“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” hits theaters today, with a much anticipated soundtrack that compiles classics such as Electric Light Orchestra’s “Mr. Blue Sky” and George Harrison’s “My Sweet Lord” – and that makes us want to know, what’s your favorite use of an already existing song in a film?
Back in 2014, “Guardians of the Galaxy” made waves with its nostalgic use of 60s and 70s classics that director James Gunn said grounded the superhero alien film.
But setting aside “Guardians”, there’s the iconic zombie slaughter scene from “Shaun of the Dead” set to Queen’s “Don’t stop me now,” the bold and anachronistic musical choices of directors such as Quentin Tarantino and Sofia Coppola and the Cat Stevens soundtrack to “Harold and Maude.”
What are your favorite compiled soundtracks or songs featured in a film? How did this music “make” the movie or scene? Which soundtracks are better than their film counterparts?
Guests:
Season Kent, music supervisor who’s worked on films such as “Suicide Squad” and “The Fault in our Stars,” and shows such as “Luke Cage” and “13 Reasons Why”
Justin Chang, film critic for KPCC and the Los Angeles Times; he tweets
Christy Lemire, film critic for KPCC and co-host of YouTube’s “What the Flick?;” she tweets