popwreckoning

Apparently 2011 is the year the Muppets will rise again.

Smurfs? Meh. Alvin and the Chipmunks? Oh please. But the Muppets – whether or not you were born in their heyday, will always be cool.

And this year will be the year they make their comeback. Remember when Tim Curry was a swashbuckling pirate in “Muppet Treasure Island?” Well I do, and what I remember the most is the soundtrack, even if it was sung by a bunch of puppets and Dr. Frank-N-Furter himself.

But with a new film out in November written by the hilarious Jason Segel and songs by Flight of the Conchords’ Bret McKenzie, and a new compilation of classic circa-1970s Muppets songs covered by some darn good artists, Fozzie Bear better dust off his bow tie.

The Muppets: The Green Album features the likes of My Morning Jacket, Andrew Bird, OK Go playing a groovy extended rendition of the Muppet Show theme song, and Weezer, who we all know has a history with the Muppets (see “Keep Fishin’” music video), along with Paramore’s Hayley Williams performing a charming version of “The Rainbow Connection.”

The Green Album, out August 23, doesn’t stray from any of the classic songs performed by the Muppets themselves, and manages to bring them all into 2011.

To listen to each song individually or to stream the whole album right now, head on over to NPR.org before you buy the album (because you really should).

When it comes to Sonic Youth, you either love them or really really hate them. It’s not a bad thing, they’re just an acquired taste for some. For me it goes back to Jr. High, when the Alt.Rock/Grunge scene was the most popular music format next to Gangsta Rap. Of course for the Alt rock virgins, you had Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Green Day. For the harder groups, Alice in Chains, Soundgarden and Metallica ruled. And for the hardcore music fans you had Pavement, Radiohead and Sonic Youth. For me, I listened to it all but for some of my friends they stuck to a max of five bands and most of the times the Sonic Youth group wasn’t in the top five. 

I’m somewhat of a “Sonic Youth Junky.” However, I didn’t get into them until my early twenty’s when I first heard their classic album Goo. After I heard the infamous intro and awesome guitar hook from “Kool Thing” I was in love. So it wouldn’t be a surprise that I’m actually estatic for a new Sonic Youth release. However, this isn’t a normal release from the Alt-Rock kings of the 90s that paved way for bands like Nirvana and The Dandy Warhols. You see, there are no vocals on this record, and to sum it up it’s actually a soundtrack for a French thriller film entitled the same name as the album (or in the US as “Lights Out”). This album is also a part of Sonic Youth’s “SYR Series” a collection of “experimental recordings” from the band.

This album isn’t bad to be honest, it’s one of those you have to appreciate Sonic Youth for as it shows their artistic side with their music. However, to fully understand the record, one must see the film to fully get the experience of this little record. If you were expecting a classic like Goo, sadly you will be disappointed. But for the hardcore Sonic Youth fans out there, that can’t get enough of the band, you will enjoy this. I can’t really state a stand out track on this album as it’s more of a “experience piece.” But overall, it’s enjoyable if you’re looking for a decent chillout record.

You’ve probably never heard of The Boxer Rebellion. No, not that one. The unsigned band from London. But I’m sure if you check out the new Drew Barrymore and Justin Long flick, “Going The Distance,” you’ll know who they are. Come to think of it, prior to a certain point in 2004, I bet you had no idea who The Shins were. I had never really heard the song “Mad World” by Tears for Fears until 20 years after Gary Jules‘ cover of it appeared in “Donnie Darko.” Nor did I know who Gary Jules was. Did you?

It’s amazing the influence movies and television have over music popularity. Whitney Houston‘s mega-hit “I Will Always Love You” skyrocketed because of “The Bodyguard.” Everyone knows Imogen Heap’s “Hide and Seek” because of Jason Derulo‘s sample of it, but he probably wouldn’t have used it had it not previously gained popularity from it’s appearance on “The O.C.” Perhaps the most perfect example of this is Lisa Loeb back in ’94 on the “Reality Bites” soundtrack. “Stay (I Missed You)” gives her the distinction of being the only artist to ever have a #1 Billboard hit in the US without being signed to a label. The exposure allowed her to be signed to several different labels over the past 15 years, all because Ethan Hawke and Ben Stiller liked her tape.

So what does this mean for The Boxer Rebellion? When asked if there’s any hope for a Loeb-esque Cinderella story, they say that they’ll remain unsigned by choice. Bold, but wise move when you consider the current state of the music industry. Artists signed to major labels make little to no money off of their record sales. By choosing to remain truly independent, they’ve had more success releasing their music on iTunes than they would have had otherwise. So much so that their 2009 release Union was named “Best Alternative Album” by iTunes US (Check out the PopWreckoning review here). They also get to maintain far more control over their music. No Diplo remixes unless they want to. No pressure to write any certain kinds or numbers of songs by any certain date, unless they set the standards themselves.

The movie itself looks promising. A couple has a summer romance in New York City and once they’re forced to part ways, they don’t want to let go and make a go at a long-distance relationship. The cast promises honesty and comedy, and couldn’t say enough great things about The Boxer Rebellion. The band plays an important part in the story for Justin Long’s character. Before an executive from New Line had seen the band play in Los Angeles, the filmmakers were planning to cast actors to play a fictitous band. Director Nannette Burstein claims that the band instantly fit her vision for the movie. “They have such a fresh voice, and their sound is just so cinematic. When I heard it, I could instantly imagine the scenes that their songs would play to.”

The band joins great acts such as Cat Power, Band of Skulls and Passion Pit on the soundtrack, where they contribute three songs written specifically for the movie. Check out the lead single, “If You Run,” as well as the movie. You never know if you’ll find your new favorite band because of a Drew Barrymore flick. It’s not like it hasn’t happened before.

In case you missed the big reveal yesterday, here is the tracklisting for the new Twilight Saga film: Eclipse:

1. Metric—“Eclipse (All Yours)”
2. Muse—“Neutron Star Collision (Love is Forever)”
3. The Bravery—“Ours”
4. Florence + The Machine—“Heavy In Your Arms”
5. Sia—“My Love”
6. Farfarlo—“Atlas”
7. The Black Keys—“Chop And Change”
8. The Dead Weather—“Rolling In On A Burning Tire”
9. Beck and Bat For Lashes—“Let’s Get Lost”
10. Vampire Weekend—“Jonathan Low”
11. UNKLE—“With You In My Head” (feat. The Black Angels)
12. Eastern Conference Champions—“A Million Miles An Hour”
13. Band of Horses—“Life On Earth”
14. Cee Lo Green—“What Part of Forever”
15. Howard Shore—“Jacob’s Theme”

Muse, a frequent contributor to the film series, gives fans the first lead single off the soundtrack. As excited as we are for that, the big news with this tracklisting are the collaborations such as Beck pairing with Bat for Lashes.

The soundtrack will be released June 8. You can pre-order the release here.

Despite what people think of the quality of the Twilight Saga stories/movies, the soundtracks for the films have been undeniably amazing with a great slew of up and coming indie rock artists as well as industry staples such as Radiohead‘s Thom Yorke and Muse.

With a new movie out June 30, the third film, Eclipse, is slated to have another awesome soundtrack. Though full tracklisting is not yet available, Chop Shop and Atlantic Records have announced a few details such as release date and lead single.

Rock trio Muse returns to the Twilight world for a third time, this time with the lead single and a new, original song for the film. “Neutron Star Collision (Love Is Forever)” is the lead single for the film. You can hear a sample of the tune here:

The full song will be available Monday, May 17. The soundtrack will be available June 8. Visit eclipsesoundtrack.com for more information as it becomes available.

You can admit it: you think Zac Efron (or Vanessa Ann Hudgens, depending on your sexual preference) is hot. However, with the popular High School Musical franchise set to release its third installment, all eyes are now looking to see if it was just looks or actual talent that carried these young actors to the big screen. Now, while a soundtrack isn’t much help for the looks portion, it can at least help to see if there’s any merit in checking this Disney production out.

“Now or Never” starts things off with a countdown. In true HSM fashion, basketball is the heart of this song and the full chorus sounds like a cheerleading squad. It’s not a bad song and actually quite catchy, which maybe why it is the pick for all the HSM3 trailers. However, it is ridiculously cheesy that Efron’s character Troy has his usual self-doubt breakdown in the middle of the song where he needs the love and reassurances of Gabriella (Hudgens) before he feels up to winning the game.

From this point the soundtrack jumps into a series of relationship songs, which will make most of us that are out of school thrilled to be past those days and the drama that comes with those crushes of yore. “Right Here, Right Now,” “Can I Have This Dance” and ”Just Wanna Be With You,” are all love duets. My main problem with these love songs is that they come in such bulk, but seem to offer little for the plot. Granted, Disney plots aren’t super complicated. So even the introduction of another relationship in “Just Want to Be With You” is already a bit of a plot twist as far as Disney goes. Also, these songs also have a tendency to be approached as potential radio pop singles than as songs intended for a musical that would be performed live. They lack in that organic feeling that many musicals thrive off.

To break up these love songs is a Sharpay (Ashley Tisdale) number called “I Want It All.” Quite similar to her song in HSM2, “Fabulous,” this number showcases her dream to be a big NYC star. With all its traffic sound effects, it sounds like it will be a big fantasy sequence in the movie. Despite this number being ridiculously silly, I like it because it makes fun of itself and the performers fully embrace that they are in a cheesy musical. I also like that the character of Ryan (Lucas Grabeel) is finally standing up for himself and his sarcasm on this song is fantastic. “Sharpay and what’s his name,” he sings in response to his sister.

Continuing the trend of songs being rehashes of the earlier movies, is “Walk Away,” which is your typical whiny solo number by Gabriella. Then you have Troy singing his token angsty song with “Scream.” One can only hope he wears all black again and the dance moves are even better than what we saw in his solo in HSM2, haha. Then, of course you have the big, full chorus movie closer filled with lots of percussion and brass. This can be found in the appropriately titled “High School Musical.” Be warned. You may want wine to go with this cheese. “High School Musical” is hands down the most over the top song as the chorus sings, “I want the rest of my life to feel just like a high school musical.” Way to dream big Wildcats.

While most of this of this is the same as the content as what was in the first movie, a few new plot movers are introduced. Not only is the cast preparing for a big music production, but they are preparing for Prom and Graduation. Graduation takes place in a slowed down reprise of “We’re All In This Together” from the first HSM. In “A Night to Remember,” the guys and girls go back and forth over the preparations for the dance. As lovely as the girls’ part is on this song, I again love the humorous fear behind the guys’ replies to the girls. “It’s going to be a night,” sing the girls to which the guys cut in sarcastically, “Can’t Wait.” “To remember,” continue the girls and the the boys reply, “Oh, man,” followed by the girls singing, “Come on, it’s going to be the night” and the boys, “I guess,” and the girls, “To last forever,” and finally the boys “Lucky us.” The displeasure of the boys is sure to make anybody laugh. Again, this is another amusing, but incredibly cheesy song, so prepare accordingly.

If so far you don’t feel like spending any of your time checking out any of these songs, at least give “Senior Year Spring Musical” a try. The idea of this movie is that as graduation approaches, the seniors decide they should put on musical about their experiences. This song is the result of this idea and basically serves as a nice little vignette. There’s a not so pleasant jazzy intro to this song followed by reprises of “Now or Never,” “I Want It All,” “A Night to Remember” and “Just Wanna Be With You.” I’m curious to see how this will play out because Sharpay and her brother Ryan sing “Just Wannabe With You” as a duet and it is quite disturbing. The reprise also has Troy and Gabriella singing it in addition to the full chorus. Even though this gives a taste of the music on the soundtrack as a whole, it should be noted that many of the singers are rearranged and who sings the reprise is often different than the original singer. Movie viewing may be necessary to see how this plays out.

OK, so yes this soundtrack is very cheesy and incredibly over-produced as Disney tries to push their little stars to be more like Justin Timberlake, but it is a musical. Relax and have fun with it. Go see the film. Nobody expects this to take the Oscar for best picture, but it sure will entertain you.

High School Musical 3: Senior Year hits theaters October 24th, but you can pick up the soundtrack as of October 21st.

Tracklisting:
01. Now or Never
02. Right Here, Right Now
03. I Want It All
04. Can I Have This Dance
05. A Night to Remember
06. Just Wanna to Be With You
07. The Boys Are Back
08. Walk Away
09. Scream
10. Senior Year Musical (“Last Chance,” “Now or Never,” “I Want It All,” “Just Wanna Be With You” and “A Night to Remember”)
11. We’re All in This Together (Graduation Mix)
12. High School Musical

High School Musical 3: website | soundtrack info

Written by: Bethany

To most of us, ‘monkey’ means “furry little creature” or “furry little former Brit-rock darling” (see: The Monkees). But to Blur frontman Damon Albarn and British comic book artist Jamie Hewlett (creator of the Tank Girl comic strip), “monkey” means an elaborate stage adaptation of a 16th century Chinese novel, Journey To The West, and their first major collaboration since their groundbreaking work on Gorillaz. An artistic dream team in their own right, Albarn wrote the score while Hewlett’s duties include set design, animation and costumes. With the help of Chinese actor/director Chen Shi-Zheng who wrote the adaptation, Monkey: Journey To The West has wowed audiences in the theatres of England and Paris, as well as stateside in the Spring of 2008 at the Spoleto Festival in Charleston.

The production is completely over-the-top, but I suppose grandeur is anything but discouraged in modern art. With a deluge of Chinese martial artists, almost 100 acrobats, Shaolin monks and vocalists, Monkey is a carnival for the senses. Plus, there’s additional help in the music department from Demon Strings and Sense of Sound, as well as members of the UK Chinese Music Ensemble. Judging from reviews of this show, it seems like an explosion of color, music, art and dance that is as dazzling to the eye as it is aurally pleasing. To the acclaim of critics, Albarn, Hewlett and Shi-Zheng will continue showcasing ancient Chinese culture with a modernized spin for all to experience.

And of course, a soundtrack has been released to accompany this ambitiously creative endeavor that will, no doubt, invigorate the world of musical theatre in ways that have yet to be seen. Boasting 22 songs with titles that coincide with specific scenes, some tracks are full length soundscapes that tell a story while others serve as intros, outros, interludes and little musical vignettes.

On “The Dragon King,” the musical arrangement could easily work best during a climactic battle scene on the big screen; in fact, it would not be surprising if Hollywood came knocking on Albarn’s door to compose scores for untitled animation projects, or even big-budget, artistic action movies similar to King Kong, 300, and films of that ilk. The beauty of the soundtrack is that, stylistically-speaking, the music spans a multitude of genres right before the next costume change.

Several tracks border on [Far East] Asian underground (“Monkey’s World”), while others feature beautiful string arrangements set to serene Chinese vocals (“The Living Sea”) that instantly transports listeners back to the ancient times described by Hans Christian Andersen in his fairy tale “The Nightingale.” To contrast some of this album’s darker electronica, “Heavenly Peach Blanket” showcases soft-spoken female vocals laced with Chinese dream pop (perhaps, a new musical genre?) that is ethereal and atmospheric. Pretty soon you’ll feel like the Emperor of China entranced by the mystical song of the nightingale, ordering his courtiers to seek the exotic bird for his palace.

From the success of Gorillaz to Monkey, Albarn is doing more than spreading his simian love. Lush, rich, and conceptually grand, Monkey: Journey To The West demonstrates Albarn’s desire for opportunities that push the musical envelope further. From lead singer of a now defunct Brit-rock outfit to brilliant composer, Albarn shows the boundless creativity that comes from having such lofty goals.

If inventive musical stage productions pique your interest, I recommend listening to this record but caveat emptor: this is not everyday tunage for your morning commute. Instead, this album may inspire future plans of witnessing firsthand the marriage of Auburn’s Asian-inspired orchestrations with Hewlett’s avant garde visuals, just to hear the music in its proper context. Until then, let’s hope Journey To The West makes it to your favorite Opera house because I will definitely be there, ticket in hand.

Monkey: Journey To The West is available now on XL Recordings.

Tracklisting:
01. Monkey’s World
02. Monkey Travels
03. Into the Eastern Sea
04. The Living Sea
05. The Dragon King
06. Iron Rod
07. Out of the Eastern Sea
08. Heavenly Peach Banquet
09. Battle Into Heaven
10. O Mi to Fu
11. Whisper
12. Tripitaka’s Course
13. Confessions of a Pig
14. Sandy the River Demon
15. March of the Volunteers
16. The White Skeleton Demon
17. Monk’s Song
18. I Love Buddha
19. March of the Iron Army
20. Pigsy in Space
21. Monkey Bee
22. Disappearing Volcano

Monkey: Journey to the West: website

If you’ve ever read this site before, you probably know that Editor-in-Chief Jessica is pretty obsessed with CW‘s “Gossip Girl.” Everything about it. She doesn’t take calls on Monday night between 8 and 9pm. No, really. It is the most talked about show of last year, so she’s not alone.

“Gossip Girl” is set to release its first official soundtrack. Compiled by music supervisor extraordinaire, Alexandra Patsavas (“The O.C,” “Chuck,” “Mad Men”) OMFGG – Original Music Featured on Gossip Girl No. 1, is a compilation of 13 songs that helped bring the Upper East Side to life during the show’s phenomenal debut season.

The soundtrack features The Ting Tings, The Kills, The Virgins (stream their track below!), The Kooks, Crystal Castles, and a host of indie rock’s finest. The album is now available for download on iTunes and CDs will hit stores on October 28th. Here’s a sneak preview… XOXO

The soundtrack’s release also sees the launch of the all-new www.OMFGG.com, a site devoted to the music featured on “Gossip Girl.” Fans of OMFGG can create their own profiles, chat with other fans, stream songs, and more.

Tracklisting:
01. The Kills – “Sour Cherry”
02. The Kooks – Do You Wanna”
03. Phantom Planet – “Do The Panic”
04. The Teenagers – “Feeling Better”
05. The Virgins – “One Week Of Danger (Demo Version)” (stream)
06. Nadia Oh – “Got Your Number”
07. Crystal Castles – “Crimewave”
08. The Republic Tigers – “Fight Song”
09. Junkie XL – “Cities In Dust”
10. The Ting Tings – “We Started Nothing”
11. Oppenheimer – “Breakfast In NYC”
12. The Pierces – “Three Wishes”
13. Albert Hammond Jr. – “Hard To Live In The City”

OMFGG: website | buy on iTunes

The new action comedy Tropic Thunder starring Ben Stiller, Jack Black and Robert Downey, Jr. hits theaters this week. To coincide, we’re giving away two prize packs each featuring:

(1) Tropic Thunder CD soundtrack (tracklisting below)
(1) high-gloss Tropic Thunder poster

To win: email Jessica by next Friday, August 22nd! Two winners will be drawn randomly from all entries received. This contest is now over.

Tracklisting:
01. The Name Of The Game (The Crystal Method’s Big A** T.T. Mix) – The Crystal Method
02. Ball Of Confusion (That’s What The World Is Today) – The Temptations
03. Run Through The Jungle – Creedence Clearwater Revival
04. Sadeness, Pt. 1 – Enigma
05. U Can’t Touch This – MC Hammer
06. Ready Set Go – Ben Gidsjoy
07. I Just Want To Celebrate – The Mooney Suzuki
08. I’d Love To Change The World – Ten Years After
09. The Pusher – Steppenwolf
10. Movin’ On Up – Ja’Net DuBois
11. Frankenstein – The Edgar Winter Group
12. Sometimes When We Touch – Dan Hill
13. War – Edwin Starr
14. I Love Tha P***y – Brandon T. Jackson

Tropic Thunder: website | sountrack myspace | stream “The Name Of The Game” (The Crystal Method‘s Big A** T.T. Mix)

By now, you’ve no doubt seen trailers and movie posters for Pineapple Express, the latest Seth Rogen comedy hitting theaters next Wednesday, August 6th. Well in honor of the movie’s release, we’ve got (2) Pineapple Express soundtracks, which drops next Tuesday, August 5th, to give away along with (2) high gloss Pineapple Express posters.

To win a soundtrack/poster pack, email Jessica! This contest has ended, all prizes are won

Tracklisting:
01. Pineapple Express – Huey Lewis & The News (win | quicktime | real)
02. Electric Avenue – Eddy Grant
03. Dr. Greenthumb – Cypress Hill
04. Lost At Birth – Public Enemy
05. Poison – Bell Biv Devoe
06. Wanted Dread Or Alive – Peter Tosh
07. Don’t Look Around – Mountain
08. Pineapple Chase (aka The Reprise of the Phoenix) – Graeme Revell
09. Bird’s Lament – Moondog & The London Saxophonic
10. Coconut Girl – Brother Nolan
11. Hilawe – Arthur Lyman
12. Tha Crossroads – Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
13. Pineapple Fight (aka The Nemesis Proclaimed) – Graeme Revell
14. I Didn’t Mean To Hurt You – Spiritualized
15. Woke Up Laughing – Robert Palmer

Pineapple Express: website | soundtrack myspace | stream “Pineapple Express” in win, quicktime, real