Search - Various Artists, Laurie Anderson :: Something Wild: Music From The Motion Picture Soundtrack

Fun soundtrack to a memorable 80s cult classic

Ludwig J. Pluralist | Beacon, NY USA | 03/20/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is a fun, eclectic soundtrack and represents, for me, what was good about the 80s. I also love the film; So for me, the film and the soundtrack go together in my mind, forming a seamless whole. Both bring to live the theme of exploring one's spontaneous, fun loving side, and of not looking too far ahead. The soundtrack sounds like the musicians were themselves having much fun putting it together. And for me, the standout cut is Sister Carol's reggaefied version of the Troggs classic - Wild Thing. I love the Troggs, but the version here may just be the ultimate version of this song.



I should add that I have a couple of connections to the film. One is that I met Jonathan Demme several years ago, when he was screening a documentary, Cousin Bobby, in the NJ town where parts of the documentary were filmed. Nice guy! He graciously chatted with all those there and signed autographs. Someone gave him a copy of this soundtrack to sign. He and I chatted, briefly, about how good this music sounds, and in particular, about David Byrne.



My other connection; my sister is friends with one of the actors from the film, who has a major role in it (he plays "Larry," the accountant who works with the Jeff Daniels character, who shows up, unexpectedly at the high school reunion; if you've seen the film, you'll know exactly what I'm talking about. Like Jonathan Demme, Jack Gilpin is a really nice guy, with whom I've also gotten to chat, for considerably longer periods of time, about this film (and about other aspects of film and theater).





Anyway, listening to this makes me want to rewatch the film, and then maybe follow it up with some other edgy 80s faire - Heathers, Blue Velvet, the Rivers Edge, Repo Man etc. And it makes me wonder - what ever happened to Sister Carol?

"

Some of the Best of The '80's Pop

fantail | Minneapolis, Minnesota United States | 02/09/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Jonathan Demme got Laurie Anderson and John Cale to put together this superb soundtrack. The Fine Young Cannibals, David Byrne and Oingo Boingo are just three of the fab performances contributing to this varitable feast of great 80's Pop. As if the movie wasn't good enough (by far and away Melanie Griffith's best performance to date) the music is even better. Nobody like Demme knew how to put forth a fine and quirky motion picture and timely music to boot. Boy Howdy!!!! If you can find this gem and you love good pop, BUY IT AND PLAY IT LOUD!"