10 Great Songs from the 80s film “The Last American Virgin”

Please check out my description of the music from the 1982 movie The Last American Virgin by clicking the link below. Includes cuts by Tommy Tutone, The Police, Devo, Oingo Boingo, The Cars, The Waitresses, and U2:

https://360degreesound.com/10-great-songs-from-the-80s-film-the-last-american-virgin/

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Thank God It's Friday soundtrack (1978)

"After 5000 years of civilization, we all need a break."

It's Friday night and everyone is headed to the hot disco, The Zoo. The Commodores are scheduled to play if the roadie shows up with the instruments while Nicole (Donna Summer) dreams of becoming a disco star. Other characters are there to win the dance contest, or to put a little excitement into a blind date or fifth anniversary festivities.  This flick didn't last long in theaters and is currently rated at 30% over at Rotten Tomatoes.  But, oh! the soundtrack...

Casablanca Records issued a three disk soundtrack album which peaked at #10 in its 27 weeks on the Billboard 200. The featured song, Donna Summer's "Last Dance," became a critical and commercial success, winning the Academy Award and Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song, and Grammy Awards for 1) Best Female R&B Vocal Performance and 2) Best R&B Song. Sadly, the "Disco" category wasn't instituted at The Grammy Awards until the following year or there would have been a battle royale between TGIF, Saturday Night Fever, and anything by Chic. But I digress.

Side One	Side Two
"Thank God It's Friday" by Love and Kisses "After Dark" by Pattie Brooks "With Your Love" by Donna Summer "Last Dance" by Donna Summer	"Disco Queen" by Paul Jabara "Find My Way" by Cameo "Too Hot Ta Trot" by The Commodores "Leatherman's Theme" by Wright Bros. Flying Machine "I Wanna Dance" by Marathon
Side Three	Side Four
"Take It To The Zoo" by Sunshine "Sevilla Nights" by Santa Esmeralda "You're the Most Precious thing in My Life" by Love and Kisses	"Do You Want the Real Thing" by D.C. LaRue "Trapped in a Stairway" by Paul Jabara "Floyd's Theme" by Natural Juices "Livin' Lovin' Givin'" by Diana Ross "Love Masterpiece" by Thelma Houston "Last Dance (Reprise) by Donna Summer
Special Bonus 12" Single
"Je T'Aime (Moi Non Plus)" by Donna Summer

This is normally where I list the songs included in the movie in the order the music appeared in the film, but why reinvent the wheel? Friend o' the blog (and regular contributor of CD longbox pictures) Dirk Digglinator already did the work way back in 1996! In celebration of our Summer of Summer celebration, Dirk graciously submitted a photo of his meticulous work and I'm happy to present it below. Many thanks, Dirk.

Dirk also submitted this 2019 update/errata/confirmation to the above list:
4. I Wanna Dance - Marathon  Maddy & Jennifer...
6. From Here To Eternity (1) - Giorgio  Tony enters the ‘Zoo’
7. From Here To Eternity (2)
8. Romeo And Juliet (1)
25. Je T’aime (Moi Non Plus) (1)
32. Je T’aime (Moi Non Plus) (2) - Donna Summer  Sue & Dave (‘Baba-Kazoo’) argue
33. Romeo And Juliet (2) - Alec R. Costandinos  Dave (‘Baba-Kazoo’) swallows his wedding ring
34. In Hollywood (Everybody Is A Star) - Village People  Maddy leaves Jennifer...
38. I’m Here Again - Thelma Houston  (?? / Confirmed)

So now you can remove the "(Nearly)" qualifier from the title of the above list. Consider it definitive and MFD approved! 👍

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Previous MFD movie soundtrack breakdowns:
Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982)
FM (1978)
Grease (1978)
The Last American Virgin (1982)
Roller Boogie (1979)
Saturday Night Fever (1977)
Sixteen Candles (1984)
The Sure Thing (1985)
Sixteen Candles (1984)
200 Cigarettes (1999)
Valley Girl (1983)
Vision Quest (1985)

Fast Times at Ridgemont High soundtrack (1982)

This movie was one of the first rated R movies I got into - my friend Jim bought the tickets and I did my best imitation of a 17 year old (I was 16 and looked 14).  Unlike many teenagers, I completely ignored the soundtrack album in 1982 because I thought the Classic Rock music didn't fit the New Wave vibe of the movie. Many, many years later, I purchased the DVD of the movie, listened to the commentary by writer Cameron Crowe and director Amy Heckerling and discovered that I was right:  one of the film's producers, Irving Azoff (manager of the Eagles), forced this music into the movie.

"I had to use a lot of music that I totally, totally hated." - Amy Heckerling

Heckerling wanted Elvis Costello, Dead Kennedys, etc.  Her only victories were the Go-Go's We Got The Beat over the opening credits, an excerpt from Led Zepplin's Kashmir (neither on this soundtrack album, but would have been welcome additions) and Oingo Boingo.

Cameron Crowe's 1981 book is long out of print and used copies are selling for a good piece of change on the secondary markets.  If you've got money to burn, do it.  If not, I strongly suggest you do what I did and get your local library to find you a copy through Interlibrary Loan (or click here until the site is taken down.).  It reads much like the movie script and certainly isn't a challenging read, but I enjoy it. It basically reinforces the teenage tropes we all know are true: high school kids are infatuated with alcohol, drugs, and premarital sex.  Sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll!

The 2 LP soundtrack album sold well, but probably not up to expectations.  It peaked at #54 in Billboard and #48 in Cash Box.

Side One	Side Two
Somebody's Baby Waffle Stomp Love Rules Uptown Boys So Much in Love	Raised on the Radio The Look in Your Eyes Speeding Don't Be Lonely Never Surrender
Side Three	Side Four
Fast Times (The Best Years of Our Lives) Fast Times at Ridgemont High I Don't Know (Spicoli's Theme) Love is the Reason I'll Leave It Up to You	Highway Runner Sleeping Angel She's My Baby (And She's Outta Control) Goodbye, Goodbye

The following list is based on the 2004 DVD release.  In the order of appearance:

1. Opening credits/mall: "We Got the Beat" by The Go-Go's, found on the Beauty and the Beat (1981)
2. Stacey waits on Ron:  "I'll Leave It Up to You" by Poco, found on the original soundtrack album (1982)
3. Brad enters All American Burger: "Waffle Stomp" by Joe Walsh, found on the original soundtrack album (1982)
4. First day of school: "American Girl" by Tom Petty, found on Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (1976)
5. In Damone's bedroom: "Love is the Reason" by Graham Nash, found on the original soundtrack album (1982)
6. Stacy and Ron go to The Point: "Somebody's Baby" by Jackson Browne, found on the original soundtrack album (1982)
7. Brad washing the Cruising Vessel: "Raised on the Radio" by The Ravyns, found on the original soundtrack album (1982)
8. Christmas at the mall: "Winter Wonderland" by Darlene Love. found on A Christmas Gift for You from Phil Spector (1963)
9. Spicoli's dream sequence: generic surf rock incidental music
10. In the mall, Damone's five-point dating plan: "Uptown Boys" by Louise Goffin, found on the original soundtrack album (1982)
11. Stacy and Rat in car: "Kashmir" by Led Zepplin, found on Physical Graffiti (1975)
12. Stacy and Rat in restaurant: stock incidental music from Universal music library
13. Stacy and Rat in Stacy's bedroom: "Love Rules" by Don Henley, found on the original soundtrack album (1982)
14. Spicoli and Jefferson's little brother in Jefferson's Camero Z28: "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" by Sammy Hagar, found on the original soundtrack album (1982)
15. High school montage before Lincoln game: "Highway Runner" by Donna Summer, found on I'm a Rainbow (1981/1996) and the original soundtrack album (1982)
16. Ridgemont vs. Lincoln football game: "Fast Times (The Best Years of Our Lives) by Billy Squier, found on the original soundtrack album (1982)
17. Stacy and Linda by the pool: "Don't Be Lonely" by Quarterflash, found on the original soundtrack album (1982)
18. Damone and Rat join Stacy and Linda by the pool: "Never Surrender" by Don Felder, found on the original soundtrack album (1982).
19. Bard fantasizes about Stacy: "Moving in Stereo" by The Cars, found on The Cars (1978)
20. Damone and Stacy drink tea at Stacy's House: "The Look in Your Eyes" by Gerard McMahon, found on the original soundtrack album (1982).
21. Damone and Stacy in the pool house: "Somebody's Baby" by Jackson Browne
22. Damone walks the halls of school, ignores Stacy: "Raised on the Radio" by The Ravyns
23. Brad changing clothes at Captain Hook's Fish and Chips: generic slack key guitar incidental music
24. Brad driving Crusing Vessel on delivery: "Waffle Stomp" by Joe Walsh
25. Damone sings while pushing concert tickets: "Dream Police" and "Surrender" originally by Cheap Trick
26. Damone on phone trying to collect debts/Stacy waiting for ride: "Sleeping Angel" by Stevie Nicks, found on the original soundtrack album (1982).
27. Damone finds car and locker vandalized: "Speeding" by The Go-Go's, found on the original soundtrack album (1982).
28. Students taking final exams: "I Don't Know (Spicoli's Theme) by Jimmy Buffett, found on the original soundtrack album (1982).
29. Graduation dance: "Life in the Fast Lane" by Reeves Nevo & The Cinch, originally by Eagles
30. Graduation dance: "Wooly Bully" by Reeves Nevo & The Cinch, originally by Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs
31. Stacy beckons Rat in the mall: "So Much in Love" by Timothy B. Schmit, alternate version appears on the original soundtrack album (1982).
32. Brad and Spicoli at Mi-T-Mart: "Waffle Stomp" by Joe Walsh
33. Ending and closing credits: "Goodbye, Goodbye" by Oingo Boingo, found on the original soundtrack album (1982).

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ABBA: The Movie (1977)

Never heard of it? Neither had I until this book recently arrived here at blog headquarters:

1994, HarperPerennial

Yes, it's compiled by that Marshall Crenshaw. An interesting read that appeals to me as a music and cinematic snob. The book briefly gives info about different movies and rates each on a five star scale for music, attitude, and fun. The first movie listed is this ABBA movie. Here's Crenshaw's take:

Sounds horrible and cheesy so of course I immediately checked its availability on Netflix. It wasn't available streaming, but was available on DVD, which I immediately put at the top of my queue. Here's how Netflix describes this cinematic endeavor:

You should probably know that in an interview with The New York Times in 2002, the director admitted that the script was "conceived on the plane on the way to Australia." And, other than the music, it's as bad as you would imagine. What follows is my brief synopsis with screen captures. But first, here's links to more info about the movie at IMDb and Wikipedia. As of this writing, the movie is currently on YouTube.

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Movie opens as a late-night country DJ is finishing his shift. He is called into the boss's office and assigned the task of getting an interview with ABBA for a two hour radio special. And it's got to be ready to air in one week. No interview appointment, no backstage passes, not even a press pass. You can see where this is going.

He first attempts to meet ABBA at the airport as they arrive in Australia.

No luck. Then it's time rent a car and try to make the band's press conference at a local hotel. Unfortunately, DJ Ashley doesn't know which hotel.

As luck would have it, DJ Ashley arrives just as the press conference is ending. Off to a rainy Sydney concert.

Songs performed: "The Tiger," "S.O.S." and "Money Money Money," DJ Ashley can't get into the show because he doesn't have a press pass and the scalpers want $50 for a ticket, which he doesn't have. The next day, we're off to the famous opera house for a promo photo shoot.

At the opera house, DJ Ashley is denied an interview by the group's manager. Then we get more concert footage, featuring the song "He Is Your Brother" and a portion of "Waterloo." Then we're off to Perth! The concert there includes "Mamma Mia," "Rock Me" and "I've Been Waiting for You." Ashley cons his way into the concert and backstage, but is again thwarted by the manager. Later, Ashley finds the band's hotel rooms, but is denied access by a pushy security guard. Falling asleep at his hotel, Ashley dreams of hanging out with the group. Yes, a dream sequence set to "The Name of the Game."

Then we're off to the next tour stop in Adelaide. Ashley interviews some young fans who sing and dance to "Ring Ring."

The Adelaide concert features "Why Did It Have to Be Me," "When I Kissed the Teacher" and "Get on the Carousel." And on to Melbourne. Ashley finally makes an appointment to meet with the band at 10 AM the morning following the concert. The Melbourne concert: "I'm a Marionette," "Fernando," "Dancing Queen" and "So Long."

Of course, the hapless Ashley oversleeps and misses his appointment, but fate intervenes and he happens upon the group members (with no entourage) in the hotel elevator.

We see a promotional video of "Eagle" while the interview takes place.  Armed with his new interview, Ashley makes it to the studio just in time to edit and air the program.  And they lived happily ever after. We see the group performing "Thank You for the Music" before going to credits.

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The Hollywood Rock book rated this as:

Music  ★★★★★
Attitude ★★★★
Fun ★★★★

I'd give it:
Music  ★★★★★
Attitude ★★
Fun ★★

Others seem to like it more than I do.  You'll have to judge for yourself, but consider yourself warned.

rottentomatoes.com

FM soundtrack (1978)

"A NOW STORY WITH NOW MUSIC!"

A movie about Q-SKY, the #1 radio station in Los Angeles and the battles the staff must fight to keep things the way they are because the owner wants to sell more ad time. Typical staff vs. suits stuff, loosely based on the real-life adventures of KMET radio (on a related note, check out the book Radio Waves, by former KMET DJ Jim Ladd). Not much of a plot, and overall the movie is only enjoyable as a '70s time capsule, but the soundtrack is fantastic and the movie contains appearances by Linda Ronstadt, Jimmy Buffett, Tom Petty, and REO Speedwagon. Evidently the movie budget was spent on licensing rights and drugs instead of screenwriters. It didn't last long in theaters and is currently rated at 22% over at Rotten Tomatoes. Even so, the movie is currently hard to find, with used copies of the 2000 release DVD currently fetching well over $100 on the secondary market.

MCA Records issued a double LP soundtrack album which peaked at #5 in its 24 weeks on the Billboard 200. It also won the 1979 Grammy Award for Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical.

Side One	Side Two
FM Night Moves Fly Like an Eagle Cold as Ice Breakdown Bad Man	Life in the Fast Lane Do it Again Lido Shuffle More Than a Feeling
Side Three	Side Four
Tumbling Dice Poor Poor Pitiful Me Livingston Saturday Night There's a Place in the World for a Gambler Just the Way You Are	It Keeps You Runnin' Your Smiling Face Life's Been Good We Will Rock You FM Reprise

In the order the music appeared in the film:

1. Opening credits: "FM" by Steely Dan, found on the soundtrack album (1978)
2. Jeff Dugan rushes to work: "Life in the Fast Lane" by the Eagles, found on Hotel California (1976) and the soundtrack album.
3. Jeff begins his radio show, takes request for "Freebird": "Hollywood" by Boz Scaggs, found on Down Two Then Left (1977)
4. Staff meeting: "Fly Like an Eagle" by the Steve Miller Band, found on Fly Like an Eagle (1976) and the soundtrack album.
5. Jeff and Doc Holiday in the booth: "Cold as Ice" by Foreigner, found on Foreigner (1977) and the soundtrack album.
6. Mother in the booth: "Night Moves" by Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band, found on Night Moves (1976) and the soundtrack album.
7. Regis Lamar enters the station: "It Keeps You Runnin'" by the Doobie Brothers, found on Takin' It to the Streets (1976) and the soundtrack album. (Briefly interrupted by a recording of An der schönen blauen Donau, Op. 314 by Johann Strauss, commonly known as "The Blue Danube Waltz").
8. Regis meets Eric Swan in the booth: "Sentimental Lady" by Bob Welch, found on French Kiss (1977).
9. Jeff shows Regis around the station: "American Girl" by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, found on Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (1976)
10. "Save the Whales" Concert: "Livingston Saturday Night" by Jimmy Buffet, live version found on the soundtrack album. Studio version on Son of a Son of a Sailor (1978).
11. Delores Deluxe meets Eric: "Do it Again" by Steely Dan, found on Can't Buy a Thrill (1972) and the soundtrack album.
12. Eric makes excuses: "Your Smiling Face" by James Taylor, found on JT (1977) and the soundtrack album.
13. Celebrating the new ratings: "Feels Like the First Time" by Foreigner, found on Foreigner (1977)
14. Jeff and Doc shooting bottles: "(Remember Me) I'm the One Who Loves You" by Red Foley, found on Songs Everybody Knows (1965).
15. Jeff meets Lt. Reach: "Green Grass and High Tides" by Outlaws, found on Outlaws (1975)
16. Tower Records remote broadcast: "Ridin' the Storm Out" by REO Speedwagon, found on Ridin' the Storm Out (1973).
17. Jeff and Regis discuss the military ad account: "Don't Stop" by Fleetwood Mac, found on Rumours (1977)
18. Entering the concert: "Life's Been Good" by Joe Walsh, found on But Seriously, Folks... (1978) and the soundtrack album.
19. Concert: "Tumbling Dice" by Linda Ronstadt, live version found on the soundtrack album. Studio version on Simple Dreams (1977).
20. Concert: "Poor Poor Pitiful Me" by Linda Ronstadt, live version found on the soundtrack album. Studio version on Simple Dreams (1977).
21. Concert: "Love Me Tender" by Linda Ronstadt. Live version not available. Studio version found on Living in the USA (1978).
22. Eric and Bobby in the studio: "Baby Come Back" by Player, found on Player (1977)
23. Eric loses it on the air: "Just the Way You Are" by Billy Joel, found on The Stranger (1977) and the soundtrack album.
24. Eric breaks down, Jeff consoles him: "The Key to My Kingdom" by B.B. King, found on Completely Well (1969)
25. Office conversations/Mother quits: "More Than a Feeling" by Boston, found on Boston (1976) and the soundtrack album.
26. Mother and Laura talk in the booth: "There's a Place in the World for a Gambler" by Dan Fogelberg, found on Souvenirs (1974) and the soundtrack album.
27. Tom Petty in studio: "Breakdown" by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, found on Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (1976) and the soundtrack album.
28. The Prince of Darkness on the phone with Laura: "Life's Been Good" by Joe Walsh, found on But Seriously, Folks... (1978) and the soundtrack album.
29. Staff meeting: "Southern Man" by Neil Young, found on After the Gold Rush (1970)
30. Staff enters the studio at night/conflict preparations: "Lido Shuffle" by Boz Scaggs, found on Silk Degrees (1976) and the soundtrack album.
31. Street scene, management vs. staff: "Bad Man" by Randy Meisner, found on Randy Meisner (1978) and the soundtrack album.
32. Night scene on street outside studio: "We Will Rock You" by Queen, found on News of the World (1977) and the soundtrack album.
33. Jeff gives speech from the roof/court injunction arrives/riot: "Slow Ride" by Foghat, found on Fool for the City (1975).
34. Moral victory/end credits: "FM Reprise" by Steely Dan, found on the soundtrack album (1978)

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Roller Boogie soundtrack (1979)

"It's love on wheels!"

I'll let the Netflix DVD slipcase handle this description:

Suspension of disbelief required for viewing. She's headed to Julliard to play the flute! He's headed to the Olympics to compete for a rolling skating medal! But forget about all that, they've got to save the local roller disco from unscrupulous mob developers! (And the mob would have gotten away with it, too, if it weren't for those meddling kids.) Yes, it's as awesomely cheesy as it sounds. I liked it in a Xanadu kind of way.

Casablanca Records issued a discolicious double LP soundtrack album.

Side One	Side Two
Hell On Wheels Good Girls All for One, One for All Boogie Wonderland	We've Got the Power Top Jammer Summer Love Takin' My Life in My Own Hands
Side Three	Side Four
Electronix (Roller Dancin') Cunga Evil Man Lord Is it Mine	Rollin' up a Storm (The Eye of the Hurricane) The Roller Boogie Love Fire

This list is based on the 2004 DVD version.  In addition to the disco tunes below, we're also treated to incidental music composed for the film by Craig Safan. In the order the music appeared in the film:

1. Opening credits: "Hell on Wheels" by Cher, found on Prisoner (1979) and the original soundtrack (1979)
2. Terry's bedroom, Barkley garage, drive to beach: "Good Girls" by Johnnie Coolrock, found on the original soundtrack
3. Terry arrives at beach: "All for One, One for All" by Mavis Vegas Davis, found on the original soundtrack./li>
4. Bobby ditches work for a skate: "The Roller Boogie" by Bob Etsy, found on the original soundtrack.
5. Terry arrives at Jammer's Roller Rink: "Night Dancer" by Jeanne Shy, single only release (1979)
6. Inside Jammer's: "Boogie Wonderland" by Earth, Wind & Fire, found on I Am (1979) and the original soundtrack.
7. Terry offers Bobby $10/hr then heads to the ladies' room: "Love Fire" by Bob Etsy & Michelle Aller, found on the original soundtrack.
8. Couples only skate: "We've Got the Power" by Ron Green, found on the original soundtrack.
9. Terry meets Jammer: "Top Jammer" by Cheeks, found on the original soundtrack.
10. Terry and Bobby making out on the beach: "Summer Love" by Bob Etsy, found on the original soundtrack.
11. Terry leaves home, sleeps in car: "Takin' My Life in My Own Hands" by Ron Green, found on the original soundtrack.
12. Terry and Bobby rehearsing: incidental music based on "Summer Love"
13. Roller dance sequence: "Electronix (Roller Dancin')" by Bob Esty & Cheeks, found on the original soundtrack
14. Conga line: "Cunga" by Bob Etsy, found on the original sountrack
15. Mob developer arrives to confront Jammer: "Evil Man" by Mavis Vegas Davis, found on the original soundtrack
16. Bobby solo skate at Jammer's: "Lord is it Mine" by Bob Esty, found on the original soundtrack
17. Bobby on the beach with Terry voiceover: "Summer Love" by Bob Etsy
18. Big Boogie Contest: "The Roller Boogie" by Bob Etsy, found on the original soundtrack.
19. Bobby and Terry at the Big Boogie Contest: "Love Fire" by Bob Esty & Michelle Aller, found on the original soundtrack
20. Bittersweet goodbyes: "Summer Love" by Bob Etsy, found on the original soundtrack.
21. Closing credits: "The Roller Boogie" by Bob Etsy, found on the original soundtrack.

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Vision Quest soundtrack (1985)

Based on a 1979 novel by Terry Davis, this coming-of-age movie was released on February 15, 1985. I may have to relinquish my "Child of the Eighties" card for admitting this, but I hadn't seen this movie prior to putting together this list. It's a bit too long and poorly edited but I liked it good enough; I most likely would have loved the thing if it had been released a few years earlier when I was in high school.

I give director Harold Becker credit for avoiding two '80s movie cliches: 1) school dance scene, and 2) some sort of montage.

The eclectic, 10 track soundtrack album spent 23 weeks on Billboard's album chart in 1985, peaking at #11.

Side One	Side Two
Only the Young Change Shout to the Top! Gambler She's on the Zoom	Hungry for Heaven Lunatic Fringe I'll Fall in Love Again Hot Blooded Crazy for You

The following list is based on the 1998 pan-and-scan DVD version which runs 107 minutes. In addition to the pop/rock tunes below, we're also treated to incidental music from German electronic music group Tangerine Dream. That music isn't on the soundtrack album, but was later included in the Tangerine Tree project.

While Madonna is obviously lip-synching to "Gambler" during the bar scene, I think she might have been actually singing "Crazy for You" over pre-recorded backing tracks. I say this because she's having apparent pitch problems in the film that I've never heard on the single version of "Crazy for You." If I'm wrong and my ear is misleading me, please let me know.

In the order the music appeared in the film:

1. Opening credits: "Only the Young" by Journey, found on the original soundtrack (1985)
2. Louden running, leaving hotel job: "Hungry for Heaven" by Dio, found on the original soundtrack (1985). A different version appears on Sacred Heart (1985).
3. School cafeteria: "I'll Fall in Love Again" by Sammy Hagar, found on Standing Hampton (1982) and the original soundtrack (1985).
4. School cafeteria: "Hot Blooded" by Foreigner, found on Double Vision (1978) and the original soundtrack (1985).
5. Louden and Carla in coffee shop: "Harden My Heart" by Quarterflash, found on Quarterflash (1981).
6. In the coffee shop, Louden and his father invite Carla to live with them: "Time for Me to Fly" by REO Speedwagon, found on You Can Tune a Piano, but You Can't Tuna Fish (1978).
7. Louden waking up/push-ups/weighing: "Lunatic Fringe" by Red Rider, found on As Far as Siam (1981) and the original soundtrack (1985).
8. At the football stadium, Louden confronts Shute: incidental music by Tangerine Dream
9. Carla drawing on bed: Third movement of Concerto No. 2 in G minor, Op. 8, RV 315, (Summer from The Four Seasons) by Antonio Vivaldi (1725)
10. Madonna singing in the bar: "Gambler" by Madonna, found on the original soundtrack (1985).
11. Madonna singing in the bar: "Crazy for You" by Madonna, found on the original soundtrack (1985).
12. Louden jumping rope: "Lunatic Fringe" by Red Rider
13. Louden climbing the peg board/running: "Change" by John Waite, found on Ignition (1982) and the original soundtrack (1985).
14. Louden spies Carla on a date with Mr. Tanneran, then mopes: "Crazy for You" by Madonna
15. Team loading bus: "Hungry for Heaven" by Dio
16. Louden wrestling: incidental music by Tangerine Dream
17. Louden and Carla at the coffee shop: "Shout to the Top!" by The Style Council, found on the U.S. release of Internationalists (1985) and the original soundtrack (1985).
18. Louden running: "Only the Young" by Journey
19. Louden and Carla in truck: "She's on the Zoom" by Don Henley, found on the original soundtrack (1985).
20. Louden and Carla walking through woods/kiss/back to Spokane: "Crazy for You" by Madonna
21. Wrestling practice/Louden returning to empty house: "No More Words" by Berlin, found on Love Life (1984)
22. Weigh-in: incidental music by Tangerine Dream
23. Pre-match warm-up: "Lunatic Fringe" by Red Rider
24. Match with Shute: incidental music by Tangerine Dream
25. Post-match celebration/closing credits: "Only the Young" by Journey

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200 Cigarettes soundtrack (1999)

"Music makes booty spin around, baby." - Disco Cabbie

This isn't a good film: 28% at Rotten Tomatoes, 33 at Metacritic.  But it is set on New Year's Eve, 1981 so there's plenty of music from My Favorite Decade.  So we'll ignore what little plot there is and focus solely on the music.

The official soundtrack release contains 15 tracks, most from the late '70s/early '80s.  Items below marked with an asterisk are newer versions/covers/remakes that fall outside the scope of this blog, and are therefore, by definition, inferior. ;-)  The soundtrack includes a cover of Peace, Love & Understanding that doesn't appear in the film.

CD track listing
Cruel to be Kind In the Flesh Just What I Needed Save It For Later* Our Lips are Sealed I Want Candy I Don't Care Boogie Wonderland* Ladies Night It's Different for Girls Nowhere Girl More Than This Romeo and Juliet Peace, Love, and Understanding* Blondie Medley*

In addition to the pop music, the movie contains incidental music by Devo members and brothers Bob & Mark Mothersbaugh as well as unreleased versions of songs performed by guitarist Jeffrey M. Gunn and other artists. There are some minor anachronisms, but not enough to drive me crazy.  The following list is based on the original DVD release.  In the order the music appeared in the film:

1. Opening credits: "I Want Candy" by Bow Wow Wow, found on the soundtrack album and I Want Candy (1982)
2. Opening scene in Disco Cab:"Ladies Night" by Kool & The Gang, found on the soundtrack album and Ladies Night (1979)
3. Monica and Hillary preparing for party: "Our Lips Are Sealed" by The Go-Go's, found on the soundtrack album and Beauty and the Beat (1981)
4. Back in Disco Cab: "Lady (You Bring Me Up) by the Commodores, found on In The Pocket (1981)
5. Val and Stephie walking to club: incidental music by Mark Mothersbaugh
6. At bar: "Pump It Up" by Elvis Costello, found on This Year's Model (1978)
7. Cindy getting into Disco Cab: "Get Down On It" by Kool & The Gang, found on Something Special (1981)
8. In bar bathroom: "Who Does Lisa Like?" by Rachel Sweet, found on Fool Around (1978)
9. At the bar: "Cruel to Be Kind" by Nick Lowe, found on the soundtrack album and Labour of Lust (1979)
10. 9 PM at Monica's party: "Rapture" by Blondie, found on Autoamerican (1980)
11. At the bar/pool table: "Just What I Needed" by The Cars, found on the soundtrack album and The Cars (1978)
12. Val and Stephie on Ave. B: incidental music
13. Cindy in bar bathroom: "Maybe He'll Know" by Blue Angel, found on Blue Angel (1980)
14. Elvis Costello cameo at 24:06. 
15. Kevin and Lucy in street: "It's Different for Girls" by Joe Jackson, found on the soundtrack album and I'm the Man (1979)
16. 9:25 PM at Monica's party: "In the Flesh" by Blondie, found on the soundtrack album and Blondie (1976)
17. Val and Stephie on payphone: incidental music
18. Kevin and Lucy at coffee shop: "Don't Fool Yourself" by Jeffrey M. Gunn
19. Cindy and Jack discussing her loss of virginity: incidental music
20. Bridget and Caitlyn at bar: "Tainted Love" by Soft Cell, found on Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret (1981)
21. On television in Monica's bedroom: "Theme from Love Story" by Francis Lai, found on the Love Story soundtrack (1970)
22. Monica puts on  record: "Feliz Navidad" by Jose Feliciano (1970)
23. Val and Stephie in the bar: "I Want to Throw You in the Trash" by Jeffrey M. Gunn
24. Val and Stephie meet Tom and Dave: "Question?" by Lord Of The Fantastic
25. Cindy and Jack at restaurant: incidental music
26. Kevin and Lucy at coffee shop: "Moon River" by Jeffrey M. Gunn
27. Val, Stephie, Tom & Dave on stoop: incidental music
28. Monica and Eric at party: "Silver Bells" by Terry Bradford & Wil Wheaton Jr. 
29. Kevin and Lucy attempting to have sex in bathroom stall: "Do That to Me One More Time" by Captain & Tennille, found on Make Your Move (1979)
30. Jack and Cheryl in restaurant: "Pipeline" by The Bombay Beachboys
31. Bridget, Caitlyn, and bartender at bar: "Bette Davis Eye" by Kim Carnes, found of Mistaken Identity (1981)
32. Val, Stephie, Tom & Dav in mosh pit: "Boogie Wonderland" by Girls Against Boys, found on the soundtrack album (1999)
33. Monica and Eric discuss their sexual history: "Joy to the World"
34. Kevin and Lucy fighting in the street: "Nowhere Girl" by B-Movie, found on the soundtrack, originally released as a single in 1982, then in 1985 on the album Forever Running. (1982)
35. Jack and Cindy kissing on street: "Pipeline" by The Bombay Beachboys
36. Jack and Cindy fighting on street: incidental tango music
37. Ellie in the Disco Cab: "A Message to You, Rudy" by The Specials, found on Specials (1979)
38. Bridget and Caitlyn ditching bartender: "Tainted Love" by Soft Cell
39. At biker bar: "I Don't Care" by The Ramones, found on the soundtrack album and Rocket to Russia (1977)
40. Monica and Eric on floor: "Jingle Bells" by Terry Bradford & Wil Wheaton Jr.
41. Stephie and Tom talking: "Ever Fallen in Love (With Someone You Shouldn't Have)" by The Buzzcocks, found on Love Bites (1978)
42. Lucy singing at jukebox: "Through the Eyes of Love (Theme from Ice Castles)" by Melissa Manchester, found on the Ice Castles soundtrack (1978)
43. Lucy and Kevin ditching bartender/Monica's kitchen: "Love is the Drug" by Grace Jones, found on Warm Leatherette (1980)
44. Cindy ditches Jack: "Another One Bites the Dust" by Queen, found on The Game (1980)
45. Bridget and Caitlyn in the Disco Cab: "Special Lady" by Ray, Goodman & Brown, found on Ray, Goodman & Brown (1979)
46. Kevin and Lucy in the bathroom stall again: "Ready to Take a Chance Again" by Barry Manilow, found on Greatest Hits and the Foul Play soundtrack (1978)
47. Montage of people arriving at the party: "(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, & Understanding" by Elvis Costello, found on Armed Forces (1979)
48. Morning after: incidental music
49. Monica and Stephie talking about Elvis Costello: "Oliver's Army" by Elvis Costello, found on Armed Forces (1979)
50. Bridget and Caitlyn on phone: "Give It to Me Baby" by Rick James, found on Street Songs (1981)
51. Cindy and Tom walking by river: "Romeo and Juliet" by Dire Straits, found on Making Movies (1980)
52. Kevin and Lucy in bed: "More Than This" by Roxy Music, found on Avalon (1982)
53. Polaroids: "Shake Your Groove Thing" by Peaches & Herb, found on 2 Hot! (1978)
54. Closing credits: "Blondie Medley" by Blondie featuring Coolio & the Loud Allstars, found on the soundtrack album (1999)
55. Closing credits: "Save It For Later" by Harvey Danger, found on the soundtrack album (1999) 

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Grease soundtrack (1978)

This smash movie was based on a 1971 stage musical of the same name.  For the movie, additional songs were added, written by Barry Gibb and Olivia Newton-John's principal songwriter, John Farrar.  The movie is set in the 1950's and concerns itself with high school students and their problems.  As a preteen, I loved this movie, simply because of the music, dancing, and (WOWZA!) Olivia Newton-John in black spandex catsuit.  As an adult, I am now disgusted with the moral of the story: you must bow to peer pressure and conform to fit in and be accepted.  Not a good message to be sending our youth.  Still, I enjoy the movie from time to time, mainly because of ONJ.

The double LP soundtrack was a best seller that spent 77 weeks on Billboard's album chart and held the top position for 12 of those weeks. "Hopelessly Devoted to You" was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song (it lost to Donna Summer's "Last Dance").  The album had two #1 singles: "Grease" and "You're the One That I Want."

Side One	Side Two
Grease Summer Nights Hopelessly Devoted to You You're the One That I Want Sandy	Beauty School Dropout Look at Me, I'm Sandra Dee Greased Lightnin' It's Raining on Prom Night Alone at the Drive-In Movie Blue Moon
SideThree	Side Four
Rock 'n' Roll Is Here to Stay Those Magic Changes Hound Dog Born to Hand Jive Tears on My Pillow Mooning	Freddy, My Love Rock 'n' Roll Party Queen There Are Worse Things I Could Do Look at Me, I'm Sandra Dee (Reprise) We Got Together Love Is a Many Splendored Thing (instrumental) Grease (Reprise)

To prepare this list, I watched the 2009 "Rockin' Rydell Edition" Blu-Ray release, which runs 110 minutes. Songs marked with a ¹ are on the soundtrack album.  Songs marked with a ² appeared originally in the 1971 musical.

1. Danny and Sandy on the beach: "Love is a Many Splendored Thing"¹
2. Animated opening credits: "Grease" by Frankie Valli¹
3. Principal McGee giving announcements: "Alma Mater"²
4. Rizzo and Marty sitting down for lunch: "La Bamba" originally by Ritchie Valens, performed by Stockard Channing and Dinah Manoff.
5. Musical number #1: "Summer Nights" by John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John and cast^1,2
6. Pep rally/bonfire: "Rydell Fight Song"²
7. Slumber party:  "Ipana Toothpaste Jingle" originally by Bucky Beaver (Jimmie Dodd), performed by Jamie Donnelly
8. Musical number #2: "Look at Me, I'm Sandra Dee" by Stockard Channing ^1,2
9. T-Birds driving to slumber party: "Alma Mater (Parody)" by cast²
10. Musical number #3: "Hopelessly Devoted to You" by Olivia Newton-John¹
11. Musical number #4: "Greased Lightnin'" by John Travolta^1,2
12. At the Frosty Palace: "La Bamba" by Ritchie Valens
13. At the Frosty Palace: "It's Raining on Prom Night" by Cindy Bullens^1,2
14. At the Frosty Palace: "Whole Lotta Shaking Going On" by Jerry Lee Lewis
15. Musical number #5: "Beauty School Dropout" by Frankie Avalon^1,2
16. Entering the dance: "Rock 'n' Roll Party Queen by Louis St. Louis^1,2
17. At the dance: "Rock 'n' Roll is Here to Stay" by Sha-Na-Na (as Johnny Casino and The Gamblers)¹
18. At the dance: "Those Magic Changes" by Sha-Na-Na^1,2
19. At the dance: "Tears on My Pillow" by Sha-Na-Na¹
20. At the dance: "Rydell Fight Song"
21. At the dance: "Hound Dog" by Sha-Na-Na¹
22. National Dance-Off: "Born to Hand Jive" by Sha-Na-Na^1,2
23. Spotlight Dance: "Blue Moon" by Sha-Na-Na¹
24. Musical number #6: "Sandy" by John Travolta¹
25. Musical number #7: "There are Worse Things I Could Do" by Stockard Channing^1,2
26. At Thunder Road: incidental music based on "Greased Lightin'"
27. Musical number #8: "Look at Me, I'm Sandra Dee (Reprise)" by Olivia Newton-John ^1,2
28. Announcements/carnival: "Alma Mater"
29. Musical number #9: "You're the One that I Want" by John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John¹
30. Musical number #10: "We Go Together" by cast^1,2
31. Closing credits: "Grease (Reprise)" by Frankie Valli¹

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Saturday Night Fever soundtrack (1977)

According to Roger Ebert, Saturday Night Fever was Gene Siskel's favorite movie.  When it was re-released in a watered down PG version in 1978, my mother finally allowed me to see it.  At age 12, I naïvely thought it was just a disco movie and completely ignored the dark subject matter of abortion, bigotry, rape, gang violence, and death.  Other than the dance sequences, my favorite scene takes place at the coffee shop between Tony and Stephanie because the dialogue perfectly captures the boastful, ignorant conversation of  a first date.

The double LP soundtrack was a Grammy-winning best seller that spent 120 weeks on Billboard's album chart and held the top position for 24 of those weeks.

Side One	Side Two
Stayin' Alive How Deep is Your Love Night Fever More Than a Woman If I Can't Have You	A Fifth of Beethoven More Than a Woman Manhattan Skyline Calypso Breakdown
SideThree	Side Four
Night on Disco Mountain Open Sesame Jive Talkin' You Should Be Dancing Boogie Shoes	Salsation K-Jee Disco Inferno

Of the songs on the soundtrack album, "Jive Talkin'" and "Calypso Breakdown" do not appear in the film and do not appear in the credits. To prepare this list, I watched the 2007 DVD release, which runs 118 minutes. Unless noted, songs are available on the original soundtrack album.  In addition to the songs listed, the film includes "additional music and adaptation by David Shire" which does not appear on the soundtrack album.

1. Opening credits, Tony strutting down 86th street: "Stayin' Alive" by the Bee Gees
2. Tony in his room getting ready for a night out: "Night Fever" by the Bee Gees
3. Arriving at 2001 Odyssey club: "Dr. Disco" by Rick Dees, found on The Original Disco Duck (1977)
4. Entering 2001 Odyssey club: "A Fifth of Beethoven" by Walter Murphy
5. Tony dances with Annette: "Disco Inferno" by The Trammps
6. Tony complains to DJ, first sees Stephanie:  "Salsation" by David Shire
7. Tony at bar with Annette, watching stripper: "If I Can't Have You" by Yvonne Elliman
8. Line dancing: "Night Fever" by the Bee Gees
9. The next morning, Tony's bedroom:  "Serenata" by C.A. Bracco, performed by Enrico Caruso
10. Tony and Annette enter the dance studio: "Boogie Shoes" by K.C. and the Sunshine Band
11. Stephanie dancing: "Nocturne in E flat, Op. 9, No. 2" by Frédéric Chopin (1832)
12. Tony and Annette rehearsing: incidental music by David Shire, not included on soundtrack album
13. Tony creeps up on Stephanie: "Nocturne in E flat, Op. 9, No. 2" by Frédéric Chopin (1832)
14. Stephanie brushes off Tony: incidental music by David Shire, not included on soundtrack album
15. Dance class at disco: "Disco Duck" by Rick Dees, found on The Original Disco Duck (1977)
16. Tony creeps up on Stephanie (again), asks her out: "Manhattan Skyline" by David Shire
17. Tony and Stephanie rehearsing: "More Than a Woman" by Tavares
18. At 2001 Odyssey: "If I Can't Have You" by Yvonne Elliman
19. Tony dances with Connie: "Disco Inferno" by The Trammps
20. Tony takes over the dance floor: "You Should Be Dancing" by the Bee Gees
21. At 2001 Odyssey: "Boogie Shoes" by K.C. and the Sunshine Band
22. On the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge: "Night on Disco Mountain" by David Shire
23. Tony scolds Stephanie at the rehearsal studio: incidental music by David Shire, not included on soundtrack album
24. Tony moves Stephanie to Manhattan: incidental music by David Shire adapted from the Bee Gees' "How Deep is Your Love," not included on soundtrack album
25. Pete and Stephanie at the rehearsal studio: "If I Can't Have You" by Yvonne Elliman
26. The Barracudas' hangout: "Barracuda Hangout" by David Shire, not included on soundtrack album
27. Arriving at 2001 Odyssey for the dance contest/ first couple: "Open Sesame" by Kool & the Gang
28. Stephanie and Tony compete in the dance contest: "More Than a Woman" by the Bee Gees
29. Couple #15 compete: "K-Jee" by MFSB
30. Stephanie and Tony win the dance contest: "Stayin' Alive" by the Bee Gees
31. On the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge: incidental music by David Shire, not included on soundtrack album
32. In the subway: incidental music by David Shire, not included on soundtrack album
33. Tony travels to Stephanie's place: "How Deep is Your Love" by the Bee Gees
34. Closing credits: "How Deep is Your Love" by the Bee Gees
35. Closing credits: "Stayin' Alive" by the Bee Gees

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The Sure Thing soundtrack (1985)

This 1985 teen rom com/road movie never received an official soundtrack release, but it contains some good tunes from my favorite decade, so it is worthy of a soundtrack breakdown. In addition to the pop/rock tunes below, we're also treated to incidental music from saxophonist Tom Scott (whose 1981 album Apple Juice is one of my favorites although the soundtrack music bears no resemblance to music from that album).  The following list is based on my 2006 DVD version.  In the order the music appears in the film:

1. Opening credits: "Infatuation" by Rod Stewart, found on Camouflage (1984)
2. Gib fails at picking up girls with a bad line: "The Heart of Rock & Roll" by Huey Lewis and the News, found on Sports (1983)
3. Gib and Lance sitting on a hill: "Two Sides of Love" by Sammy Hagar, found on VOA (1984)
4. Friday night in the dorm: "Party All Night" by Quiet Riot, found on Condition Critical (1984)
5. Gib meets Alison at her dorm room: "Tears" by John Waite, found on No Brakes (1984)
6. Gib and Lance on phone: "Concealed Weapons" by The J. Geils Band, found on You're Gettin' Even While I'm Gettin' Odd (1984)
7. On the road with Gary and Mary Ann: "The Age of Aquarius" and "Button Up Your Overcoat" performed by Tim Robbins and Lisa Jane Persky "Feelings" performed by John Cusack
8. In the bus depot: "Joy to the World" & "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen" performed by Muzak (not really sure about Muzak, but I'm giving myself a 75% chance of being correct)
9. Gib at Tony's bar: "Heartache Tonight" by The Eagles, found on The Long Run (1979)
10. At Tony's bar: "The Fast One" by J. D. Souther, found on John David Souther (1972)
11. At Tony's bar: "The Christmas Song" by performed by John Cusack, et al.
12. Gib and Alison at the restaurant: "Nocturne in E flat, Op. 9, No. 2" by Frédéric Chopin (1832)
13. Party at Lance's frat house: "You Might Think" by The Cars, found on Heartbeat City (1984)
14. At the party: "Dance Hall Days" by Wang Chung, found on Points on the Curve (1983)
15. At the party: "Penny Lover" by Lionel Richie, found on Can't Slow Down (1983)
16. At the party: "Lights Out" by Peter Wolf, found on Lights Out (1984)
17. Closing credits: "Just Because" by Ray Charles, found on Ain't It So (1979)

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Valley Girl soundtrack (1983)

I had so much fun putting together the Sixteen Candles soundtrack playlist, I thought I'd do the same for another early '80s movie that never got a proper soundtrack release.  In the mid-'90s, Rhino Records put together two compilation soundtracks for the movie.  Check out my thoughts on those CDs by clicking on the cover art below:

In my opinion, you're probably better off just buying the albums from Bonnie Hayes and Josie Cotton.  As is often the case, the film had problems securing rights for all the songs the director wanted to include.  Those issues are discussed here.  Most notable is the absence of Frank Zappa's hit, Valley Girl.  In the US, an (often counterfeited) EP was issued with the same 6 tracks on each side:

Sides One & Two
Girls Like Me Angst In My Pants School Is In Everywhere At Once Johnny Are You Queer? Shelly's Boyfriend

In the UK, a more complete album was issued:

Side One	Side Two
I Melt With You Girls Like Me Love My Way School Is In Everywhere At Once	Who Can It Be Now? Shelly's Boyfriend She Talks In Stereo Johnny Are You Queer

In addition to the following tunes, the movie also includes some incidental music by Scott Wilk and Marc Levinthal. This list is based on my DVD version, a 2007 release.

1. Opening credits: "Girls Like Me" by Bonnie Hayes with The Wild Combo, found on Good Clean Fun (1982)
2. Julie and Stacey in bedroom getting ready for party: "Love My Way" by The Psychedelic Furs, found on Forever Now (1982)
3. At the party: "Angst in My Pants" by Sparks, found on Angst in My Pants (1982)
4. At the party: "Jukebox (Don't Put Another Dime)" by The Flirts, found on 10 Cents a Dance (1982)
5. Randy and Fred arrive at the party: The Fanatic by Felony, found on The Fanatic (1983)
6. Loryn and Tommy in the bedroom/Julie and Randy meet:  "Eyes of a Stranger" by The Payola$, found on No Stranger to Danger (1982)
7. At the party/Randy and Fred kicked out: "Electric Avenue" by Eddy Grant, found on Killer On the Rampage (1982)
8. Randy and Fred return to party: "Shelly's Boyfriend" by Bonnie Hayes with The Wild Combo, found on Good Clean Fun (1982)
9. Randy hiding in shower:  "Systematic Way" by Josie Cotton, found on Convertible Music (1982)
10. Randy and Julie in bathroom: "Love My Way" by The Psychedelic Furs
11. Cruising in convertible: "I La La La Love You" by Pat Travers, found on Black Pearl (1982)
12. In the club: "Everywhere at Once" by The Plimsouls, found on Everywhere at Once (1983)
13. In the club: "A Million Miles Away" by The Plimsouls, found on Everywhere at Once (1983)
14. Randy and Julie making out: "Time to Win" by Gary Myrick, found on Language (1983)
15. Skip delivers groceries: "She Talks in Stereo" by Gary Myrick, found on Gary Myrick and The Figures (1980)
16. Randy and Julie montage: "I Melt with You" by Modern English, found on After the Snow (1982)
17. Slumber party: "Girls Like Me" by Bonnie Hayes with The Wild Combo
18. Slumber party: "Shelly's Boyfriend" by Bonnie Hayes with The Wild Combo
19. Skip visits the Brent house: "Eaten by the Monster of Love" by Sparks, found on Angst in My Pants (1982)
20. Randy at club with Samantha: "Oldest Story in the World" by The Plimsouls, found on Everywhere at Once (1983)
21. Randy post-coitus: "A Million Miles Away" by The Plimsouls
22. Randy radio dedication to Julie: "Eyes of a Stranger" by The Payola$
23. Prom: "He Could Be The One" by Josie Cotton, found on Convertible Music (1982)
24. Prom: "School is In" by Josie Cotton, found on From The Hip (1984)
25. Prom: "Johnny Are You Queer?" by Josie Cotton, found on Convertible Music (1982)
26. Prom: "He Could Be The One" by Josie Cotton
27. Closing credits: "I Melt with You" by Modern English

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