Lights. Camera. Baby! Wait, what?

I know, I know, I know- I missed last week. Annnnddd, I promised to share the gift of music provided by those roaming troubadours of the New York City Subways but I got distracted. No, I didn’t drop my computer in the toilet rendering my iTunes library obsolete. I went to the movies… A LOT! What's a girl to do when she gets several AMC giftcards for Christmas? Spend them, duh! It is, after all, that time of year when studios bombard you with “award winners” and everyone becomes a pundit. So what does all of this have to do with music? Well as I awoke from my popcorn induced coma and exited the theatre through the blinding light that signaled re-entry into the real world, it became clear to me that I was a changed person. I had rediscovered the amazing awesomeness of the soundtrack! C-ello!

Soundtracks have always been important and a favorite music source of mine. In many cases the music can make or break a film. It can be used to define character. Would Jaws be as frightening without those creepy two notes announcing his arrival? I think not! Would Indiana Jones be anything without his theme song? Nope, you might as well take away his hat and his whip while you’re at it! P.S. If you have no idea who Indiana Jones is please pick up the new Vanity Fair and read on! I am very excited for the new movie. Ahhhh, I digress! Back to business- the amazing awesomeness of the soundtrack! Right.

So what amazingly awesome soundtrack did I discover? One word, JUNO!


No matter what your feelings are about this film, I found it to be funny and incredibly touching, you have to admit it has one of the, I can’t think of another word for it, coolest soundtracks. Not only does it help define character but it also really supports the tone of the movie. Now, I know you are probably thinking that all those things are great for the movies but who cares about character and tone when it comes to a number in a dance competition? To that I say this: dance is an expressive medium. I am pretty sure that every person who has ever danced would say that they have done so because using movement was the only way that they could release whatever emotion was floating around inside them. It is a release much in the same way that journaling helps writers or painting helps painters. A competition is a platform for every dancer to improve their ability to share that release with others. When a dancer begins to move they have not only entered into a relationship with the music they are dancing to or the people witnessing the movement; but in a way, they are expressing the relationship they have with themselves. They are giving an insight into their character and the tone by which they live their life.

Wow, that was a little bit deeper than I had anticipated especially considering that you are all going to listen to the Juno soundtrack and think, “This is what got Music Mama all riled up about character and tone?!” But it’s true. The music of the soundtrack is exactly like the movie. At one moment silly and fun (Vampire, All I Want Is You) and at other times it is incredibly touching (Anyone Else But You, Sea of Love). Speaking of Sea of Love, this cover is performed by the incredible Cat Power. Its simplicity and tenderness are so stirring I cried. I can’t wait to see a piece done to this song that really allows the dancer or dancers to release. I think that would be pretty cool!

That is all for this week! Speaking of Cat Power- next Tuesday Cat’s new album of covers (y’all know what a sucker I am for a good cover) drops and Music Mama will be there first with all the opinions of a politico at the Michigan Primary!

Lyrically Yours,

Music Mama

PARENTAL ADVISORY: As always, parents should screen first for explicit content on all albums suggested by Music Mama! As certain songs suggested by Music Mama may be appropriate, full albums may not and should be screened accordingly.