Music Blogs

My daughter just landed her first school musical. Unfortunately, it's a speaking part. It's too bad she's not singing, because my kid has a really soulful voice. She's the only second-grader I know who would rather listen to Tammi Terrell than Vanessa Hudgens. Not to say that she isn't a little brainwashed by all the "High School Musical" propaganda.

Now that summer's here, it's time to deprogram the Disney chip in her brain and show her some high school movies with heart, soul, and - above all - good music. For the most part, I'm staying away from actual musicals and just choosing films with killer soundtracks. Personally, I'm not a fan of dudes busting out a song mid-scene. It kinda freaks me out. That new Fox show "Glee" might change my mind if only because they're singing Journey. Anyone who has the balls to break into "Don't Stop Believing" before a commercial break is all right with me.

So here's my summer reading...uh...watching list. These films are a reminder that high school is best when it's make-believe.

GALLERY: See our favorite high school movies.

"Footloose"
I know what you're thinking. "Kenny Loggins, iconic?" Well, yes. In fact, the 1984 film and soundtrack (which was released on 8-track, vinyl, and cassette) is a virtual time capsule of middle-of-the-road '80s pop gems, from Deniece Williams to Shalamar to a Mike Reno/Ann Wilson duet. If you're a mainstream pop/rock music fan, this is your movie. Plus, it beats a Bacon Brothers album.

"Grease"
Despite the fact that the cast looked old enough to be parents of high school students, the enduring power of "Grease" is undeniable. The 1978 soundtrack has sold over 28 million copies. And for anyone who thinks John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John were too straight-laced, be thankful the original actors passed: Henry Winkler and Marie Osmond.

"Rock 'n' Roll High School"
Roger Corman's 1979 musical was an ode to the '50s' "wild teen" films also aped by "Grease." However, unlike the milquetoast "Grease," "Rock 'n' Roll High School" had no desire to be polite. Any film whose plot centers around a love for the Ramones is a long way from Rydell High.

"Pretty in Pink"
John Hughes provided the soundtrack for '80s adolescence, and "Pretty in Pink" was his finest mix tape. It was one of those films where the soundtrack was cooler than the cast. Psychedelic Furs, Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, Echo & the Bunnymen...who cared about the cast? Or what the movie was actually about? The Furs' theme song outlives the plot, without a doubt.

"The Breakfast Club"
If Ingmar Bergman directed his version of "High School Musical" and set it in 1985, it would be "The Breakfast Club." In actuality, this is another John Hughes shuffle with Simple Minds' "Don't You (Forget About Me)" leading the Brat Pack into Saturday detention. Pure '80s extensional, tortured-teen musical bliss. And no one sings a note onscreen. Even better.

"Valley Girl"
This 1983 film marked the debut of Nicolas Cage (who had previously gone by his birth name, Nicolas Coppola). More importantly, it introduced the world to The Plimsouls' "A Million Miles Away" and Modern English's "I Melt With You." There are rumors of a planned remake...as a musical!! For the love of God, no!

"Fame"
Director Alan Parker knows a bit about good music. He made "Pink Floyd: The Wall" and "The Commitments." (Yes, he also made "Evita," but everyone deserves a second chance.) His 1980 film, "Fame" - about a group of students at the New York High School of Performing Arts - does the impossible: it makes musicals seem cool. The theme song and score won about every award available that year.

"To Sir With Love"
Sidney Poitier was the Barack Obama of high school teachers in this 1967 version of "Dead Poet's Society." There's only one reason this film makes the list: its theme, "To Sir With Love," performed by Lulu, who played a student in the film. It's the "Yes We Can" of high school movie theme songs.

"Dazed and Confused"
Richard Linklater's 1993 film does for high school stoners what "Platoon" did for Vietnam. You can get a contact high just from watching it. Its soundtrack of classic '70s rock seals the deal and makes you want to bust out your turntable, headphones, and lava lamp.

"Boyz N The Hood"
John Singleton's 1991 cautionary tale about a group of South Central L.A. high school students was Ice Cube's film debut. Its soundtrack on Quincy Jones' Qwest label pushed hip-hop further into the mainstream (even if it did include a Tevin Campbell song). The album went gold.

"American Graffiti"
George Lucas' 1973 film is about as far from the 'hood as you can get. But the soundtrack is a perfect primer in 1950s rock. One noticeable omission is Elvis Presley. Lucas couldn't afford the rights to his songs. In fact, Lucas spent so much money on music that he nothing left for a film score. Now that's a dude committed to good tunes.

 

Check out our "Glee" Gallery.