normal fans and we ended up having marvelous time together. Leandro told me that sometimes in life you gotta take a chance. I agreed with him. To think about it, I have taken so many chances in my life before and many of them were quite crazy.
Finally the D-day is here! Or should I say the Rox day. We woke up early in the morning and started our day immediately. Noe had to go to her mother’s house, but we promised to meet each other at Luna Park (where the concert is). We took a subway and oh, boy there were lots of people (maybe because it was rush hour) inside. I think Leandro (or Diego) told me this is like rehearsal before being part at the crowded concert later.
In downtown, we met Marcos coincidentally. He was my friend in FB and he helped me purchase the ticket for Cordoba gig. He was with this sweet girl, Andrea. They said “hi” and he asked Andrea to translate something for me. Apparently during our contacts, I mostly talk to his partner because he couldn’t speak English. I said no problem at all. He was already so kind to help a stranger like me, then we pass a hotel nearby and guess who were in there? Christoffer and Helena! We waved and moments later they came to see us. We took pictures together and I remember someone told me Chris is a huge Harry Potter fan, so I mentioned it and suddenly we were talking about Harry Potter like we were old friends! He said that now he’s starting to read the series to his kids. With Christoffer
Then here comes Pelle and Magnus. I’ve never met Pelle before, and I had to say that after Marie and Per, he was actually my favorite Roxette band. I think he’s a great drummer, especially in Sleeping In My Car. So, I was so shocked to see him and nervous as well. I just couldn’t believe that he was standing in front of me. My first instinct was to shake his hand, but instead he hugged and kissed me. It had bad effect on me. I couldn’t stop smiling and grinning for hours.
We finally arrived at Luna Park. I just couldn’t believe what I saw. Was I died and went to Rox heaven? Everywhere you look, there are hundreds (maybe thousand) people wearing Roxette T-shirt. I was never surrounded by that many Roxette fans my whole life. Plus, you could see all unofficial Roxette merchandise they sold over there. Anything you can think of! Pictures, photos, pin, key change, etc. I was so tempted to buy some, but I also didn’t want to carry too much during the concert.
Noelia already there so we decided to have lunch. Coincidentally, while we’re eating there was Roxette add on television. We toasted for Roxette, the fans, and the new friendship.
I met some friends that I only knew from Facebook. Sometimes I said “hi” first, sometimes they did.
Hours later when we’re standing on the line, I saw a white van passing us by, then I saw some familiar faces. “Look, Roxette!” I said spontaneously. Of course, in a second everyone saw it too and all the long line got messed up all of sudden. Many fans are now chasing the van on the highway. My friends and I decided not to do the same. I wish I had video so I could tape it and send it to my family in Indonesia with a note: “See, I am pretty normal compare to other fans”. I am sure if you asked them whether I’d go after the van, they would definitely say yes. I guess I am getting old?
The gate finally opened at 7 pm. I could feel my heart trembling. This is it.
When I went inside the building, some people already got all the places at the first row, but I manage to be in maybe the 5th (or 6th). I thought that was pretty good place, then at 8 o’clock, the supporting act was playing while others still looking for their seat (or better standing places). Of course, soon I regret for even try to be in the front rows.
At 9 o’clock, Marie, Per and the whole band enter the stage and that’s when the wildest night I’ve ever experience my whole life officially begin. People just went crazy when they saw them on the stage and Marie grabbed the mic and said Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! that was when everything begins uncontrollable. People went wild. They were jumping, singing, dancing and I got punched hard in my chest I feel like I couldn’t breathe. That moment I decided I had better get out of here. However, I just couldn’t get out. There were too many people blocked my way. I got pushed to every side you can think of and couldn’t really move my feet because someone stepped on it. I pray Dressed For Success will be over soon so maybe it would calm the people a bit. I was wrong because when Dressed was over, it followed by Sleeping In My Car.
I kept begging some people to give me way out. Some tried to help, but the power of the crowd kept pushing me back inside. Then, everything start to feel blurry and then dark. I felt like I was dying. I start to imagine (or hallucinate) what would happen if I die in this concert. I imagine the newspaper where I used to work back in Indonesia would write a headline about this accident. In fact, I could read the title: “A Long Time Fan Die Tragically In Roxette Concert”. Oh my God, how ironic it would be? I imagine it would disturb my family so much and Roxette music will forever be too traumatic for them. I couldn’t let that happen. That’s not the kind of death that I’d want, too embarrassing and ironic. So, with my last strength I pushed myself outside the crowd, I got a glance of a girl laying helplessly under the crowd, I wish I could help her, but I almost couldn’t help myself either.
Then… I’m free! It took three songs before I finally could breather. At that time Wish I Could Fly is playing, but I was too shaken up to enjoy it, and at that moment I felt I was so lucky to actually survive. Not until Only When I Dream that I start to enjoy the concert. In fact, now I actually have better view of Marie and Per. I wasn’t that further away from the stage anyway. Though, I couldn’t help counting around 10 people fainting (I was pretty sure even more than that).
I was surprise that I actually love She’s Got Nothing On and Opportunity Nox so much. Those two songs were never my favorite, but I must admit they sounded great live.
Things Will Never Be The Same performed with only Marie, Per and his acoustic guitar on the stage. You could tell how Marie felt so overwhelmed with the audience response. She knew they love her and I think it touched hear heart so much, she looked like she was about to cry. By the end of the song, Per gave her a sweet kiss on her cheek.
Of course the climax was Spending My Time. You almost couldn’t hear Roxette at all. It was so emotional and again you could see how this means to Marie (later, Lars Erik Olson from TDR told us that Marie cried on the backstage after the concert because she too felt overwhelmed by the love for her).
Per was fantastic as always, but so did Marie. There were so many differences between her performance in NOTP two years ago than this one. She looked more confident, she communicated with the audience and explored almost every corners of the stage (almost like the old times). I couldn’t help noticing that she looked years younger and prettier too.
How Do You Do / Dangerous received great response from fans and who could forget Joyride with fans throwing balloon after Per sings “In a wonderful balloon”. It was so good to be part of it.
The concerts ends with Church of Your Heart. The night wasn’t over yet, there was a party waiting for the fans. Like usual, some people that I only knew from Facebook said “hi” to me. It was great to finally meet them though we only chat for a very short time. Only when I drink
The pass
With Pelle (again)
The After School party was wonderful. When you enter the club, you’re welcomed by Roxette music (and video) in giant screen. Some fans already there dancing, drinking and having tons of fan. I saw Clarence, Magnus and Christoffer already there hang out together with the fans. I was still exhausted from my experience so I decided to sit down most of the time, but I met some great people who keep me company. It was a great atmosphere and I wish I could stay longer, but there was still another concert waiting the next day. Oh, I got another pic taken with Pelle again.
Way Out
Very much Beatles influenced. It doesn’t really fit as opening song off the album, maybe because you almost couldn’t hear Marie’s voice at all. Even though, the song is great (has interesting opening, and the guitar riff were fantastic) but it fits more to Gessle’s solo projects (maybe even Gylenne Tider, Gessle’s other band).
No One Makes It On Her Own
Typical Roxette ballad, but in a good way of course. They’ve always been known as a band who always produced amazing ballads. Remember It Must Have Been Love or Listen To Your Heart? This song carries the Roxette formula: Powerful voice by Marie and genius lyrics by Per. Get ready to feel nostalgic.
She’s Got Nothing On (But The Radio)
For me, this is the ‘weakest’ song off the album. The style seemed like the continuation of Opportunity Rox, which never be my favorite. However, the chorus is pretty strong, thanks to Marie’s unique vocal and then a great middle-8 (another typical Roxette, the credit goes to Gessle this time). Maybe I’ll like it better with less computerize effect, and I have to say Marie saved this song
Speak To Me
PERFECT song. This is the song that is so perfect from the beginning to the end. No flaw at all. Simple yet brilliant. They will make a mistake if they NEVER release this as a single (like they did with Things Will Never Be The Same). To the fans that gotten to know Roxette from Joyride era, this song will take us back to memory lane.
I’m Glad You Called
A very simple song sing by Marie. She sounds fragile, but that makes the song work. If you like Crash! Boom! Bang! you will like this song as well, and yes the violin is back! This is Roxette that we know best, Marie sings the whole song, Per sings the middle-8, or vice versa.
Only When I Dream
Just like Speak To Me, this is Roxette that we’ve known that seemed lost during Have A Nice Day or Room Service. When Per mentioned the new album will sound like a classic Roxette, this song is one of the proof. Marie and Per share their vocal part equally. To Roxette fans, this song is like a dream comes true.
Dream On
Another left over from The World According To Gessle? Though when you heard Marie’s part, she takes you back to Roxette again. Another Beatles influenced. Per does his best vocal here (though Marie’s part is also magical).
Big Black Cadillac
This should be the opening song of the album. Though I am not a fan of the song, but I think this has more hits potential than She’s Got Nothing On (But The Radio). In my opinion, if they want to gain the attention of younger generation, this one is probably the better choice to be release as first single.
In My Own Way
This is the kind of the song that need to be listen few times, and now it’s my number one favorite of the album. This song is like a movie, at the beginning you were trying to figure out what the plot is going to me, but at the middle you start to realize that this is must be the smartest, the most emotional story you’ve ever seen, and by the end all you want to do is watch the movie over and over again. Marie delivers different range of her vocal. It started a bit fragile, but then it got stronger gradually, until to the point that just blow you away.
After All
Another Beatles influence, another The World According To Gessle leftover, which actually my favorite album by Gessle.
Happy On The Outside
To me, it has the weakest lyrics. I think Per can do better than this. The music and Marie’s vocal still interesting to hear, especially at the chorus. It makes me believe again and again on Per brilliant mind in creating such a catchy music.
Sitting On Top Of The World
The kind of song that usually not my favorite, but Marie’s sweet voice change it all. The song seemed so simple, but usually it’s tricky. You got to be a talented singer to make such a simple song works, but Marie proves she still got what it takes (remember how sweet she sounded like in Milk and Toast and Honey?) Perfect ending of the album. This song should be a soundtrack to a movie. Per’s best lyric so far.
My list of Charm School best songs in order:
1. In My Own Way
2. Speak To Me
3. No One Makes It On Her Own
4. Sitting on Top of The World
5. Only When I Dream
6. Dream On
7. I’m Glad You Called
8. Big Black Cadillac
9. Way Out
10. Happy On The Outside
11.After All
12. She’s Got Nothing On, But The Radio
Songs that should be release as a single: Speak To Me, Only In My Dream, No One Makes It On Her Own, Big Black Cadillac, and Sitting On Top Of The World.
At the beginning when I only listened to the snippets, I thought this album sounds more like Crash! Boom! Bang!. I changed my mind now. It sounds more like Tourism (especially with the live recording songs at the deluxe album). So, I think Roxette tried to satisfy all the fans who liked different album. This album are mixed of anything classic from them, which is a good thing.
Way Out:
It’s a bit strange to have this one as the opening song. I think Roxette fans already got use with more powerful up tempo song (The Look, Sleeping In My Car, etc). Still, it has great rhythm guitar. Very much Beatles-influenced, only more modern.
No One Makes It On Her Own:
Wonderful ballad. Marie sounds so angelic. My favorite part was “Did u ever catch the sunset, right across the ocean..” Kudos to Per’s talent in song writing and Marie’s perfect delivery.
She’s Got Nothing On (But The Radio)
I am almost sure this is the weakest out of the album. Strangely it’s actually the first single. The chorus is catchy and has Roxette typical but perfect middle-8. However, it sounds over produced while I am still stuck with the classic Roxette.
Speak To Me
Probably the most romantic songs on the album (or ever in Roxette history? time will tell). Never actually a fan of this type, but this time I gave in. Marie and Per voice sounded so perfectly combined, followed by Marie’s powerful (yet vulnerable at the same time) voice in the chorus. It seemed after Listen To Your Heart, Spending My Time and It Must Have Been Love, here comes another ballad that born to be a classic.
I’m Glad You Called
If you like Roxette’s Tourism album, you will like this one. They choose to do this song in acoustic way, different with Per’s version which I think lack of “feeling” (or maybe lack of Marie?).
Only When I Dream
This is what I called CLASSIC ROXETTE! Perfect chorus. It felt like they took me back on the first time I’ve ever listen to them. Remember at the old days when Per and Marie used to take turn singing in a song? This song remind me of Things Will Never Be The Same (Joyride). So far, this is my number one favorite.
Dream On
Another classic Roxette ( I swear if I am closing my eyes, I felt like I in 90’s again). For some reason it sounds so familiar, like a dejavu. Very Beatles influence, but I don’t mind at all.
Big Black Cadillac
First impression: Is this Lady Gaga’s song? Though, I better wait until I heard the whole song before judging. I think this should be the opening song. Much stronger than Way Out, and catchier than She’s Got Nothing On (But The Radio). It’s start to grow on me after playing it for maybe hundred of times.
In My Own Way
Another romantic acoustic ballad, the kind of song you’ll hear on a wedding. It has a gospel touch (in music, not lyrics). Brilliant words by Mr. G, and angelic voice by Ms. F
After All
Another Beatles style (which I don’t mind at all, do you?). Sounds like a leftover from The World According To Gessle, which should be a PERFECT Roxette album, even Clarence Ofwerman agrees.
Happy On The Outside
I LOVE THE CHORUS! So emotional and no one could sing this better than Marie. It reminds me of Roxette powerful broken hearted song theme in the 80’s-90’s.
Sitting On The Top Of The World
This one took me to another world, maybe heaven? Again, Marie with her angelic’s voice and again Gessle proof that he’s one of the most talented songwriter. What an true artist.
Overall: This is gonna be a ROMANTIC album, with lots of acoustic guitar, a bit of Beatles influence here and there. I am dare to say this is more than what I expected. Can’t wait for the WHOLE album.
Roxette new album, Charm School out in February 2011, while their World Tour starts on March.
