Film Soundtrack 2: Marvel's "Guardians Of The Galaxy"

 

Marvel Studios very recently released their newest feature film, "Guardians Of The Galaxy" (2014). One of my favourite aspects of this film is their flawless soundtrack, which is made up entirely out of older songs, ranging from "Hooked On a Feeling" (Blue Swede, 1968) to "Cherry Bomb" (The Runaways, 1976). Despite the astounding differences of the genres of this mix of songs, they all contrast perfectly and expertly reflect and enhance the mood of each and every scene in which they play.

 

 

 

Not only do I love the soundtrack just due to the fine selection of songs, but also for the story behind it. In your average film, you'll hear a soundtrack that just assists the scene in create the right sort of mood. However, Guardians Of The Galaxy is no average film.

This Marvel masterpiece holds a deep, heartfelt story behind it's soundtrack. This 'mixtape' of songs, officially titled "Awesome Mix Vol.1", was the protagonists final gift from his mother before her death, and his ascent into the realms of the galaxy and outer space.

This soundtrack is absolutely flawless, with not a single song out of place.

I can promise that when you watch this film, the soundtrack will be what sticks with you more than anything.

 

 

No.	Title	Artist(s)	Length
1.	"Hooked on a Feeling"	Blue Swede	2:52
2.	"Go All the Way"	Raspberries	3:21
3.	"Spirit in the Sky"	Norman Greenbaum	4:02
4.	"Moonage Daydream"	David Bowie	4:41
5.	"Fooled Around and Fell in Love"	Elvin Bishop	4:35
6.	"I'm Not in Love"	10cc	6:03
7.	"I Want You Back"	The Jackson 5	2:58
8.	"Come and Get Your Love"	Redbone	3:26
9.	"Cherry Bomb"	The Runaways	2:17
10.	"Escape (The Piña Colada Song)"	Rupert Holmes	4:37
11.	"O-o-h Child"	Five Stairsteps	3:13
12.	"Ain't No Mountain High Enough"	Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell	2:29



The "Vitamin String Quartet"

If you could have any performers produce a soundtrack for your own ideal film, who would they be?

I would choose my favourite string quartet, VSQ (The Vitamin String Quartet) without a second thought. 

They perform a large range of music from all genres. From Muse to Adele, and The Nightmare Before Christmas soundtrack to Fun; VSQ have it all.

It's hard to believe that such beauty could be formed from only four string instruments, however, these talented artists enhance the old statement that anything truly is possible.

In case you would like to listen to them (which I would highly recommend), then you can access them by their YouTube channel at:

http://www.youtube.com/user/OfficialVSQ

Or, you can access their Youtube channel through this fantastic cover of "Get Lucky", originally performed by "Daft Punk".
Trust me, it's better than what you might expect.

Film Soundtrack 1: Disney Pixar's "Up"

In 2009, Disney Pixar created what is one of (in my opinion) their greatest animations of all time, "Up". I for one feel that it has a soundtrack that thoroughly sticks in your mind, and for all the right reasons.

Michael Giacchino, the composer of Up, didn't fail in a single score when writing the soundtrack, that's for sure.

The 2009 Disney Pixar film features the main antagonist as an elderly, grumpy, short old man. After 78 years, he has learnt that life can be all too cruel, after being torn away from the love of his life before they could even fulfil their lifelong wish; to visit Paradise Falls together. 

However, our antagonist refuses to give in until the wish is fulfilled, and his wife can have her dream come true, despite her sad passing.

And thus, with the help of a young scout, Russell, our antagonist, Carl, dwells within a world of possibilities and achieves the impossible; with a few minor setbacks along the way.

Seeing as the film revolves around an elderly man, and the film originally begins in the 1930's, Mr Giacchino had the task of making the world of Up come alive, with convincing scores and pieces to make the viewers feel as if they were literally in the 30's alongside the characters. Giacchino achieves this easily, with his use of brass instruments and pianos. He adds in a few other instruments for a wider variation, and keeps to a warm feeling kind of music. 

The main melody, which is replayed within several of the pieces, is a one that gives off a light, peaceful and infinite vibe. It was the theme for the main antagonist and his wife, Ellie, and so, it had to have a personal feeling to it, yet opening, light and inviting; after all, it is Disney Pixar (it can't be too dark; kids and all).

There are several reprises of the melody, some as slower pieces, like in "The Ellie Badge", or sometimes as a faster and happier feeling piece, such as "We're In The Club Now" or, even brighter, "The Married Life", or even in a tense state, like in "The Small Mailman Returns", which, despite my labelling of the piece as "tense", still gives off a slightly perky feeling.

This was merely a vague analysis of some tracks within the soundtrack, however, I feel that Up is a film and a soundtrack beyond mere analysis. Music is something you create by atmosphere and with emotion, and it is clear that the genius that is Michael Giacchino is a man with an imagination so active, that he can create the perfect compositions by merely reading an animated facial expression, or by analysing the bright colours of the animated balloons. The soundtrack is simply; beautiful. 

Thank you for reading my first soundtrack analysis. :)

My Intentions

Hi!
I'm Eden Hall, and I'm in my first year of sixth form. I study Media Studies, Music Performance and Production, and English Language.
I aspire to work within the film industry, and so I am creating several blogs to help broaden my knowledge within the field.
Music and film have always been two passions of mine, and so, I thought the idea of having a blog discussing film soundtracks would be wonderful!

I also have two other blogs;
1. my main blog, containing my Media Studies coursework: www.edenhallmediastudies.blogspot.co.uk
and 2. my photography blog, where I review and upload my photos, and sometimes short recordings and compilations: www.edensphotography.blogspot.co.uk

My intentions for this blog, you ask?
I would like to look into some of my favourite (ever growing, might I add) soundtracks within both films and TV shows. I will  occasionally study a piece of music in theory (however, I will attempt to refrain...), though it will mostly be discussing the mood of the music, and how it adds to the mood of the scene, creates a specific atmosphere, etc.

Wish me luck!