From The Screen To Your Stereo

You can chalk up this mix to Russell Brand. Months after seeing his movie Get Him To The Greek, I’ve had many songs from the movie stuck in my head. “Furry Walls” is one of my favorite songs of the year. I don’t care that its from a fake band, its just a really great tune. With that in mind, I put together a mix comprised of fictitious artists from film and television (and stole the name of the mix from A New Found Glory EP). Hope you enjoy.

“Furry Walls” – Infant Sorrow

In a movie chock full of hilarious moments, Aldous Snow’s advice to “stroke a furry wall” to calm down Jonah Hill’s A&R guy is probably my favorite (I’d like to point out that it would be management’s responsibility to get the artist to a venue, not the label. I digress, though).

“Fever Dog” – Stillwater

From quite possibly the best music movie ever made, Almost Famous. Stillwater is the classic rock band that Will Miller befriends and subsequently follows around the country. Kudos to director Cameron Crowe for helping create this soundtrack, as Stillwater could easily sound right at home on your local classic rock station next to Skynyrd and Zeppelin.

“I Am A Man of Constant Sorrow” – the Soggy Bottom Boys

The Coen brothers always use music quite well in their films – this is just another great example (O Brother, Where Art Thou?). Album producer T-Bone Burnett won a Grammy for his work on the music for the film, and rightly so. Always funny to see George Clooney with his Clark Gable moustache in the movie.

“Let’s Get It On” – Barry Jive & the Uptown Five

If you don’t own (or can’t recite entire scenes of) High Fidelity, you should consider leaving this mixtape ring. Any music nerd worth their British import singles probably has considered themselves Rob Gordon at some point. No surprise this was Jack Black’s breakout role, as witnessed by his pretty faithful rendition of this Marvin Gaye staple.

“Try Again, Again” – Titannica

If you’ve never seen the genius that is television’s Mr. Show, do yourself a favor and check out the series ASAP. Easily one of the best sketch comedy shows of all time and light years better than SNL (also worth pointing out all the folks who went on to bigger things – David Cross, Bob Odenkirk, Jack Black, Mary Lynn Raksjub, Sarah Silverman and Tom Kenney, the voice of Spongebob). While the show has some great musical moments, including a band with Maynard from Tool, Titannica’s ode to attempting suicide twice is some truly twisted comedy.

“Big Bottom” – Spinal Tap

I would be remiss if I didn’t include the Tap, probably the epitome of a fake band. Another Christopher Guest film will pop up later on this tape.

“Sugar Sugar” – the Archies

You can be as hip or cool as you like, but you have to admit this is a great pop song.

Fallin’ & Flyin’ – Bad Blake & Tommy Sweet

Better known as Jeff Bridges and Colin Farrell (both of whom did their own singing for this film, Crazy Heart). Yet another appearance from T-Bone Burnett who produced the soundtrack.

“Kiss At The End of the Rainbow” – Mitch & Mickey

Honestly, there are plenty of great songs in A Mighty Wind. I had to choose this one, though, as it’s a wonderful reconciliation for the characters Mitch and Mickey (the fantastic comedy duo of Eugene Levy and Catherine O’Hara). After the film was released, there was a very small concert tour for the film featuring all the actors. When Eugene and Catherine performed this song, they got a 5 minute standing ovation. Probably one of the best shows I witness (I also met Ryan Adams afterwards, but that’s another story).

“Let’s Duet” – Dewey Cox & Darlene Madison

I was disappointed that Walk Hard didn’t get its due. You’ve got an amazing lead actor (John C. Reilly), some great supporting comedic actors (Jane Lynch, Tim Meadows, Kristen Wiig, among many others) and some unbelievably funny cameo turns (Jack White as an unhinged Elvis Presley, the brilliant casting of the Beatles) all while exploring the various popular genres throughout the past 50 years of rock ‘n’ roll. Also, the folks behind Freaks & Geeks helped write, produce and direct this (as well as the aforementioned Get Him To The Greek). You’d be wise to check this film out, as the songs are very well written, and typical of anything Apatow-related, loaded with double entendres. If only Jenna Fischer would serenade me with dirty songs...

“Soul Man” – the Blues Brothers

Yes, the movie’s pretty dated at this point, but still worth checking out for all the musical cameos (ie Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles). The brothers’ backing band is comprised of some seasoned musical vets as well. It’s a shame that Belushi is no longer with us.

“Same In Any Language” – Ruckus

I’ve actually never seen Elizabethtown (been told its pretty disappointing). Still, it boasts not one but two soundtracks, thanks to music geek/director Cameron Crowe. All you need to know is that Ruckus is none other than the utterly amazing My Morning Jacket. Enough said.