HORROR MOVIES 101

Horror Soundtracks / Scores

I am quite aware that there is a specific group regarding "Greatest Movie Soundtracks", but I don't want to join that group.  So, I decided to start a discussion about Horror Movie Soundtracks / Scores (no, not THAT kind of score, dirty).  The other reason for this post is that my dear friend, Dr. Gor, noticed that during one scene in Cabin Fever, a song from Last House on the Left is played by some kids who would probably never even THINK of listening to.  He conjectured that Director Eli Roth was probably giving an homage to the film and I think he is right.  Therefore, let's talk music in horror movies.  Oo oo!  I'll start!

I don't think it is as obvious as the fact that Dr. Gor's favorite movie is The Exorcist, but I have mentioned several times that MY favorite movie happens to be John Carpenter's The Thing.  And, as such, my favorite movie score, as it were, since there aren't really any "songs" in the film, is the one for this film.  I think it is very effective, even though it is very simple:  some base echoing through the night, making one shudder as it moves through one's veins and alludes to the fact that something is, was or will turn rather shitty.  And it is VERY effective, I think, during the end when poor old Mac and Chiles are waiting out the cold, almost anticipating, a chilly and quiet death.  It is also ominous and poses the question, "Was said 'Thing' actually destroyed?  Or is it freezing along with the two men, despite being set ablaze, just waiting for the next poor sot to come along and 'wake it up'?"  Chilling, I say (mind the pun).  

How's about you all?  What "gets your goat" as far as horror movie music?

Re: Horror Soundtracks / Scores

Re: Horror Soundtracks / Scores

   As far as just the music goes,   I would have to say my favorite is "Howling 2"  featuring a GREAT 80's style rock song by a group called "Babel", I think... I don't know the name of the song but the lyrics seem to deal directly with the movie at hand...  leading me to believe that this song was written expressly for this movie.   A REALLY great rock song that is used to terrific effect throughout the movie!   It really rocks and sets the 'mood' quite well in SEVERAL scenes!    

   And of course, I MUST mention again,  (I know... GROAN...) "The Exorcist"...   Mike Oldfields song 'Tubular Bells' is QUITE haunting in that movie...

   Another favorite of mine is definately a 'non-horror' movie but the song 'Burning Bridges' by The Mike Curb Congregation from the film "Kelly's Heroes" is quite memorable as well...   same with 'All For The Love Of Sunshine' by Hank Williams Jr. from the same movie...

Re: Horror Soundtracks / Scores

Re: Horror Soundtracks / Scores

It is amazing how much music can make or break a film.   Just think if Halloween had Tiptoe through the Tulips playing in the background, I don't think it would have been that big of a hit then...hee hee.

I was watching the Messengers and noticed some of the music sounded a lot like the same music used in The Shining.  I also love the Amityville Horror music, creepy chills.  Silence of the Lambs had some great Classical music and eerie music and a few good rock songs.  There are just so many movies that have great music.  Look at Jaws, who could EVER forget that music...

Re: Horror Soundtracks / Scores

tmoney:

I also really love the 28 days later soundtrack.  There is a godpeed you black emporer song in it, which i think is a great band, but also the music  throughout is really good.  stuff i'd actually listen to.

  

Re: Horror Soundtracks / Scores

Dr_Gor:

   By the way, Froggy (my love) , I believe that John Carpenter wrote the music for that film himself!   as he did with MOST (if not ALL) of his movies!   Same with Dario Argento...   'Multi-talented' directors, I think you would call them...

Yeah John Carpenter does do most of his own music for his movies.  That's pretty amazing.  Can you think of any other directors that write their own music scores?  Hal Hartley is the only one I can think of at the moment.

Dario Argento usually used the band Goblin for his soundtracks.  This is probably the most famous band that has done horror soundtracks.

I always thought the "Weird Al" Yankovic song "Natural Trail To Hell" was an homage to Goblin.  Anyone ever heard that?  I bet a lot of the regulars at this group would get a serious kick out of that song.  It's on his album "In 3-D"

Re: Horror Soundtracks / Scores

Re: Horror Soundtracks / Scores

Risselada:

Yeah John Carpenter does do most of his own music for his movies.  That's pretty amazing.  Can you think of any other directors that write their own music scores?  Hal Hartley is the only one I can think of at the moment.

Re: Horror Soundtracks / Scores

Dr_Gor:

   Dario Argento IS the lead member and song writer of the group 'Goblin'...

I'm going to have to call you out on this one Doc.  I just don't think that's true at all.  From everything I've heard they were already a prog band called Cherry Five or some such, and Dario Argento heard them and comissioned them to write the score for Deep Red.  He's had them write the scores for several of his movies, but Argento never composed for or played in the band I'm pretty sure.