HAPPY NEW YEAR and so sorry for the delay...

To everyone out there who reads this blog of mine, first of all I would like to say a big thank you!!! Truly means a lot to me that my writings are being enjoyed by others. I am terribly sorry that I've been slow on writing new entries though, but I appreciate all the emails received, asking where I've been lately.

I do promise to have a new blog entry up rather soon. To be quite honest, I'm actually a bit mad at myself that I haven't updated since October. There are so many films on my list, which I'm eager to share, and sometimes I wonder just how I will possibly get through all of them.

The truth of the matter is, these entries take a lot out of me. I always rewatch the film I'm writing about and a lot of these movies from early on in my life, bring back such dear and happy memories to me. I'm an extremely nostalgic person and it's a bit difficult to sometimes go and relive some of my past, as it now makes me sad that those days are long gone. I hope everyone can understand this.

However, I'm definitely going to focus writing more entries for 2011, as this is a big goal of mine. I appreciate all the positive feedback and I hope you will enjoy the future of this blog. Thank you again and have a very Happy New Year.

~ Joey Lauren Koch

Inspiring Soundtrack ~ MY STEPMOTHER IS AN ALIEN (1988)

Moving further and further away from "kiddie" films as I got older...

I think we all remember the first time we watched a movie deemed too "inappropriate" for our age group. Well, I was 6 years old when I first saw My Stepmother Is An Alien. A quirky comedic film about a beautiful alien who is sent to Earth on a mission to save her planet. While here she discovers humanly notions and falls in love with a widowed scientist. The film is filled with kissing, sex, learning about sex, porn, finding out what Debbie does, and not to mention a creepy eye that pops out of a purse. All in good fun though!

I first watched this movie with my next door neighbor, a little girl my age named Crystal who lived with her mother, grandmother and older sister. Crystal's mother was super young and seriously free spirited; she slept on a water bed for freakin' sakes. She also had no problem allowing us kids to watch films filled with sex, violence and situations that I guess a child of our age shouldn't have been exposed to, just yet. My mother had always been extremely relaxed in what I watched, but Crystal's mother was even more so and I loved going over to their house. I was able to watch whatever I wanted, with barely any boundaries.

Viewing My Stepmother Is An Alien twenty-two years after it's release,

I must say it was a lot tamer than I originally remembered, but one thing I never forgot about was the great soundtrack. The movie isn't filled with a tremendous amount of songs, but the few that accompany it are extremely memorable.

Starting off with a bang in the main title sequence is Art Of Noise's cover of Prince's 1986 hit "Kiss", featuring Tom Jones on vocals. It's difficult to cover a song and have it surpass the original. While this song does not, it certainly held it's own as an awesome dance track in 1988. Most importantly though, it started the film off with a lot of intrepid spirit. I was hooked immediately. It's total love for me when movies begin with a strong powerful song. You want the audience to become engaged within the very first moment and I always felt the opening credits on this film did just that.

This is the only clip I can find of the beginning on You Tube and it is cut off, but it can give you the idea. Link for full movie is further down...

If you do want to watch the entire film, here is the link:

http://www.tudou.com/programs/view/GzaSczlGRAw/

As I mentioned earlier, the soundtrack for My Stepmother Is An Alien only has a few lyrical songs, but what makes the film so musically inclined was also the presence of a wonderful score by famed composer, Alan Silvestri. The score had two completely separate styles. One was sultry, sexy and truly captured the essence of Kim Basinger's character, Celeste:

The other had lots of heart and captured the softer moments of the film:

~*~

I think most fans of this movie would agree with me that by far and away the best song featured was MARRS' huge hit, "Pump Up The Volume". Not only is this song still absolutely amazing today, (in fact I think it was way ahead of it's time), the scene in which it plays, always felt so "forbidden" when I was a kid. At only 6 years old, I would have to say that besides certain scenes in Dirty Dancing, which came off to me as a much classier look at love, this particular scene in My Stepmother Is An Alien was one of the first sexual movie moments that I had watched which took a dirtier approach to love...if I'm making any sense. I was intrigued no doubt, as I knew I probably shouldn't be watching, but I could never look away. Being honest here though, I was always fascinated with the sexiness feel of the song and it's perfect use against the slow motion movements of the gorgeous Kim Basinger. For such a young age then, I doubt I understood the true meaning of sexy, but I knew "Pump Up The Volume" was alluring and captivating and when put up against this scene, it didn't scream love, it truly screamed SEX!

Scene at 40:53:

http://www.tudou.com/programs/view/GzaSczlGRAw/

Song:

There are a few songs played during a party early in the film that should have some recognition as well. I know it's not easy to find immaculate song choices for party scenes where you only hear little snippets in the background. What makes it more difficult, is that it usually has to match people dancing. When these scenes are filmed properly, there is no music playing and the song is later put over in post production. I think the Music Supervisor did a fine job with the following:

To watch how these songs were used, please go to 17:48....on.

http://www.tudou.com/programs/view/GzaSczlGRAw/

I must say that I will always remember My Stepmother Is An Alien as the film that suddenly turned me from being a little kid, into a mature child. I was no longer attracted to songs in movies aimed for children. I was attracted to the lustful beats of a more adult sound and it's use in scenes with more provocative twists. This movie truly was the real beginning of my love for soundtracks aimed for "grown-ups". A big thank you to Crystal's mother, wherever she is now, for letting me watch this film when I was a child. If she hadn't, I may never had been exposed to this gem of a soundtrack and movie.

~ Happy 9.02.10 Day ~

You can bet that the original 90210 will be making an appearance on my soundtrack list and I do apologize that there have been no new entries recently. I am planning to begin writing them again very very soon! Stay tuned...

Inspiring Soundtrack ~ DIRTY DANCING (1987)

You didn't live in the 1980's if you weren't absolutely obsessed with Dirty Dancing and it's amazing soundtrack. I must have rented this film at least 100x when I was a kid. At just 5 years old, I was completely infatuated with Dirty Dancing and all it's outstanding music. I must say that for a film which takes place in 1963, it surely feels like an anthem for children of the 80's.

My mother was a professional dancer when she was younger. Naturally this film appealed to her and she immediately went to see it when it came out into theaters. Who else would she take along but her little partner in crime, me! Being I was so young, she must have wondered whether I could appreciate the film as much as she would. Not only did I completely fall head over heels in love with Dirty Dancing, the soundtrack instantly became my most favorite at the time, one that I couldn't stop listening and singing to for years on end.

The film mixes songs from the late 50's to early 60's, along with original music. It's soundtrack was so unbelievably successful that a volume 2 came out a year later which featured songs missing on the first album. You can bet that I owned both. However, all the main original hits we have come to cherish from Dirty Dancing are on the first soundtrack:

1. "(I've Had) The Time of My Life" (Bill Medley, Jennifer Warnes)
2. "Be My Baby" (The Ronettes)
3. "She's Like the Wind" (Patrick Swayze)
4. "Hungry Eyes" (Eric Carmen)
5. "Stay" (Maurice Williams and the Zodiacs)
6. "Yes" (Merry Clayton)
7. "You Don't Own Me" (The Blow Monkeys)
8. "Hey! Baby" (Bruce Channel)
9. "Overload" (Alfie Zappacosta)
10. "Love Is Strange" (Mickey & Sylvia)
11. "Where Are You Tonight?" (Tom Johnston)
12. "In the Still of the Night" (The Five Satins)

The volume 2 features the rest of the oldies played throughout the film along with some instrumentals:

1. "(I've Had) The Time of My Life" (instrumental) (The John Morris Orchestra)
2. "Big Girls Don't Cry" (The Four Seasons)
3. "Merengue" (Michael Lloyd & Le Disc)
4. "Some Kind of Wonderful" (The Drifters)
5. "Johnny's Mambo" (Michael Lloyd & Le Disc)
6. "Do You Love Me" (The Contours)
7. "Love Man" (Otis Redding)
8. "Wipe Out" (The Surfaris)
9. "These Arms of Mine" (Redding)
10. "De Todo un Poco" (Michael Lloyd & Le Disc)
11. "Cry to Me" (Solomon Burke)
12. "Trot the Fox" (Michael Lloyd & Le Disc)
13. "Will You Love Me Tomorrow" (The Shirelles)
14. "Kellerman's Anthem" (The Emile Bergsteign Chorale)
15. "(I've Had) The Time of My Life" (instrumental) (The John Morris Orchestra)

I'm listening to the music right now as I write this blog entry and it is making me extremely nostalgic! You know you have a perfect soundtrack when you can listen to the songs 23 years after it was released and be taken straight back into the film as if you just watched it yesterday. It also takes me back and reminds me of the feeling of being 5 years old again in 1987.

Before I truly begin the entry though, I want to say thank you to the two Music Supervisors who worked on Dirty Dancing, Danny Goldberg and Michael Lloyd. They both were able to incorporate the music to the scenes so profoundly. Starting with the bright hot pink opening credits, black and white slow motion scenes of couples dancing with direct dirtiness, which we would later come to watch in normal speed, set to "Be My Baby" by The Ronettes. It was a flawless way to open the film. It showed the audience a taste of what they can expect, along with "Be My Baby" playing loudly, which I am sure was done intentionally on behalf of the main female character's name. I'm very big into lyrics of songs in films making sense to the storyline, or at least making as much sense as possible, and I notice things like that. "Be my little baby..." Great choice!

What makes the soundtrack to Dirty Dancing so unique, was the fact that even though it took place in 1963 and it had numerous 60's tunes playing throughout, the film was filled with current original new songs. There were six tracks total which were first released in the 1980's. They include, "Where Are You Tonight", "Hungry Eyes", "Overload", "Yes", "She's Like The Wind", and last but certainly not least, "(I've Had) The Time Of My Life".

All of the music in Dirty Dancing is nothing short of amazing, but of course there are the tunes that I was always very partial to since I was a child. It is difficult to pick and choose which songs to write about in detail from such a remarkable soundtrack, but here are the songs that really brought the visuals to life and always stood out to me...

(In order of placement in film)

"Hungry Eyes" ~

First of all, I love film montages which show progression and time passing. Especially when they are done right with an immaculate song playing over the visuals. A great montage is every Music Supervisor's dream, or at least I think it is, because it gives the chance for us to truly let a song shine for a decent length without dialogue. Just pure images and music. Dirty Dancing's usage of "Hungry Eyes" during it's montage was perfect. It flowed with the visuals, it matched the beats of the dancing and the lyrics were right on the money. This was a pivotal moment in the film where the viewer feels that there could be a budding romance between Baby and Johnny and with lyrics like "I feel the magic between you and I", it just worked without fault. The end of the montage with Baby laughing and Johnny becoming frustrated was actually genuine between Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze (may he rest in peace). The director liked the authenticity so much between them, he decided to keep these cuts in the film. Thank god he did because it made "Hungry Eyes" and the montage even more superior.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AskeXw74alk

"Overload" ~

I remember listening to this song on the soundtrack all the time and loving how it had a rock edge. I knew it differed greatly from the other tracks in Dirty Dancing, as it was tougher and much more rugged. The song wasn't really one that you got up and danced along with, but I knew at only 5 years old that rock spoke to me. When you hear this song today, it's definitely on the softer side for rock standards, but against all the other music in Dirty Dancing, it was heavy. The song was placed during the scene when Johnny and Baby walk outside to his car in the pouring rain after having a small fight. They come to find that Johnny's keys are locked inside and so he pulls a short pole from the ground and breaks the back window of his car. Baby screams out from the front passenger seat to Johnny, "You're Wild!" while breaking out in laughter. It's a great scene and "Overload" had that perfect amount of edginess to it that showed Johnny as your classic bad boy.

Begins at 1:26 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6Vmo-YMydg

"Cry To Me" ~

Oh my god, the love scene in Dirty Dancing where "Cry To Me" played, is without a doubt one of theee most steamiest scenes I've ever seen on film. With absolutely no sex or nudity shown and very few kisses, this sensual moment is hot hot hot! It just goes to show that sometimes less is more when it comes to sexiness. I truly cannot think of a better song that could have been used here besides "Cry To Me". With lyrics that include "Don't you feel like crying? Well here I am my honey, Oh, come on you cry to me", this 1962 hit sung by Solomon Burke, brings out the heated passion between Baby and Johnny and the chemistry between them is titillating. Through seductive dancing and the alluring "Cry To Me" erupting out of the record player, this scene is pure fire! I wonder what my mom thought of her 5 year old watching it :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pouIFiaIig

"Love Is Strange" ~

This scene where Johnny and Baby lip sync the lyrics to the 1957 Mickey and Sylvia song, "Love Is Strange", is probably one of the most well known from Dirty Dancing and is a definite favorite for many. It's been reported that Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey were simply messing around with one another before filming of the actual takes took place. The director thought it worked so well that he kept it as the real scene.

I feel there are better songs in Dirty Dancing than "Love Is Strange", but with the way this track was executed on screen, one cannot help but take a liking to it. If the story is indeed true that the actors were just being themselves and acting playful, then that would highly explain the magic that the scene possessed. It felt like these two people were so comfortable together and were able to just relax and have fun. Baby crawling toward Johnny on the ground lip syncing " Baaaaby, ohhhhh baaaaby, my sweet baby, you're the one" is a monumental movie moment at it's finest. By the way, I'm beginning to wonder if all the songs in the film that have "Baby" in the lyrics was done intentionally...maybe?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IO2OaxX9oI

"Yes" ~

This song was used twice in Dirty Dancing. First time when Baby's sister, Lisa, walks over to her boyfriend Robbie's room, only to open the door and find him sleeping with one of the older women staying at the resort. It is then played again during the closing credits, which begin similar to the opening with the slow motion black and white dancing clips. "Yes" wasn't placed over any remarkably visual scenes, but the song is fast paced, fun, and energetic which clearly make it easily enjoyable after all these years. I always loved getting up and dancing to this song. There is just something about the beats and lyrics that make me beam. Speaking of the lyrics, I just have to give it up again for the Music Supervisors of Dirty Dancing. "Yes" has lyrics which include:

Yes, we're gonna fall in love
And it feels so right
Yes, we're gonna make love
Gonna be tonightI can just imagine
Hugging and teasing and
Loving and squeezing all night

I've made up my mind
That he's gonna be mine
I'm so glad I waited, whoa, oh

Why did I tryTo figure out why
Everything can't be anticipated
I can't wait to tell him

Lisa explains to Baby her plan of going all the way with Robbie and that he "doesn't even know yet". These lyrics are perfection when it comes to the Lisa/Robbie storyline and was an ideal choice of song for that scene. Kudos to the Music Supervisors, Danny and Michael.

Music only: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEZyKXw4y1Q

"She's Like The Wind" ~

This song was always one of my most favorites from the Dirty Dancing soundtrack. I guess I'm just a sucker for a good power ballad. Embarrassingly though, it wasn't until a few years after it was released did I come to realize that Patrick Swayze was singing the lead vocals. Swayze actually co-wrote the song originally for another film he starred in in 1984, but it went unused and was eventually chosen for Dirty Dancing.

To this very day, I still hear "She's Like The Wind" on the radio quite a bit. I think the emotional impact that this song evokes is what gives it leverage and also by the way it was used in the film. Any Dirty Dancing fan will immediately be drawn back into the emotions between the two lead characters during the "goodbye" scene, which clearly screamed out poignant sentiments. The music evoked so much passion and was a perfect appetizer to the main course of what came next...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mR6vJHJkJhU

"(I've Had) The Time Of My Life" ~

Years before David Cook sang about the time of his life following his season 7 win on American Idol, Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes sang about theirs in the most beloved song from Dirty Dancing, "(I've Had) The Time Of My Life". To say this track was popular would actually be an understatement. It was massive! The song went onto win the 1988 Golden Globe and Oscar for Best Song, as well as a Grammy that same year.

Utilizing "(I've Had) The Time Of My Life" for the final dance sequence between Baby and Johnny, completely summed up the entire film and made the ending very special. The song was so appealing, so satisfying, so beyond perfect. Besides the actual melody and incredible choreography that went along with it all, the lyrics were utterly precise. Watching Baby and Johnny's final dance with no dialogue and just hearing the words to the music, was electrifying. These two characters did indeed have the time of their life together that summer and they certainly did owe it to each other. It may sound cheesy, but it really relays to what the film is actually all about. Two people who come from entirely different backgrounds, fall in love. It's a classic romance about forbidden love, but with a small twist of falling hard through the power of music and dance. They both needed one another to feel complete and "(I've Had) The Time Of My Life" conveys that to the viewers. It's heartwarming to see the positive progression of two characters and how everything comes full circle. The ending of Dirty Dancing and "(I've Had) The Time Of My Life" always put a smile on my face and made me get up and start to dance. Hey, what girl didn't want to wear a flowing dress and twirl their little heart out just like Baby? Perfect conclusion to a wonderful film.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evBICWoFT3M

~

What I honestly love about Dirty Dancing, besides all the dry humping on the dance floor haha, was that it truly is a musical in all it's right, but not a silly musical where people break out into singing and dancing at the drop of the hat. It's a film that uses it's quintessential soundtrack to transform Baby from a goody-two shoes teenager, into a full out strong woman. Baby was a great heroine. Fearless, unashamed and feisty. Because of her, Johnny was able to find the courage to demand the creative control he so longed for in dance and in his life. The positive message that Dirty Dancing gives has always struck a chord with me and it's no wonder I watched the film as many times as I have in my 28 years. I guess one can say to never underestimate the power of what music can do for your well being.

~

SONGS THAT INCLUDE "BABY" IN THE LYRICS ~ I'm sticking by the idea that this was done intentionally even though most love songs do include that word :)

Bolded songs MAJORLY include "Baby".

"Be My Baby"
"Where Are You Tonight"

"Do You Love Me"
"Love Man"
"Overload"
"Hey! Baby"
"These Arms Of Mine"
"Cry To Me"
"Love Is Strange"
"You Don't Own Me"
"Yes"
"(I've Had) The Time Of My Life"

R.I.P. Patrick Swayze

1952- 2009

Inspiring Soundtrack ~ THE CHIPMUNK ADVENTURE (1987)

C-H-I-P-M-U-N-K, they guaranteed to brighten our days and I must say that they certainly did. Alvin and the Chipmunks were easily some of my most favorite animated characters growing up. With their sweet little faces and squeaky voices, it's hard not to find them lovable and appealing. They still make me smile and I enjoyed the recent Alvin and the Chipmunks films. However, before the three boys became the size of real chipmunks, they were actually child sized and Alvin actually wore his famous red cap (yes Twentieth Century Fox I'm talking to you). I used to wake up early every Saturday morning to watch the new and improved Alvin, Simon and Theodore in the extremely popular TV show, which ran from 1983-1990. I could not get enough of them. Being such a musically driven series, obviously impacted my love for these characters even more.

In 1987, during the show's fifth season, the Chipmunks' first animated feature film, The Chipmunk Adventure, was released into theaters. Not since The Care Bears Movie, had I been that excited to watch an animated film in the movie theater. The Chipmunk Adventure completely exceeded all my expectations. With toe-tapping tunes, characters with spunk, high caliber colorful animation (I heard the production company managed to hire Disney animators who found themselves unemployed after the failure of The Black Cauldron) and a fast paced storyline, the movie was and still is a perfect little gem. My mom took me to see it the first weekend it opened. I remember the theater being packed with children, parents, grandparents ect. It certainly reached all masses.

The Chipmunk Adventure centers around not only the Chipmunks, but the equally adorable Chipettes, as they compete against each other in an around the world travel excursion via hot air balloons. Between song and dance, the Chipmunks and Chipettes are delivering dolls unknowingly filled with illegal diamonds for two European diamond smugglers. The dolls, each made in their own likenesses, are to be exchanged in exotic areas for another doll filled with cash. The children believe that they really are on a race around the world in the hopes of "winning" $100,000 and are just leaving the dolls behind to prove they actually arrived at each

particular location.

Immediately after viewing the movie for that first time, my mother bought me the soundtrack cassette tape. Ohhhhh the soundtrack to this movie...unbelievably great for kids, and adults alike! The Chipmunks and Chipettes are both musical groups, so of course they sing and dance throughout the whole film. The soundtrack consists of 11 songs, some only heard instrumentally in the movie, but in it's full glory on the actual album.

• "Chipmunk Adventure Theme" - Royal London Philharmonic Orchestra
• "I, Yi, Yi, Yi, Yi (I Cuanto le Gusta) - The Chipmunks
• "Off to See the World - The Chipmunks and the Chipettes
• "Weekend in France, Ital

y, England, Amsterdam, Greece..." - David Seville and the Chipmunks (heard instrumentally in the film)
• "The Girls and Boys of Rock and Roll" - The Chipmunks and the Chipettes
• "Flying With the Eagles" - The Chipmunks and the Chipettes (heard instrumentally in the film)• "Getting Lucky" - The Chipettes
• "Mexican Holiday" - The Chipmunks (heard instrumentally in the film)
• "My Mother" - The Chipettes
• "Wooly Bully" - The Chipmunks
• "Diamond Dolls" - The Chipettes

I have to say that the music is simply marvelous. Most of the songs are original and I believe one of the main reasons why the music is so great, is the way that The Chipmunks and Chipettes perform each song. The animators really provided the characters with a great deal of emotion. These children were eager and that's clear while watching them dance and hearing them sing. Each song was so specific to the scenes and you can tell that the music was taken very seriously. The songs have true meaning and highly relate to the storyline. I honestly don't recall any music in this film being out of place. They all fit immaculately with the high energized songs bursting with fun and the ballads being nothing short of beautiful.

The track, "My Mother", is clearly the heart-rending ballad in the film and is an absolute tear jerker. I actually can't even bring myself to watch this scene anymore as Eleanor, my favorite Chipette, sings to a very home sick little baby penguin wrapped in a blanket. It's gut wrenching and downright breaks your heart. You almost have to remind yourself that this is only a cartoon. Thankfully all ends up well, but "My Mother" was written so stunningly and it most definitely gains the sentimental reactions from all of us viewers. Even as a child watching this part of the film, I couldn't help sobbing. There really isn't anyone like your own mother and this song truly reminds everyone watching, just how important a mother is in one's life.

If you want to shed tears, here is the scene:

Speaking of ballads, another track from the film titled "Off To See The World" is played over a montage showing the passing days and the children visiting all different parts of the world. This song is also beautiful and really captures the charm that the film possesses.

When it comes to the upbeat songs, boy does The Chipmunk Adventure do it right! "The Girls and Boys of Rock and Roll", "Getting Lucky" and my personal favorite "Diamond Dolls" can easily be hit songs of 2010. These three tracks are so enjoyable and really get the viewer movin' and shakin'. I would absolutely love it if these songs were incorporated into the new Chipmunk movies. Hearing these songs today, brings back so many wonderful memories and nostalgia of watching this film as a child. I love how they don't sound like children's songs, even though it's a film aimed towards kids. I had mentioned in a past blog that when I was growing up, I enjoyed listening to music that steered away from juvenile tendencies and had a bit more substance to the lyrics and melody. That is exactly the kind of music you get in The Chipmunk Adventure. It's perfect for families to enjoy together and the music can be appreciated by all ages.


"The Girls and Boys of Rock and Roll" was clearly ahead of it's time for an animated film. It was a cover of a little known song from a little known 1986 movie called The Malibu Bikini Shop. Maybe you've seen it? Haha, yeahhh not exactly an Oscar winning movie. However, the Chipmunks version is bad ass, with Alvin and Brittany leading their groups to see who is the bigger and better star of rock! It was in this scene where you realize just how amazingly cool and edgy these characters truly are. Alvin, Theodore, Simon, Brittany, Eleanor and Jeanette are unlike many other animated characters of their time. They are little rock stars and no one can argue with that!

"Getting Lucky" is an interesting song to say the least. Brittany and Jeanette sing this to "charm" snakes who are guarding their dolls. As a child, my mind of course was completely innocent. As an adult, you can't help but read between the lines. This song has sexuality written all over it. Take a look at the lyrics:

Honey your a sweet thing and you look so fine
All I ever wanted
is to make you mine

Chorus:

Give me a clue
Tell me what I need to do
to get lucky with you

Boy I really love you
with my heart and soul
Honey won't you take me
Where I want to go

(Chorus)

Getting lucky whoo, getting lucky
It's really what it's all about
Getting lucky, hmm getting lucky
It's something I can't do without

Honey I've been waiting,
waiting patiently
Let me unlock your heart boy
I think I got the key

(Chorus x4)

Oh honey, honey
Give me a clue
wontcha Tell me what I need to do
To get lucky with you

There is not much to argue with lyrics like these. The Chipettes are singing about getting lucky, to snakes nonetheless :) Enough said! It's a great song though, and definitely one that appeals to children and adults for very different reasons.

Which now brings me to the last song I'm discussing from The Chipmunk Adventure. My most favorite track, "Diamond Dolls". This song plays toward the end and I always felt it was the most perfect song to conclude the film with. It's very exciting and actually heavily reminds me of the song I loved in The Care Bears Movie, "Look Out! He's After You", when the kids are at the carnival being chased. In fact, even the settings are somewhat similar between both scenes. The Chipmunks and Chipettes are being chased by the diamond smugglers through an airport and down through what looks like an extremely fun luggage tunnel. I really believe that I always enjoyed and was drawn to songs that brought some mischief and excitement to a scene. "Diamond Dolls" kicks the film into another gear and brings about some thrills and anticipation. What I also loved about the use of this song, is how it was separated into two parts. The first being the villains chasing after the children and the second was a reprise a few minutes later during a car chase scene. "Diamond Dolls" feels very much like a song that would be playing in a non animated film. It truly brought the quality of The Chipmunk Adventure to an even higher level and one that will always stand the test of time.

What really sets apart the music in The Chipmunk Adventure from other animated films, is how all the tracks range so differently from one another. No two songs are alike and all the music plays with many of the human emotions. You have upbeat songs that make you want to move to the beat, slow ballads that touch your heart and bring tears to your eyes, even instrumental music composed by an orchestra. These songs were obviously written for a children's movie, but clearly have the soul in them to last throughout adulthood. I cannot recommend the film and it's soundtrack more. It’s a musical! It’s an action film! It involves children smuggling diamonds! In short, it rocks.

Inspiring Soundtrack ~ CAPTAIN EO (1986)

I'm taking a break from animated films for this entry. There will be a couple more soundtracks from cartoons to discuss before the 80's are over, but for now, I had to write about one of the biggest and most inspiring musical films to ever grace my childhood. I'm talking about Michael Jackson's 3-D short innovative film, Captain EO!

In 1986, at the age of 4, I was a huge Michael Jackson fan...as was the rest of the world. Anything and everything that Michael sang, danced or performed, I listened and watched intensively. That year, NBC aired a television special hosted by Justine Bateman and Patrick Duffy, as they broadcasted live from Disneyland for the opening of the theme park's first mega 3-D attraction. Captain EO garnered much deserved attention for not only starring the world's biggest pop superstar, but it also starred Angelica Huston, was directed by Francis Ford Coppola and produced by George Lucas! The budget alone was estimated to be about $17,000,000 and this was for a film that only had a runtime of a mere 17 minutes. For all you math whizzes, that's a million dollars for every minute the film played. The TV special honored the opening day festivities at Disneyland where celebrities, from all the top TV shows and movies, graced the park and got to be the lucky first to experience the magic of Captain EO. It concluded with a short preview of the film, which I rewound and watched over and over again. I just could not get enough of the music, the dancing, the costumes, the effects! It was difficult to even imagine what the entire film was going to be like if I was absolutely blown away by just a short snippet.

Let me clarify that my wonderful mother would take me to Disneyland at least 5x a year while I was a child. She would bring my friends, my grandmother, our housekeeper who we absolutely adored and so forth. Disneyland was like my 2nd home. I could not get enough. That being said, we planned our trip to Disneyland very soon after Captain EO opened. I remember the first time I watched the film. Mornings at Disneyland, the sun shining ever so brightly and the beautiful scenery surrounding us on Main Street, normally we would turn left as I always and I mean always start my Disneyland days through Adventureland toward New Orleans Square. Not this time. We steered right into Tomorrowland and immediately headed over to the Magic Eye Theater.

The line was very long, as the film had just opened maybe one week earlier. For a theater that sat 500 and took close to 25 minutes to load guests, view the movie, and unload everyone, you can imagine how long the line was on this day. We didn't care, we expected to wait. Finally making it inside, we were handed over the famous purple 3-D glasses and were ready to partake in the magic. I had absolutely no idea at the time, how much this film would impress me.

I walked into the Magic Eye Theater as a 4 year old and walked out of the Magic Eye Theater as a 4 year old who was completely astonished, astounded, amazed, and floored by this 17 minute little gem. Captain EO was unlike anything I had ever seen and the two songs featured, "We Are Here To Change The World" and "Another Part of Me", were nothing short of perfection. But of course, Michael Jackson! Did we expect anything less coming from him?

The dance sequence of "We Are Here To Change The World" literally stopped my heart and still gives me goosebumps all these years later. My mother always told me how she could not believe the effect it had on me when I was a kid. My mouth was agape, my eyes huge, I was speechless! Michael up front and center, was indeed a hero. Captain EO and his crew had been captured by the wicked Supreme Leader and sentenced. He tells her that he has brought a gift, which she will see, and hear. The music and battle begins. Captain EO fires lasers and the Supreme Leader's troops are transformed into beautiful dancers by his magical powers, as well as the power of music. The choreography was strong, futuristic and together with the beats of the instruments, would make anyone take notice. The 3-D and in-theater effects, amplified the scene and made it throughly intense. I couldn't even grasp after only one viewing just how much that performance was going to change my love for music in films, but it surely did.

Here are the two musical sequences:

Throughout Captain EO's first run at Disneyland (1986-1997), I probably watched it 25-30x. It was an experience that I could never get sick of and when I was older, it was always easy to go watch and wind down after riding Space Mountain next door. Sadly, when Captain EO closed it's doors in 1997, I felt my childhood go with it. I was then 15 years old and I knew that those days from the 80's at Disneyland were over and now purely memories.

After Michael's untimely death last year, I said to many people that the Disney corporation must bring back Captain EO. They should never have replaced it with the god awful "Honey I Shrunk The Audience" in the first place. As an homage to Michael's legacy, this film needed to be put back where it belonged, right there at the Magic Eye Theater in Tomorrowland. To hear that this indeed was going to happen, thrilled and elated me. Captain EO reopened at Disneyland on February 23, 2010, almost 13 years to the day it had "officially" closed. The three other Disney parks will reopen Captain EO this upcoming summer.

I'm sincerely loving the fact that a new generation will now be able to experience the film the way it should be experienced. Not by watching it on You Tube, but by viewing it the way I had all those years ago. Captain EO originally premiered at a time when I was still learning about the arts and absorbing it all in. I yearned for musical excitement. With gorgeous glittery costumes, adorable characters, creepy villains, incredible music, and none other than Michael Jackson, Captain EO seriously took me for a wild ride when I was growing up and still has the power to do that to me today. The memories I have of me as a little girl running into Tomorrowland with such eagerness to watch this film, will always stay in my heart. It made my times at Disneyland that much better :)

Inspiring Soundtrack ~ THE CARE BEARS MOVIE (1985)

Maybe I am biased, but I truly feel that animated films and tv shows for children today, cannot even compare to what I thankfully watched growing up. Cartoons from my childhood seemed much more authentic. The animation was well thought out, the colors were vibrant and the characters were nothing short of adorable, lovable and full of sunshine. The songs written for many of these cartoons were aimed with kids in mind, but sounded as if they could easily be listened to by an adult. This was extremely important to me. I never wanted to feel that I was listening and singing along to juvenile material. There are many songs written for kids now which are not substantial enough and I feel children in general can handle music with solidity.

Speaking of John Sebastian earlier, I must discuss another film he composed and produced songs for and that was the 1985 animated feature film, The Care Bears Movie. It was released into theaters by MGM with a $3,000,000 budget and therefore had a a richer quality and production value than Strawberry Shortcake. The Care Bears Movie was written to appeal toward an older audience of kids, as the film dealt with a darker story line and contained spine-chilling villains. It would only make sense then that the music would be up to par with the production and emotional aspect the film portrayed. The songs were easily distinguishable as being on a more mature and deeper level.

Six songs comprised the soundtrack: "Care-A-Lot", "Nobody Cares Like a Bear", "Home Is In Your Heart", "When You Care, You're Not Afraid To Try", "Look Out! He's After You!" and "In a Care Bear Family".

The music for The Care Bears Movie was developed by well renowned and highly prominent singer/songwriters. One being Carole King. http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005580/ She wrote two of the songs and performed the theme, "Care-A-Lot", a remarkably inspirational track which is comprised of lyrics full of veracity. Hearing this song today brings back so many positive memories and emotions to me. It even brings tears to my eyes. King's voice really carries what could have potentially been a saccharine ballad, but instead, she elevated it into a genuinely memorable one.

The Care Bears Movie left an everlasting impression on me. I remember watching the film religiously as a child and being mesmerized by everything the film stood for. The very simple, but substantial message which the Care Bears bring, was they just wanted the world to care. This is so important for everyone, young and old, to take in and actually make good with. On a lesson of that note, I believe the film could never be dated and most definitely will stand the test of time. If everyone in life just cared, there would be so much more happiness and love to go around between us all.

If it was only that easy and the Care Bears actually lived above us in the clouds.

Though "Care-A-Lot" is arguably the core song of the film and possesses the most beauty, my favorite track from The Care Bears Movie is "Look Out! He's After You!". I remember repetitively watching the scene it was placed over, just so I could hear this song numerous times. I knew that I gained an emotional feeling and reaction of hearing exciting music within an exciting scene, but being so young at the time, I didn't know what these feelings truly meant. All I did know was that it woke my senses up, gave me goosebumps and made me respond. In fact, I believe this could have been the start of where my love for matching music with visuals was first noted.

"Look Out! He's After You!" was inserted during a scene at a carnival, which had been recently transformed by an evil spirit. The carnival atmosphere changed from being a place where the sun shined bright and laughter was heard amongst ferris wheels and magic shows, to a place filled with hatred, darkness and disgust.

A funhouse, complete with sadistical obstacles such as moving stairs and the ever so popular horizontal revolving barrel, is where two of the main characters, a young sister and brother, run inside to try and desperately distance themselves from the villian chasing after them. The song plays throughout and the audience feels the eeriness and terrified vibes that the young children possess.

The Care Bears Movie is, without a doubt, entertaining, but having a soundtrack comprised of amazing music and substantial artists, truly elevated the film to another level. It raised the amp and carried the overall production as a whole. I actually feel it somewhat broke the barrier in showing people that a non Disney animated film could have solid and significant original music placed throughout. Not to mention, it was the most successful animated feature film outside the Disney market at the time. I highly recommend it for all ages.

Here are the rest of the songs from this wonderful soundtrack:

"Nobody Cares Like A Bear" ~

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABeFpfoGRTI

"Home Is In Your Heart" ~

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uq9-qWYnuQ

"When You Care, You're Not Afraid To Try" ~

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4mCtuhI1TY

"In A Care Bear Family" ~

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zw1WWqqS8Mo

~*~

CARE-A-LOT

Carole King

LYRICS

Care-a-lot is a place we all can go Whenever we choose it Care-a-lot is a feeling we all know We never do lose it We can find a secret place To rest and make a new start If you don't know where it is Look inside your heart Care-a-lot is a playground you can't find For laughing and swinging Carousels playing music in your mind For dancing and singing Sometimes you feel so glad Sometimes you feel so blue Share your feelings, it's not bad Feelings are just you When you're lonely, don't you fret You're not alone, you just tend to forget Care-a-lot is easily found You've been there and you have friends who care Don't you let your sadness get you down It always helps when you sing a song Good cheer carries you along Darkness leads to sunlight A new day comes--it's all right Care-a-lot is a place you'd like to be Riding on a cloud You'll care a lot, it's a rainbow fantasy For laughing out loud Care-a-lot is a place we all can go Come to Care-a-lot, it's a place we all can go Come to Care-a-lot Share-a-lot Care-a-lot © 1985 Elorac Music (ASCAP) Lyrics courtesy of Elorac Music.